Unlike in the past whereby wearing a one-piece swimsuit showed that you are either body-conscious,…
The quest for the ideal swimwear can seem like an endless search. The task is complicated by differing size standards across brands, inconsistencies in top and bottom sizes, and the diverse range of body types. But fear not, for the perfect swimsuit is not as elusive as you may think.
Identifying Your Perfect Swimsuit
With accurate measurements and the flexibility to mix and match sizes for your top and bottom, you’ll be donning your dream swimsuit in no time. Here’s our uncomplicated guide on swimsuit measurements.
Taking Accurate Swimwear Measurements
Before anything else, lay the swimsuit flat. Even though swimsuits are made of stretchy materials, don’t let that fool you into approximating measurements. While you might think the material allows you to measure to the nearest half-inch, it’s best to strive for precision to avoid measurement errors. Always double-check your measurements for accuracy.
Some swimsuits lean on the small, medium, and large sizing system. Familiarising yourself with your clothing size before swimsuit shopping can be helpful. Your regular bra size is also worth considering.
Avoid measuring over your clothes as the additional layers can add to your measurements and lead you to choose a size that’s too large. Instead, take your measurements in your underwear.
To get started, you’ll need a soft measuring tape, some paper, and a pen. Measure your bust, waist, hip, and torso. Ensure the tape is snug around specific areas without being too tight or too loose.
Taking the Perfect Swimsuit Measurements
Step 1 – Measure Your Torso
Start from your shoulder, stretching the tape down your body diagonally to your groin. Continue up the back until you come back to the starting shoulder.
Step 2 – Determine Your Bust Size
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, making sure it’s even all around. If the number isn’t whole, round up to the nearest inch. For instance, a bust of 35.5 inches becomes 36 inches.
Step 3 – Measure Your Band Size
If the swimsuit uses bra sizes, you’ll need an additional measurement. Wrap the tape just beneath your bust, ensuring it’s level and comfortably tight. Round any odd number down to the nearest even number to get your band size.
Step 4 – Calculate Your Bra Cup Size
Subtract the torso measurement from your full bust measurement to determine your cup size. A one-inch difference gives an A cup, two inches a B cup, three inches a C cup, and so on. For instance, a full bust of 42 inches and a torso of 38 inches give a 4-inch difference and a D cup, making your bra size 42D.
Step 5 – Measure Your Waist
This refers to your natural waist. For those with an hourglass or pear shape, it’s often the narrowest part of your midsection. For an apple or rectangle shape, measure around the area above your belly button and below your rib cage.
Step 6 – Measure Your Hips
Finally, measure around the broadest part of your hips. Maintain a straight posture with your feet together and hips level with the floor.
With these accurate measurements in hand, you’re ready to pick out your swimsuit and make a splash.