How to measure yourself correctly for plus size - the ultimate guide

If you want to get it right when it comes to buying swimwear online, you've come to the right spot. Follow these simple steps to get all your measurements. Then you can follow any online size guide, easily.

Understanding that everybody is different, is vital in finding the perfect fit for your swimsuit. We’re not cookies made from the same cutter; everyone is unique.

That’s why it's so important to measure yourself, then follow the size guide for each brand of swimsuit you want to buy. This eliminates the possibility that it won’t fit or that you'll need to return it.

Measuring your body is easy. Plus, you only need to measure yourself once in a while. Just jot down the measurements and use it as a reference when online shopping.

Double-check from time to time to see if there are any changes. All body measurements can fluctuate based on circumstances; this is completely natural.

 If you're comfortable, ask someone you trust to help you so that you get the most accurate numbers. However, if you decide to do it yourself, take a deep breath and relax. All you need is about 5 minutes and you're all set.

These are the things you'll need:

What should you wear while taking your measurements?

Ideally, you should wear a good-fitting, supportive bra with minimal or no padding and comfortable underwear. If you wear clothes while measuring, your numbers may not be correct.

There are 6 body measurements required to find your perfect-fitting curvy swimsuit:
 

1. Bust

2. Underbust

3. Waist

4. Upper hip

5. Lower hip

6. Torso or body length

Take your measurements twice to ensure they're accurate.

1. Measuring your bust

 You'll need to measure the widest part of your bust for this measurement.

 Remember to wear a supportive bra with minimal or no padding that fits well. NO booster, push up, or minimizer bras. A bra without padding or an everyday use bra.

 Stand sideways and look at yourself in the mirror. Your bra back should be parallel and in line with the front of your bra and the ground. Now run the tape measure horizontally across the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it is still parallel to the floor.

 Write down the number you get on your paper.

2. Measuring your underbust

 You will need to measure under your bust for this measurement

 Again, please make sure you wear a supportive bra that fits well as mentioned above. Stand sideways and look at yourself in the mirror. Your bra back should be parallel and in line with the front of your bra and the ground. Now run the tape measure horizontally just under the bottom of your bra at the back, ensuring it is still parallel to the floor.

 You want to make sure the tape measure is sitting under your breasts and doesn’t include any of your busts. This is where the mirror comes in handy.

 Write down the number you get on your paper.
 
 

3. Measuring your waist

 You will need to measure your waist at its smallest point for this measurement.
 
 You will need to measure on bare skin. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and bend to one side, looking for the natural indentation in your torso. This is your natural waistline. If you cannot find your natural waistline, you can measure the lowest point of the rib cage, which is midway around your torso.

Run the tape measure around your natural waistline, keeping it parallel to the ground. Once found, tie a ribbon or piece of string securely around your natural waist as you need this for the next two measurements.

 Write down the number you get on your paper.
 

4. Measuring your Upper Hip

 You will need to measure your stomach at its fullest point for this measurement.

Look in the mirror and position the measuring tape vertically at the side of your body. The tape measure should then be placed at the lowest edge of the string or ribbon. Measure approximately 10 cm down from the waistline or to the widest point of your tummy.

Make a mental note of this point and measure horizontally around the fullest part of the abdomen, parallel to the floor. This is your upper hip.

Write down the number you get on your paper.

5. Measuring your Lower Hip

 
 Look in the mirror and position the tape measure vertically at the side of your body. The tape measure should then be placed at the lowest edge of the string or ribbon. Measure down approximately 18-25 cm down from the waistline tape or to the widest point of your bottom or hips.

 Make a mental note of this point and measure horizontally around the fullest part of your bottom or hips, parallel to the floor. This is your lower hip. Your measurements will be skewed if this is uneven, so please make sure to measure carefully.
 Write down the number you get on your paper.
 

5. Measuring your Torso

 You will need to measure your body length for this measurement.

 Having a friend is great to help with measuring your torso or body length. You will likely need both tape measures for this step. Position the tape measure at the center of the top of your shoulder, where your bra strap sits. Start by draping the tape measure over your shoulder and bring it to the front if you are doing this solo.

 Run the tape measure through your legs and up to your shoulder point. It is quite common to need two tape measures to do this successfully. When you bring the tape measure through to the front, you can see when the tape measure runs out and where to continue the new tape measure easily.
 
 Write down the number you get on your paper.

How do I find my bust cup size?

Finding your cup size is very simple. All you need are the measurements you recorded above. Get a calculator, and minus your under-bust measurement from your bust measurement. This will give you your cup size measurement.

In conclusion, once you have these numbers you'll find that the bathing suits you buy fit better. This exercise ensures you get the correct size for your body.

Each designer assigns different sizes for different measurements so make sure to check each designer's size guide when online shopping. Also, make sure to re-check your measurements every three - six months or so as your body may change.
 

If you've got your measurements written down and are excited to find the perfect plus size swimsuit, check out this collection of plus size swimwear, one pieces, tankinis and bikinis.

If you're looking for tailored advice or a more personalized shopping experience to help you find what you need, get in touch with our style consultant. It's free!