5 mistakes to avoid when buying your swimsuit online

Buying a swimsuit online can seem like a convenient solution when you are short on time or do not have any specialist shops nearby. However, this process is not without its pitfalls. Recent industry studies show that nearly 40% of swimsuits bought online are returned, a figure significantly higher than for most other clothing items.

The main reasons are an ill-fitting size, a look that differs from the photos, or simply a cut that does not suit your body shape—not to mention the considerable environmental impact of parcels constantly being shipped back and forth around the world. 🌍

This article walks you through each step to avoid classic mistakes and help you make a responsible purchase, suited to your body shape, and above all without any unpleasant surprises when it arrives.

Understanding your body shape before ordering

The main body shapes and their ideal swimsuits

Before you even start browsing online shops, take the time to analyse your body shape. Your silhouette is key to choosing a swimsuit that truly flatters you.

• X shape (hourglass): Defined by proportional shoulders and hips with a marked waist. Almost every style works, but fitted one-pieces and underwired bikinis are especially flattering.
• A shape: Hips wider than shoulders. Go for printed or ruffled tops to balance your figure, paired with more discreet, plain bottoms.
• V shape: Shoulders wider than hips. Ruffled or skirted bottoms add volume to the lower body, while plain tops visually minimise the upper body.
• H shape: Little difference between shoulders, waist and hips. One-pieces with side cut-outs or adjustable-tie bikinis help create the illusion of a more defined waist.

Also remember to factor in your personal comfort—in the end, a swimsuit you love and feel good in, even if it does not follow every “rule”, is better than a supposedly perfect model you will never wear.

How to take your measurements properly

Accurate body measurements are probably the most overlooked yet most crucial step to avoid disappointment. Here is how to do it:

1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal and not too tight.
2. Waist: Place the tape at your natural waist, around the navel area or the slimmest part of your torso.
3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually about 20 cm below your natural waist.
4. Girth (torso length): For a one-piece, measure from the front waist over the crotch to the back waist.

One tip that sounds obvious but is often forgotten: write these measurements down somewhere. They are easy to forget and time-consuming to redo every time. You will be able to use them for all your online clothing purchases, not just swimsuits. 🧵

Size guides: decoding e‑boutique information

Understanding brand-specific size charts

Sizes can vary significantly from one brand to another, and even more between international sizing systems. A French 38 will not match a US S or an Italian 42 exactly. Most online shops now offer detailed conversion charts to help you navigate this.

Traps to avoid with standard sizes

Avoid the mistake of always ordering your usual size. For swimwear, differences can be quite large between brands. It is perfectly normal to wear a 38 in one brand and a 42 in another, with your body remaining exactly the same.

These discrepancies are mainly due to:

• Different fabric stretch levels – some technical materials are much more flexible than others
• Specific cuts – a high-cut or Brazilian style will naturally feel tighter
• Manufacturing standards – which vary by country of production

A little-known trick: rely more on your measurements in centimetres than on the size you usually buy. That is precisely why good online shops provide detailed charts rather than just S/M/L labels.

Choosing durable, high-quality fabrics

Eco-responsible fabrics that really matter

Swimwear is rapidly shifting towards more responsible production. Recycled and durable materials are no longer a niche choice—they are becoming the new standard. Here are the main eco-friendly alternatives available today:

Econyl® – A regenerated nylon made from plastic waste recovered from the oceans, including discarded fishing nets. It performs just like standard nylon but with a significantly lower carbon footprint.

Recycled polyester (rPET) – Made from used plastic bottles, this fabric can require up to 59% less energy to produce than conventional polyester, while offering excellent chlorine and UV resistance.

Yulex® – A natural rubber used mainly for surf swimsuits and wetsuits, as an alternative to neoprene. Its production can generate around 80% fewer CO₂ emissions than comparable synthetic materials.

How to spot a quality swimsuit online

When you cannot touch the fabric, how can you know whether a swimsuit is truly well made? Several clues can help:

1. A detailed fabric description – be wary of vague descriptions that do not list exact composition percentages
2. Lining – lined swimsuits generally provide better support and coverage
3. Mention of finishes – flat seams, covered underwires and soft boning are quality markers
4. Eco certifications – labels such as OEKO‑TEX®, GOTS or Bluesign® indicate high production standards

It is also worth checking whether the brand offers specific guarantees against manufacturing defects. Some online shops commit to the durability of their products and even provide repair services. 🧵

Mastering return and exchange policies

Key conditions to check before buying

The returns policy is probably the most critical factor when buying a surf swimsuit online. Take the time to read it carefully before confirming your order. The main points to look at are:

Return period – The standard is usually 14 days, but some boutiques offer up to 30 days. Note that the countdown often starts from the delivery date, not the date of purchase.

Conditions for approval – For hygiene reasons, many sites require hygiene stickers to remain intact. Some refuse returns if the swimsuit has been worn in water.

Return costs – Who pays for the return? This is crucial. Many online shops offer free returns, others charge for them. This can easily make the difference between two otherwise similar retailers.

Securing your purchase and avoiding scams

How to spot trustworthy websites

In the vastness of the web, telling a legitimate shop from a fraudulent site is not always easy. A few simple checks can save you from major headaches:

• Secure URL – Make sure the address starts with "https://" and that a padlock icon appears in the address bar
• Complete legal details – A serious site clearly lists its business registration number, physical address and terms of sale
• Social media presence – Active accounts with an engaged community are usually a good sign

Customer reviews are another valuable resource. Prefer verified review platforms where feedback comes from real purchasers. Be cautious of websites showing only overly glowing reviews—nobody is perfect, and the total absence of neutral or mixed comments can be suspicious.

Secure payment methods

Protecting your payment information is absolutely essential when shopping online. Some methods offer more protection than others:

Bank cards are a reliable option when combined with two-factor authentication, now standard with most banks. If anything goes wrong, you typically have several months to dispute fraudulent charges.

PayPal adds an extra layer of security by never sharing your bank details with the seller. Its buyer protection can help you obtain a refund if the product never arrives or does not match the description.

As for your personal data, stay vigilant. Legitimate sites provide a clear privacy policy explaining how your information will be used. As a precaution, avoid creating an account if you do not plan to order regularly—most shops now allow you to check out as a guest.

The environmental impact of your swimsuit purchase

The textile industry is among the most polluting in the world, and swimwear is no exception. Conventional production relies on petroleum-based synthetic fibres, chemical dyeing processes and heavy water consumption.

Choosing an eco-designed swimsuit can significantly reduce this footprint. For example, manufacturing a piece from recycled polyester can save up to around half the energy required for a standard model.

Beyond the immediate environmental impact, your choice also sends a signal to brands. Every ethical purchase helps shift the market, encouraging more companies to adopt responsible practices.

Conclusion

Buying a swimsuit online does not have to be a source of stress or disappointment. By understanding your body shape, reading size charts properly, choosing durable materials and carefully checking return policies, you greatly increase your chances of finding the perfect piece the first time.

Remember: the ideal swimsuit is not only the one that flatters your figure, but also the one that respects the environment you enjoy so much at the beach or pool. Swimwear fashion is moving towards more responsible practices, and every consumer has the power to speed up this transition.