No-sew Solutions to Make your Bikini Top Smaller

Bikini tops are tricky. They fit under the category of “smalls” but are also expected to hold fast and offer support like a standard swimsuit. That’s precisely why they need to fit to perfection. 

Bikini bottoms with strings can be tied tighter or in different styles to make them fit better. If your bikini top is fastened by clips tying tighter isn’t an option. Instead, high heat can help to shrink the fibers of your top, hopefully helping it to fit that bit tighter. If all fails, a strap saver or even a hot glue gun can save the day.

If you feel your bikini bottom may be a little too loose, we have gathered no-sew bikini top shrinking solutions just for you to tighten it up a little and get back to enjoying your bikini!  We understand that everybody, bust, and chest are unique – one size does not fit all, and neither does one particular bikini style. However, these bikini-shrinking solutions tend to work for all bikinis, meaning they’re a one-fit-al-solution.

How to Make your Bikini Top Smaller

How to Know if your Bikini Top is too Big

To know if a bikini top is too tight or loose, it’s often best to learn the signs of a proper fitting bikini.

Signs of a Proper-fitting Bikini Top 

For a correctly fitting bikini top, the bottom seam should sit flat against the underbust, and the fabric should feel smooth against your body without cutting into the underarm, side body area, or underbust.

Your Straps Fall 

If your straps are constantly falling, that means one of two things: either the swimsuit is too big, in which case you need to size down, or the swimsuit is old and stretched out, in which case you need to replace it.

The Finger Test 

If you can slide your finger under the chest strap of your bikini top with space to spare, then your bikini top is undoubtedly too big.  

What to do if your Bikini Top is too Big?

Shop for your Size 

Yes, not to preach, but sometimes prevention is best when it comes to avoiding bikini tops that are too big. So, while we all may know to use a swimsuit sizing chart to find a good fit, knowing how to shop swimsuits for your body type can make for a great fit.

Apply High Heat 

Applying heat to swimwear usually loosens their fibers, weakening them in the process and leading to increased stretchiness. However, if you turn the temperature up a little to boiling, you may notice that the fibers tighten instead, essentially shrinking your bikini top in the process.

So, if you’d like your bikini to go down a size, fill a basin with boiling water, place your swimsuit in the water, and soak for about 15 minutes, and then remove it from the hot water. Squeeze out the excess water and then place the swimsuit in the dryer on the lowest heat setting. Check it every few minutes to make sure it isn’t shrinking too much.

How Can I Make my Bikini Top Smaller?

Too Big Cups

Add padding! If you have a padded bikini, be sure to include the padded insert, as it stretches out the bikini top and helps it to fit that bit tighter. 

Too Big Around the Chest

If your bikini is a little too loose around the chest, your best bet could be to tie your straps tighter or use the hot glue gun method that we’ll cover below.

Too Long Straps

Tie a Knot 

Whether they go over the shoulder or around the chest, most string or thin straps can be tied to fit tighter. However, larger straps or straps fitted with wire may be a little trickier to bend, never mind tie.  

Tie them Differently 

This bikini-tightening strategy works particularly well for halter bikini tops or those with thin straps. Try crisscrossing across your back, or perhaps even the “one shoulder” bikini tie could work.  

Use a Strap Saver 

The Strap Saver is designed to shorten straps without any sewing involved. Be it bathing suits or other strappy clothes, the strap saver can shorten straps and help swimwear to fit better. The strap saver can be bought online. 

Here’s how you can use the Strap Saver:

1. Find the circular or rectangular clip to the back of your bra strap and adjust the strap to maximum length.
2. Take your bra strap and pull it through one half of the circular or rectangular, creating a loop and shortening the strap to the desired length.

Tips on How to Make a Bikini Top Smaller Without Sewing

It’s never easy to alter a swimsuit, but the results are worth it. That said, it takes quite a bit of work, time, equipment, and some nifty DIY skills. If you gather all of that around, you can make your bikini top smaller with ease. Here’s how:

Hot Glue Gun 

If you’re using a hot glue gun, simply run a line of glue along the seam that you want to take in. Then, press the fabric together and hold it in place until the glue dries. This could be the straps around the shoulder or chest. You can even shorten the cups using this method. Keep in mind that this method may make your bikini look a little bunched in places and is often a solution that can’t be undone. If you feel your weight may fluctuate in the future, it might be better to opt for a more temporary solution.

How to Make a Triangle Bikini Top Smaller

Triangle bikini tops can be made tighter by tying the straps tighter. You can also try different bikini-tying variations that can help shorten straps without anything looking “off.” These bikini knots can also add a little extra fun to your looks, giving you room to experiment with your fit. 

How to Make a Strapless Swimsuit Tighter

You can make a strapless swimsuit fit tighter by using a hot glue gun along its seams. You can also apply extreme heat to the swimsuit in order to shrink its material though this is not an advisable method as it is likely to do long-term damage to the suit.

Do Swimsuits Stretch in Water?

Yes, swimsuit material is naturally stretched due to elastic materials such as spandex. You can expect your swimsuit to go up a half or full size – this includes both seams and the fabric panels. If your swimsuit is loose when dry, this could lead to bagging or sagging once wet.

Can you make your bikini top smaller without sewing? Yes!

Many people think it’s impossible to make a bikini top smaller without sewing. However, as we’ve discovered above, there are several ways you can take your bikini in without even having to touch a thread and needle. After all, sometimes you just don’t want to DIY but still want to enjoy all the comfort of a well-fitting bikini top – now you can!

---

Bestsellers

Read more

• Different types of men’s swim trunks
• Board shorts with and without liner [Complete guide 2022]
• Board shorts vs. swim trunks, what’s the difference?
• Best men’s swim shorts for your body type
• 8 things you need to know about Jon Olsson