How to Wear a Bikini Confidently

Co-authored by Neepa Sikdar

Last Updated: December 15, 2022

Every body is a bikini body, but sometimes it can be a little tough to build up the confidence to wear one! Learn how to love yourself, shop for the right swimsuit, and have a great time at the beach or pool in a bikini.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Shopping for a Bikini

1
Bring a friend with you. Taking along a supportive friend or relative can help make shopping for a bikini become a fun social event. It’s also good to have a second set of eyes when trying on anything!
2
Know what colors are best for you. Wearing a color that flatters your skin tone can really boost your confidence. Black is always a great choice, but if you want to wear something colorful, pick a color that makes you look great!
- If your skin has warm tones, try an earth tone like olive green, coral, or brown.
- If your skin has cool tones, try shades of blue, purple, or gray.
- People with dark skin look fantastic in neons, whites, and other very bright colors.
- If you’re very pale, try jewel tones.
- Tanned skin looks great in metallic colors.
- Try matching your bikini with your hair or eye color. You can even pick a pattern that has your hair or eye color in it.
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3
Pick a simple design. Don’t worry about what’s trendy this summer. If you’re worried about how you’ll look on the beach or at the pool, go for a bikini with a simple, classic design. That way, you won’t have to worry about whether all the straps are connected or if the fringe is tangled.
- Consider how much coverage you want from your bikini. This can range from very little (e.g. a bandeau) to a decent amount (e.g. tankini, high waisted briefs). There is no right or wrong choice, other than what you feel most comfortable wearing.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
- You can also mix and match, going for say a bandeau top and a boyshort bottom.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
4
Choose a cut that flatters you. Everyone’s body is different, so a bikini that looks amazing on your friend might not be the best choice for you. Try on several different styles and pick the most flattering one.
- If you have a large bust, make sure your top has wide, comfortable support straps.
- High-waisted bottoms look great on petite people or shoppers who want more stomach coverage.
- Try bottoms with adjustable ties if you’re pear-shaped.
- If you’d prefer to keep a little more covered, try a tankini or a bikini with boyshort bottoms or a matching sarong.
- If you want to accentuate a small bust, choose a top with ruffles.
- If you want to look slimmer, whether it's the top, bottom, or both, then choose darker colors. If you want to look curvier, choose lighter colors on top.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
5
Try it on before buying it. Always try your bikini on, even if you’ve bought bikinis in the same brand before. Many manufacturers don’t have a standard size, and different cuts can fit the same body very differently. Most stores require you to leave your underwear on to try on bathing suits, so make sure you're wearing undergarments that are visible around the edges of the bikini bottom. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
6
Bring several sizes into the fitting room. Bikinis are often sized differently from regular clothes and underwear. Having to leave the fitting room to change sizes can be upsetting, so bring a range of sizes in with you from the start. If you’re shopping for mix and match bikinis, make sure you have multiples sizes in tops and bottoms.
- It's totally normal to have two different sizes--one for your top and a different one for your bottom.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
- If you have a larger chest, you can look for bikini tops by bra size. This is recommended because that way you'll be certain that the bikini top will fit you correctly.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
- If buying online, know your size from existing bikinis or purchase two sizes. Give away the one that doesn't fit to a friend.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
7
Move around in the fitting room. Make sure your bikini can stay in place--it needs to be able to withstand swimming, running, and stretching. Lift your arms, bend at the waist, and practice sitting down and getting up.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}
8
Go to more than one store. Don’t just buy the first bikini that looks okay on you--you want to look amazing! Go to a few different stores and buy the very best one you can afford. If you’ve got your friends and a good attitude, it will seem like a fun day out instead of a chore.
- Most of all, have fun choosing your bikini. Don't be afraid to mix and match and see what works best for you.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Going out in Your Bikini

1
Shave or wax for smoother skin. Taking care of stray hairs before you go out can increase your confidence. If you shave, use a new razor blade and plenty of shave gel so you get a close shave. If you wax, do it a day or two before you go out so any redness or irritation is gone.
2
Put on sunscreen. It’s hard to feel good about yourself when you’re sunburned! Make sure you put on sunscreen at least half an hour before you go out in the sun.
- Take advantage of the time to check your look one last time before heading out!
- You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, plus every time you go swimming or towel off.
- If you want to get a tan, choose a sunscreen or tanning oil with a low SPF. This will let you get some color while reducing the risk of burns. You can also try sunless tanning lotions or sprays.
3
Wear cute accessories. If you still feel a little uneasy, you can add some accessories to your bikini look--they’ll catch people’s attention and make you look fantastic.
- Put on a big pair of sunglasses for a chic Hollywood effect.
- If you aren’t going to be swimming much, try some statement jewelry like a chunky bracelet or big hoop earrings.
- A cute beach hat will give you a classic look.
- If you can’t wear a bikini by itself, try a sarong or a crocheted shirt. Cover-ups that don’t look like cover-ups can flatter your body and make you look and feel confident.
- Finish your look with cute sandals or beach shoes.
4
Go out with your best friends. Surrounding yourself with people who love and support you will increase your confidence. Plan a beach or pool day with your friends to debut your new bikini.
5
Concentrate on having fun. Going out in a bikini can be scary. Make an effort to focus on having a good time. Don’t compare yourself with other people or point out parts of your body that you don’t like. Instead, think about what you and your friends are doing, and tell yourself that you look great!^{[10]
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- Try playing a water game like Marco Polo or Chicken with your friends.
- If you'd rather relax on the beach, bring your favorite book.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Working on Yourself

1
Consider exercising. You don’t have to exercise if you don’t want to, but many people find that getting regular exercise improves their self-image and body confidence. You don’t have to join a gym or run a marathon. Start small by getting up and walking every hour, or doing ten jumping jacks every morning.
- The only way to reduce a body part's size or tone is to reduce your overall body fat, then exercise to tone that specific area. So if you want a smaller stomach, you can exercise to reduce fat everywhere, then do crunches or sit-ups to tone your stomach.
2
Drink lots of water. Drinking water helps clear your skin and can help reduce bloating. A healthy person should aim for between six and eight glasses of water daily. Try replacing juice, lattes, sodas, and alcohol with water for a few weeks before you head out in your bikini.^{[11]
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- Alcohol and caffeine are actually dehydrating, so cutting them out in favor of water is great for your overall health!
3
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Don’t go on a crash diet. It’s very bad for your health and can harm your self-image. Replacing some processed foods and sodas with fresh produce and water can help you lose weight, reduce body acne, and improve your energy levels and confidence. Just don’t overdo it!^{[12]
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- Try eating a balanced meal of green salad, grilled chicken breast, and brown rice.
4
List what you like about your body. When you prepare to shop for a bikini, it can seem natural to focus on hiding your flaws. Try to resist that impulse. Instead, spend some time thinking about what you love about your body. Write your list down and read it whenever you feel less confident about yourself.
- Buying a bikini that highlights the parts of the body you love can really help your confidence!
5
Develop self-confidence by focusing on your strengths. Developing confidence and self-love is the most important part of being bikini-ready! Practice by complimenting yourself every day, seeking out friends who support you, and finding positive role models you admire.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How should I pose for a bikini pic?

Traci Halvorson
Modeling Agent
Traci Halvorson is a Modeling Agent, Former Model, and the Owner of Halvorson Model Management (HMM) in San Jose, California. HMM is a full-service, licensed talent agency representing over 300 professional models and actors. With over 25 years of experience in the modeling industry, Traci specializes in scouting, managing, advising, and launching modeling careers in the Bay Area. Traci holds a BA in Public Relations & Business Management from San Jose State University and also specializes in Marketing, Image consulting, and is a certified Life-Career Coach.

Traci Halvorson

Modeling Agent

Expert Answer

When you strike a pose in a bikini, you need to use your hips. Place your hands on your hips, and you move your hips to the left or the right, creating what we call the S curve. A pose using your hips and hands can be very flattering, especially in a bikini.
Question

How do I convince my parents that a bikini won't reveal too much?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, you can't force your parents to say "yes," but you can show them that not all bikinis are revealing. Consider showing them one with additions, such as lace or fringe. You can also show them a tankini, which covers stomach, or a bikini bottom with a skirt flap over the front.
Question

I need help. I bought the cutest bikini yesterday and my mom wants me to wear a long sleeved swim shirt over it. I told her that it kills the point of a bikini, but she is stuck on me wearing it.

Community Answer

Would she let you wear a crocheted or see-thru shirt? You'd still be covered up but people will be able to see your bikini.