Consider yourself Goldilocks when it comes to swimwear. Not too loose, not too tight, your swimsuit needs to be just right. While this might seem like a challenge, good fitting swimwear often comes down to style and not size.
Knowing your body shape and what styles work for you will ensure you find the perfect fitting swimsuit. Prioritising comfort and support will ensure you get a swimsuit that fits well and looks fantastic.
Choosing the right style means you can easily shop by your usual size to achieve the perfect fit. This results in a more successful and satisfying swimsuit shopping experience.
Knowing your shape and the styles that suit you best will make swimsuit shopping a more positive experience
A. No matter the style, a swimsuit should fit comfortably and close against the body. Swimsuits will loosen up when wet and stretch over time, so make sure they are not loose from the first wear.
You also don’t want them digging in. If your swimwear is cutting in around the leg line, straps, or under the arms, consider a larger size or a different style.
Your bust should be cradled in the swimsuit and feel supported. If your bust is spilling out, or the top is gaping, you need a different style or size. Underwire should fit perfectly without digging into the breasts or finishing under the arms.
Your swimwear should feel comfortable and supportive without gaping or digging in
A. Choosing your swimsuit size is easy. There's no need to measure yourself, just know your bra and underwear size. Knowing your correct bra size will ensure you choose a swimsuit style and size that will fit your body and support your bust.
Fitting your bottom half is easy, simply follow your underwear size. Be aware of the shape of your hips, bottom, and waist to ensure you choose the right swimsuit style for your body.
For example, a high waisted pant is fabulous for tummy control and accentuating your waistline, while a low rise, side tie pant is fabulous if your hips are narrow or wide as you can adjust the pant to fit you perfectly.
Follow your underwear size to find your perfect swimsuit fit
A. Ideally, you should choose your exact size. If you are in between sizes, we generally recommend going up, particularly if you have a large bust or a long torso. If you feel like you can’t choose your exact size in a swimsuit, you may be selecting the wrong style.
If you choose a style that is right for your shape, you should be able to shop your usual size
A. Yes, they do. A swimsuit will always loosen up and never shrink. Therefore, your swimsuit shouldn’t be too loose from the start. Having said that, a good quality swimsuit that is cared for properly will maintain its elasticity and shape for quite some time. 100% polyester chlorine resistant fabric is particularly resilient to stretch, so try to get the best fit from the beginning.
Swimwear never shrinks but it can loosen over time, so be sure to choose a style that fits firm but comfortable
A. Know your bra size! If it’s been more than a year since your last proper bra fitting, get on top of that before you shop for supportive swimwear. Knowing your cup and back size will make shopping for swimwear so much easier.
You also need to know your breasts. Size doesn’t necessarily dictate whether you need extra support. You could have a smaller cup size that needs underwire support or a full bust that is fine with a shelf bra. Knowing your individual needs will help you to choose the right style and size for you.
Product descriptions will let you know what cup sizes each style is suitable for. Underwire styles will be sized for specific cups, while a shelf bra offers a multifit option for many cup sizes.
Shop for your swimsuit using your bra size and look for features that work for your unique needs. You might need adjustable straps for lift or length, back closures with various sizing options, removable padding or extra supportive underwire.
Don’t settle for a style that doesn’t adequately support your bust with comfort. You won’t want to wear it and you will just waste your time and money.
Follow your bra fitting to find a supportive swimsuit that fits your bust perfectly
A. If your top and bottom varies more than 2 sizes, swimwear separates will be ideal for you. If you had your heart set on a one piece, a tankini top and matching pant offers the same look with the benefit of fitting your top and bottom individually.
Swimwear separates are ideal if your top and bottom are different sizes
A. Possibly. Here at Capriosca swimwear, we have several designs that are perfect for tall bodies and long torsos. You can shop your regular size in these styles knowing they will fit you vertically and feel comfortable. If you have your heart set on a different style, sizing up is advisable.
Discover the best styles for tall bodies and long torsos from our specialty swim collection
Long torsos are just one of the specific fit needs we try to accommodate here at Capriosca Swimwear. Other requests include Tummy Control, Big Bust, Maternity, Mastectomy, and Long Torso.
Shopping for shoes? I could do that all day. Shopping for a new swimsuit? Well, it’s an expedition I’d have to steel myself for. All my worst body anxieties will come to the surface. Plus, I’ll also have to contend with not really knowing what size of style is right for me.
Some of us haven’t bought a new swimsuit in years, so we’re not in the habit of seeing ourselves in new swimsuit styles or knowing what’s right for our bodies now. But when it comes to sizing, there are some tips. Let’s explore...
Knix Swimwear Sizing
First, let’s get the product pitch out of the way ;)
Knix has recently launched a fantastic range of swimwear, and also period swimwear. You can find size charts specific to each suit on every product page. Here’s what they look like:
You can also book a Virtual Fitting. But regardless of what brand you’re shopping for, here’s some useful advice:
Tips For Swimsuit Sizing (No Matter What Brand)
So, no matter what brand you’re shopping from here are some general pointers:
Start With Your Regular Size
Swimsuits, like most garments with a lot of stretch, often look misleadingly small on the hanger. So don’t judge too much based on their appearance on the hanger.
The best jumping-off point is the size you typically take. For swimsuits, this may be indicated as small/medium/large, etc., or in traditional sizes like size 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc.
While sizing is rarely standard across brands and most of us go up and down across brands, this is the best place to start...
Consult the Size Chart & Whip Out Your Tape Measure
To get a clearer understanding of the sizes, pull up the size charts on the website you’re on. Most websites will have a size chart linked in the product details of individual items.
Depending on the retailer, the size charts might include measurements for bust/underbust, waist, hips, and torso length. Measurements may be in inches or centimeters.
To take accurate measurements, it’s best to use a fabric (seamstress) measurement tape and take the following measurements:
To get this measurement, measure over the fullest part of your bust, with the tape measure parallel to the floor.
This measurement will especially matter for underwire swimsuits or bikini tops. To get this measurement, measure directly under your bust, with the tape measure parallel to the floor.
This is the measurement around the narrowest part of your natural waistline.
This is the measurement around the fullest part of your hip, before the thigh begins to narrow.
Torso length is important for swimsuits. You get this measurement by taking a measurement from your shoulder to the crotch, at a measurement.
Compare the measurements you come up with with the size charge. Remember to read the size charts carefully to make sure you’re adhering to any particular measurement directions.
If You’re Between Two Bathing Suit Sizes, Go Small
Swimsuits usually have a lot of elastication and stretch over time, and when wet, so if you’re right between two sizes, you’re likely safe going small.
That said, going for a smaller swimsuit size shouldn’t push you into an uncomfortable experience. So if you notice any uncomfortable compression or red marks on your skin, or find the suit difficult to get on and off, it’s likely you’ve gone too small.
Order Multiple Sizes (Checking Returns Policy)
Note: Different retailers will have different return policies (especially when items are on sale), so check that before trying this tip. Knix Swimwear is eligible for a return or exchange within 30 days of delivery and with the original sanitary strip and tags attached.
But assuming returns are easy, you might consider ordering multiple sizes (your size and the sizes up and down from it) so you can try them on in the comfort of your home. Once you’re confident you’ve found the right size, return the others.
Try Swimsuits at Home
Always try on your new swimsuit at home (even if you already tried it on in-store). There’s something about being at home, where you’re most comfortable, and trying on clothes that will give you a better sense of whether items fit correctly and are comfortable.
You’re familiar with the lighting and with your own mirrors. Plus, you’ll feel less rushed and even get a second opinion, if you want one.
Two-Pieces Let You Pick Two Sizes
Two-pieces have the advantage of being sold as two separate parts, which means you can order a top and bottom in different sizes. If your body is two different sizes (e.g. you have a very full bust but narrow hips, or wide hips and a small chest), this may be an easier option than a one-piece which is designed for more uniform sizing.
Size Matters, But So Does Swimsuit Style
Getting the size right is an essential part of buying any garment. But when it comes to fit, style matters too. You might be wearing the right size in a swimsuit but not like it on your body, feel it cinches in all the wrong places or is generally not comfortable.
We all have unique bodies and we all want different things from our clothing, so a style you like on a website or hanger, might not feel great once you put it on. While we’re not here to say who (or what body type) should wear what style of swimsuit, here are some of the options:
Classic Leakproof One-Piece Swimsuit
If you love simplicity, a classic one-piece is the ultimate basic. Also known as a maillot swimsuit, this style is sleek and unadorned. It may (or may not) contain hidden support for your breasts. For some, the lack of adornment will make them feel more ‘exposed’ in this style. But if you’re a swimmer, this style will make sure nothing gets in your way.
A Plunge Neckline Swimsuit
A plunge neckline is almost universally flattering. Plunge necklines often feature wider shoulder straps, which will give you added support, while still being sexy. Check out our Deep V One Piece Swimsuit as an example of this style!
A Balcony-Style Swimsuit
If you like more structure and support, a balcony-style swimsuit offers a polished and sexy take on a classic swimsuit. Check out our Balcony Cup One Piece Swimsuit!
Swimsuits With Cut-Outs
Cut-outs are another way to soften a swimsuit. Peekaboo cuts at the front of back can give you a sexier look while still offering the coverage of a one-piece. If you’re worried about a one-piece looking old-fashioned, cut-outs are a great way to spice it up. Our Leakproof Wrap One Piece is a great option.
Two-Piece Swimsuits
Two-piece swimsuits come in a huge variety of styles.
You can have bottoms that are:
Bikini shape
Boyshorts
High rise
And tops that include:
Tank top (tankini)
Pull-on bralette style
Wired or underwired
Plus all kinds of design styles, colors, and embellishments!
It’s really a personal choice if you prefer a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit. But if you find it difficult to find a one-piece that fits you, the mix-and-match approach of a two-piece may work better for you.
Notes on Details and Fit
When it comes to swimsuits, the details count. Look for:
Adjustable Straps Will Help if Your Torso is Long or Short
If straps (either neck or shoulder) are adjustable, you’ll be able to better fit the swimsuit to your torso and to tighten it over time as it loses some of its elasticity.
Wider Straps Will Give You More Support
Also, look for wide straps if you need a little more bust support. String or tie straps may dig into the skin and become uncomfortable if they’re supporting a larger chest.
Molded Cups Also Offer Support
Many swimsuits now offer “secret” support with built-in wireless bras and molded cups. These are great for keeping you in place and minimizing bounce and movement, while also giving you the silhouette you desire.
Remember, You Can Mix & Match Separate Bikini Sizes
Again, remember that with two-piece sets (or bikinis) you can choose a different top and bottom and mix and match. This means you can separately think about what’s flattering and comfortable on your bottom half, versus what’s supportive on your top. It also allows you to change your look with more combinations of styles and colors of pieces.
Finally, Don’t Forget: Start Shopping Early!
If you’re shopping for swimwear, get there early. At the height of the summer or during the winter travel season, you may find a lot of options have already sold out. It’s always good to have a great swimsuit handy, so start shopping early in the season and you’ll be all set for when those beach or pool days start!
We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.