Swimwear Guide: Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
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Choosing a swimsuit can sometimes be even more difficult than choosing a dress. It should not only look beautiful, but also fit comfortably, provide support where needed, allow freedom of movement and help you feel good.
Over many years of consulting women, we have noticed that most questions repeat themselves. Does black really make you look slimmer? Which is better – a one-piece or a two-piece swimsuit? Are padded cups necessary for a larger bust? Do high-waisted bikini bottoms suit everyone?
In this guide, we have gathered the questions we most often hear from our clients and answered them based not only on theory, but also on many years of experience working in the store.
How to Choose the Right Style and Colour?
Does Black Really Make You Look Slimmer?
Many clients come in looking for a black swimsuit because they have heard that “black is slimming”. There is some truth to this, but colour is definitely not the most important factor.
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```The style itself, the cut, fabric texture, seams, prints and various construction details matter much more.
If you want to visually soften the tummy area, a solid black colour is often not the best solution. Draping, ruching or a busier print around the tummy can often give a better result. These details draw the eye away and help create a smoother silhouette.
We also notice that for women with wider hips, an entirely black swimsuit can sometimes emphasise them even more. In such cases, a colourful, printed or more detailed style often looks more harmonious.
Black also does not suit everyone. Dark navy, emerald green, brown, cherry or rich berry shades can look just as elegant and flattering.
Our observation: almost half of the women who come in looking for a black swimsuit end up choosing something completely different after trying on several styles and colours – sometimes even bright red or rich emerald green.
What Are So-Called “Slimming” Swimsuits? Do They Really Make You Look Slimmer?
Swimsuits described as “slimming” are usually made from firmer fabric and provide stronger body support. Usually, the front part – and often the entire swimsuit – is made with a double layer of fabric.
These styles support the tummy area better, smooth the silhouette and give a firmer feeling. However, it is important to understand that a swimsuit, just like shapewear, cannot completely remove the tummy or change the body by several sizes.
In practice, we often see that a more flattering result comes not from stronger compression, but from the right style, construction, colour combination and design details.
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```Which Is Better – a One-Piece or a Two-Piece Swimsuit?
Many women believe that a one-piece swimsuit suits everyone, while a two-piece is only for those with an ideal figure. But this is not true.
A one-piece swimsuit can look very beautiful in many cases, but it is certainly not the only good option.
If you want to visually soften the tummy area, this can often be done even more easily with a two-piece swimsuit. The most important thing is to choose the right height of bikini bottoms.
Another important aspect is a larger bust. In this case, a two-piece swimsuit is often an even better solution because it allows the top to be fitted much more precisely according to cup size.
Do Large Swimsuit Prints Make You Look Bigger?
Not necessarily.
As with clothing, the effect of prints depends not only on their size, but also on a woman’s height, body proportions and colour contrast.
For petite and shorter women, very large prints can sometimes look too heavy. Meanwhile, on taller women or women with a fuller build, very small prints may simply disappear and fail to create the desired effect.
Prints often help draw attention away and visually break up larger areas. That is why a printed fabric around the tummy or hip area often looks more flattering than a completely solid colour. The most important thing is that the scale of the print suits the scale of the figure.
How to Choose the Colour of a Swimsuit?
Do not choose a colour only because it is currently fashionable. The colour of a swimsuit should work with your skin tone, eyes, hair and overall look.
In practice, we very often see that the same style looks completely different in different colours. One colour can make the face look tired, while another adds freshness and brings out the eyes and hair colour.
Our observations:
- A swimsuit usually looks most harmonious when at least a small part of it repeats the colour of the eyes or hair.
- Very often women come in looking for one colour, but after trying on several styles choose something completely different. The right colour often changes the overall impression even more than the style itself.
Will a Black Swimsuit Feel Hotter on a Hot Day Than a Light One?
In theory – yes. In practice, however, the difference is usually not very significant.
Dark colours absorb more sunlight, so they can heat up faster in the sun. Still, at the beach this rarely becomes a decisive factor because we usually swim, move around or spend time in the shade. Also, when the swimsuit is wet, the difference in colour is hardly noticeable.
Interestingly, dark swimsuits also have one practical advantage – they hide the contrast of wet patches better, so they tend to look neater after getting out of the water.
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```I Have a Tummy. Will High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms Hide It?
Sometimes – yes, but definitely not always. High-waisted bikini bottoms are not a universal solution for every figure.
If the waist is clearly defined and the tummy is mostly in the lower abdominal area, high-waisted, slightly shaping bikini bottoms can smooth the silhouette beautifully and provide more comfort.
However, if the figure is more apple-shaped and the widest part of the body is around the waist, the top edge of high-waisted bottoms may end exactly where you would least like to draw attention.
For this type of figure, medium-rise or lower-rise bikini bottoms often work better, as their top edge does not end at the widest part of the waist.
How to Choose a Swimsuit According to the Bust
Are Padded Cups Necessary for a Larger Bust? What Provides the Best Support?
No. For a larger bust, padded cups are usually not the most important or the best solution. The bust is supported not by the padding itself, but by the right construction.
The most important elements are underwires, a firm underbust band, the correct band size, wider straps, side support and a well-constructed back. Very often soft cups with underwires support a larger bust even better than padded cups.
Important: the bust is not supported by padded cups. The right construction, well-chosen band size and quality support matter most.
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```If I Have a Larger Bust, Is It Better to Choose a One-Piece Swimsuit?
Not necessarily.
For a larger bust, it is very often easier to fit a two-piece swimsuit where the top is made according to an exact cup size.
A bikini top constructed like a quality bra – with underwires, the right band size, adjustable straps and a firm back – can provide very stable bust support.
When choosing a one-piece swimsuit, it is also worth paying attention to the construction of the back. If the back has a very deep cut-out, support is usually weaker.
For a larger bust, styles that fasten at the back like a bra or have a higher and firmer back usually work better.
Our observation: women with a larger bust are often surprised that a well-fitted two-piece swimsuit can be more comfortable and provide better support than a one-piece.
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```My Bust Is Very Small. Do I Need to Choose a Swimsuit with Padded Cups?
Not always.
However, light padding usually gives more shape and looks very natural. It is especially suitable if the bust is very small or if you do not want the nipples to show through the fabric.
If the hips are wider and the bust is smaller, styles with a darker and calmer bottom and a lighter, brighter or printed top often look very beautiful.
This helps visually balance body proportions.
Can a Swimsuit Visually Change Body Proportions?
Yes – sometimes very significantly.
A well-chosen swimsuit can visually lengthen the legs, balance the proportions of shoulders and hips, define the waist or add more volume where desired.
- Higher-cut bikini bottoms often visually lengthen the legs. A lighter or brighter top can optically enhance a smaller bust, while a darker, calmer bottom can visually reduce the hip area.
- Draping or prints around the tummy often help soften the silhouette and draw attention away.
- If the shoulders are wider, it is worth avoiding styles that emphasise the upper body even more. If the hips are wider, a well-chosen top often helps draw attention towards the bust and face.
Size and Fitting
How to Choose the Right Swimsuit Size?
Clothing size alone is often not enough, especially when choosing a swimsuit top.
Two women may wear the same clothing size, but one may need a 75B swimsuit top and the other an 80F. That is why quality swimsuits are often sized not only as S, M or L, but also according to real bra sizes.
In addition, swimsuit sizes can vary even more than regular clothing sizes or even bra sizes. A woman may often think she knows her size perfectly, but after trying on different styles it becomes clear that sizes can vary greatly between brands, cuts or even different styles from the same manufacturer. The same woman may need, for example, a 75D in one style and a 75F, 75G or even 80E in another.
This is where professional consultation can be very helpful. In a specialised store, a consultant usually already knows which styles run large, which run small, which are more universal and which have a very specific cut. This helps to find not only the right size more quickly, but also a swimsuit that truly suits you.
When trying on a swimsuit, it is worth doing more than just looking at yourself in the mirror. Try sitting down, raising your arms and bending over. This way you will immediately feel whether the swimsuit stays in place and whether you feel comfortable when moving.
Worth remembering: if you already need to adjust the swimsuit in the fitting room, you will have to adjust it even more often at the beach.
Is It Possible to Choose a Swimsuit Online?
Sometimes yes, especially if you already know which styles and sizes suit you.
- If you have already worn a swimsuit from a particular brand, know your cup size, favourite bikini bottom height and preferred cut, shopping online can be very convenient.
- It becomes more difficult when you are choosing a new brand, a different style or looking for a solution for a larger bust, want to visually soften the tummy area or adjust body proportions. In such cases, trying the swimsuit on in person often helps save not only time but also disappointment.
Practical Tips
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```Can You Mix and Match Swimsuit Tops and Bottoms from Different Sets?
Yes, absolutely. Today, many bikini swimsuits are sold not as complete sets, but separately – the top and the bottoms. This makes it easier to fit different sizes and choose the most suitable style.
However, it is important that both pieces work well together. Fabrics from different styles may differ in shine, texture, colour tone or decorative details.
The most flattering combinations are usually pieces from the same collection or styles designed to be worn together. For example, a printed bikini top and plain bottoms that repeat one of the colours from the top.
Our observation:
- Many women want to match a colourful bikini top with black bikini bottoms because the choice of black bottoms is usually the widest. However, before buying, it is definitely worth trying on the whole set.
- If the top has no black details, this combination may sometimes no longer look like a complete swimsuit set and can create the impression that ordinary black underwear bottoms are being worn.
Why Is It Worth Buying Two Pairs of Bottoms for One Bikini Top?
In our opinion, this is one of the most practical solutions.
- One well-fitting bikini top and two different but matching pairs of bottoms allow you to create two different looks without buying two full sets.
- In addition, bikini bottoms usually wear out faster than the top, so a second pair helps keep the whole set looking good for longer.
- There is also one more reason – hygiene.
For women who more often experience yeast or other recurring vaginal infections, doctors often recommend changing into dry bottoms as soon as possible. A warm, moist environment that remains for a long time can create more favourable conditions for microorganisms to multiply.
That is why some of our clients buy two identical pairs of bottoms together with one bikini top straight away.
How Many Swimsuits Are Worth Having for One Season?
If you swim rarely, one quality swimsuit may be completely enough.
However, if you are planning a seaside holiday or spend a lot of time by the pool, it is practical to have at least two, and even better – three.
There are several reasons for this.
- First – comfort. It is not always pleasant to put on a still-damp swimsuit again, especially if the weather is not very hot.
- Second – durability. Swimsuit fabric contains elastane which, like the elastane in bras, benefits from a little “rest”. If the same swimsuit is worn every day and does not have time to dry completely, it loses elasticity and shape more quickly.
- Third – hygiene. For women prone to recurring vaginal infections, it is often recommended to change into a dry swimsuit, or at least dry bottoms, as soon as possible after swimming.
Worth remembering: having two or three swimsuits is not only more convenient on holiday – it also helps each swimsuit last longer.
Is It Worth Having a Separate Swimsuit for the Pool?
If you go to the pool regularly – yes.
Chlorine is one of the biggest enemies of swimsuit fabric. When swimming in a pool often, the fabric loses elasticity faster, the colour may fade, and the edges may stretch out.
That is why it is practical to have one swimsuit for training or the pool, and another for holidays, the beach or relaxing by the water.
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```Is It Worth Buying a Very Fashionable Swimsuit?
Of course. However, it is also worth thinking about where and how you will wear it most often.
Styles with one shoulder strap, asymmetric cuts, interesting cut-outs or decorative details can look very impressive.
However, if you are planning to spend a week sunbathing on the beach, it is worth remembering tan lines. After wearing an asymmetric style, one shoulder may tan beautifully while the other remains much lighter.
Such styles are perfect for SPA visits, pool parties, relaxing on a yacht or other occasions when you want to dress up.
For longer periods in the sun, however, a classic cut is often more practical.
Fashion can inspire, but a swimsuit should first of all suit your body and lifestyle.
Care and Durability
Does a More Expensive Swimsuit Really Last Longer?
Usually – yes, but not always automatically.
Swimsuits from more expensive brands are often made from higher-quality fabrics, have better construction, stronger seams, fit the body more beautifully and keep their shape for longer.
This is especially important for women with a larger bust. In this case, you are paying not only for the fabric or the brand, but also for a more complex construction and better support.
Still, even the highest-quality swimsuit is not eternal. Chlorine, sun, salty seawater, heat and improper care can significantly shorten the life of even a luxury fabric.
Therefore, durability depends not only on price, but also on how often the swimsuit is worn and how it is cared for.
Why Can Even a Very Expensive Swimsuit Fade or Lose Its Shape After Just One Holiday?
During a two-week holiday, a swimsuit can sometimes experience more wear than during an entire normal summer season.
Daily sun, chlorinated pool water, salty seawater, sunscreens, heat, drying on a sun lounger or keeping a wet swimsuit rolled up in a towel – all of this affects the fabric and elastane.
Chlorine and high temperatures are particularly aggressive to the fabric. Hot tubs, SPA areas and very hot water can weaken elastane fibres quite quickly.
Sunscreens, especially on light fabrics, can sometimes leave stains that are difficult to remove.
That is why even an expensive swimsuit can wear out quickly if it is worn every day, not rinsed with fresh water after swimming and does not have time to dry completely.
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```How to Care for a Swimsuit So It Stays Beautiful for as Long as Possible?
The most important thing is to rinse the swimsuit in cool fresh water after every swim. At the end of the day, it is worth washing it once more with a special detergent. This removes chlorine, salt, sweat and sunscreen residue.
A swimsuit should not be wrung out strongly. It is better to gently press out the water with a towel and leave it to dry in the shade.
Direct sunlight, a radiator or an electric dryer definitely do not help elastane.
It is also not advisable to keep a wet swimsuit rolled up in a towel or plastic bag for a long time. If you have been swimming in a pool or the sea, rinse it as soon as possible.
Worth remembering: have at least two swimsuits and wear them alternately. This helps the fabric remain elastic for longer and keep its original shape for longer.
What Else Is Worth Paying Attention to When Choosing a Swimsuit?
- Sometimes it is the small details that determine whether a swimsuit will be only beautiful or truly comfortable as well.
- Pay attention to whether the strap length is adjustable. This matters because every woman’s shoulder height, torso length and bust position are different.
- It is also worth checking whether the straps are firm enough, whether the fastening is stable, whether the back fits well, and whether the edges of the bottoms do not dig in or, on the contrary, are not too loose.
- If the swimsuit top has underwires, they should not press or sit on breast tissue.
- Do not forget to assess the fabric as well. Fabric that is too thin may lose shape faster, become see-through or not fit the body as beautifully.
- A good swimsuit should not only look beautiful in front of the mirror. It should also be comfortable when moving.
New Technologies
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```What Are Smart Swimsuits? Are They Worth Choosing?
In recent years, RoDaSoleil smart swimsuits have been receiving more and more attention.
They are made from a special fabric that lets through about 70% of UV rays. According to the manufacturer, this fabric works similarly to approximately SPF 35 protection – it allows for a more even tan, reduces strong white tan lines and at the same time helps protect the skin.
This can be a great choice for women who like sunbathing but do not want strong tan marks left by regular swimsuits.
Read more about RoDaSoleil smart swimsuits here.
To finish: if, once you put on a swimsuit, you do not feel the need to constantly adjust the straps, pull at the bottoms or worry whether anything will slip out when you bend over, and when you look in the mirror you first see yourself rather than what you would like to hide, you have most likely found your swimsuit.
Below you will find several of our most popular swimsuit styles, and you can view all swimsuits here.
Or even better – visit the SILUETA store in Vilnius, A. Vienuolio g. 12, and we will be happy to help you choose the most suitable style, colour and size.
Written by: Vaiva Tylienė — medical doctor, certified bra fitting specialist, founder and manager of Silueta.
