6 Steps: How To Measure for a Swimsuit

If you’re getting ready for a beach vacation or a cruise, it’s time to start looking for that perfect swimsuit. Many shoppers want a comfortable bathing suit that makes them feel confident. Many shoppers want a comfortable bathing suit that makes them feel confident, but getting the right fit can be challenging. A swimsuit that is too tight can be uncomfortable and cause bulging. When your swimsuit is too loose, you may spend more time adjusting the suit than enjoying the water. Follow these steps from Leonisa to find a slimming swimsuit that won’t hinder your adventures. 

Step 1: Consider Your Clothing and Bra Sizes

Some swimsuits use a small-, medium- and large-size chart. Knowing your clothing size is a good place to start when shopping for your swimsuit. It’s a good idea to consider your bra size, too. However, these are only the starting point for your search.

Step 2: Take Your Measurements in Your Underwear

If you take your measurements while wearing your regular clothes, the added bulk of clothing will add to your measurements. You could end up with a swimsuit that is too large. Instead, we recommend taking your measurement in your underwear.

Step 3: Measure Your Torso

Starting at the top of your shoulder, stretch the measuring tape down your body at an angle until you reach the groin area. Stretch the measuring tape between your legs and up your back until you reach the same shoulder.

Step 4: Take Your Bust Measurements

If you are purchasing a slimming swimsuit that doesn’t use bra sizes, you only need to take one measurement. Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust. For the most accurate measurement, keep the tape measure straight, and make sure it doesn’t ride up or sag around your back. If the measurement is not a whole number, round up to the next whole number in inches. For example, a 37.5-inch bust measurement would round up to 38 inches.

Step 5: Take Your Band Size Measurement

If the swimsuit uses bra sizing, you will need to take an additional measurement. Bra sizes consist of a number that represents the band size in inches and a letter that represents the cup size. To get your band size, wrap the tape measure right under your bust at the top of your ribcage. Make sure you can breathe comfortably. The tape measure should be parallel. If the measurement is an odd number, round down to the nearest even number. For example, a measurement of 37 inches would round down to 36 inches. This number is your band size.

Step 6: Calculate Your Bra Cup Size

Once you have the torso measurement, you will use that value and the full bust measurement to calculate your cup size. Subtract the torso measurement from the full bust measurement. The result is your cup size. A 1-inch difference equals an A cup, 2 inches equals a B cup, 3 inches equals a C cup, and so on.

For example, if your full bust measurement is 44 inches and your torso measurement is 40 inches, you have a 4-inch difference that corresponds to a D cup. Your bra size would be 40D.

Step 5: Take Your Waist Measurement

The next measurement you will need is your waist measurement. This measurement refers to your natural waist. For women with an hourglass figure or pear shape, the natural waist is usually the narrowest part of the abdomen. If you have an apple or rectangle shape, wrap the tape measure around the area above your belly button and below your rib cage.

Step 6: Measure Your Hips

For your final measurement, wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your hips. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor.

Find That Perfect Swimsuit at Leonisa

Now that you have your torso, bust, waist and hip measurements, search Leonisa for that perfect swimsuit! Use our size charts to determine the best fit. The measurements you took just now are a great starting point, but you may want to check fit recommendations and consumer reviews. Just like with bras for women, some swimsuits run small, so shoppers may need to size up.