How to Determine Swimsuit Size

Buying beachwear online often feels like a lottery. You look at a pretty photo, order your usual size, and at the pickup point you get a piece that either bites mercilessly into the body or slips at the slightest move.

The Nova Vega team knows how much stress endless returns and exchanges cost.

The thing is, a standard M on your favourite T-shirt and the same M on swim bottoms are often completely different stories.

Spend five minutes on proper measurements and choosing the perfect set stops being a problem — and the holiday starts in a great mood.

Why your usual clothing size doesn't work here

Beach fabrics behave differently from everyday cotton or dense denim.

Stretch materials expand in water and get slightly heavier when wet. If you want to know more about how these materials behave, read our article on what swimsuits are made of.

Buying a size down thinking "let it hold me in" is a bad idea.

Synthetic fabric simply over-stretches across the skin and creates unflattering rolls where there were none. Sizing up isn't the answer either — a wet piece instantly loses shape and gathers into ugly bubbles. You need your exact, real size as of today.

How to take measurements: step by step

All you need is a soft tape measure and a large mirror. Measure in thin, non-padded underwear, standing upright and relaxed. Don't suck in your stomach or hold your breath — you do plan to breathe at the beach.

Bust. Run the tape over the fullest points of the bust. It should stay parallel to the floor and not sag at the back. Don't pull it too tight — it should just sit snugly against the body.

Underbust. Measure firmly right under the base of the bust. This number is critical if you're choosing a top with firm support. It decides whether the top holds shape reliably or starts riding up every time you lift your arms.

Waist. Find the narrowest part of the torso, usually just above the navel. Again — keep the stomach natural and relaxed.

Hips. Wrap the tape around the fullest points of the glutes. Keep it level front and back.

The size chart: decoding letters and numbers

Every maker has its own pattern quirks. But there's a base international chart you can safely rely on. Just match your fresh measurements to the table below.

If your measurements land right between two sizes, consider the cut. For dense, closed styles, size up. A tie-side or oversize swimsuit, on the other hand, forgives imprecision — the side lacing lets you fine-tune the fit yourself.

What to do with non-standard proportions

A common story — you need an L on top and an S on the bottom, or the reverse. In those cases, ready one-piece swimsuits may fit imperfectly, straining in one area and gathering in another.

If that's you, look at two-piece swimsuits. You can pick the perfect supportive top separately, then browse the women's swim bottoms section and build your own flawless set. It solves the top-bottom size gap once and for all.

How fit depends on the style

Different beach tasks call for different approaches. If you want a shaping effect, look at styles with special panels.

Do read about how a tummy-control swimsuit works. Take these exactly true to size — the dense inner mesh delivers the sculpting effect without any discomfort.

If your bust is petite, read about what push-up swimwear is and who it's for. Remember that voluminous padded cups take up some of the top's inner space, so it sometimes makes sense to try the top one size up.

Another eternal question — a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit. One-pieces depend more on your height. If you're over 175 cm, the fabric can pull vertically. Look for brands with elongated patterns, or rely on adjustable straps.

What to watch after buying

The right size is what makes a piece last. Heavy tension breaks down elastane fibres and the fabric thins quickly. To extend the life of a favourite piece, learn the simple rules on how to care for a swimsuit.

To finish your look on the promenade or by the pool, browse ready beach sets. Light cover-ups, palazzo pants and sheer tunics shield your shoulders from the blazing sun and add stylish accents.

At Nova Vega we build patterns carefully, based on the measurements of real women's figures. Our main goal is your comfort and confidence at the beach. Read more about how we create our collections on the about us page. Measure accurately once, and no more agonising doubts in the fitting room.

FAQ

How do I know the bottoms are too small?

They bite painfully into the sides, leaving visible skin folds, or keep sliding down as you walk. The fabric on the glutes should lie smooth without pulling.

What if my top and bottom are different sizes?

Forget sets in a single package. Build the look yourself, buying top and bottoms separately — it's normal for most body types.

Is it true the fabric stretches in water?

Yes, stretch synthetics loosen slightly when wet. So a dry piece at first fitting should sit very snugly against the body — but not restrict your breathing.

How much room for a one-piece if I'm tall?

Don't size up — the fabric will sag at the waist. Better choose styles with lacing, adjustable back straps, or go for two-piece cuts.

How do I size a soft, wire-free top?

Go primarily by the underbust measurement. Soft, elastic non-padded cups adapt easily to the natural shape of your bust.