5 Tips To Know When Picking Swimwear (And 1 Red Flag)
One thing shoppers are always concerned about when selecting their next swimwear is choosing an option that suits their body shape and size. When shopping for a new swimsuit, you likely face the same challenge.
And yes, it can be a dilemma because swimsuits vary in style, print, color, pattern, size, material, and overall aesthetics. While we at JMP the Label strive to help our customers make the right choice by providing a comprehensive sizing guide, we recognize that selecting the perfect fit extends beyond sizing letters.
In this article, we provide essential information to help you make informed decisions about your next swimwear purchase, ensuring you avoid regrettable choices.
Key Takeaways
- Regarding material quality, check the seams and stitching, fabric thickness, and supportive features.
- The swimwear style you choose depends on the activity. For swimming, opt for a one-piece suit. Cover-ups are ideal for beach lounging.
- Select a color that suits your skin tone or a pattern that complements your body shape.
- Avoid swimwear that is too tight or too loose by using a size guide.
- Purchase swimwear from a reliable women's swimwear brand.
- The goal is to pick a swimsuit that makes you look your best. Therefore, consider your body features (the strengths) and select a swimsuit that accentuates them.
In the following sections, we break down five key factors to consider when selecting swimwear.
5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Swimwear (For The Right Fit)
Even when you turn to your favorite swimsuit models (think Kate Upton and Tyra Banks) to pick the latest trendy swimwear styles, the following factors still hold if you’re serious about making the right decision.
1. Your Body Shape Matters
When wearing a swimsuit, confidence is key. Achieve this by choosing styles that highlight your body's strengths while maintaining comfort.
For example, if you have a pear-shaped body and choose a string bikini with tiny bottoms, your hips may appear wider. Instead, a one-shoulder swimsuit or a bikini with a padded top can draw attention to your upper body, providing better balance.
Most body shapes can be categorized into a few common types. In the table below, we explain each body type and the best swimwear options.
| Body Shape | Characteristics | Best Swimwear Style |
|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Bust and hips are about the same size. The waist is smaller and well-defined. | You can choose from bikinis with underwire or halter tops, high-waisted bikini bottoms, or one-piece swimsuits featuring waist detailing. |
| Pear-shaped | Hips are noticeably wider than the bust, and the upper body is petite. | Swimsuits that are off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder, along with high-cut bottoms, are popular. |
| Apple-shaped | Full midsection with less definition at the waist, slimmer legs, and narrower hips. | One-piece swimsuits with tummy control panels, ruched or wrap-style swimsuits, and tankinis with high-waisted bottoms. |
| Long torso | The hips, waist, and bust are almost the same width, with few natural curves. | Adjustable two-piece sets |
2. Check the Quality of Material
The quality of the swimwear material demonstrates its durability and comfort. This is why someone can buy a bathing suit only to have it wear out after wearing it twice.
A poor-quality suit will be made of thinner material that feels plastic, cheap, or rough. Higher-quality fabrics will feel thick and soft.
Be sure to determine which washing method is recommended for the material. For our entire collection, maintenance is as simple as hand washing and laying the clothing flat to dry.
Another thing to check for is the seams and stitching of the swimwear. For example, if you're selecting crochet swimsuits, you want to ensure the knitting is intact.
Our signature crochet swimsuits are all handmade and hand-beaded to ensure meticulous attention to detail.
Also, consider choosing reversible swimwear to wear in different styles.
3. Choose the Right Swimwear Design (Depending on Activity)
The first thing you'd probably notice when you start shopping for swimwear for women is the variety in style.
There are various options available, including one-piece, bikini, bralette, crop top, halter top, high-neck, one-shoulder, and high-waist bottoms, among others.
While your body shape and size can influence your style choices, the activities you engage in also play a significant role.
Let's put things in perspective: it can be overkill to wear certain styles for a simple beach lounge hangout. The table below lists various common swimwear styles along with the activities that are suitable for each style:
| Swimwear Style | Features | Activity Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| One-Piece Swimsuit | It covers the torso and is available in various cuts, including high-neck, V-neck, and scoop-neck styles. Some have tummy control or built-in bras. | These styles are ideal for competitive swimming, water aerobics, beach lounging, and water parks. |
| Bikini | The bikini is a two-piece set that comes in various top styles (triangle, bandeau, halter) and bottom cuts (high-waisted, thong, Brazilian). | You can wear it for sunbathing, beach outings, light swimming, and pool parties. |
| Tankini | A two-piece suit with a longer top covering the midsection is paired with bikini-style or boyshort bottoms. | Modest swimwear choices, active beach sports, and family pool days. |
| Swim Dress | The swim dress is typically a one-piece with an attached skirt for added coverage. Built-in shorts or bottoms are often included. | This type of swimwear is suitable for modesty, plus-size comfort, and casual water activities. |
4. Bold Colors vs Patterns vs. Stripes
The swimwear's color is also important if you've chosen the style and confirmed the material's quality.
The goal should be to pick a color or print option that complements your skin tone, personal style, and the intended activity.
You should also consider safety and visibility in the water if you plan to do more swimming.
BOLD COLORS
Swimwear with bold colors creates a sleek, solid look that enhances or downplays curves. Warm skin tones look great in earthy tones (brown, orange, and gold).
Additionally, individual preferences and variations play a significant role. Our signature reversible Hilo Top, featuring bright pink on one side and orange on the other, is perfect for those who love bold colors.
PATTERNS
Patterned swimwear features floral prints or abstract designs. These design options are excellent for adding volume and drawing attention to specific body areas.
The advantage is that patterns can flatter a wide range of skin tones. Our Vegas and Leon bikini tops are available in various prints.
Such versatility makes them trendy and perfect for vacations, parties, or tropical destinations.
STRIPES
Stripes can elongate or widen your figure. If the swimwear features vertical stripes, it can make you appear taller (or slimmer), while horizontal stripe designs can make certain areas of the body appear broader.
The 2025 swimwear scene features rising trends in graphic prints, bold colors, and color blocking.
5. Where You Buy Swimwear From Matters
When shopping for your next swimsuit, look for a store that offers swimwear tailored to different body shapes (e.g., hourglass, pear, apple, etc.).
Our commitment at JMP The Label is to promote a culture of body positivity and inclusivity in women's swimwear. With sizes offered up to 3XL, we offer a range of swimsuits, including
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Bikinis (including handmade crochet swimsuits)
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Halter dresses
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Swim dresses
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We also offer accessories.
All our swimwear styles are available in a range of solid colors, patterns, and cuts to suit your style. We also ensure that our straps are adjustable and non-digging to prevent discomfort.
Red Flag: Too Loose or Too Tight
When selecting your next swimwear, avoid choosing a fit that is either too loose or too tight. The key areas of your body to measure for the perfect fit are
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Bra
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Underbust
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Waist
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Hips
If the swimwear is too loose, it may shift, sag, or even fall off while swimming or moving, leading to discomfort and embarrassment.
If you wear too-tight swimwear, it can dig into your skin, cause red marks, restrict movement, and make you uncomfortable, especially when wet.
A snug fit is the ideal fit.
At JMP the Label, we strive to keep all sizing as accurate and true as possible when you shop for our swimwear. Please take measurements and follow our Size Guide Page to determine your size.
Final Words
We have explored five important things to consider when shopping for swimwear.
After years of providing high-quality swimwear to women at JMP The Label, we’ve particularly noticed that body shape compatibility is a leading factor, among others, that many shoppers can get wrong.
