A swimwear size chart needs more body measurements than most clothing, because a swimsuit has to fit the bust, waist, hips and torso length at once. Getting the swimwear size chart for brands right, and then splitting the first order sensibly across sizes, does more to cut returns than any other choice in a new range.
Why swimwear sizing is different
Most tops only need a chest measurement to fit. A one-piece swimsuit runs from shoulder to crotch, so it must suit the bust, waist and hips and also the length of the torso. A customer with a long torso can find a swimsuit tight on the shoulders even when the hips fit well.
Swimwear also sits closer to the body than almost any other garment, and stretch fabric changes how sizes feel. A nylon-elastane swimsuit and a polyester-elastane swimsuit in the same size can feel slightly different.
That is why a clear size chart matters, and why customers must be able to measure themselves against it.
What to put on the chart
Our swimwear runs in adult sizes XS to 3XL for one-pieces, two-pieces, rash guards and full-cover swimsuits, and S to 3XL for swim shorts. We share the measurement chart for each style you choose. Present it to customers with body measurements they can take at home.
| Style | Measurements to show |
|---|---|
| One-piece | Bust, waist, hips, torso length |
| Two-piece | Bust and underbust for the top; waist and hips for the bottom |
| Swim shorts | Waist, hips, outside leg length |
| Rash guard | Chest, waist, body length, sleeve length |
| Full-cover swimsuit | Bust, waist, hips, torso length, inside leg, sleeve length |
Torso length is the one most brands leave out. It is measured from the top of one shoulder, down through the legs and back up to the same shoulder. Include a simple diagram so customers can follow it.
Charts for modest swimwear
Full-cover swimsuits cover the arms and legs, so sleeve length and inside leg matter as well as the body measurements. Modest-fashion buyers often want a relaxed fit through the body rather than a close one. Say on the chart whether the style is cut close or relaxed, so a customer does not size down expecting a looser cut.
If you pair a full-cover swimsuit with a swim hood, give the hood its own short note on fit.
Two-pieces: tops and bottoms
Customers are often a different size on top and bottom. If you sell two-pieces as separates, each half is its own style, with its own minimum. If you sell them as fixed sets, decide which measurement leads, usually the bust for the top, and give clear advice for customers who fall between sizes.
Splitting a first order by size
Swimwear sits in our specialised band, so the minimum is 300 pieces per style. Sizes can be mixed within a style, so one order covers your full size run. The question is how to divide it.
There is no single correct split, because it depends on your customers. A few principles help:
- Weight the middle. Most buyers fall in S, M and L. Put the largest share of each style in these sizes.
- Do not starve the ends. XS and 3XL sell steadily to customers who struggle to find their size elsewhere. Keep enough to stay in stock through the season.
- Look at your own data. If you already sell clothing, your past size sales are a better guide than any general rule.
- Think about the style. Modest and full-cover ranges often sell further up the size range. Two-piece fashion ranges may sell further down.
- Plan by colour. Your core colour, such as black or navy, can carry a full size run. A seasonal colour can carry a narrower one.
A simple worksheet helps: list each style and colour, write your expected share for each size, and multiply out against the quantity. Check the total meets 300 pieces per style. The colour split per style is confirmed at quotation.
Testing fit before bulk
Ask for a sample in your main size and wear-test it, wet and dry. Check:
- straps or shoulders do not dig in or slip
- the neckline and leg openings sit flat
- the lining stays in place
- the fit holds when wet, with no sagging
If you can, try a second size too, at the top or bottom of the range. Once you approve the sample, it becomes the reference for the full order and for our quality check.
Show the chart where customers decide
Put the size chart on every product page and on the hang tag or insert if you sell in shops. Add a short line on fit: “close fit, choose your usual size” or “relaxed fit, size down if between sizes”. Customers buy with more confidence when they know what to expect.
For the fabric side of fit, read nylon-elastane vs polyester-elastane. Then pick your styles from our white label swimwear range and send us your planned split by size and colour. We will review it with you and confirm it in the quotation.