How to Choose the Right Swimsuit Size When Shopping Online

5-minute read

Shopping for a swimsuit online gives you access to far more styles, colours, and designs than you'll usually find in a local store. But there's one question that stops many women from clicking "Add to Cart":

What size should I order?

Swimwear can feel particularly tricky because it fits much closer to the body than most clothing. A swimsuit that's slightly too large can move around once it's wet, while one that's too small can dig in, ride up, or simply feel uncomfortable.

Fortunately, choosing your swimsuit size online becomes much easier when you know what to look for.

Here are the most important things to consider before placing your next swimwear order.

1. Start With Your Measurements, Not Your Usual Clothing Size

It's tempting to simply order the same size you normally wear in shirts, pants, or dresses.

That's not always the best approach.

Sizing can vary between brands, and swimwear fabrics and designs fit differently from everyday clothing. Instead, take a few simple measurements and compare them with the brand's size chart.

The three measurements you'll usually need are:

• Bust — Measure around the fullest part of your bust.

• Waist — Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist.

• Hips — Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.

Use a soft measuring tape and keep it comfortably against your body without pulling it tight.

Before ordering, compare your measurements with the Jasikini Size Guide to help choose the best fit.

 

2. Don't Get Too Attached to the Letter on the Label

One of the most important rules of online swimwear shopping is also one of the simplest:

Don't worry too much about whether the label says S, M, or L.

The goal isn't to fit into a particular size. The goal is to find a swimsuit that fits your body comfortably.

If your measurements put you into a larger or smaller size than you normally wear, that's completely fine. Different brands use different sizing systems, and even different swimsuit styles can fit differently.

Choose the size based on your measurements and the brand's size chart—not the size you think you should wear.

3. Know What a Properly Fitting Swimsuit Should Feel Like

A swimsuit should fit relatively snugly when dry because swimwear fabric can relax slightly once it becomes wet.

But snug doesn't mean uncomfortable.

A properly fitting swimsuit should:

• stay securely in place

• allow you to move freely

• provide comfortable coverage

• sit smoothly against your body

• avoid excessive digging or pinching

• feel secure without restricting movement

You should be able to walk, sit, bend, swim, and move comfortably without constantly adjusting your swimsuit.

Not sure whether your current swimsuit fits properly? Read How Should a Bikini Fit? 7 Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Size.

 

4. Pay Attention to the Bikini Top and Bottom Separately

Bodies don't always fit neatly into one size.

You may need more room in the bikini top and less in the bottom—or the other way around.

That's one reason bikinis can be particularly versatile. Depending on the design, adjustable ties and straps can give you more flexibility in creating a comfortable fit.

When shopping online, look carefully at how the top adjusts and how the bottoms are designed to sit on the hips.

 

Explore the Jasikini Bikini Collection to discover different colours, cuts, and adjustable styles.

5. What If You're Between Two Sizes?

This is probably one of the most common online swimwear questions.

If your measurements fall between two sizes, look at which measurement matters most for the particular swimsuit you're considering.

For a bikini, you may have more flexibility because straps and ties can often be adjusted.

For a one-piece swimsuit, torso length, bust, waist, and hip measurements all influence the overall fit. If you're between sizes, you may find the larger size more comfortable—but always check the specific brand's size guide and product information before deciding.

Remember: a swimsuit that's slightly too tight rarely becomes more comfortable simply because you want the smaller size.

6. One-Piece Swimsuits Need a Little Extra Attention

One-piece sizing can require a little more consideration because a single garment has to fit several areas of your body at once.

A one-piece that's too short through the torso may pull uncomfortably at the shoulders or bottom. One that's too long may wrinkle or feel loose.

Pay attention to how the swimsuit fits through your bust, waist, hips, and torso.

A well-fitting one-piece should feel secure without pulling excessively anywhere.

 

Prefer the coverage and elegance of a one-piece? Explore our Monokinis & One-Piece Swimwear Collection.

 

7. Look at Product Photos Carefully

Good product photography can tell you a lot about how a swimsuit is intended to fit.

Don't just look at the front.

When possible, look at:

• front views

• back views

• side views

• close-up details

• lifestyle photographs

Pay particular attention to where bikini bottoms sit on the hips, how much coverage they provide, and how the top sits against the body.

Seeing the swimsuit from several angles can help you decide whether the style is right for you before you order.

8. Think About What You'll Actually Be Doing

Fit isn't only about how a swimsuit looks in a photograph.

Think about your summer plans.

Are you going to be:

• relaxing beside a resort pool?

• swimming in the ocean?

• paddleboarding?

• boating?

• walking along the beach?

• exploring a mountain lake?

If you're active, you'll probably want a swimsuit that feels particularly secure when you move.

If you're mainly relaxing by the pool or beach, you may prefer a more fashion-forward style.

Neither is better—the right choice depends on how you plan to wear it.

 

9. Don't Choose a Size Based on How You Want Your Body to Look

This is worth saying.

A swimsuit isn't supposed to change your body.

It's supposed to fit it.

Choosing a smaller size won't necessarily make you look smaller. In fact, swimwear that's too tight can create unnecessary digging and make you feel less comfortable.

A swimsuit that fits properly will usually look better because the fabric sits naturally against your body.

Comfort creates confidence—and confidence makes an enormous difference in how you feel in swimwear.

For more on enjoying swimwear without worrying about perfection, read How to Build Confidence Before a Beach Vacation.

 

The Quick Swimsuit Fit Test

When your new swimsuit arrives, don't just stand in front of the mirror.

Move around.

Raise your arms. Sit down. Bend over. Walk around the room.

Ask yourself:

Does everything stay where it should?

If the answer is yes and the swimsuit feels comfortable, you've probably found the right size.

If you're immediately pulling, adjusting, or worrying about coverage, try another size or style.

The Right Size Is the One That Lets You Enjoy Summer

Online swimsuit shopping doesn't need to be complicated.

Take your measurements, use the size chart, pay attention to the design, and don't worry about the letter printed on the label.

Most importantly, choose swimwear that lets you move comfortably and feel like yourself.

Whether you're wearing a bikini on the beach, a one-piece beside the pool, or swim shorts on a paddleboard, the right fit should let you forget about your swimsuit and enjoy the adventure.

 

Ready to find your fit? Explore Jasikini Swimwear and discover styles designed for comfortable summer adventures.

 

More From the Jasikini Swimwear Buying Guide

• What Makes a High-Quality Swimsuit? 8 Things to Look For Before You Buy

• How Should a Bikini Fit? 7 Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Size

• One-Piece Swimsuit vs. Bikini: Which Is Right for You?

 

Thoughtfully designed in Canada for women who love comfort, confidence, and outdoor adventures.