Let's Talk sizing...
Sizing has come a long way since I first entered the fashion industry in the 1990s—and not necessarily in a simpler direction. With no universal international sizing standard, each brand creates its own, which makes shopping—especially globally—more confusing than ever.
Swimwear is worn by women around the world, and with that comes an incredible variety of body shapes, sizes, and proportions. No single label can cater to everyone perfectly. Even long-established brands often face challenges expanding into international markets due to differences in body types and the lack of consistent sizing.
For example:
- Women of Asian descent tend to have longer torsos (by as much as 1–3cm) and shorter legs compared to Western women.
- Black women often have longer legs and shorter torsos.
On top of that, we all know our size can shift from one label to the next. My research revealed just how dramatically size charts vary:
An XS can mean:
- AU 6–8
- US 0–2
- Size S in China
In China, sizes are often based on height and weight rather than measurements, which brings its own challenges. But even using measurements doesn’t guarantee accuracy—here’s how much XS can vary:
- Bust: 74cm – 86cm (a 12cm difference!)
- Waist: 58cm – 67cm (a 9cm difference!)
- Hips: 79cm – 94.5cm (a 15cm difference!)
You might match the size chart, but still receive a piece that’s too tight or too loose—suggesting brands don’t always follow their own charts.
Model sizes can also be misleading. Here’s a glimpse at some real-life examples, all labeled as Size 6:
- 163cm tall / 72-57-71
- 165cm tall / 79-58-79
- 172cm tall / 79-63-86
- 175cm tall / 65-58-84
- 177cm tall / 79-63-90
And one Size 8:
- 176cm tall / 85-62-93
Or even a Size 10:
- 173cm tall / 79-60-85
Still confused? You're not alone.
Let’s not forget:
- High hip measurement matters most for swim bottoms, as this is where they typically sit—not at your natural waist.
- A hip measurement alone doesn’t tell the full story. Are you 90cm with a round booty and narrow front? Or flatter in back with more width across the sides?
- Total height, torso length, bust size, and cup volume all affect fit.
- And finally—your personal fit preferences: snug and secure or relaxed and comfy?
Thankfully, buying two-pieces makes mixing sizes easy (size 8 top, size 12 bottom—no problem!). But what about one-pieces?
I’ve worked hard to make my range as inclusive as possible, especially for petite frames. You may find you need to size up for your best fit.
Here’s what I’ve done to help:
- Adjustable elements on as many styles as possible—for both length and width.
- One-piece options in two variations:
- A universal torso length and bum coverage
- A longer torso length with fuller bum coverage
- Bikini bottoms in multiple cuts: cheeky - medium coverage, standard full coverage and extra full coverage
Pro tip: Use our size chart as a guide, but always consider your unique proportions and personal style preferences. A great fit is about how you feel—not just what the label says.