HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SWIMSUIT FITS FLAWLESSLY
Here’s a little-known style secret: The best way to feel self-assured in a swimsuit is to find one that fits you flawlessly. Indeed, we’re firm believers that every body is...
Here’s a little-known style secret: The best way to feel self-assured in a swimsuit is to find one that fits you flawlessly. Indeed, we’re firm believers that every body is a bikini body — but the key is to find a bathing suit that accents your assets and hugs your curves in all the right places.
However, finding a swimsuit that fits you perfectly requires some research, careful consideration, and yes, sometime in the fitting room (sorry, but you’ll thank us later!).
Trust us, the hunt for the perfect bathing suit has a payoff that makes all the effort well worth it: Not only will you feel more confident at the beach, but you’re also bound to turn a few heads, too.
Need a little guidance? Here are some top tips to help you figure out whether a swimsuit fits well.
1. YOU FORGET THE STRAPS ARE THERE.
When a swimsuit fits properly, you won’t have to worry about the straps whatsoever. You’ll never have to pull them back onto your shoulders because they keep falling down. You also won’t have to deal with them digging into your shoulders and causing discomfort or pain. If you have a full bust line, you may want to seek out bathing suits that have wider straps, as they can help to distribute the weight of your boobs better, causing less strain on your shoulders and neck. Also, it can be extremely helpful to look for bathing suits with adjustable straps so you can achieve a flawless fit for your particular body. To check if the top fits properly before buying a swimsuit, try slipping a finger or two under the straps — if you can’t fit them, that likely means it’s too small, but if you can fit more than that, it’s probably too big.
2. THE BOTTOMS WILL FEEL LIKE A SECOND SKIN.
Ever had a bathing suit bottom that cuts into your derriere? It’s not only unpleasant but unsightly to boot. Or, what about a bottom that’s saggy, because your butt simply doesn’t fill it out? You deserve a bathing suit that fits your bottom well, and you can definitely find one, though it may take a little trial and error to figure out which style suits your shape. Experiment with some different bottom styles to find one that works for your body — like boyshorts, high-waisted briefs, high-cut bikinis, and cheeky Brazilian cuts. Pro tip: If you’ve got shapely hips, look for a bottom with adjustable sides so you can make sure the bathing suit conforms nicely to your figure.
3. THE BAND STAYS IN PLACE.
If you’re shopping for two-piece bathing suits, you should always check the band to determine if the top fits well. This is because just like with bras, the band on your bathing suit top provides the majority of the support. The band should lay totally flat all the way around your torso, to take a spin around and scope out the back in the mirror. If the band is riding up in the back, your top is probably too big. Ideally, the band will feel snug (you shouldn’t be able to squeeze more than a finger or two underneath it), but not so tight that it restricts your movement or breathing.
4. THE BAND FEELS SNUG AND SUPPORTIVE.
Speaking of the band, if you’re buying bathing suits with adjustable bands (and we highly recommend doing so!) you definitely want to ensure that the band feels snug on the loosest setting. Why? Well, your bathing suit is bound to stretch out the more you wear and wash it. So, it’s important that you’re able to tighten the band as needed over time. That’s the only way to ensure that you’re getting adequate support.
5. THE CUPS PROVIDE THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF COVERAGE.
It’s tough to feel totally confident in a swimsuit if you’re constantly checking to see if you’re spilling out of the top or sides. So, make sure to prioritize coverage while you’re shopping, whether you go for a one-piece bathing suit, tankini, or bikini. Your top should reveal only the amount of cleavage you’re comfortable with, and the cups definitely shouldn’t cut into your breast tissue (thus causing the dreaded “quad-boob” look). The top of the cups should lay flat against your breasts, with no gaping or puckering.
While trying bathing suits on, try bending forward to make sure the top still sufficiently contains your breasts. And if you’re opting for an underwire bikini top, check to confirm that the wire rests firmly against your torso, without digging into the breast tissue or floating away from your chest. If you plan to be active in your bathing suit (impromptu beach volleyball is tough to say no to), you’ll want to be extra sure that you feel secure. Try jumping up and down a bit in the fitting room to determine whether the top can stay in place.
Why you should trust us
As a senior writer for the luckyplussize family team, I've written guides for robes, dresses, babydolls and onesies, among many other categories. With 15 years of sewing experience, including published quilt patterns, I know a lot about textiles and I can find the coziest and most comfortable fabrics for sleeping and lounging. I'm also a plus size woman, so accommodating sizing and a slim fit are very important to me and they form the heart of this guide.
