Is it better to size up or down in swimwear?
Swim fabrics stretch when wet, so staying true to size or sizing down is best when you’re in the water,” Tyler Conrad from Summersalt swim told me. If you stay on the drier side, sizing up could be beneficial to make you feel more comfortable and secure in your suit. 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.Note: All swimsuits stretch a bit when wet and no one wants to lose theirs coming up for air. A slightly firm, almost compressive fit on dry land is a good start.All swimsuits naturally loosen a bit in the water, regardless of the water type. The weight of the excess water naturally makes the fabric heavier, meaning it will pull down and away from your body. They will also stretch out through use and movement.When it comes to swimwear, the right fit isn’t just about comfort—it’s about confidence, support, and style. If you’ve ever felt like your bikini looks a bit off even though the size label says it’s your usual, here’s the secret: sizing down is often the key to the flawless, photo-ready look you’ve been craving.
Should I size up or down for swim trunks?
What Size Swim Trunks do I Wear? Unlike boardshorts that usually come in waist sizes by number, swim shorts are often sized from XS to XL. Find the size that comes closest within the range of your waist size. If you’re between sizes, size up – the elastic waistband of swim shorts means you can easily tighten them. So you need to measure your waist and hips to figure out your brief size. Trunks: Trunks provide maximum coverage and support. To pick the perfect trunk size, you need to measure your waist, hips, and mid-thigh length.
Is it better to size up or down in swimsuits?
While a snug fit is generally best for swimwear, there are times when sizing up makes sense: If relaxation is your top priority: Some of us simply prefer a more relaxed feel with less compression. If firm-fitting swimwear feels uncomfortable or restrictive, going up a size can give you extra breathing room. When wet, the suit will loosen a little from the weight of the water, pulling the suit slightly away from the body, so it’s vital the suit fits tight to begin with. A snug swimsuit will also help to sculpt and shape your figure, extra bonus!The ideal swimsuit fit should feel snug but not restrictive. Swimwear is designed to hug your body and provide support, especially in the bust and waist areas. If the swimsuit is too tight, it may dig into your skin or cause discomfort, while a loose fit may result in an unflattering look and lack of support.So, it’s not very reliable to buy your bathing suit based on your pant’s size or even your bra size. You might wear a size 12 pants in one brand, but a size 8 in another! A more reliable way to select swimsuit sizes is to take your body measurements.Think about the level of coverage and style you prefer. If you like a snug, body-hugging fit, sizing down slightly may work for you. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and comfortable fit, staying true to your size or sizing up might be better. If possible, it’s always a good idea to try bikinis on in-store.
Should you buy a swimsuit one size bigger?
SHOULD YOU SIZE UP OR DOWN TO FIND YOUR PERFECT SWIMWEAR FIT? This is a hard one, and it really comes down to personal preference. As a rule, we’d advise you to go for your usual bra size when you’re buying a bikini or swimsuit, at least as a starting point. Swim fabrics stretch when wet, so staying true to size or sizing down is best when you’re in the water, Tyler Conrad from Summersalt swim told me. If you stay on the drier side, sizing up could be beneficial to make you feel more comfortable and secure in your suit.While a snug fit is generally best for swimwear, there are times when sizing up makes sense: If relaxation is your top priority: Some of us simply prefer a more relaxed feel with less compression. If firm-fitting swimwear feels uncomfortable or restrictive, going up a size can give you extra breathing room.It may be worth sizing up to ensure comfort around the chest area without feeling too snug if you are in between sizes. The cup sizing for swimwear is similar to that of your bra sizing, check out our bra measuring guide here.
How do I know my swimwear size?
BUST: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the measuring tape horizontal. WAIST: Measure around the narrowest part (typically where your body bends side to side), keeping the tape horizontal. HIPS: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape horizontal. Measure around the narrowest part of your waistline. Measure around the fullest part of your hips. In a loop, measure from the highest point of the shoulder, beneath the crotch and back up to the starting point.Starting at the high point of your shoulder, run tape down through leg then back up to shoulder. Measure fullest part of bust going over the shoulder blades at back. Measure narrowest part of torso. Measure around the fullest point of hip, keeping tape parallel to floor.The measuring tape should go all around your body, including your front and your back. This measurement is taken at a slight angle, from the crotch to the shoulder, going over the breast. It takes into account the length and depth of the body to allow you to be fully comfortable in your swimsuit.The measuring tape should go all around your body, including your front and your back. This measurement is taken at a slight angle, from the crotch to the shoulder, going over the breast. It takes into account the length and depth of the body to allow you to be fully comfortable in your swimsuit.
Is it better for a swimsuit to be tight or loose?
Ultimately, whether it’s better for a swimsuit to be tight or loose will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you plan on doing while wearing it. If you’re looking for a swimsuit that will streamline your appearance and stay in place during water sports, a tight swimsuit may be the best option. Swimsuits often become looser with repeated use and exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and sun. The elastic fibers in the fabric stretch and break down over time.So, Do Swimsuits Stretch or Shrink in Water? All swimsuits naturally loosen a bit in the water, regardless of the water type. The weight of the excess water naturally makes the fabric heavier, meaning it will pull down and away from your body. They will also stretch out through use and movement.Boiling water shrinks stretched-out bikini bottoms. Heat contracts and tightens fabric fibers.