Swimsuit and Swimwear Fitting Tips and Advice

Swimsuit Tips and Advice & Swimwear Buying Guide

Whether shopping for a regular swimming costumes or holiday wear we all want to feel comfortable and confident in our choice of swimwear.

We want to help you find the right swimwear for your body shape so we’ve created this guide which offers hints and tips for making sure your swimwear fits properly.

HOW TO SIZE BRA SIZE SWIMSUITS

When choosing a swimsuit by bra size consider the following advice.

• Swimsuits (and body corselettes) as a standard, are made for a size 5'5" tall person. So if you were this height you would choose your usual bra size for the swimsuit.

• However if you are taller than 5'5" try a larger back size and a smaller cup size eg if your usual size is a 40D then try a 42C. If you are tall and need a longer length in the body of the swimsuit then you could try some of the tips our swimwear specialists advise in our blogpost Swimwear Tips If You Are Tall to find your correct size, and could check your body measurements on our size chart.

• Alternatively if you are shorter than 5'5" then try a smaller back size and bigger cup size eg if your usual size is a 40D then try a 38E. Different shapes may need different sizes, If you are shorter or have a shorter torso and need a shorter length in the body of the swimsuit then you could try some of the tips our swimwear specialists advise in our blogpost Swimwear Tips For A Shorter Body

Swimwear Tips If You Are Tall

Swimsuits sold by bra size are for people who are 5’5″, so if you are taller and need a longer length in the body of the swimsuit then you could try the following tips.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• For a bra size swimsuit try a bigger band size and a smaller cup.
• Choose a swimsuit with adjustable leg feature. We have a great range of swimsuits with adjustable legs.  Adjustable side ties will offer a customised leg coverage.
• Choose swimwear with horizontal stripes as the stripes can appear to shorten the body.
• Choose a two piece – either a bikini or a tankini. You don’t have to worry that the length of your swimwear is too short when wearing a bikini or a tankini.
• Pick a tankini with an adjustable side feature so that if you are taller, the length can be altered and the bottom of the tankini sits where you want it to. 

Swimwear Tips For A Shorter Body

All swimsuits are made for women 5’5″ which is a standard length so if you are shorter or have a shorter torso and need a shorter length in the body of the swimsuit then you could try the following tips.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• For a bra size swimsuit try a smaller band size and bigger cup.
• Choose a two piece – either a bikini or a tankini. You don’t have to worry that the length of your swimwear is too long when wearing a bikini or a tankini.
• Try a tankini top as they are not as restrictive as they will often sit lower than the top of your bikini briefs so you don’t feel like you have too much material bunching up around your body as you might do if a swimsuit is too long. The tankini top length will be longer on shorter bodies than taller figures so it just means the bottom of the tankini sits further down your body.
• Pick a tankini with an adjustable side feature may help if you have a short torso as you are able to alter the length of the tankini with the adjustable feature, so the tankini length can be altered so that the bottom of the tankini sits where you want it to.
• Choose a swimsuit with adjustable leg feature. Adjustable side ties may help if you have a short body as you are able to alter the length of the swimsuit with the adjustable feature.

Swimwear To Help Support the Bust

If you have a larger bust size you will want to make sure you have the right support from your swimwear. Here are some tips to help you choose swimwear to help support the bust.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• Choose a swimsuit with a bust lining for firm support, shape and added comfort.
• Swimwear with an intergrated bra means there is usually a bra inside the product for better support and shape, so a bra does not have to be worn.
• Pick swimwear with moulded, preformed cups for extra support, shape, comfort and uplift.
• Choose a bra size / cup sized swimsuit.
• Swimwear with a full cup designed to fully envelope the breastsand give more coverage. These garments are also known as full coverage. Full cups are perfect for those who have fuller bust, and want maximum support.
• Choose an underwired bikini top or underwired swimsuit which help to provide support and uplift.
• Bikini tops with a wide band along the bottom of the bust and around the back, will give you support and help hold you in.
• Adjustable straps and wider straps. For many adjustable straps are a necessity in finding great fitting swimwear that helps provides comfort and support and a thicker strap just gives that added support.

Swimwear To Help Hide Your Tummy

Do you feel a bit conscious of your tummy? We have some tips and recommendations of the best styles if you want to hide your tummy and make the tummy area appear flatter.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• Choose a tummy control swimsuit as they are perfect for those looking to ‘flatten’ or ‘smooth’ their appearance.
• Try a shaping swimsuit with a double lined front as this lining will hold your curves in place and you will feel comfortable.
• Pick a swimsuit in a flattering twist front style which has a light gathering to the front to smooth the tummy area.
• An internal powernet panel can help to hold in your tummy area and give you a smooth silhouette to help with feeling supported.
• A tankini will cover your tummy area.
• Skirted suits can help to hide the tummy area. Currently we don’t have any skirted swimsuits but we do have skirted briefs.
• Wear a coverup –  pareo, sarong or kaftan to help cover the tummy area.
• Black swimwear has a slimming effect.
• Swimsuits with a gathered / ruched tummy area are very flattering.

Swimwear Tips If You Have A Full Bottom

If you have a full bottom but feel a bit self conscious then try our swimwear tips.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• Skirted suits or skirted bikini briefs can help to hide a fuller bottom if it is something you feel self-conscious about.
• Wear separate pareos/sarongs to cover your bottom area, this way you can mix and match with your costume.
• Choose a bikini brief style that skims the hips and bottom rather than frilly or fussy looks.
• Try wearing black on the bottom half as this will help to give the illusion of a smaller bottom. Choose a two piece with a patterned top and complementary black bikini briefs.
• Pick a swimsuit with a colourful cup area and dark block colour to the body of the costume to draw the attention away from the bottom and to give the illusion of a smaller bottom.
• Adjustable leg bikini briefs can be adjusted to give more or less coverage.

How to Avoid Sagging Bottoms In Swimwear

A swimsuit or bikini briefs need to have a good fit around the bottom and do not want to be sagging.

Our swimwear specialists advise…

• If the swimsuit is sagging around the bottom area then try choosing a smaller back size and a bigger cup to accommodate the bust and give the bottom a snug fit.
• Shop for swimwear bottoms that cover the important areas and fit snugly but not too tightly.
• Make sure the fit is right when you first buy the swimsuit or bikini. Give us a call on 01439 798388 to arrange a swimsuit fitting.
• If you are buying a two piece you may need to buy a smaller size in the bikini bottoms.
• If you like wearing a swimsuit but you find that they are too large on the bottom half then try swimsuits with adjustable legs and ties. You can make a swimsuit  smaller on the bottom half by adjusting the leg ties. Fantasie Swim have a great range of swimsuits with adjustable legs.
• Bikini briefs with adjustable ties can also help make your bottoms smaller and avoid a sagging look.
• If you’ve got larger hips, go with a bottom with adjustable ties, that can accommodate your shape.

Swimwear Tips If You Have A Small Bust

Here at AmpleBosom.com we cater for a range of all shapes and sizes so if you have a small bust here are a few tips to help you find swimwear to compliment your figure.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• To enhance a smaller bust try swimwear with horizontal stripes across the bustline.
• Try a lightly padded swimsuit top or bikini top to give the appearance of a bigger bust.
• Moulded preformed cups can help to give a rounded shape.
• Try ruffled, frilled tops to give the appearance of a fuller bust.
• A gathered top can aid fit.
• Try tops which work in halter neck, triangle or bandeau styles as they can give a flattering look.

Swimwear For Regular Swimming & Chlorine Resistant Swimwear

Looking for the best swimsuits for regular swimming? Here are some features to look out for when choosing a swimsuit for regular swimming.

Our swimwear specialists advise…

• Chlorine resistant fabric that will help the fabric last longer. 
• Moulded pre-shaped cups or intergrated bra for better support.
• Underwired for extra support.
• Fully lined or powernet panel for tummy control and comfort.
• Low leg and high neckline for a fuller coverage giving confidence in the water.

Swimwear Tips If Same Dress Size On Top & Bottom

Are you the same dress size at the top and bottom without a defined waist? Here are a few tips to help you find swimwear to compliment your figure.

Our swimwear specialists advise…

• Choose swimsuits with control fabrics to help create a waist.
• Swimwear with ruching, gathering or twist fronts can help create a waist.
• Choose swimsuits with draping to enhance the waist area.
• Low leg bikini briefs to add curves to your hips.
• Choose push up bikini tops to help enhance your bust area.

Swimwear Tips For Apple Shaped Figure

Apple-shaped bodies have smaller hips and broader shoulders, and can find that they may have extra weight around their waist. Here are some tips for apple shaped figures.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• Pick a one-piece suit with tummy control – look for swimsuits with a control lining that will help to flatter the tummy and smooth the silhouette.
• Swimwear or a swimsuit that gathers on the side or with ruching in the middle can create an illusion of a smaller waist.
• Choose a two-piece tankini or bikini that combines a block coloured top with a patterned bikini bottom as this half will help to balance out your figure.
• High waisted bikini briefs with control panels can flatten your tummy and smooth out your silhouette.
• Try a one piece swimsuit with a colourful top and a plain bottom to draw the emphasis away from the waist region.
• Colourful curved side panels in a swimming costume can also help give the effect of a more streamlined body from the front and rear view.

Swimwear Tips For An Hourglass Figure

Hourglass figures are those that have balanced shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. Sometimes hourglass figures have a fuller bust. Here are some tips for hourglass figures.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

Swimsuit Tips For The Hourglass Figure

• Choose a swimsuit with all over colours and prints to keep you evenly balanced.
• One-piece suits with details at the waistline can work well.

Bikini Top Tips For the Hourglass Figure

• Choose a bikini tops with underwire which adds support for the breasts.
• Full cup bikini tops that give good coverage.
• A halter neck bikini top or halter neck tankini can be flattering.
• Choose broader straps as this adds support.

Bikini Bottom Tips for The Hourglass Figure

• Choose high waisted bikini briefs to cover the tummy but still show off your waist.
• Details on the bikini bottoms can emphasise the curves.
• Bikini briefs with a different colour trim or band at the waistline can help to emphasise the waist.

General Tips For Choosing Swimwear For The Hourglass Figure

• Vintage styles often suit an hourglass figure.
• When wearing a bikini, match the top and the bottom to maintain balance.
• Avoid mix and match tops and bottoms as different colours can make your body look disproportional.
• Dramatic prints or ruffles are good for accentuating your curves.
• For a slimmer looking silhouette, choose darker colours.
• Horizontal stripes widen the shoulders and, if paired with matching bottoms, draw emphasis to the waist.
• Choose all over colours and prints to keep you evenly balanced.

Swimwear Tips For Pear Shaped Figure

Pear-shaped bodies are those with larger hips and slimmer shoulders who may be a larger dress size on the bottom than top. Here are some tips to help you choose swimwear to compliment the pear shaped figure.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• Go for something with a little detail around the bustline. This will draw the attention upwards and away from your hips.
• Choose decorative necklines to help draw the eye upwards.
• Wear a two piece so you can get the the bra size for the top and dress size for the bottoms to fit your size.
• Darker bottom halves with patterned/printed tops will flatter.
• Stick with larger prints with dark-coloured bases.
• Try hipster bottoms so that they don’t emphasise your bottom.
• Choose tie side briefs as this helps to eliminate hip bulge.

Swimwear Tips For An Athletic Figure

Athletic bodies tend to have a similar width to their shoulders, waist and hips. Here are some tips to help you choose swimwear to compliment the athletic figure.

Our swimwear specialists advise….

• Wrap swimsuits will help to create a waistline.
• Swimsuits with detail around the waist will create a waistline.
• To enhance your hips try going for something with detail, like rings on the hips of a bikini brief.
• To enhance the bust try something with horizontal stripes across the bustline.
• Try a lightly padded swimsuit top or bikini top to enhance the bust area.

Swimwear Care Advice & Washing Tips

• Try to avoid using tanning products with a lot of oil in them as this will break down the elastic in the swimsuit.
• Chlorine in a swimming pool or the ocean can also stretch a swimsuit and make it sag.
• As soon as you finish your swim and leave the water or swimming pool, it is a good idea to rinse the garment in order to remove salt, minerals or chlorine.
• Try to wash your swimwear straight away after a swim.
• If possible, always wash in cold water, if you use the washing machine, use the hand wash/gentle cycle and put it in a mesh bag.
• Do not use fabric softener as this can breakdown the elastane.
• Don’t put a swimsuit into the dryer – it will only break down the elastic, so always try to hang dry.
• Think about how long you’ve had your swimwear as swimsuits stretch out overtime.

We hope you have found our swimwear guide useful.

If you message us your dress size and bra size (as we have swimsuits in both dress and bra size) and let us know your preferences – regular swimming, holiday wear, specific features – adjustable strap, adjustable leg, moulded cups, chlorine resistant fabric etc then we can make some recommendations specific to your preferences.

If you also let us know your colour/pattern preferences and if you have a favourite brand and then we can make some recommendations.

Swimwear At AmpleBosom.com

Browse our swimwear collection with over 100 swimwear items to choose from. We stock swimsuits, bikini sets, tankini sets and a range of swimwear briefs and kaftans, beach cover ups, tunics and swim dresses for poolside glamour. Our swimwear sizes come in both cup sizes and dress sizes. Bikini tops and swimsuits comes in both cup size, B to K and band sizes 30 to 52. Dress sizes catered for in our swimsuits, bikini briefs, tankini tops and swimwear accessories are 8 to 26. You can choose swimwear by dress size or bra size.

Beautifully designed swimwear collections for your next holiday or trip to the beach from leading brands like Elomi Swim, Fantasie Swim, PrimaDonna, Empreinte and Anita. We are always adding new swimwear ranges so take a look for the latest designs. You will also find seasonal stock from previous years has now been reduced so browse our sale swimwear for your size and grab a discounted bargain.

How To Contact AmpleBosom.com

If you would like any help and advice about finding the right swimwear for you then please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of swimwear specialists via phone on 01439 798388 or email us here, we are happy to advise.

Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra and swimwear for you, give answers to common bra and swimwear fitting problems. Plus we will share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another. We hope you'll join us!

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