How to measure the right size for a one-piece swimsuit or a bikini?
To choose the right size for a one-piece swimsuit or bikini, simply take four easy measurements: bust, underbust, waist, and hips. Once measured with a tailor's tape, just compare them with the Pompea size guide to find the best fitting model. For one-piece swimsuits, bust, waist, and hips are especially important, while for bikinis it’s essential to evaluate the top and bottoms separately to achieve a balanced and comfortable fit.
Choosing the correct size doesn’t just mean finding a swimsuit that fits perfectly, but wearing a garment that naturally follows your body, enhances your shape, and allows you to enjoy every moment at the beach or pool with maximum comfort.
Why can the swimsuit size be different from clothing size?
It is normal for the swimsuit size not to match perfectly with the size you usually wear in clothing. Swimsuits use stretch fabrics designed to fit the body and provide support even when wet. Additionally, the fit can vary depending on the shape of the bust, hips, and the chosen model.
For this reason, it is always advisable to refer to the measurements in centimeters shown in the Pompea size guides rather than relying solely on the size you usually wear.
What measurements are needed to choose the swimsuit size?
To correctly choose the size of a woman’s swimsuit, you need to measure with a tailor’s tape:
- Bust (A): the circumference at the fullest part of the bust.
- Underbust (B): the circumference measured just below the bust.
- Waist (C): the narrowest part of the waist.
- Hips (D): the circumference at the widest part of the hips.
To get an accurate measurement, use a soft tailor’s tape, keep it snug against the body without tightening, and take the measurements in a natural position. By caring for them properly, you can extend their lifespan and keep them looking elegant much longer.
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How to measure the size of a one-piece swimsuit?
To choose the correct size of a one-piece swimsuit, it is necessary to measure the bust, waist, and hips. These three measurements allow you to find the best fit and ensure the right balance between support, comfort, and freedom of movement.
For example, if the bust measures 90 cm, the waist 74 cm, and the hips 98 cm, the reference size will be M/3, because all the measurements fall within the values expected for this size.
Once you have taken the measurements, compare them with our woman’s one-piece swimsuit size guide.
How to read the Pompea size guide?
To find the correct size, compare your measurements in centimeters with the values shown in the table. If your bust, waist, and hips fall within the same row, that will be your reference size. If your measurements correspond to different rows, refer to the advice provided in the section dedicated to choosing the size when bust, waist, and hips fall into different measurements.
| Taglia costume intero | A - Seno | C - Vita | D - Bacino |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS/1 | 77-81 cm | 60-64 cm | 85-89 cm |
| S/2 | 82-87 cm | 65-70 cm | 90-95 cm |
| M/3 | 88-93 cm | 71-76 cm | 96-101 cm |
| L/4 | 94-99 cm | 77-82 cm | 102-107 cm |
| XL/5 | 100-105 cm | 83-88 cm | 108-113 cm |
| XXL/6 | 106-111 cm | 89-94 cm | 114-119 cm |
How to measure the size of a bikini top?
To determine your bikini bra size, simply measure the circumference of your bust and underbust.
Once you have your measurements, compare them with the following table for bikini bra sizes:
| Taglia top bikini | A - Seno | B - Sottoseno |
|---|---|---|
| XS/1 | 77-81 cm | 65-70 cm |
| S/2 | 82-87 cm | 71-76 cm |
| M/3 | 88-93 cm | 77-82 cm |
| L/4 | 94-99 cm | 83-88 cm |
| XL/5 | 100-105 cm | 89-94 cm |
| XXL/6 | 106-111 cm | 95-100 cm |
| XXXL/7 | 112-117 cm | 101-106 cm |
How to measure the size of bikini briefs?
To choose the size of the bikini bottoms, simply measure your waist and hips, two key parameters to find the best fit for your body.
Then compare the measurements with our bikini bottoms size guide:
| Taglia slip bikini | C - Vita | D - Bacino |
|---|---|---|
| XS/1 | 60-64 cm | 85-89 cm |
| S/2 | 65-70 cm | 90-95 cm |
| M/3 | 71-76 cm | 96-101 cm |
| L/4 | 77-82 cm | 102-107 cm |
| XL/5 | 83-88 cm | 108-113 cm |
| XXL/6 | 89-94 cm | 114-119 cm |
| XXXL/7 | 95-100 cm | 120-125 cm |
What to do if the waist, hip, and bust measurements fall into two different swimsuit sizes?
It is a very common situation: bust, waist, and hips do not always fall into the same size. In these cases, it is important to prioritize the measurement that most affects the fit of the swimsuit.
For a one-piece swimsuit, the most important parameter is generally the hips, because the fabric must fit the hips properly without being too tight. For example, if the bust fits size M but the hips fit size L, it is advisable to choose size L to ensure greater comfort and a better overall fit. If you are between two sizes and prefer a less tight fit, opting for the larger size can be the most comfortable choice.
For a bikini, the choice is simpler because top and bottoms can be considered separately. Use bust and underbust measurements to find the bikini top size and waist and hips measurements to choose the bottoms. This way, you can achieve a more precise fit and best enhance your body’s proportions.
If your measurements are exactly on the border between two sizes, also consider the chosen model: a swimsuit with structured cups or more support may require a different evaluation compared to a soft or highly stretchable model.
How to tell if a swimsuit fits correctly?
A properly fitting swimsuit follows the body's lines without constricting and remains comfortable throughout the day.
Specifically, it should:
- fit naturally;
- support the bust without compressing;
- not leave excessive marks on the skin;
- stay in place during movement;
- maintain a comfortable fit even after swimming.
When a swimsuit fits well, you hardly notice you're wearing it: it moves with you and allows you to feel comfortable on every occasion.
How to choose a swimsuit online without getting the wrong size?
Before buying a swimsuit online, always check the updated measurements of bust, underbust, waist, and hips. Avoid relying solely on the size you usually buy, as the fit can vary depending on the model, fabric, and level of support offered by the garment.
Comparing your measurements with the Pompea size guide and evaluating the top and bottoms separately in the case of bikinis is the easiest way to find the best fit and shop with greater confidence.
Still unsure about the size?
Since swimwear is subject to specific return restrictions for hygiene reasons, it is important to carefully check your measurements before purchasing. To help you choose, Pompea provides detailed size guides for one-piece swimsuits, bikinis, and bottoms, so you can find the best fit based on bust, underbust, waist, and hips. For updated information on withdrawal and return conditions, please consult the Pompea Withdrawal and Returns page.
If, in addition to size, you want to understand which model best enhances your silhouette, you can also read our in-depth article on tips and advice for choosing the perfect swimsuit.
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