Go for supportive cuts, not stringy ones

Support is everything.

For an hourglass figure—balanced bust and hips, narrower waist—you want a swimsuit that works with your curves, not one that fights them. That means structure: underwire or molded cups for the top, and bottoms that actually cover and hold your shape. High-waisted bottoms are your friend. So are wrap-style one-pieces or belted suits that cinch the waist.

Stay away from thin straps, triangle tops (unless you’re an A-cup), and Brazilian-cut bottoms that turn into dental floss. Those just slide around and make you adjust all day. You want a suit that stays put, supports you, and actually lets you swim.

Fabric matters too. Look for nylon-spandex blends with good recovery—not the cheap stuff that bags out after one dip. And if you find a suit that fits well in both bust and hips, buy it in every color. That’s the real hack.

Your curves deserve a suit that works with them, not against them.