What body shape am I?

There are recognized descriptors that have been used to describe the general shape of women’s bodies and the term Apple or Pear shape may be familiar to you.

These shape descriptions help you to visualize your body and identify the features you love and the ones that might challenge when buying clothing. This helps when looking for beach cover-ups that you can swim in, such as a swim dress.

My background and passion is in product design. In the past this has led to the development of fit systems with well-known Australian Womens retail chains and jeans brands. I also developed a concept called Workshop Your Shape, which was a weekly event where my team and I helped educate 40+ women on how to dress for their shape.

From these experiences, I know that the fit of a garment is likely to be the most important factor for you when you’re shopping, and whilst factors such as the technical promise of the fabric, price, brand label and ethical credentials are important, if the garment doesn’t fit and flatter you, you are not likely to buy it or wear it. This is particularly so as your body matures and ages, changing shape over time.

I understand. One minute you’re swanning around in a skimpy swimsuit, without a care in the world. The next you’re feeling a sense of dread each time Summer rolls around. Life happens, doesn’t it?

Body changes occur over time, and whether it’s because of having children, a sedentary lifestyle, menopause or just general aging, all of these changes can have impacts on our body shape, as does the development of skin conditions such as varicose veins and skin sun-sensitivity. These can have a negative impact on how you feel popping your bathers to enjoy a day at the beach.

 With my brand Suncheeter Australia, my goal is to design beach cover-ups that you can swim in, that cover up just enough and that address the areas of the body that may be stopping you going to the beach in swimwear. The bonus with my product is UPF50+ skin protection, lasting quality and chlorine resist, and an increased sense of well-being and confidence.

How you feel in a garment is what we are all about. We want you to feel confident again and get back to the beach, happy in your skin, knowing that you have just the right amount of coverage to boost your mood.

5 things I promise you when you buy Suncheeter:

• Thoughtful, timeless designs based on your feedback
• Shapes and fits that work for your mature body
• Useful products that you can swim in and that solve a problem
• Fabric that lasts even in chlorine, and has a deeper connection to sustainability
• 98% sun-protection

So, let’s launch ourselves into the wonderful world of body shape, bearing in mind every “system” is generalized and inevitably you may feel that you don’t fit neatly or entirely in one shape or another.

It’s also worth noting that your body changes over time and this is possibly one of the hardest things to come to terms with as you age – trust me! Whilst at the age of 20 you may have been a rectangle shape and a size 12, it is highly likely that, like me, your tummy will have rounded out and your bum may have got bigger, not to mention your skin which may have changed due to sun-damage, wear and tear or loss of elasticity. Over time your body may have morphed into a different shape becoming an apple or a pear.

APPLE SHAPE

Apple Shape, also known as Round or Oval.

• Fuller torso
• Rounded tummy
• Fuller bust and arms
• Can have slim legs

Our Swim Dress is a perfect swim cover-up solution to a rounder tummy. The A-Line shape flows and flatters the tummy and finishes just below the bum. This creates a flattering look from the front and the back, softening any lumps and bumps underneath.

The zip front offers maximum sun protection if zipped up, but if you have a bigger bust sometimes a V-neck can cut into the bust reducing the shelf-effect.

You can wear your own swimsuit underneath the Swim Dress or try our new Swim-Bra (due in September) which is perfect to wear underneath offering a comfortable, contained feel. The thicker straps ensure you look balanced if you wish to wear just the swim-bra and swim leggings or swim brief together.

This dress works best with the Cropped Swim Pants to create a proportional effect. These swim leggings are designed to sit firmly on the body, and the fabric has compression which holds everything firmly and comfortably. The wide waist band is designed to hold the tummy in and are incredibly comfortable.

The Swim Dress can be worn at the beach and is designed to be swum in. We also have very happy customers who wear their Swim Dress to the shops and café as it is a stylish option to an oversized shirt or sarong.

All our products are made from chlorine resistant fabric which is designed to last whether they are used in the sea or pool.

PEAR SHAPE

Pear Shape is also known as Triangle.

• Smaller bust
• Narrow shoulders
• Rounded tummy
• Fuller thighs and legs, resulting in a bottom-heavy appearance

Once again, our Swim Dress works well for this shape as the length offers strategic coverage for the bottom half of the body, which as a Pear or Triangle you may choose to de-emphasise.

The zip front offers maximum sun protection and flexibility. The functional zip can be unzipped to create a point of interest at the chest area which helps balance the silhouette to downplay the hips.

You can wear your own swimsuit underneath the Swim Dress, or our new Swim-Bra is perfect to wear underneath offering a comfortable, contained feel.

Couple the Swim Dress with our Swim Pants which come in Long and Cropped Leg. These swim leggings are designed to sit firmly on the body, and the fabric has compression which holds everything firmly and comfortably. The wide waist band is designed to hold the tummy in and are incredibly comfortable. These swim leggings are designed to sit firmly on the body, and the fabric has compression which holds everything firmly. 

Many of our solids and prints are dark in colour, designed to down-play the bottom half of the body which is perfect for a Pear Shape.

It also works well as a cover-up when popping into grab a coffee or ice-cream.The Swim Dress can be worn as a swim cover-up at the beach and is designed to be swum in. 

All our products are made from chlorine resistant fabric which is designed to last whether they are used in the sea or pool.

HOURGLASS SHAPE

Classic Hourglass Shape.

• Defined waist
• Proportional hips and bust
• Softer rounded shoulders
• Fuller bust
• Rounded buttocks

Our Swim Tops suit this body shape well as they show off your waist but offer a softening across the belly area. They have functional drawstrings at the sides which mean you can gather the top up for a shorter look or wear it longer depending on your style preference.

Once again, our Zip Neck Swim Top offers a functional zip front which offers maximum sun protection if zipped up but can help with a bigger best and create a focal point at the neck.

We also have a Crew Neck Rash Top arriving soon which offers a simple neckline and good sun protection of the neck and chest area. The Crew Neck Swim Cover Up also features the side ties for flexibility.

 You can wear your own swimsuit underneath the Swim Tops, but we are also about to introduce a new Swim-Bra which is based on customer feedback and is perfect to wear underneath.

Swim Tops look great on this shape with the Cropped Swim Pants to create a proportional effect. These compression swim leggings are designed to holds everything very nicely and are super comfortable. These swim leggings are designed to sit firmly on the body, and the fabric has compression which holds everything firmly and comfortably. The wide waist band is designed to hold the tummy in.

Our Swim Tops are also a perfect solution to water sports such as paddle boarding, body surfing, canoeing or any other water sport. I wear mine to the gym and when cycling, which is great for sun protection. Perfect also for wearing while you're watching kids or grand kids playing by the sea. All our products are made from chlorine resistant fabric which is designed to last whether they are used in the sea or pool.

RECTANGLE SHAPE

Rectangle Shape, also known as Athletic or Straight.

• Little definition between hips, waist and shoulders.
• Lean body
• Square shoulders
• Small bust and bum
• Flat stomach

Our Swim Tops suit this body shape as they give interest around the waist area through the side ties and the soft ruching across the tummy. The functional drawstring at the sides ensures you can wear the Swim Top longer or shorter depending on your stature.

Once again, our Zip Neck Swim Cover Up offers a functional zip front which offers maximum sun protection if zipped up.

We also have a Crew Neck Swim Top arriving soon which offers a simple neckline, perfect for a smaller bust, and good sun protection of the neck and chest area. The Crew Neck Swim Top also features the side ties for flexibility. Naturally all our products can be swum in.

You can wear your own bathers underneath the Swim Tops, or our new Swim-Bra which is perfect to wear underneath offering a comfortable, contained feel. Combined with our Swim Brief this gives you a mature style bikini to wear.

With a sporty body shape, you will enjoy the clean lines and functionality of the Swim Tops and paired with our Short Swim Pants or the Boy-Leg Swim Pants to create a balanced look for this body shape. These Swim Pants are designed to sit firmly on the body, and the fabric has compression which holds everything very nicely.

Our Swim Cover ups are designed to be swum in. They are also a perfect solution to water sports such as paddle board, body surfing, canoeing or any other water sport. Great for cycling, dog walking or beach walking too.

The Author: Kate Dear 

Kate has worked as a clothing designer through the heady 80's, 90's and beyond for several Australian brands. She has also run workshops helping women dress for their shape and it's the combination of all this experience, plus a deep love of the beach that has led to be development of the Suncheeter brand.