For some of us, the chance to wear swimwear rarely arises. Our swimsuits remain firmly tucked away in the swimsuit drawer until Summer arises or a friend invites us to pool pilates. Suddenly, you’re faced with the prospect of trying on last year’s swimsuit, and we all know how much our bodies can change day to day, never mind in a year. There’s every chance it’s going to feel a little more snug or loose, and that’s entirely okay – don’t panic – we’ve got just the answer.
The short answer
Loosening a swimsuit involves the strategic use of heat and maybe even a little bit of cheeky stretching (not entirely recommended.) A hairdryer or washing machine can be used to apply just the right amount of heat to loosen up your swimsuit’s fibers, making it more open to stretching. While this can create some extra space, ultimately, it’s always best to size up to avoid any pinching or general discomfort.
Note: Remember, when your swimsuit gets wet, it will stretch more due to the weight of the water. So, if things are feeling a little tight now, they may not be in the water.
Tight Swimsuits: A Guide
Why are Swimsuits so Small?
Great question! If you’re wondering why swimsuits are so small after realizing your bikini is hugging a little tight this year, it’s largely down to functionality. Any material that gets wet becomes heavier. This added weight wouldn’t exactly help make swimming easier, nor would it be very comfortable. Similarly, full-coverage on the beach would be a rather sweaty affair and wouldn’t allow us to enjoy the sun to our full abilities.
How to Tell if your Swimsuit Bottom is too Small?
As a rule of thumb, your bikini bottoms should sit securely around your hips and buttocks without riding up or being too tight against your groin. If upon removing your bikini bottoms, you noticed pronounced red lines in your skin – it’s definitely time to rethink.
Is it Better for a Swimsuit to be Tight or Loose?
Depending on just how tight or loose a swimsuit is, it’s generally better to be a little too tight. Swimsuits “let out” when exposed to water and tend to go up a half or full size, meaning what might be a little too tight when dry becomes the perfect fit when wet. If a dry swimsuit is already loose, it’ll become saggy upon entering the water, leading to the dreaded “bagging.”
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
How to Make a Swimsuit Bigger
Buy the Right Swimsuit Size, to Begin With
This may be a no-brainer, and it’s likely that you bought the right size in the first place only to have your body change over time, but we would just like to mention that there’s no fix for too-tight fitting bikini bottoms and one-piece swimsuits than shopping mindfully. If you’re unsure of your measurements, consult a swimsuit size guide for assistance.
Shop for Your Body
Sometimes, even if we buy for our size, seams can still pinch where they shouldn’t. This design faux pas is generally down to our unique body types. Since swimsuits aren’t one-size-fits-all, always shop for the best swimsuit for your body type.
How to Make a Bikini Bottom Bigger?
Stretch our your Bikini Bottom
How to Stretch your Bikini Bottom?
If you’ve stepped into last year’s bikini bottoms or those you purchased recently and the material is hugging a little too tight, you may be feeling a little disheartened but don’t lose hope! There are some strategies for stretching out your bikini bottoms.
Firstly, check the sides of your bikini bottoms. Some bikini bottoms have tied sides that can pass as a design feature. In reality, these ties also serve a function, allowing you to tighten or loosen your bottoms. Try untying the ties and retying them for a more roomy, comfortable fit.
Unless your swimsuit is old enough to have started to sag, it’s almost impossible to make it bigger. Unlike other garments that come with an inbuilt seam allowance that can be ‘let out,’ swimsuits have next to no excess fabric. If you want to make yours bigger, you’re going to need to get creative – and that means getting friendly with the concept of panels. They can be made a little roomier with the addition of some strategic panels.
Altering swimsuit bottoms isn’t too challenging (although if you’ve not worked with a super-stretchy material like swimsuit fabric before, it may take a little getting used to.)
If you find that they’re pinching a little around the seams, things may get a little trickier.
Since seams are essential to the integrity of a garment’s design, tampering with their threads may not be the best idea. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing new bikini bottoms and sizing up. That said, applying some gentle manual stretching to the seams may work if you have the patience to pull on your bikini bottom seams for around 2-4 minutes.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Choose a Hot Cycle
Bathing suits of all kinds and washing machines don’t tend to get along well. The heat and turbulence inside the washing machine drum “upset” the suit’s fibers, cuasing them to weaken and fray. While this effect certainly damages swimsuits and reduces their overall quality, it also makes them stretchier by increasing their elasticity.
So, by subjecting your bikini bottom to a warm wash, what you’ll achieve are weakened yet widened bikini bottoms that will likely fit looser. Keep in mind that even a gentle cycle can stretch bathing suits.
Other sources of heat can also be used, such as a hairdryer though they may not be as effective.
Limiting Heat Damage
Interestingly, there may be a way to offset heat damage while still achieving a bigger bikini bottom. The trick is to mix water and fabric softener together in a spray bottle and spray this solution over your bikini bottom if you’re going to use heat like a blow drier. This solution essentially conditions the fibers, giving them more leeway to stretch without breaking.
Buy a Bikini Bottom with Straps
If you feel your body may change in the near future, it’s always best to shop with that in mind. For those occasions, bikini bottoms with straps, strings, or side ties are your best bet, as they allow you to adjust your bikini’s size as you see fit.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Why Should I not Stretch a Bikini Bottom?
Having talked in-depth about how to stretch bikini bottoms, we’re now going to give you a few words of warning before you attempt any of the above methods.
Firstly, applying any undue pressure to your swimwear can cause them to lose their natural elasticity, warp, become misshapen, and not only look but also feel worse. The same can be said for subjecting your bikini bottoms to heat and chemicals that can weaken their fibers and leave lasting damage.
How to Stretch a One-piece Swimsuit?
Much like with bikini bottoms, heat is your number one tool when it comes to stretching your one-piece swimsuit. If you have a swimsuit that is too small, there are a few ways that you can make it bigger. One way is to sew on additional fabric to the sides or bottom of the suit, which may be a little tricky and requires some sharp DIY skills but it’s worth it.
Too tight swimsuit? No more!
If you notice that your bikini bottom is too small or that your one-piece swimsuit is a little too tight, we have the “loosen up” strategies for you above. Sometimes, all you need is a little extra space, and that’s completely understandable – you want to be comfortable so you can feel like your best self in your swimsuit. So, invite your bikini and one-piece swimsuit to be a little bigger using heat and panels. If it’s not enough – no worries! Now you get to shop for a new swimsuit – enjoy!
What is a bra and what is a bikini top? A bra is a piece of clothing that women wear to support their breasts. Bras come in many different styles, including but not limited to: bras with underwire, bralettes, sports bras, and maternity bras. Bras are typically made from either cloth or lace and are …
For some women, wearing a swimsuit can leave them feeling a little off. If this sounds like you, you might have wondered if you should wear something under your swimsuit for extra comfort and coverage – and that’s okay. It’s actually a question that a lot of women ask, and we have all of the …
How To Get A Discolored White Swimsuit White Again? There’s nothing better than a bright white swimsuit, but keeping it that way is another story! To help ensure your swimsuit stays white all summer long, soak it in a baking soda and cold water solution to eliminate yellowing and revive freshness. For stubborn discoloration, you …
Swimsuits are typically made of a nylon and spandex blend. This material is stretchy and allows the swimsuit to hug the body closely. The material also dries quickly, which is important for a swimsuit. Read our full post about what material swimsuits are made of here. The level of streach in swimsuits will differ and …
How to stretch out bikini bottoms?
For some of us, the chance to wear swimwear rarely arises. Our swimsuits remain firmly tucked away in the swimsuit drawer until Summer arises or a friend invites us to pool pilates. Suddenly, you’re faced with the prospect of trying on last year’s swimsuit, and we all know how much our bodies can change day to day, never mind in a year. There’s every chance it’s going to feel a little more snug or loose, and that’s entirely okay – don’t panic – we’ve got just the answer.
The short answer
Loosening a swimsuit involves the strategic use of heat and maybe even a little bit of cheeky stretching (not entirely recommended.) A hairdryer or washing machine can be used to apply just the right amount of heat to loosen up your swimsuit’s fibers, making it more open to stretching. While this can create some extra space, ultimately, it’s always best to size up to avoid any pinching or general discomfort.
Note: Remember, when your swimsuit gets wet, it will stretch more due to the weight of the water. So, if things are feeling a little tight now, they may not be in the water.
Tight Swimsuits: A Guide
Why are Swimsuits so Small?
Great question! If you’re wondering why swimsuits are so small after realizing your bikini is hugging a little tight this year, it’s largely down to functionality. Any material that gets wet becomes heavier. This added weight wouldn’t exactly help make swimming easier, nor would it be very comfortable. Similarly, full-coverage on the beach would be a rather sweaty affair and wouldn’t allow us to enjoy the sun to our full abilities.
How to Tell if your Swimsuit Bottom is too Small?
As a rule of thumb, your bikini bottoms should sit securely around your hips and buttocks without riding up or being too tight against your groin. If upon removing your bikini bottoms, you noticed pronounced red lines in your skin – it’s definitely time to rethink.
Is it Better for a Swimsuit to be Tight or Loose?
Depending on just how tight or loose a swimsuit is, it’s generally better to be a little too tight. Swimsuits “let out” when exposed to water and tend to go up a half or full size, meaning what might be a little too tight when dry becomes the perfect fit when wet. If a dry swimsuit is already loose, it’ll become saggy upon entering the water, leading to the dreaded “bagging.”
Maldives
$60Pearl
$60Santorini
$60Turtle Swimsuit
$49How to Make a Swimsuit Bigger
Buy the Right Swimsuit Size, to Begin With
This may be a no-brainer, and it’s likely that you bought the right size in the first place only to have your body change over time, but we would just like to mention that there’s no fix for too-tight fitting bikini bottoms and one-piece swimsuits than shopping mindfully. If you’re unsure of your measurements, consult a swimsuit size guide for assistance.
Shop for Your Body
Sometimes, even if we buy for our size, seams can still pinch where they shouldn’t. This design faux pas is generally down to our unique body types. Since swimsuits aren’t one-size-fits-all, always shop for the best swimsuit for your body type.
How to Make a Bikini Bottom Bigger?
Stretch our your Bikini Bottom
How to Stretch your Bikini Bottom?
If you’ve stepped into last year’s bikini bottoms or those you purchased recently and the material is hugging a little too tight, you may be feeling a little disheartened but don’t lose hope! There are some strategies for stretching out your bikini bottoms.
Firstly, check the sides of your bikini bottoms. Some bikini bottoms have tied sides that can pass as a design feature. In reality, these ties also serve a function, allowing you to tighten or loosen your bottoms. Try untying the ties and retying them for a more roomy, comfortable fit.
Unless your swimsuit is old enough to have started to sag, it’s almost impossible to make it bigger. Unlike other garments that come with an inbuilt seam allowance that can be ‘let out,’ swimsuits have next to no excess fabric. If you want to make yours bigger, you’re going to need to get creative – and that means getting friendly with the concept of panels. They can be made a little roomier with the addition of some strategic panels.
Altering swimsuit bottoms isn’t too challenging (although if you’ve not worked with a super-stretchy material like swimsuit fabric before, it may take a little getting used to.)
If you find that they’re pinching a little around the seams, things may get a little trickier.
Since seams are essential to the integrity of a garment’s design, tampering with their threads may not be the best idea. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing new bikini bottoms and sizing up. That said, applying some gentle manual stretching to the seams may work if you have the patience to pull on your bikini bottom seams for around 2-4 minutes.
Mint 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$80Atlantic
$60Pineapple Palm – Father and Son
$70Pearl
$60Choose a Hot Cycle
Bathing suits of all kinds and washing machines don’t tend to get along well. The heat and turbulence inside the washing machine drum “upset” the suit’s fibers, cuasing them to weaken and fray. While this effect certainly damages swimsuits and reduces their overall quality, it also makes them stretchier by increasing their elasticity.
So, by subjecting your bikini bottom to a warm wash, what you’ll achieve are weakened yet widened bikini bottoms that will likely fit looser. Keep in mind that even a gentle cycle can stretch bathing suits.
Other sources of heat can also be used, such as a hairdryer though they may not be as effective.
Limiting Heat Damage
Interestingly, there may be a way to offset heat damage while still achieving a bigger bikini bottom. The trick is to mix water and fabric softener together in a spray bottle and spray this solution over your bikini bottom if you’re going to use heat like a blow drier. This solution essentially conditions the fibers, giving them more leeway to stretch without breaking.
Buy a Bikini Bottom with Straps
If you feel your body may change in the near future, it’s always best to shop with that in mind. For those occasions, bikini bottoms with straps, strings, or side ties are your best bet, as they allow you to adjust your bikini’s size as you see fit.
Striped Turtle Swim Shorts
$60$36
Cherry Swim Shorts
$60$36
Palm Swim Shorts
Mint Striped Swim Shorts
$60$36
Why Should I not Stretch a Bikini Bottom?
Having talked in-depth about how to stretch bikini bottoms, we’re now going to give you a few words of warning before you attempt any of the above methods.
Firstly, applying any undue pressure to your swimwear can cause them to lose their natural elasticity, warp, become misshapen, and not only look but also feel worse. The same can be said for subjecting your bikini bottoms to heat and chemicals that can weaken their fibers and leave lasting damage.
How to Stretch a One-piece Swimsuit?
Much like with bikini bottoms, heat is your number one tool when it comes to stretching your one-piece swimsuit. If you have a swimsuit that is too small, there are a few ways that you can make it bigger. One way is to sew on additional fabric to the sides or bottom of the suit, which may be a little tricky and requires some sharp DIY skills but it’s worth it.
Too tight swimsuit? No more!
If you notice that your bikini bottom is too small or that your one-piece swimsuit is a little too tight, we have the “loosen up” strategies for you above. Sometimes, all you need is a little extra space, and that’s completely understandable – you want to be comfortable so you can feel like your best self in your swimsuit. So, invite your bikini and one-piece swimsuit to be a little bigger using heat and panels. If it’s not enough – no worries! Now you get to shop for a new swimsuit – enjoy!
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Pineapple Watermelon Swim Shorts
Kvalitetsaktiepodden x Decisive Beachwear
$65Flamingo swim shorts
Tropical 2-Pack Swim Shorts
Lounge Pack
$160Turtle Palm – Father and Son
$68Coral
$60Emerald
$60Read more
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