As spring quickly comes to a close and the summer fun gets underway, we scramble to find that one perfect swimsuit. Women around the world from size 00 to 22W find swimsuit shopping an overwhelming and unpleasant process. Not to mention the discouragement we feel when our hunt turns up fruitless.
Not to worry, this article contains several great options to "suit" your style, complete with links to grab your favorite.
We think we know our proper size; however, swimwear sizing runs slightly different from other clothing pieces. You might not realize there's a correct way to measure for a swimsuit. It's easier to select the correct sizes to try when you take body measurements before swimsuit shopping. Our friends at Venus Swimwear explain how to measure correctly, so you'll step out to the beach or pool looking your best.
A good rule of thumb is if you are between two sizes, select the larger size. To ensure accurate measurements, get someone to measure you and take measurements twice. Before beginning, make sure the measuring tape lays directly on your skin snuggly but not tight. Don't measure with clothes on as this suit skews sizes more than you think.
Follow these simple instructions, compare measurements to the size chart link below, and you'll get the best fit possible:
1. Bust- Measure over the fullest part of your bust, with the tape measure parallel to the floor. If taking your measurements yourself, look in the mirror to ensure the tape measure sits flush and your posture is straight.
2. Waist- Measure around the narrowest part of your torso. This measurement is your natural waistline.
3. Hips- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips where the thighs begin to taper down and narrow. Typically the hip measurement location is approximately seven inches below the waistline measurement.
4. Torso- Torso measurements are essential when looking for a one-piece design. For the entire length of the torso area, position the tape measure between your legs, running up your torso, then over your shoulder.
Most women fit into four basic body shapes, triangle (pear), hourglass, rectangle, and inverted triangle (apple). There are many more body shapes out there, but we'll stick to the essential four and a few tips for the best fitting swimsuit attributes for the sake of this content.
Triangle (pear)- Stylists suggest swimsuits that cinch and define the waistline. Padded bikini tops, strapless bandeau, revealing necklines, and push-up bikinis with bold patterns are positives for emphasizing the bust's overall natural curves. However, have fun with textures and ruffle for additional volume up top too.
Hourglass- The low halter shows off the abundant cleavage, an hourglass shape maintains naturally. Wide, adjustable straps containing an underwire boning help lift the bust and prevent sagging. The high-cut swimsuit will create the illusion of longer legs for hourglass shapes with shorter legs.
Rectangle- These measurements mean that you don't have so many curves. An intense dramatic cut at the bottom and a deep round neckline give shape to the rectangle and softens the silhouette. Print or cuts that create a smaller waist's illusion is the best choice for the square body.
Inverted Triangle- The higher your swimsuit's cut, the more it enhances your hips. High-cut swimsuits expose and highlight the widest part of your hips. Side ties at the hips make your hips look more defined than they are. Scrunches, rouches, and ruffles also make smaller hips look incredibly dramatic. Shop for shoulder slimming tops, v-neck, or plunging necklines that contain some embellishments towards the middle that draw attention away from the shoulders.
Armed with your measurements, you're ready to shop for that perfect swimsuit. Whether
it's a cute tankini, modest one-piece, or barely-there bikini, there are styles and cuts for every taste and body type. We searched the internet and came up with a few cool numbers for those sultry summer days we think you'll like. Just click on the name to take you to the website.
Description:
Wearing this mid-rise scalloped edged bottom and matching one-shoulder top and removable padding, you be the talk of the pool party. The unique design makes it an attractive alternative to a traditional band-aid string bikini. This little number is available only in dark blue this year.
Description:
Catch everyone's attention when stepping out to the sand or diving board in this form-fitting one-piece in leopard print. The Asos Curve swimsuit features a sexy plunging neckline, high leg-elongating cut, and a waist-trimming black contrasting belt. But, hurry at these prices; they go quick.
Description:
A traditional bikini top isn't a fit for everyone. La Blanca's swimsuit claim to fame is its removable molded cups, adjustable cross-back straps, and floating underwires. The multi-color floral print creates a statement pairing with practically any swimsuit bottom. There's a range of compatible bottoms available on La Blanca's website, or utilize bottoms from swimwear you already own. A convenient and easy option if your separates require different sizes.
Description:
The Riviera bikini bottoms have a vintage-style flare. Detailed with a high tie waist, we suggest pairing yours with the WeWoreWhat matching bandeau and your favorite Espedrilles Moderate coverage. Intermix website has a handy Fit Predictor to help you calculate the correct size from your measurements.
Description:
Summersalt's best-selling bikini top is back with a romantic style update. It's a bandeau with adjustable tie straps. This top contains a shelf bra with built-in soft cups ample coverage and support, and the contrast self-tie straps let you control your fit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.