With the warmer weather on the horizon (at last!) and exciting holidays hopefully in the pipeline; you might be looking to invest in some stylish new swimwear. Finding the best swimwear for your body shape can work wonders for your confidence, helping you look and feel fabulous wherever you go! 

We know how important it is to feel supported and comfortable in your swimwear, without compromising on style! With so many options to choose from, we've made it easy to find your perfect fit. From one piece swimsuits to bikinis, and fixed/adjustable straps to strapless bandeaus, there's a swimwear style to suit every shape and size.

Discover our size guide top tips to help you navigate the swimwear market and find a suit that fits, flatters and will help you feel fabulous on your holiday!

How to select the right swimsuit size? 

Taking body measurements  

To find the swimsuit shape and size that's right for you, it's important to measure yourself.  You can also use your lingerie size as a reference point. Remember that different countries have different measurement guides, so when selecting your swimsuit size, refer to the brand size guide to make sure you're looking at the right dimensions. 

Swimwear is a close-fitting garment so it's important to get the fit spot on. Using a soft tape measure can be helpful to measure close to your body. If you don’t have one, you could also use a length of string to take the dimensions and then compare this to a measuring tape. 

BUST 

Measure around the fullest part of your bust. For the most accurate measurement, please wear a comfortable unlined/unpadded bra when measuring.   

WAIST 

Measure your waist at the narrowest part of your torso. Wrap your tape measure around this area, which is usually on or close to your navel. Make sure the tape is snug but not digging into your skin. 

HIPS 

Measure the widest part around your hips. For most women this is generally 20cm or 8 inches below your natural waistline. 

LENGTH 

Measure from the highest point of your shoulder, down beneath the crotch, and back up to the starting point of your shoulder. This is an important step for our customers as we offer both standard and longer-length swimsuits at Seaspray.

Choosing your Bikini top 

To select your perfect bikini size, you'll need to know your bra size - this is the measurement around your rib cage, underneath your bust, along with your breast cup size which is the area around the fullest part of your breasts. 

To ensure the best fit for your bikini top, measure your bust size with a soft tape measure. Remember to stand up straight and wear a non-padded comfortable bra for taking these measurements. 

Selecting the right size is about finding the right balance of support, without being too tight, so that you feel confident and comfortable with the fit.  Particularly for those with a heavier bust, the distribution of breast weight should be evenly supported by the under band of the bikini. You should feel supported by the fabric of the cup which should contain your breast completely. 

The under-wiring should sit securely at the centre between your breasts, with the wiring flat against your body. Adjustable straps are helping in achieving a snug, yet comfortable fit.

Bikini styles selection guide 

• Bandeau Bikini Top - These are a great option if you want a nice even tan across your shoulders, without strap tan lines! An adjustable, removable strap offers maximum flexibility with soft cup support. 

• Sweetheart Padded Bikini Top - The sweet heart padded bikini top features padded, underwired foam cups and a sweetheart neckline to create a beautiful and flattering uplift. Perfect for fuller busts. 

• Plunge Bikini Top - Our underwired plunge bikini tops are designed with a beautiful low-cut neckline for less coverage, without the loss of support. They come with lightly padded foam cups.  

• Halter Bikini Top - Designed with straps that tie around the neck rather than sitting on your shoulders, this style offers a plunging neckline alongside great uplift and support for fuller busts. 

Choosing your bikini bottoms

Your bikini bottom size is found by measuring your hips.  To take your measurements, place your tape measure around the widest point of your pelvis and then refer to the brand size guide to match to your ideal size. 

• High Waist Bikini Brief – Provides the fullest flattering coverage with tummy control for a figure-defining shape, with firm yet comfortable support. 

• Midi Bikini brief – This shape reveals a little more tummy (perfect for sun-worshippers who want a tummy-tan!) but still has tummy control mesh for support and shaping around the mid-section. 

• Gathered fold over brief – The most flexible shape, this type of brief can be pulled up and worn as a high waist or midi, or folded down for a skirted look. 

The advantage of a bikini is you have the option to mix and match styles and sizes effortlessly to find the right fit for you. You can choose colours that complement each other or mix and match patterns to create multiple combinations. This flexibility can give you more swimwear options from fewer items, helping you pack lighter.

Choosing your one-piece swimsuit 

For the one-piece swimsuit sizing, your bust, waist and hip measurements will guide you to the right swimsuit size for you. Please refer to the brand swimwear size guide to match your measurements to the correct size. Remember to consider standard versus longer-length swimwear too!

Longer Length 

Remember that Seaspray offers swimwear in standard and longer length options which gives you an additional bespoke fit to suit your shape.  For reference, typical height for a regular fit is 5 ft 1inch to 5ft 5 inches and for a longer length fit is 5 ft 6 inches to 5 ft 10 inches.   

Know Your Body Shape and Type to Find a Flattering Fit 

At Seaspray we believe that our individuality is what makes us beautiful. Celebrating our bodies and growing our confidence isn't about minimising or concealing your body, it's about making the most of your natural, unique shape.  

You’ll probably know whether you feel more confident in bright, vibrant colours and floral prints, or whether you’d prefer a more classic neutral colour where the flair is in the details. But when it comes to body shape - especially when shopping online - it can be harder to know which swimsuit will help us feel comfortable.

Here are some suggestions to help identify your body type. Keep this in mind when selecting your swimwear to help you explore the different styles and shapes that can flatter your figure.

Swimsuit size by body type 

• Pear figure features a smaller bust and top half, with a defined waist and curvier hips and thighs.  To enhance this beautiful shape, you may want to balance your proportions by drawing the eye upwards. Look for halter tops, bandeau styles, or plunging V neckline shapes that will accentuate the bust area to balance your top half with your hips.  Styles featuring patterns or prints and ruffles or embellishments on the top half also create extra interest, however a plainer, full-coverage option or high-waisted style brief would also be a flattering fit. 

• Rectangle figure features a streamlined silhouette with a smaller bust and hips, with straight up-and-down shaping and minimal waist definition. If you're looking to enhance your curves, select suits with ruching, ruffles, and bold prints on both the top and bottom. Wrap tops and empire waist styles will also work well to define the waist. To add volume to the bust, a strapless bandeau or bikini top or a one piece suit featuring flattering gathering, ruching, ruffles or bold prints with lightly padded cups for extra volume. For a two piece, look for side tie briefs with frills or detailing to add definition and create the illusion of extra curves. 

• Apple figure features a fuller bust and a rounder shape around the mid-section of the body, with a slimmer lower body. Shapes such as a one-piece Empire waist suit with ruching or draping at the top will enhance your beautiful figure.  Contour and create definition around the waist with tummy control in a one-piece swimsuit or high waisted bikini briefs. This will also provide additional coverage to support your midsection, smooth your silhouette and enhance those curves. Look for plunging necklines such as a halter neck and fuller coverage bikini tops with under-wiring which will highlight your shoulders and elongate your torso, whilst supporting your bust and shaping your figure.  High cut briefs or high leg one pieces will make the most of those slender legs.  

• Hourglass figure features balanced proportions with a defined waist, evenly proportioned shoulders and hips and a fuller bust which tapers in at a narrower waist.  One pieces and bikinis will work wonders to compliment this body shape! In particular, bandeau and halter neck styles with sweetheart or plunging V necklines will flatter your bust.

Audrey double draped which will flatter the contours of your shape and create a beautiful Brigitte Bardot beachside glamour.  

A matching underwire or halter neck bikini set like the Bora Bora pleated bikini in a single block colour will also be sure to reflect your hourglass shape.  

Final considerations  

It's also worth thinking about the below swimwear features to help you find your perfect - and most comfortable - fit.

• Support: If you have a larger bust, prioritise supportive tops with underwire or ruching. You should be able to enjoy your swim and relax on a sun lounger with peace of mind, without constantly tugging and pulling to keep comfortable. If you'd like extra shape and contouring around your torso, consider a tummy control or shaping swimsuit.

• Comfort: Confidence comes from feeling comfortable and supported. Choose a one piece or two piece that allows for movement if you enjoy being active, whether you're swimming laps or doing aqua aerobics, you'll need to choose a comfortable swimsuit that provides the best support. The shape of the swimsuit is important to allow for freedom of movement. 

• Adjustability: Adjustable features can also help ensure a custom fit. Our bodies are different and unique, so having the option to tighten up straps or choose a longer length style could make the world of difference in finding the best fit. 

• Fabric: It's worth looking at the composition of the garment fabric. Most swimwear is made up of a combination of Nylon Polyamide along with Elastane or Lycra which gives the fabric its stretch.  The best ratio should be around 80/20 split so that your suit returns back to its original shape well. Seaspray swimwear is made Xtra Life Elastane, the latest LYCRA ® lasting FIT technology, to deliver longer-lasting benefits to the life fit, comfort and shape of your swimwear garment. This specialist quality fabric ensures you can continue to wear your favourite looks for many holidays to come. 

• Detailing: Ruched fabric or tailored detailing can help streamline your silhouette to create a flattering, balanced waist and torso.

• Personal Style: Don't be afraid to experiment with your shape and style! Try a bolder print, a new colour or a different shape so you can glide down to the pool or beach feeling fabulous. 

• Timing: In our experience, shopping for swimwear should be done as far in advance as possible, as this means you will have many more choices whilst stock remains plentiful for all the ranges and sizes.  

At Seaspray, we firmly believe that everybody is beautiful and everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in the sun. Your holiday is a time for relaxation and fun - an escape from the ordinary. We want to provide peace of mind that you look and feel fabulous, so you can get back to having a good time! Our huge selection of flattering swimwear styles are designed to suit every figure, with hidden support, clever draping and adjustable straps to give you confidence this summer and beyond. 

We hope this guide will help you find your perfect swimwear for the holiday season, but remember that - above all - you should choose a swimsuit or bikini that you love! Confidence is your biggest super-power, so embrace your unique body type, have fun exploring different shapes and styles, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone with new patterns and colours. Have a wonderful summer!