Most swimwear disappointment isn't about the body wearing it — it's about buying a cut that was never going to work, in a size chosen by guesswork. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Measure before you shop
You need four numbers, taken over bare skin with a soft tape:
- Bust — around the fullest part, tape level at the back.
- Underbust — directly under the bust, snug but not tight.
- Waist — the narrowest point, usually just above the navel.
- Hips — the fullest part, feet together.
Write them down. Swimwear sizing varies far more between brands than regular clothing does, so a number that fits one label tells you very little about the next. Always compare your measurements to the actual size chart.
Match the cut to the shape
If your hips are wider than your bust
Look for a bandeau or a triangle top with detail — ruffles, texture, a bold print — to balance the line. Pair it with a plain, higher-cut bottom. High-leg bottoms lengthen the leg, which visually evens out a fuller hip.
If your bust is wider than your hips
Prioritise support: a top with a proper underwire, thicker straps or a halter neck. A patterned or textured bottom draws the eye down and balances the proportion.
If you want more definition at the waist
A one-piece with side panelling, ruching or a cutout at the waist does this better than any two-piece. High-waisted bikini bottoms achieve a similar effect while still being a two-piece.
If you're long through the torso
One-pieces are the usual problem area — a suit that fits everywhere else will pull uncomfortably at the shoulders. Look for adjustable straps, or go for a two-piece and skip the issue entirely.
The rise matters more than people expect
Bottoms come in roughly three rises, and this single choice changes the look more than the print does:
- Cheeky / Brazilian — sits low, minimal back coverage.
- Classic — the middle ground, sits on the hip.
- High-waisted — sits at or above the navel, covers the midsection.
If you're between two sizes on the bottoms, size up. Swimwear stretches when wet, but a bottom that digs in dry will still dig in wet.
Fabric and lining
Look for a fabric with elastane content — that's what gives recovery, meaning the suit snaps back rather than sagging after a swim. A fully lined front is worth having: it stops the fabric turning translucent in the water, which is the single most common complaint about cheap swimwear.
A good test: stretch the fabric between your hands and hold it up to the light. If you can see through it stretched, you'll see through it wet.
Try the movement test
Before you commit, do four things in the suit: raise both arms overhead, sit down, bend forward, and take a wide step. If anything shifts, gapes or rides up during those, it will do the same at the beach.
Ready to shop? Browse the full swimwear collection, or message us on WhatsApp with your measurements and we'll tell you honestly what will work.
