How to tell if your swimsuit is too small (2023)

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Some know exactly what swimsuit size they should go with and size their swimsuit with ease. Others have more questions about what size to get and to know if the swimsuit they got fits them well.

Many wonder if their swimsuit is a good fit or if it’s too small. How does one know if their swimsuit is just right or too tight? In this post, we’ll show you how to tell if your swimsuit is too small.

How you choose to style your swimsuit and what type of swimsuit you want to go with is highly individual. Different body types also work better or less so with different types of swimsuits or bikinis.

With that being said, we are not trying to be the swimsuit police, telling you how your swimsuit should fit and when it’s too small. But we rather want to offer you some pointers on what to look for when it might be time to look for a larger suit.

Learn how to tell if your swimsuit is too big as well

Signs that your swimsuit is too small

There is no one measurement that can say if your swimsuit is too small or not. Instead, look for these signs that might indicate a too-tight swimsuit.

These are the signs that your swimsuit probably is too small:

The straps dig into your shoulders
Underboob or sideboob

The cups don’t give you enough support
You feel uncomfortable
You constantly adjust your swimsuit

The swimsuit rides up when you walk or move around in it

1. The straps dig into your shoulders

One sign that your swimsuit is too small might be if the straps on your shoulders are digging in. This can create uncomfortable marks and even pain after a while, especially if you are running around or playing in the water. The straps shouldn’t be super tight but should lay comfortably on your shoulders without cutting in.

2. Underboob or sideboob

Another sign that your swimsuit is too small can be if you experience underboob or sideboob. This means that the swimsuit is too small in the chest area and rides up, exposing more skin than intended. Not only does this look a bit strange but can also be quite uncomfortable.

3. The cups don’t give you enough support

When the cups of your swimsuit don’t give you enough support, it can be uncomfortable and might even lead to pain in your back or neck after a while. If you have a bigger chest, make sure to look for swimsuits with good support in the form of underwire or padding.

4. You feel uncomfortable

One major sign that your swimsuit is too small is if you simply feel uncomfortable in it. If you can’t move around freely or feel like you are constantly adjusting your swimsuit, it might be time to size up. A good rule of thumb is that your swimsuit should make you feel confident and comfortable – like you can take on the world in it.

5. You constantly adjust your swimsuit

Following up on the previous point, if you find yourself constantly adjusting your swimsuit, it’s probably too small. Whether it’s pulling down the bottom or adjusting the top, a well-fitting swimsuit shouldn’t require much (if any) adjusting once you put it on.

6. The swimsuit rides up when you walk or move around in it

When the bottom part of your swimsuit slides up, it can be both uncomfortable and look a bit strange. If this happens, it’s usually a sign that the swimsuit is too small in the hips or butt area.

Again, different body types work better with different types of swimsuits so if you have a curvier figure, make sure to look for swimsuits that offer more coverage.

These are some signs that your swimsuit might be too small. But as we said in the beginning, there is no one measurement or rule that says when a swimsuit is too small. It’s all about finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident. And don’t forget – you can always mix and match different tops and bottoms to create a swimsuit that’s perfect for you.

Pink Striped Swimsuit
$65

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Turtle Swimsuit
$49

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Pineapple Swimsuit
$65

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Blue Striped Swimsuits
$65

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Proper washing avoids making your swimsuit too small

If your swimsuit fit when you bought it but is too small right now, chances are that you’ve not cared enough for it. How one washes their swimsuit is important to make it last – and keep its shape.

Here are some tips on how to properly wash your swimsuit:

Wash your swimsuit by hand in cold water after each use

Use a mild detergent – avoid anything with bleach or fabric softener

Don’t wring out your swimsuit – instead, press the water out gently

Hang to dry in the shade – never put your swimsuit in the dryer

If you follow these washing instructions, you can avoid making your swimsuit too small. Remember to also check the care label before washing for specific instructions.

However much you care for your swimsuit, it won’t last forever. But with proper care, you can make it last longer and avoid having to buy a new one every season.

Turtle Swimsuit
$49

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Ibiza 2-Pack Swim Shorts
$80

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Pink Striped Swim Shorts
$60

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Blue Striped Swim Shorts
$60

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Conclusion

Have you ever worn a swimsuit that was too small? If so, you know the uncomfortable feeling of having your swimsuit fit too snugly. In this post, we’ll show you how to tell if your swimsuit is too small.

These are the signs that your swimsuit probably is too small: The straps dig into your shoulders, Underboob, or sideboob, The cups don’t give you enough support, You feel uncomfortable, You constantly adjust your swimsuit, The swimsuit rides up when you walk or move around in it.

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? If they do, it might be time to invest in a new – and bigger! – swimsuit. Do you have any tips of your own for avoiding the purchase of a too-small swimsuit? Share them with us in the comments below.