My Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Patterns (For Every Style & Body Type)
Last week, we did a deep dive into the world of swimwear fabrics. Now that you know how to choose the perfect foundation, it’s time for the really fun part: the blueprint! A great swimsuit pattern is the key to transforming that beautiful fabric into a garment you’ll love and wear with confidence. But with so many options out there, choosing one can be overwhelming. That’s why today, I’m sharing my short list of tried-and-true swimsuit patterns that offer something for every style and body type. And, of course, I’ll be revealing which one I chose for my own ‘Next Chapter’ swimsuit project!”
How I Choose a Swimsuit Pattern
I look for very specific characteristics in a swimsuit pattern and it’s all based on my figure and body proportions and the design of the pattern.
- The “Bones”: I look for patterns with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and well-drafted pieces.
- The Value: I “heart” patterns with multiple views. This is more bang for your buck. So if in a single pattern envelope I have 3-4 views such as a one piece with 2 views, 2 bikini tops, 2 tops–that’s a win!
- The Support System: I look for patterns that include options for adding support like cups, boning, or power mesh. Looking good in the suit is paramount.
- The Community Test: Reverse engineering. Who’s made this pattern? Did they struggle? I always do a quick social search on the pattern’s hashtag on Instagram to see how it looks on a variety of real bodies.
My Top 5 Swimsuit Patterns for 2025
1. Coralie Swimsuit by Tilly & the Buttons
- Best For: A Fun, Retro Vibe with Mix-and-Match Options.
- Why I Love It: The instructions from Tilly and the Buttons are famously clear and beginner-friendly, which makes this a really joyful pattern to sew. The genius part is the front overlay, which you can make with a keyhole, a twist, or a simple knot. It’s a fantastic way to add a unique design feature and a little extra coverage to a classic two-piece.
- Style & Views: This pattern is for a two-piece swimsuit. It includes options for a knotted, twisted, or keyhole front overlay and comes with both high-waisted and low-rise bikini bottoms.
2. Vogue 9192
- Best For: Sophisticated Glamour and Tummy Control.
- Why I Love It: This is my pick for when I want to feel like a vintage movie star by the pool. The pattern features a beautifully draped front panel that is incredibly flattering and provides great tummy coverage. It’s a more advanced sew, but the result is a high-end, designer-looking swimsuit. The halter-top design also offers really good support.
- Style & Views: This is a one-piece swimsuit pattern with a halter neckline and three front drape variations for different levels of ruching and coverage.
3. McCalls 8329: One piece or Bikini
- Best For: Modern Asymmetry and High-Impact Style.
- Why I Love It: This pattern is a showstopper! The asymmetrical one-shoulder design is so current and chic. What I really appreciate is that it includes views for both a one-piece and a two-piece, giving it that “Value” I love. The pattern also includes instructions for an optional shelf bra, which is a great bonus for support.
- Style & Views: This is a versatile pattern offering a one-shoulder one-piece and a one-shoulder bikini top with matching high-waisted bottoms.
4. Simplicity 1116 by Mimi G/ Simplicity 9228
- Best For: A Sexy, Confident Two-Piece with Great Support.
- Why I Love It: Mimi G knows how to draft for curves, and this pattern is a testament to that. The bikini top is cleverly designed with multiple pieces that provide excellent shaping and support, far more than a simple triangle bikini. It’s a pattern that makes you feel held-in and confident. Plus, it comes with a matching sarong to complete the whole resort-wear look.
- Style & Views: This pattern includes a multi-panel bikini top, classic bikini bottoms, and a matching sarong skirt.
5. Megan Nielsen Cottesloe
- Best For: The Ultimate Wardrobe-Building, Mix-and-Match Basic.
- Why I Love It: If I could only recommend one swimsuit pattern to have in your stash, it would be this one. The value is off the charts. It’s drafted beautifully, the instructions are superb, and the variations are endless. You can make a classic one-piece, a bikini with multiple neckline and bottom options… it’s the pattern you’ll return to again and again. It’s a perfect starting point for beginners but has enough options to keep an advanced sewist happy.
- Style & Views: Includes four views: a one-piece with a scoop back, a high-waisted bikini, a low-rise bikini, and a bikini top with a cute tie-front detail.
The Big Reveal: My “Next Chapter” Pattern Is… McCalls M8502!
After going back and forth on all the amazing options, I’ve chosen McCalls M8502, a gorgeous design by Brandi Joan, for my official “Next Chapter” swimsuit!
For me, this new season of life is all about embracing a style that feels both polished and effortlessly chic, and this pattern is the perfect embodiment of that. I was immediately drawn to the sophisticated twist-front bandeau top, but the real selling point was the matching sarong skirt. It elevates this from just a bikini to a complete, stunning resort look.
This pattern represents the exact energy I want to carry forward: intentional, put-together, and confidently stylish. It’s the perfect project to kick off a milestone year, and I can’t wait to show you how I create this entire look from start to finish.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
Finding the right pattern is like a treasure hunt, but I hope my list gives you a great map to start with. The perfect swimsuit pattern is out there waiting for you!
What are your holy-grail swimsuit patterns that you recommend to everyone? Drop your favorites in the comments below—let’s make this a huge resource for our community!
P.S. Now that the fabric is chosen and the pattern is cut, the real fun begins. Stay tuned to see the finished suit in an upcoming post!
