The 15 Most Flattering Swimsuits for Women with Wide Hips (Plus 1 to Avoid), According to Experts

1. High-Waist Styles
“High-waist styles that taper at the waist above the belly button are really nice for wider hips,” says Cameron Armstrong, founder and CEO of Kitty & Vibe. And Shoshanna Gruss, founder of Shoshanna, agrees, telling us, “A high-waist bottom hits at your true waist, highlighting your figure rather than cutting it off.” This style, a hot trend for summer 2024, works to draw the eye up, helping to de-emphasize your hips while simultaneously making your waist appear smaller. Talk about a win-win.
2. High-Cut Legs
“Wearing a bikini bottom higher on the hip pulls attention up to the waist,” says Michelle Copelman, vice president of design at Andie. There are plenty of options with lower-waist, high-cut legs that are just as flattering as a retro high-waist without covering quite so much skin. You can also hike up the sides of a string or adjustable style to achieve the same look with the added bonus that you can position it to hit exactly the point that looks best on your figure.
3. Cross-Front Bottoms
“The crossover style is a HUGE hit right now and highlights your natural shape,” says Erin Collins-Rittling, director of Aerie styling. “It draws your eye inward and nips you in at your most narrow point.”
4. Wrap Styles
In the same way the wrap dress creates the look of a smaller middle while skimming over your bottom half, a swimsuit of the same design achieves the same thing. This is also a super flattering cut for women who carry more weight in their tummy, while colorblock versions are great for long torsos. Copleman even suggests faking your own cinched style by wrapping longer ties around your waist.
5. Belted Bikinis and One Pieces
Gruss loves the look of a Bond girl-inspired belted suit as another option for hippy gals. You can go as simple as a string knotted into a bow or go glam with a gold-buckled design. Plus, most belted bathing suits have the added bonus of being adjustable so you can tighten and loosen at will, and even move the belt up or down to hit at your true waist.

“Anything that could cut into the hip or creates a straight line across the belly only serves to broaden your silhouette,” says Copelman, and Gruss seconds that advice. The only exception we’d make is for bottoms with adjustable sides, which can be hiked up or tied in a way that’s more flattering than a traditional bikini bottom.
We've curated some excellent choices below—and remember, incoming beach weather demands decisive shopping action, lest that style you love is sold out in your size. So shop the top swimsuits for wide hips now, and enjoy making a splash this summer.