Whether you prefer the beach or the pool, or body-surfing to beachside internet surfing, nothing matters on a bright, sunny day as much as your swimwear. Picking the right size bathing suit can be downright frustrating sometimes, but there’s no need to fret. You can be frolicking on the beach (or the pool) in the perfect-fitting top and bottom in no time at all. Follow this helpful guide to determine your proper size.
Swimsuit Sizing Rules
As a general rule, your bathing suit top and bottom do not have to be the same size, and most likely, they probably will not be. Most women are a little heavier on bottom than on top, or vice versa. There is rarely a woman who can fit comfortably into the same size swimsuit top and bottom. You might be a small on top and a large on bottom, or a medium up top and a small on bottom. Every body shape is a little different, and luckily, that’s why swimwear is typically sold as individual pieces, rather than a set. You can easily determine which size fits you best for both parts of your body, and wear your swimsuit confidently. Here are a few additional generalized rules to help you:
- If you’re heavier on top…
Opt for a suit that provides great support. Consider a halter suit like this one from Becca Tulum. It features removable cups and a braided back for optimum reinforcement.
- If you have an hourglass figure…
One piece swimsuits tend to flatter your best asset: your tiny waist. Pair it with a wrap around your waist and you’ll instantly look slim and toned.
- If you have a boyish shape…
Look for suits that offer lots of textures, designs and colors which will give the added element of curves. Check out this one from Jessica Simpson.
- If you have a pear shape…
Stick with bikini bottoms that fit well, consider ones with a tie string that offer easy adjustment.
How to Correctly Measure for Swimwear
Your swimsuit is supposed to be snug and tight. Ever worn a baggy suit and felt awkward and uncomfortable all day? That’s one reason why proper sizing is so important in bathing suits. Here is a guide to achieving an accurate measurement the first time, so you can order the most stylish and best-fitting swimsuits from the comfort of your own home. No dressing rooms required.
- Use a cloth measuring tape (any other measuring device will not be as accurate) and hold it snugly against your body.
- Measure yourself while wearing underwear (no other clothing) and standing in front of the mirror. This will allow you to see what you are doing.
- Measure your natural waistline first. This is the natural crease that occurs when you lean to the side. Wrap the cloth measuring tape around your natural waistline and record the measurement.
- Next you will measure your bust. Position the measuring tape snugly against your body and measure around the fullest part of your bust. Record the measurement.
- Measure your torso next by starting at one shoulder and wrapping the measuring tape down your body in between your legs, and back up to the point you started. Don’t forget to record this measurement.
- Lastly, measure your hip by finding the fullest part of your body and wrapping the measuring tape around it. Record the measurement.
Now that you know all of your accurate measurements, you can order swimsuits online with ease. You can even purchase cute swim accessories to accompany your bathing suit. And you can order the right size top and bottom that will individually help you feel confident, trendy and fully supported.
