There are dozens of measuring systems and we have found that none of them are quite the same. And, careful testing has shown that none of them have 100% accuracy rate either. As much as we wish it were, measuring for a bra/bikini is not an exact science and also varies from brand to brand and style to style depending on your boob shape.
So, what's a woman to do? We can’t tell you what your size is or which bikini to buy but here is some common-sense advice for a “perfect” fit.
HOW YOUR SWIMSUIT SHOULD FIT
YOUR BIKINI SHOULD FIT YOU JUST LIKE YOUR BRAS
In essence, follow the same fitting guides and sizes as your bras. It is easy to underestimate how great the perfect fit bikini can make you look and feel.
THE BAND SHOULD BE FIRM AROUND YOUR BODY
The band around your back should be firm but comfortable. Most of the support actually comes from around the back, so if this is too big the bikini will not support you.
THE BAND SHOULD BE HORIZONTAL AT THE BACK
When you stand side on at a mirror, the band that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all. If the underband is riding up, the back size is too big. You will need to go down a back size e.g. 38 to a 36.
YOU CAN RUN TWO FINGERS UNDER THE BAND
You should be able to comfortably get two fingers underneath the band of the bikini all around. If the underband is uncomfortably tight and the clasp is straining, then the back size is too small. You will need to go up a back size e.g. 10 to 12.
YOUR BOOBS DON'T BULGE OVER TOP OR SIDE OF THE CUPS
You shouldn't have any ridge or bulging over the top or sides of the cups, even if you are wearing a lower cut style bikini. If the bust is bulging over the cups at the neck edge and/or the underarm then a larger cup size is needed. You may need to go up a cup size e.g. H to HH.
YOUR BOOBS SHOULD BE ENCLOSED IN THE CUP WITH NO WRINKLING OF FABRIC
Your boobs should be enclosed in the cup and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. When you lift your arms, your boobs should remain enclosed in the cup. If the cups are wrinkling and there is space at the top and the sides of the cup, a smaller cup size is needed. You may need to go down a cup size e.g. FF to F.
FLAT WIRES AT THE FRONT
The wires at the front should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in, rub or poke out at the front. If the wires stand away from the body at the centre front and dig in at the underarm, a larger cup size may be needed e.g. G to GG. Please note ladies this can also be a straight matter of fact – ‘the style isn’t right for you'…sorry!
OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU
As you cannot really tell if a bikini is a good fit until you try it on, we will always try to offer a refund so you can order a different size or style.
If you cannot find another bikini to suit, please see our Delivery and Returns page for full details on refunds.
Please be aware like most brands, sizes do vary depending on your shape and the bikini style. Once you know your shape and select a style that fits you, we can suggest other styles or you may just want to stick with the one that works and try all our different prints and colours.
