Swimwear sizing is notoriously inconsistent across brands, and the standard S/M/L system tells you almost nothing useful about whether a specific cut will fit your body. A better approach is to think in terms of proportion: the relationship between your bust, waist, and hip measurements, and the specific cut of the garment you are considering.

Bust Measurement vs. Cup Size

For bikini tops, the relevant measurement is your underbust circumference and your bust circumference. The difference between the two gives you your cup size, but the underbust measurement determines which band size you need. Many women wear a band size that is too large and a cup that is too small, which causes the top to ride up at the back and gap at the front. If you are between sizes, size down in the band and up in the cup.

Hip-to-Waist Ratio and Bottom Cut

The cut of a bikini bottom that flatters a given body depends largely on the ratio of hip to waist measurement. A higher hip-to-waist ratio. What is sometimes called a pear or hourglass shape. Is generally well served by a higher-rise bottom, which covers more of the hip and creates a longer line at the waist. A lower ratio is often better served by a lower-rise cut. Our Riviera bottom is a slightly higher rise than standard, which Emiko designed specifically for this reason.

Torso Length and One-Piece Fit

One-piece swimsuits and bodysuits are particularly sensitive to torso length. The distance from your shoulder to your crotch. A suit cut for a standard torso length will pull uncomfortably at the shoulders or gape at the leg opening if your torso is longer or shorter than average. When ordering a bodysuit or one-piece, measure your torso length and compare it to the garment's stated length. Our fit notes include this measurement for every relevant style.

When to Consider Made-to-Measure

If you consistently find that off-the-rack swimwear fits in one area and not another. The top fits but the bottom does not, or the length is wrong. Made-to-measure is worth considering. It is not only for unusual body types. It is for anyone who has a specific fit requirement that standard sizing does not address. Our made-to-measure service starts at ¥38,000 and has a four-week lead time.

Our summer fit guide covers this in more detail, with diagrams. Sign up to receive it free by email from the homepage.