How to Choose a Bikini for Your Body Type? | Fit That Flatters

Sizing and shape guide for buying bikinis: match the cut to your proportions, then confirm with the brand’s size chart.

Picking a bikini that fits and flatters is less about trends and more about geometry. The fastest way to nail it is to figure out which parts of your frame you want to highlight or balance, then pick cuts that do that job. From there, a tape measure and the size chart do the heavy lifting. Here is how to break it down without the frustration of ordering blind.

Match the Cut to Your Shape

The most reliable starting point is your general body shape. Roxy’s expert guide on choosing a bikini by body shape outlines the core styling principles for each.

• Hourglass: Your goal is to preserve the natural balance between bust and hips. Moderate-coverage bottoms and supportive tops work well. Be careful with side-tie or high-cut bottoms, as they can change the visual line of your hips.
• Pear: Draw the eye upward. Brighter colors, patterns, ruffles, or embellished tops create interest on top, while keeping bottoms in solid, darker shades grounds the look.
• Athletic or straight: Add the illusion of curves with details like ruffles, bold prints, and side-ties that create volume at the hips.

These are guidelines, not rules. If a style you love breaks the “rules” for your shape, it can still be the right choice.

Why the Brand’s Size Chart Is Non-Negotiable

Bikini sizing is not standardized. One brand’s small can be another brand’s medium, and the same nominal size can map to different bust and hip ranges. Assuming a size works across brands is the fastest way to end up with a top that doesn’t fit.

Before you order anything, use a soft tape measure to get your numbers. Measure your bust, underbust, waist, and hips. Some brands also ask for your torso length for one-pieces or high-waisted styles. Then compare your measurements directly against the brand-specific size chart, like Speedo’s official guide, rather than relying on your usual dress size.

Separate Your Top and Bottom Sizes

Your bikini top size is driven by your bust and underbust measurements, not your dress size. And since bikini bottoms sit at the hips, you should choose them based on your hip measurements. It’s a mistake to assume one swimsuit size will work for both the top and the bottom.

Coverage and rise also play a role in fit, especially if you have a curvier lower body or a fuller bust. The level of coverage and the rise of the bottom determine how secure and comfortable it feels, so weigh those factors alongside the measurements.

If you land between sizes on the chart, lean toward the larger size—particularly at the hips or bust—because swim fabric has little give and comfort matters more than a tight label. Once you know the right size and the right cut for your frame, your next move is finding styles that suit your taste. Our roundup of top women’s bikini sets is a practical spot to start browsing options that fit the bill.

FAQs

Should I size up in bikinis?

Because swim fabric has little stretch, sizing up is often the safer bet if you land between sizes on the brand’s chart. This is particularly true for bottoms at the hips and tops around the bust, where a tight fit is more likely to be uncomfortable than forgiving.

Do I need to measure myself every time I buy a bikini?

Yes, you should. Your measurements can shift slightly, and more importantly, every brand’s size chart is different. Taking fresh measurements and comparing them to the specific brand’s chart each time is the only reliable way to ensure a good fit, since bikini sizing is not standardized anywhere.

What if my top size and bottom size are different?

This is common and completely normal. Bikini tops are sized from your bust and underbust, while bottoms rely on your hips. Many brands sell tops and bottoms separately, which lets you mix sizes to get the right fit for both halves of the suit without compromise.