Swimwear sizing-need your help, pls!(updated: it's here!:-)) - YouLookFab Forum

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Swimwear sizing-need your help, pls!(updated: it's here!:-))

lyn67

Veteran

I just found this on the ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PANA.....-D-to-K-Cu

Panache is sizing their swimwear after bra sizes (and that's OK-I know my bra size-but I have had only swimsuits sized same as my dress/top size).

Is a bra sized swimsuit taking account of other measurements like hips and length of the torso? I wear my bras snugs, and i would like to have good support on the beach, too- but I am concerned about length, and some comfort in the big heat, too).

I'm not particulary a tall person (171cm only) but have a longish torso and apple tendencies wich will probably also take away from the legth of the swimsuit, and I so hate when the underwires are not staying in their place(but lower on the tummy), so not high enough(quite under the breasts) for doing their job as required.

How can one convert her dress size to bra//swimwear size?

Do you always size up your swimsuits? How did you figure out?

I am more aware in EU/UK sizings, but you can advice on the US/AU sizings as well(will do the conversions by myself:-)).

Thank you for your kind help. Maybe it's still on time for other members, too:-))

ETA on 28.06.2013:

Just received it in my post. Wow! I NEVER EVER HAD ONE BETTER SWIMMSUIT in ages, and I can really tell you it's all about the underwired bust support-the bra like band/closure on the back and the rutching on the front body!!!

I also like the good weight and the deep red fabric, the lconcealed wires, and the thin straps, which all make things a bit sexier.

I went with my bra size,(thanx Astrid) and it fit perfect on my longish torso, with good coverage on the crotch area and rear, too+ a moderate(=flaterring for me) leg openings(front and back).

I'm in awe!!:-)

&Recomand for others, too!!

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

rute

Veteran

I don't size up my swimsuits because the fabrics always gives a bit a no one wants a swimsuit that doesn't stay in place!

I don't convert dress sizes into swimwear because they are so different. I guess I'm not a big help..

Charmian

Veteran

I think Angie recommends going up in size; here's a little more info:http://youlookfab.com/2011/05/.....swimsuits/

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Traditionally it has been recommended to go up a size, but I'm starting to wonder if manufacturers are doing some vanity sizing these days. The last couple of suits I've bought were consistent with the larger of my usual dress sizes (I'm typically a 6 or 8 and needed an 8 in my swimsuits -- the 10s puckered around the backside, a sign that the suit will bag out and be too large when wet).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote size up - unless they offer the actual bra size on the suit - like 32DDD. In that case the size is accurate.

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, I generally buy bra-sized swimsuits but I only buy bikinis, so this may not be super helpful to you... but in any case, I do buy my true bra size, sometimes I size up one cup size if I want more coverage. Definitely buy the true band size though, since you don't want it stretching out.

As for bottoms... the reason why I don't (or can't, more accurately) buy one-pieces is that my bottom is decidedly bigger than my 34C or size 8 top would suggest (pear shape here!). Anyway, I'd say it goes more or less with your underwear size in S/M/L or your pants size if numbered although I sometimes size up. I like adjustable bottoms (with ties or adjustments on the sides) to be honest because I carry most of my weight in the back (bottom) vs. the front (tummy) so the right size for my butt sometimes results in bagging in the front.

I know angie has said to size up in swimwear but I don't really find this to be the case. Maybe because I only buy separates that are sized individually, more like bras and underwear?

I'm not sure this is helpful to you. I suspect there is a lot of variability by brand and there is no consistent method of sizing, and you'll just have to try on multiple sizes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is the skinny:

If you wear a one piece that is sized like clothing - you always size up - sometimes 2 sizes. I haven't yet met a client where this has not been the case.

If the suit is sized like a bra - you buy your bra size. My bikinis are a size 30D - which is my bra size on the tightest setting. I bought the XS bottoms to match. Diana - to your point!

I wear a size 0 and an XS. I always buy size S knickers. In my experience, sizing up in panties is the only way to prevent things from riding up. Lots of people wear their undies too small - which then shrink even further in the drier if they are 100% cotton. Don't be frightened to size up.

lyn67

Veteran

Thank Angie, and y'all for stopping by.
Just to clear up things. This is a one piece swimsuit, which has underwires-and is bra sized. But am wonderring if should size up in band size for comfort (as usually my bras are very snug, and am afraid will be unbearable on the beach, in the big heat and no AC:-)) and also wondering how is a bra sized one piece swimsuit relating to any of a dress size?

I mean, if buying a UK34D(Panache it's an UK brand if I know well), will this be the same like when buying for ex. from Marks and Spencer an UK14 swimsuit(as M&S are mainly sizing their suits by dress size)? I'm not that big on my lower half to be really concerned about not fitting in for this part of my body, but I'm more worried about the swimsuit's length. If it's shorter than needed the underwires will not stay in place and will not do anything for me(I have had this problem in the past when first looking for underwired one piece swimsuits).

Up to the moment I was mainly wearing sport brands which size their one piece swimsuits as dress sizes. And so it was easy to deal with.
Now, I would like an underwired one, for a better suport to my girls, and just wonderred if one buys a bra size 34D how can be sure will fit in the length, or on the hips, too? With my 171cm. I am at the between normal height and tall if I know well(?).

Is bra sizing asuming normal height, or are there any guidelines for that, pls?

In the meantime is dress sized swimsuits asuming a certain bra size?

Sorry if I am a bit dummy on the thema...I cannot try them on, and would really like to avoid extra shipment time and costs for the returns(abroad).

Jjsloane

Veteran

Very helpful information and Angie is right on from my experience too. I've always wanted but never purchased a swimsuit in my actual bra size for the same reasons you've stated (unsure of sizing on rest of it) I o size up on 1 pieces and always prefer at least underwire support in them. Not in bikini shape, but I buy Tankinis if they cover enough and have underwire support.

lyn67

Veteran

Thanx Joanne(posted in the same time:-)) but do you size up in band's size, or cup's size, too.
(In sport brands, when sized by dress size, I never needed to size up).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, it sounds as if you are concerned about torso length more than anything. Some manufacturers (like Land's End) offer torso lengths in their one-piece suits (petite, regular, long) and that can be useful. In this case, I wonder if the seller could give you the torso length measurement?

I agree with you that in one piece suits, this figure can be just as important. In fact, it might be one reason why sizing up in dress-sized suits is helpful!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nothing is for sure, Lyn 67. The best you can do is make the most informed decision using the info on this thread.

Why don't you skip the whole ebay swimsuit thing. It sounds awfully risky unless you know the exact size in the exact suit from fitting it on before. It's so much easier to pursue the purchasing avenue in which you can make swimwear returns.

Marley

Veteran

I agree with Angie. I would never try to buy a swimsuit without getting a chance to try it on first. There are just too many variables (many of them already mentioned in this thread) to know what size you need to order. My advice - go try a bunch IRL!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree that buying swimsuits online would be very difficult!

I find that in bra sized swimwear I take my usual bra size, not sized up. Seems like the sizes in bra-sized swimwear are pretty consistent with actual bra sizes.

Angie, I wonder if sizing up in swimwear is really only advisable if you're not short-torsoed. Sizing up doesn't seem to work well for me, maybe because I'm not long in the torso and I don't have much of a booty. Suits get baggy on my behind if I size up. (My fit issues are the leg openings being big enough and the bust being supportive.)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I haven't noticed that to be the case so far, Janet. Once, I had a client who wears a size 8 in a size 8 bathing costume because she is extremely small chested and the suit was cut very long in the body because of retro ruching. Her bust was drowning in the size 10 although the rest fit pretty well. So we went with the size 8.

Echo

Veteran

I agree about buying only when you can try it on first. I have an extremely long torso despite not being very tall, and so many suits - even the so-called "long torso" styles - are just plain too short. Even after sizing up (and up again in some cases), I find that the bust underwire or seams don't reach the proper place and then the bum is bagging. It is so dependent on the brand, though, because I own two swimsuits now that are not long-torso styles and yet fit perfectly.

There are just too many variables in buying swimwear to take chances, IMO. Always keep open the option to return.

Irene

Veteran

I usually go with bikinis because they are comfier for me and easier to fit (I have one of those weird bra sizes and a small bottom part). If I had tummy issues, I would probably go with a tankini.

I only have a one-piece and it doesn't have wired breast cups. It doesn't have cups, period, because it's a sports one-piece meant for swimming. I had to go two sizes up for it to fit.

lyn67

Veteran

So, thanx y'all, again.
I just bought it in my bra size, now see what happens:-).
(Angie: I dn't have the good brands around my place here,-others don't even have underwired swimsuits- so cannot try them on:-((. I know Panache is doing good things for busty girls, and thought will take a chance on e-bay, as they sell it also at good price.)

Astrid

Veteran

I'm keeping my finger crossed that the length works out! I think going with your bra size was a good idea, I wouldn't worry about the swimsuit being too snug. I just tried some Panache bikini tops a few days ago and would have needed to size down to a 60 in the band because I like it snug and the band was a bit wider than the usual bra bands.

lyn67

Veteran

ETA on 28.06.2013:

Just received it in my post. Wow! I NEVER EVER HAD ONE BETTER SWIMMSUIT in ages, and I can really tell you it's all about the underwired bust support-the bra like band/closure on the back and the rutching on the front body!!!

I also like the good weight and the deep red fabric, the lconcealed wires, and the thin straps, which all make things a bit sexier.

I went with my bra size(Thanx Astrid), and it fit perfect on my longish torso, with good coverage on the crotch area and rear, too+ a moderate(=flaterring for me) leg openings(front and back).

I'm in awe.

Recomand for others, too:-)

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

This is a great thread - very useful information! Lyn, I'm so glad you got a suit that fits you and makes you happy!

Astrid

Veteran

That's fantastic, Lyn! I'm glad it worked out. A great looking and fitting swimsuit is a treasure. I only ever buy swimwear with bra sizing now.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fabulous, Lyn! So glad it worked out for you. That is wonderful. I am inspired; I have not yet tried a bra sized swimsuit, but now I will do so.

Astrid

Veteran

I've just seen that Ebay has my size in an absolutely gorgeous teal for a song. I'm really tempted to try it...

ETA

Okay, forget it. I just ordered a new bottom to go with my still fitting tankini top. That's the easiest solution to get myself some swimwear that fits again.

Inge

(website)

A happy end, yay!! I love this shade of red, Lyn, and I bet it looks stunning on you. Now enjoy your new bathing suit!!