Getting a Good Fit in Women's Bikini. Swimwear & One Piece Swimwear

Women's swimwear can stretch up to 100% in some cases. Typically 75%, but what this really means is that the material will compress the body mass it encloses as it stretches more and more. If you stretch bikini swimwear material beyond its maximum comfort zone then unsightly bulges can result.

- AS Harris

What this means for most people is that if your hips are 41 " then do not order a medium bottom. Order a large. A medium will fit but unless you have very good skin and muscle tone, then those unsightly bulges will probably result. 

So it is VERY important to get proper measurements. Proper body measurement is key to a successful outcome. We'll take you through the basic measurements that the clothing industry depends on. 

How To Measure: Use a cloth tape measure if possible. Note: Older flexible tape measures can sometimes stretch and distort over time. The person being measured should be wearing his or her normal undergarments only. Measurements taken over bulky or constricting clothing will not be accurate. If you're measuring for something that will be worn only with a certain pair of shoes or a certain undergarment, it's okay to wear them during the measurement process. 

Chest: To measure the chest circumference, place the tape around the fullest part of the chest or bust, under the arms. Keep the tape parallel to the floor. For chest width, measure across the widest part of the chest, beginning and ending at the point where the arm touches the body on each side. 

Waist: You can find the true waist by taking a string or elastic band and tying it (parallel to the floor; snugly but not too tight) around the trunk of the person being measured. It will naturally fall to the narrowest part of the trunk. If you think the true waist area is too high, measure the circumference where you (or the person you're measuring) normally likes to wear pants or a skirt.

Hips: Measure around the body keeping tape around the largest part of the hips.