8-shaped body type: how to choose underwear, swimwear, and accessories to flatter a curvy silhouette — a defined waist, a full bust, and aligned hips and shoulders. The second part of our body-type guide, devoted to lingerie and finishing touches.
The 8-shaped body type resembles the X shape with a bit more curve: the waist is beautifully defined, the shoulders rounded, and the figure very feminine. The flattering curve of the back can make finding the right pants and skirts tricky. This body type is characterized by a curvy silhouette, a full bust, a defined waist, and hips and shoulders that align. Like the X shape, the 8-shaped body type is considered the most feminine: Monica Bellucci, Laetitia Casta, and Marilyn Monroe are its ambassadors.
What Underwear Should You Wear?
The 8-shaped body type is the most feminine, with a well-defined waist and generous curves: you're lucky enough to be able to wear almost anything.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bras | Fitted around the band and cups; full-coverage styles with thin or medium straps; plunge, balconette, push-up, padded; bustiers, waist cinchers, corsets, bodysuits | Straps that are too wide; unwired styles; basic everyday bras; triangle shapes |
| Panties | High-cut briefs, thongs, thin g-strings, fine-fabric briefs, shorties; low-rise if hips are wide; a cincher to define the waist; boyshorts for rounded hips; shaping high-waisted styles for a small tummy | Frills or ruffles (if hips are pronounced); string ties; overly high-cut styles; classic high-waisted briefs |
What Swimwear Suits an 8-Shaped Body Type?
Here too, anything goes. Those with fuller curves should choose swimsuits that support the bust and avoid overly high-cut bottoms if they expose a bit too much around the midsection.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Tops | Triangle, bandeau, or halter two-pieces; underwired balconette or plunge styles; tankinis; solid, dark colors to slim | Bandeau or triangle styles if the bust is very full |
| Bottoms | Shorties, Brazilian cuts, thongs, briefs; retro shaping high-waisted styles for a small tummy | Frills, bows, or overly high-cut styles if hips are wide; shorties, prints, or horizontal stripes if the tummy is rounded |
| One-piece | Trikinis, backless styles, plunging necklines, tummy-sculpting, solid and matte fabrics; a sarong tied at the waist | — |
Which Accessories to Choose for an 8-Shaped Body Type?
Fashion accessories complete an outfit and shouldn't be overlooked. To enhance a curvy silhouette like the 8 shape:
Chunky heels or wedges are better suited to those with fuller calves. For jewelry, pair long necklaces or chains with your V-necklines; just make sure they're not so long that they draw the eye to a small rounded tummy — in that case, opt for a statement necklace that falls below the bust. For belts, choose wide styles or scarves to define the waist, without using them to emphasize the hips.
