How to Pose in a Bikini

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Many women, regardless of their body type, dread the bikini photos that accompany beach trips and poolside lounging. But even if you’re not confident in your bikini, your photo doesn’t have to be unflattering. Learn how to angle your body for both standing shots and reclined shots, and make the photo even better by picking the perfect bikini for your body shape.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Posing While Standing

1
Place one leg in front of the other. Having your legs overlap in the photo will give you a slimmer profile. Step one foot just in front of the other and pop the hip that’s farther forward. Bend your front knee slightly as you do this.^{[1]
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2
Twist your torso toward the camera. If possible, have your hips face 45 degrees away from the camera. Then twist your torso forward so it’s facing the camera straight on. This creates the illusion of a slimmer waist.^{[2]
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3
Arch your back as you suck in your stomach. Most people know to suck in their stomach when posing in a bikini, but you might unconsciously arch your shoulders forward when you do. This creates bad posture and doesn’t look great in a photo. Instead, arch your back at the same time that you suck in your stomach, and roll your shoulders behind you.^{[3]
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4
Hold your chin up to avoid shadows. If it’s sunny out, the light is likely to cast shadows on your face. Raise your chin slightly above parallel to the ground so that more of the sun lands on your face.
5
Place your hands on your hips. Line your fingers up with your belly button and press your elbows straight out.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Traci Halvorson
Modeling Agent
Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.} The negative space between your natural waist and your elbows will accentuate the slimmest part of your body.^{[5]
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- Try leaning your hips to the left or right. This is a very flattering pose in a bikini.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Traci Halvorson
  Modeling Agent
  Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.}
6
Stand on your toes to accentuate your leg muscles. If you know the photo will be cropped, push up onto your toes just before it’s taken. This will bring out the muscles in your legs as well as make your legs look longer.^{[7]
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7
Take standing photos at sunrise or sunset. Midday sun is the most unflattering light since it casts shadows under your eyes, chin, and other body parts. Try to take your bikini shots at sunrise or sunset so that the light hits you horizontally. If you must shoot at midday, lie on your back or wear sunglasses.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Posing While Sitting or Lying Down

1
Recline as much as possible. The more you hold your torso forward, the more likely the camera is to catch an unflattering view of your stomach. Lean back as much as the chair allows, or lay your back flat on the ground.^{[9]
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2
Bend your knees if you’re lying down. While lying on your back, bend both knees and press them together. This will make your stomach appear flatter and your thighs appear slimmer. Inch your heels toward your bottom until your knees are at an angle you like. But don’t go so far that your calves are pressing against the backs of your thighs.
- You can also pop just one knee and twist it in toward your other leg slightly. This will help to hide your inner thighs if you’re self-conscious about them.
3
Lift your thighs off the chair if you’re seated. When your thighs are pressed down against your chair, they appear larger than they really are. Try to lift them a little bit just before the shot is taken. Press your toes into the ground to pop your thighs off the seat.^{[10]
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4
Aim the camera down the length of your body. If you’re taking a selfie, hold the camera up above your head and shoot from that angle. It will make your hips and thighs look smaller since they are farther away from the camera. If someone else is taking the photo, ask them to crouch down just above your head and shoot from that angle.^{[11]
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5
Relax your hands. If you’re sitting or lying down, your entire body should look relaxed, including your hands. Whether they’re resting on your stomach or leg, or they’re hanging off the side of a chair, keep your hands open and soft. Extend your fingers so they’re straight, then loosen them a little so that there’s only a soft curl through your fingertips.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Selecting Suits and Accessories

1
Select high-waisted bottoms if you want to hide your stomach. High-waisted bikini bottoms have a vintage look, but are back in style due to the amount of coverage they provide. They help hide any extra weight you might carry in your stomach. Pick a pair that at least covers your belly button so you can avoid bulging over the top of the waistband. ^{[12]
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2
Choose a top with ruffles or padding to enhance your chest. If you have a flat chest and want to appear bustier, find a bikini top with some sort of embellishment. It can be ruffles, fringe, or even just padding.^{[13]
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- If you have the opposite problem, get a top with thick straps to support a large chest.
3
Use prints to balance out the size of your bottom. If you have a flat backside, pick out bikini bottoms with a loud, distracting print. This will make it appear slightly larger. If your bottom is on the larger side, pick out a top with a loud and interesting print, and choose a solid color for your bottoms.^{[14]
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4
Buy swimsuits one or two sizes up. Even if you normally wear medium-sized clothes, you may not want a medium-sized swimsuit. Try going up one or two sizes since a looser swimsuit will make you appear thinner. A tight swimsuit can create unattractive lines and bulges.
- Be sure the suit is not so loose that it will fall off while swimming.
5
Wear a cover-up if you’re uncomfortable. If you know you’ll get roped into a group photo on the beach, you don’t have to pose in just your bikini. Bring a cover-up to hide anything you’re self-conscious about. Wrap a flowy sarong around your waist, or buy a sheer or crochet mini-dress to give yourself some extra coverage.^{[15]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What shouldn't you do while posing?

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

Avoid standing completely straight—just standing straight onto the camera is not flattering. Instead, place your hands on your hips and move your hips left or right. You can also place just 1 of your hands on your hips and stick your thumb out in the back.