Have you ever thought about buying a swimsuit online? Finding the perfect fit and right swimwear can be an intimidating experience, but it doesn’t need to be! Online shopping allows you to look at endless options from the comfort of your own home.
No matter your body type, you deserve swimwear that makes you feel confident and comfortable. To make virtual shopping for the perfect swimsuit a little easier, here are 7 bikini shopping tips to help you find the perfect swimsuit online.
1. Check The Return Policy
This is the most important tip before you buy swimwear online. Due to hygiene reasons, some stores won’t let you return swimwear once you’ve worn them. Some brands do let you return, but you must leave the hygiene strip on and all original tags.
Always check the fine print before you buy swimwear. You don’t want to be stuck with pieces that you don’t want. Also, consider the Earth: The Environmental Impact of Returns and Exchanges.
2. Look At The Size Chart
Don’t try and guess what size you’ll need, as sizing measurements always vary from store to store. We’ll have to wait a while for brands to standardize dress sizes, but until then, you’ll have to look at their charts.
Measure your bust, waist, and hips with a tape measure. Relax your body and breathe normally, ensuring that the tape isn’t too tight or too loose.
Note these numbers down in inches and centimeters, then compare them with the size chart. If you’re in between sizes, read reviews of other buyers and/or reach out to the seller and ask if sizes tend to run big or small.
Swimwear that doesn’t fit properly can be distracting for you while trying to enjoy yourself at the beach or at the pool on vacation! You deserve to look your best, so always check the size chart!
Strange Bikini Size Chart: What Size Bikini Should I Buy?
3. What Type Of Swimwear Do You Need?
Think about where you’ll be wearing your swimwear. A string bikini may not be the best choice if you’re going to be jumping around playing beach volleyball! Or...is it?? If you’re planning on being active, wider straps and higher necks will support your chest. Save the skimpier pieces for relaxing by the pool.
Try thinking about what you don’t like in a swimsuit. Are you always falling out of your bikini top? Adjustable or thicker straps can help your girls stay in place. Do your high-waisted bottoms keep rolling down? Search for styles with extra support (like ties) in the waistband.
Remember to think about color. Your white two-piece swimsuit may look great sunbathing, but a little water could reveal more than you wanted to! Pale shades and sheer fabrics look great in the sun, but if you’re going to take a dip later, take note of which brand you’re buying from and be sure to buy high-quality.
Buying online means you can’t feel if your swimwear will hold up underwater. Generally, less expensive brands push fast-fashion and use cheaper fabrics that become see-through when wet. Higher quality brands use durable and sustainable materials. Always read the online description, and think about what you’ll be doing when wearing your swimwear.
4. Materials
Even the best peach can look bad in saggy bikini bottoms! High-quality materials will stop your swimsuit from loosening up over time. Swimwear tends to be made of nylon blended with either lycra or elastane.
When you find a style you like, look at the description to see if these materials have an 80:20 ratio. These proportions will make your swimwear hug your body nicely but return to its previous shape once you take it off.
If you prefer more support, look out for underwires or tummy-shaping fabrics. High-quality materials can also resist oils or prevent pilling, which is great if you’ll wear your piece a lot. If you like sunbathing, UV protective swimwear can help block out harmful sun rays. Just don’t forget to order some sunscreen!
5. Desired Coverage
What styles and cuts make you feel good? Every body is a beach body, but that doesn’t mean that everyone wants to wear a tiny bikini. For some, that may mean a full-coverage one-piece. For others, that may mean a bikini with a plunging top.
Think about the features that you love about yourself. Love your large chest? A halter top draws attention to your boobs while keeping them supported. Adore your long legs? High rise or tie side bottoms will show your pins off nicely.
And yes, you can wear a bikini if you have a tummy! If you’re conscious about your stomach but want to dip your toe in the two-piece section, high-waisted bottoms are your best friend. They’ll give you the extra support you want but will still show off your gorgeous physique. We want to keep our new pieces for a long time, so be honest about how much skin you want to show.
6. Use Social Media
A neon two-piece might look great online, but you may not like how it looks on you. Luckily, apps like Instagram and Pinterest display a range of diverse people. A few searches and you can see how different styles and colors look on those with your body type and skin tone.
Similarly, rather than only looking at a swimwear brand’s Instagram profile, also look at people who’ve tagged the brand as well. You’ll find pictures of real users wearing their bathing suits or people sharing what they think about specific designs. Seeing people that look like you can help you decide what swimwear to buy.
7. When In Doubt, Go For Separates
Most of us aren’t just one size, and that’s completely normal! Your top half may be larger than your lower half, or vice versa. Search for brands that sell their swimwear in separates, rather than ones that sell sets.
You’ll get a better fit (and feel most confident) as you can buy the right sized pieces for your body. If you’re unsure, you can’t go wrong with tie-side bottoms, as you can adjust these to your liking.
In Short...
Shopping for swimwear online can be tricky, but with the tips above, you’re sure to find some pieces that you’ll never want to return. Whether you go for a bikini or a one-piece, wear your new swimwear with pride and flaunt your fabulous figure!