What size swimsuit should I get? Benchmarks and practical tips

To work out what size swimsuit to choose, start from your usual size, then compare it with the benchmarks given on each product page: the sizes the piece comes in, and the size worn by the models in the photos. At atelier culotté, tops and bottoms are sold separately, so you can choose a different size for each.

What size swimsuit to choose: the method

Three pieces of information are enough in most cases:

1. Your usual clothing size (French 36, 38, 40…) and, for the top, your cup size.
2. The sizes available for the piece, listed on its product page. Depending on the design, they run from S to XL, from S to XXL, or come in two double sizes, S-M and L-XL.
3. The models' benchmarks: each product page states who is wearing the piece, her usual size and the size she chose. It is the most concrete way to place yourself.

A swimsuit is worn close to the body, and its fabric contains elastane that follows your figure. A size too big gapes once wet; a size too small digs in and leaves marks. Hence the value of these benchmarks.

Sizes by type of piece

• The one-pieces RHUM COCO, SOLEIL BLEU and DIABOLO FRAISE come from S to XL.
• The triangles RHUM COCO, SOLEIL BLEU, SUNSET and BICHOCO come from S to XL, as do the bralettes RHUM COCO and BICHOCO.
• The Brazilian briefs RHUM COCO and SOLEIL BLEU run from S to XXL.
• The SOLEIL BLEU high-waisted briefs come from S to XL.
• The tangas SUNSET and BICHOCO come in S-M or L-XL.

The models' benchmarks

The product pages give these reference points, useful for finding your size:

• Marie is a French size 36/38 and wears an M in the DIABOLO FRAISE and RHUM COCO one-pieces. For bottoms, she is a size 36 and wears an S in the SOLEIL BLEU Brazilian briefs and an S-M in the BICHOCO tanga.
• Chloé, the designer, is a size 40 and wears an L in the RHUM COCO one-piece, an L in the SOLEIL BLEU high-waisted briefs and an L-XL in the BICHOCO tanga.
• Audrey is a size 36/38 and wears an M in the SOLEIL BLEU one-piece, an M in the RHUM COCO Brazilian briefs and an S-M in the SUNSET tanga.

Choosing your bikini top

For a top, cup size matters as much as clothing size. The product pages give these benchmarks:

• Marie and Chloé are a D cup and wear a size L in the BICHOCO triangle; Chloé also wears an L in the RHUM COCO triangle, and Marie an L in the SOLEIL BLEU triangle and the BICHOCO bralette.
• Audrey is a B cup and wears a size S in the SUNSET triangle. As a size 36/38, she also wears an S in the RHUM COCO bralette.

The triangles have adjustable straps, so you can fine-tune the support once you have chosen your size. Their product pages describe the cut as flattering for small busts and fuller ones alike.

Choosing your bikini bottoms

Bottoms are chosen first according to your usual size, then according to how much coverage you like:

• Brazilian briefs reveal the buttocks slightly, with a low waist;
• high-waisted briefs cover more: the SOLEIL BLEU pair has adjustable ties at the side, for a gathered effect or not;
• a tanga is more high-cut, with a gathered centre back; the SUNSET tanga ties at the sides, which leaves a little room for adjustment.

Between two sizes, ask yourself what you want from the piece: more coverage or a closer fit. Ties and adjustable straps are more forgiving than a fixed cut.

Top and bottom in different sizes: absolutely fine

As the pieces are sold separately, nothing forces you to take the same size for the top and the bottom. A fuller bust with slim hips, or the other way round: everyone puts together their own set. The product page for the RHUM COCO Brazilian briefs even recommends it: “Don’t hesitate to mix and match tops and bottoms, this design goes easily with others.” Find every piece in the swimwear section.

For cuts suited to different figures, read Swimwear for every body shape, and for lingerie, the size guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size swimsuit to buy?

Start from your usual clothing size, then compare it with the models' benchmarks listed on the product page. For a top, take your cup size into account too: at atelier culotté, Marie and Chloé, both a D cup, wear an L in the BICHOCO triangle.

Should I size up for a swimsuit?

Not necessarily. A swimsuit is meant to fit snugly, and swim fabric that is too big tends to gape once wet. Take your usual size and only go up if the cut or the benchmarks on the product page suggest it.

Can I choose a different size for the top and the bottom?

Yes. At atelier culotté, tops and bottoms are sold separately, each in its own sizes. You could, for example, choose a triangle in L and Brazilian briefs in M.

Can I return a swimsuit that does not fit?

A swimsuit whose hygiene protection has been removed cannot be returned under the right of withdrawal, as the terms and conditions of sale state. If you are unsure about your size, write to the designer via the Contact page before ordering.