How to Try on a Bikini

Co-authored by Neepa Sikdar

Last Updated: September 9, 2022 References

Anyone can wear a bikini, but it can be difficult to find the one that you feel the most comfortable in. Bring a friend with you when you go bikini shopping, choose a top and a bottom that you feel the most confident in, and make sure the bikini fits before you purchase it.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing the Bikini

1
Choose tops and bottoms separately. Buying a set can lead to a poor fit. Choose your tops and bottoms separately because you are likely a different size on the top than you are on the bottom.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.} For example, you may be a medium on top but a large might fit you best on the bottom. Try different sizing combinations until you find exactly what you love and feel most confident in. ^{[2]
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2
Select the top you want. There are many options for bikini tops available.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.} Finding the right one depends on your style and body type. The most basic bikini top is the triangle top. This top is adjustable but does not offer a lot of support. The half cup, balconette, and plunge shaped tops are similar to bras and offer more support. Bandeau and strapless bikini tops are great for avoiding tan lines. Choose a swimsuit top you are comfortable in and that you like the style of. Try on various styles because you never know what you might like.
- Get a swim top you can slip on if you hate tying your top or it always comes untied.
- Stick to a classic shape if you want to avoid strange tan lines. ^{[4]
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3
Choose a swimsuit top with a demi bra if you need extra support. If you can never get your large bust to fit in a bikini top comfortably, opt for a top with a demi bra. The extra support will make you feel more confident at the beach or pool. For even more support, you can get a top with underwire, including underwire straps. ^{[5]
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4
Pick a swimsuit with adjustable ties if you have a small frame. If your bust is small, get a bikini top with ties that you can adjust. Having the ability to adjust your suit will help you get your bikini tight and close to your chest so it does not fall off. If you want a strapless top, choose one that has boning on the sides and removable padding to keep it from sliding off. ^{[6]
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5
Decide on the bottoms you like. The Euro or normal bikini bottom is low on the hips and is the most common bikini choice. The Brazilian bikini bottom has half coverage on the back. Choose a thong bottom if you want no coverage on the back.
- You can opt for board shorts or skirted bottoms instead of traditional swimsuit bottoms for more coverage.
- Get high waisted bottoms if you do not want to show your belly button. ^{[7]
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- Strings on the sides of the bottoms make your hips appear smaller.
6
Consider choosing a color to compliment your skin tone. You can choose the color of your bikini based on your skin tone if you would like. Emeralds and pastels look good on light skin. Medium skin tones look best in bright colors and metallic. Dark skin tones look great with bold blues and reds. ^{[8]
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Research source} These are only suggestions. You can wear whatever color of swimsuit you think looks best on you.
- Be aware that white bikinis can be see-through when they get wet.
- Bright colors can make your skin look more tanned.
- If you want an area to look slimmer, whether your top half or your bottom half, then wear that in a darker color.^{[9]
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  Neepa Sikdar
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 11 February 2022.}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Putting on the Bikini

1
Bring a friend with you. Bring a close and trusted friend or family member, like your mom or sister, to shop with you and to wait outside the dressing room for you. They can help you choose what looks best on you and get you a different size while you are changing. Having support can be great if the bikini shopping starts to get you down and you need encouragement. ^{[10]
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2
Keep your underwear on. You can take your bra off when trying on a swimsuit but make sure you keep your underwear on to avoid spreading and contracting any diseases. ^{[11]
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Research source} Wear a thin pair of underwear to the store to give you a better idea of what the bathing suit looks like without the underwear. ^{[12]
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3
Put on the top. When you put the swimsuit top on, make sure any strings are tied tightly. Adjust the swimsuit so it is comfortable but won’t come off. Arrange your breasts by gently placing them toward the center of your torso. Check in the mirror to see if the top is too high on your back or sides and adjust the straps. ^{[13]
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Research source} The top should not puncher you but also should not be able to slip off. ^{[14]
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Research source} Try jumping up and down in the dressing room to see if the top stays in place.
4
Try on the bottoms. Put the bottoms on over your underwear. You want the bottoms to be a little snug because they expand about a half inch when they get wet. Slip two fingers between the bottoms and your skin. If two fingers don’t fit, the swimsuit is too tight. Extra room between your fingers and the suit means that it is too large. Your swimsuit will get even larger when it gets wet, so it is important the bottoms are not too big. ^{[15]
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5
Take photos of yourself in the bikini. You will be able to see what the bikini looks like from all sides if you take pictures from a variety of angles and lighting. Take the photos yourself or have your friend take the photos for you. This will help you remember what the other bikinis you liked looked like on you when you are trying on different bikinis and going to different stores. ^{[16]
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6
Don’t focus on the size tag. The size of swimsuits varies greatly from store to store. In some brands you might be a small and in other brands you might be a large. If something does not fit you, try not to worry about it. Move on to the next swimsuit. ^{[17]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do I choose the right bikini?

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Neepa Sikdar is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Accessible Style. With 18 years of fashion experience, she specializes in working with female leaders to develop their style through personal styling, brand styling, and online styling. She also coaches women on personal style through her membership program. Neepa has worked with brands such as Nordstrom and J. Crew and has been featured in publications such as Business Insider. She holds a BS in Economics and English from Rutgers University and trained in styling through Fashion Institute of Technology.

Neepa Sikdar

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

Think about how much coverage you want! For instance, a high-waisted bottom could be good if you want a little less coverage.
Question

How do you shop for bikini tops if you have a big bust?

Neepa Sikdar
Personal Stylist
Neepa Sikdar is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Accessible Style. With 18 years of fashion experience, she specializes in working with female leaders to develop their style through personal styling, brand styling, and online styling. She also coaches women on personal style through her membership program. Neepa has worked with brands such as Nordstrom and J. Crew and has been featured in publications such as Business Insider. She holds a BS in Economics and English from Rutgers University and trained in styling through Fashion Institute of Technology.

Neepa Sikdar

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

Shop for bikini tops by bra size! That way, you can be confident that the bikini will fit you correctly.
Question

What if I end up buying a big bottom piece?

Community Answer

You should be able to go back to the store and exchange it for a bottom piece that's the proper size.