Best Swimsuits for an Athletic Body Shape: Soften Shoulders, Build Curves

What is the best swimsuit for an athletic body shape? The best swimsuit for an athletic body shape adds soft curves at the bust and hip through ruffles, frills, prints, or wrap details, while a high-waisted or cinched bottom carves out waist definition along a naturally straight shoulder-to-hip line. Because an athletic frame already reads strong and lean, the goal is not to hide anything. It is to introduce movement and shape so the eye travels in curves instead of straight lines. Whether you lean toward a bikini or a one piece, texture, asymmetry, and placed print do the heavy lifting. Below, we break down exactly which cuts work, why they work, and the Be Juliet styles that make it easy to get dressed for the beach this season.

Best Swimsuits for an Athletic Body Shape: What Actually Works

An athletic body shape typically has shoulders, waist, and hips that fall close to the same width, with a flatter curve through the midsection. That silhouette is a styling advantage, not a problem to solve. The most flattering swimsuit for an athletic body shape works with that structure in three ways: it builds visual volume where you want more curve, it nips in at the waist to break up a straight line, and it uses print, ruching, or asymmetry so the eye does not read the suit as one flat plane. A thick strap or structured bandeau also softens a strong shoulder line without losing support, which is why so many fit guides point athletic frames toward textured tops rather than the thinnest string styles. Think of it less as correcting your shape and more as giving it a little visual rhythm: a ruffle here, a high-rise cut there, and suddenly the straight lines you came in with read as intentional, balanced style rather than something to minimize.

1. Add Soft Curves with a Ruffle or Frill Bikini

Ruffles and frills are the fastest way to introduce curve where an athletic frame runs straight. The trim catches movement at the bust and hip, which visually widens those points just enough to balance a strong shoulder line. The Courtney Frill Textured Two-Piece Swim Set uses layered texture across the top and bottom, so the dimension works from every angle, not just the front. If you prefer a softer, floral take on the same idea, the Claire Flower Print High Waist Bikini Set pairs a flattering print with a structured, high-waisted bottom, giving you both the curve-building top and the waist definition in a single set.

2. Create Waist Definition with High-Waisted Bottoms

Because an athletic shape does not always have a dramatic waist indent, a high-waisted bottom is one of the most reliable fixes. Sitting above the natural waistline, it creates a visible break between hip and rib cage, which reads as curve even on a straighter frame. The Claire Flower Print High Waist Bikini Set is built around exactly this: a high-rise bottom that holds its shape, paired with a top that adds just enough coverage and structure through the bust. Pair any high-waisted bottom with a top in a contrasting print or texture for an even more defined hourglass illusion.

3. Use Patchwork and Mixed Prints for Visual Interest

A patterned or patchwork suit breaks up a straight silhouette the same way a printed blazer breaks up a boxy jacket. The seams and color blocks create natural lines across the body that the eye follows, adding dimension that a solid color cannot. The Lilo Patchwork Bikini leans into this with a vintage-inspired mix of textures and colors across the top and bottom, making it an easy way to add visual depth without relying on bulky ruffles or padding.

4. One-Pieces That Still Flatter an Athletic Frame

A one piece does not have to flatten an athletic shape into a single straight column. Look for plunge necklines, cutouts, or placed prints that draw a line down the center of the body, which elongates and softens at the same time. The Marcie Printed Mesh Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit uses a deep plunge and mesh paneling to create that center line while still offering full coverage through the torso. For a brighter, playful option, the Pauline Leaf Print One-Piece Swimsuit uses a bold leaf print and a front zipper to add shape and personality without sacrificing fit. Both styles prove that a one piece can be just as curve-building as a two piece once the cut and print are doing the right work.

Styling an Athletic Build Beyond the Suit

Fit does not stop at the suit itself. A cover-up with a cinched waist, a sarong tied at the hip, or a wide-brim hat all add the same soft, curved lines you are already building into your swimsuit choice. If you tend to layer a cropped tee or tank over your suit between swims, choose one that stops right at the waist rather than skimming past it, so the waist definition from your bottoms still reads through the outfit. Small styling choices like these carry the same logic as the suit itself: add shape, add movement, and let print and texture do most of the visual work.

Your Athletic-Body Swimwear Checklist

1. Choose ruffled, frilled, or textured tops over flat, smooth fabric to add curve at the bust.
2. Reach for high-waisted bottoms to create a visible waistline.
3. Try patchwork or mixed prints to break up a straight silhouette.
4. Pick a thick strap or structured bandeau to soften a strong shoulder line.
5. Use a plunge neckline or vertical print on one pieces to elongate the center of the body.
6. Mix top and bottom sizes if your bust and hip measurements differ, rather than forcing a matched set.
7. Choose a print or color you love first. Fit details support the suit; they should never be the whole point.

What Our Customers Say

Be Juliet shoppers consistently tell us that the right cut makes all the difference for an athletic build. You can read real fit notes and photos from customers with every body type on our reviews page before you buy. And if a size runs differently than expected, free shipping and easy returns make it simple to swap for the fit that works.

Find Your Fit

Ready to shop the edit? Browse our full swimwear collection for more cuts, prints, and support levels built for every shape. If you are unsure where to start, our fit guide walks through sizing by body type, and you can always contact our team for a personal recommendation before you check out.

As Vogue notes in its guide to swimsuits for every body type, an athletic build is best served by a thicker-strapped piece that adds structure rather than disappearing against a strong frame, which is exactly the thinking behind the styles above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What swimsuit style is best for an athletic body shape?

Ruffled or frill-trimmed bikini tops, high-waisted bottoms, and patchwork or printed suits all work well, since they add curve and visual interest to a naturally straight silhouette. Thick straps and structured bandeaus also help soften strong shoulders.

Should an athletic body avoid one-piece swimsuits?

No. One pieces work well for an athletic shape when they include a plunge neckline, cutout, or vertical print that creates a center line down the body, like the Marcie Printed Mesh Plunge One-Piece Swimsuit.

How do I add curves to an athletic swimsuit figure?

Look for texture, ruffles, prints, and structured high-waisted bottoms. These details add volume and visual breaks at the bust, waist, and hip without needing heavy padding.

Can I mix bikini top and bottom sizes for an athletic build?

Yes. Many athletic frames have a bust and hip measurement that differ slightly, so mixing sizes between a top and bottom from the same set often fits better than forcing a single matched size.

What swim fabric holds its shape best for active days at the beach?

A blended fabric with strong recovery, such as a nylon-spandex or polyester-spandex mix, holds structure through swimming and movement better than a thin, all-cotton blend. Check our fit guide for care tips specific to each style.