Well, I did it.  I took pictures in my bathing suit, and I'm sharing some of the best bathing suits for a pear shaped body ……because, I'm sick of all of us hiding behind a cover up! Well you guys, I did it.  If you follow me on instagram, then you know I've been talking about this for awhile.  Here's the deal, before taking these pictures…..I'd worn a bathing suit TWICE since Lydia was born.  She's three and a half.  Why?  Because I felt uncomfortable in a bathing suit.  If we're being honest, I've pretty much ALWAYS felt uncomfortable in a bathing suit.  They don't leave a whole lot to the imagination.

SHOP MY OUTFIT:
/ bathing suit (for reference, I'm wearing a Large) / similar suit in black (for a total STEAL) / hat (similar) / shoes /
pictures by Mily Cooper Photography

So a couple months ago, I started talking to you guys about it.  About how I felt like I was missing out on the fun of the beach and the pool, about how I felt like I was sending my own daughter the wrong message, and about how I was treating myself poorly with these negative internal thoughts about how “bad I looked in a bathing suit.”  So honestly, this post is a little self serving.  I felt like I needed to step out of my comfort zone.  If I put pictures on the INTERNET in a bathing suit, I was pretty sure I could wear one to the pool.  I searched far and wide for a suit or type of suit that I felt great in.  And that helped a LOT!

The crazy thing about these pictures? After taking them I do feel more confident in a swim suit.  Like, a lot more comfortable.  I feel better about myself, and I realized…..no one ACTUALLY cares but me.  I'm writing this post in the midst of one of our longest family vacations….and guess what we've done a lot of? Pool days.  And guess who actually wore a bathing suit? This girl.  And I had a blast.  So my point ladies? Just do it.  Wear the bathing suit, drop the cover up, and jump into the pool.

The Best Bathing Suits for a Pear Shaped Body

A couple tips for picking out a suit that will make you feel your best: 

1. Think Balance: For more pear shapes, you want to draw attention UP.  A cute ruffle, off the shoulder styles, or suits that have detailing on top…..will do just that.
2. Color, Color, Color: Don't hide, celebrate.  A great colored suit that flatters your skintone is WAY better than the darkest color to try to hide everything (don't get me wrong, I love a great black suit….but consider color too)!
3. Smooth: Hiding your thighs isn't the answer.  A great fitting suit is.  Those skirted bathing suits? NOT flattering.  Instead look for a suit that fits your hips and thigh smoothly.  

A few of my favorite bathing suits for a pear shaped body:

Frill Off the Shoulder in Black (and under $60!) 

Colorblock One Piece (I love the nude colored top panel)

Pink Ruffled Suit (similar to mine)

Gingham Off the Shoulder One Piece (on sale for $55!)

For more tips on summer outfits for a pear shaped body, check out:

shorts for a pear shaped body

sundress for a pear shaped body

flattering swimsuits pear shaped body