There's nothing like slipping into your favourite swimsuit and heading to the beach or pool but constant adjusting can quickly kill your confidence. Whether you're in a one-piece, bikini bottoms, or swim shorts, riding or shifting fabric can turn a relaxing day into an uncomfortable one. The good news? With the right fit, style, and some clever tricks, you can keep your swimsuit exactly where it belongs.
Understanding Why Swimsuits Ride Up
The Role of Fabric and Fit
The main causes are fit and fabric. Swimsuits are designed to stretch with your body, but if the fit isn't right, that stretch can work against you. A suit that's too small will ride up as you move, while one that's too large won't have enough structure to stay in place.
Body shape also matters, what works for one person may not suit another. Certain styles, coverage levels, and support features can make all the difference in preventing riding or bunching.
Finding the Correct Size: The Foundation of a Well-Fitting Swimsuit
In-Store & Virtual Fittings
Our expert fitters can help you find the perfect style and size, whether you visit us in store or book a virtual appointment. You can try on anything you like in store to test coverage, support, and comfort before committing.
Shopping Online
If you're browsing from home, our detailed size guide provides a helpful starting point. While it's not a substitute for a fitting, it can help narrow down options. And don't worry, items purchased online can be exchanged or returned as long as they meet our easy return requirements, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
Why This Matters
Swimsuit sizing can vary between brands, and your usual clothing size isn't always a reliable indicator. Starting with the right size ensures the fabric sits correctly, straps stay secure, and bottoms and one-pieces don't ride up so you can enjoy your time in the water without constant adjustments.
Choosing Styles That Prevent Riding Up
High-Waisted Bottoms for More Coverage
These provide more coverage across the stomach and hips, helping prevent shifting. Plus, they give a vintage-inspired, flattering look. Find high-waisted options here.
Wide Straps for Added Support
Wide straps distribute weight evenly, reducing movement. Adjustable straps let you customise the fit, essential for those with longer or shorter torsos. Explore supportive one-piece and bikini tops for options.
Built-In Support and Lining
One-piece swimsuits with underwire, bra cups, or tummy panels help keep everything secure. Tankini sets offer the coverage of a one-piece with flexibility. Browse structured, control swimwear here.
Consider Swim Shorts and Skirts
For extra coverage or if bottoms tend to ride up, swim shorts and skirts are a stylish, practical alternative. Check out our swim skirts and shorts collection here.
Smart Solutions and Quick Fixes
The Importance of Proper Care
How you care for your swimsuit directly affects how well it maintains its shape. Rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water immediately after each use to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Hand wash with a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry. Never wring out your swimsuit, as this can damage the swimsuit fibres and affect the fabric's stretch and recovery.
Consider Lining and Construction
Quality swimsuits feature proper lining and construction that help prevent riding. Look for double-lined fabrics in critical areas and check that seams are well-constructed and lie flat. Better construction means better fit and less likelihood of uncomfortable riding or shifting.
Body Type-Specific Tips
For Athletic Builds
If you have an athletic build with fewer curves, look for swimsuits with ruching, patterns, or textural details that help create shape, such as the Sea Level Eco Essentials Cross Front Multifit Swimsuit. Boy-short style bottoms or bikini bottoms with side ties can provide a more secure fit that's less likely to ride up.
For Curvy Figures
Those with curvier figures benefit from swimsuits with more structure and added support. Look for one-piece bathing suits with built-in bra cups, underwire support, and tummy control panels, such as the Artesands Hues Hayes Underwire One Piece. For bikini styles, high-waisted bottoms paired with supportive tops provide both coverage and confidence.
For Long Torsos
Long torsos often struggle with one-piece swimsuits that ride up because they don't have adequate length. Look for swimsuits specifically designed for long torsos, or consider tankini styles that offer the coverage of a one piece with more adjustability. Adjustable straps are essential for achieving the right fit.
Proper Care Is Key
Rinse your swimsuit in cool water after every wear to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Hand wash with a gentle detergent, reshape the cups and seams, and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing, this can stretch fibres and affect fit. Some women even wash their swimwear in the shower for a super simple, quick method.
Why Choose DeBra's for Your Swimwear
Finding a swimsuit that fits perfectly doesn't have to be stressful. DeBra's fitters specialise in helping women of all shapes and sizes discover swimwear that stays in place, offers support, and makes you feel confident. We carry swimwear in sizes 6–36 (A–K cup) with styles from trusted brands featuring durable fabrics, wide or adjustable straps, and clever construction.
Whether you're after a high-waisted bikini, supportive one-piece, tankini, or swim shorts, our team can guide you to the right style for your body and activity level. Book a fitting in-store or virtually, or shop our full swimwear collection {here}. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150 and easy returns make it simple to find your perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my swimsuit keep riding up?
The most common causes are incorrect sizing (too small) or insufficient structure in the fabric or style. Body shape also plays a role, certain cuts suit different proportions better.
What swimsuit styles are least likely to ride up?
High-waisted bottoms, wide-strap styles, one-pieces with built-in support panels, and swim shorts all provide more coverage and structure that helps keep the suit in place.
How does swimsuit care affect riding up?
Poor care damages the fabric's elasticity over time. Always rinse in cool water after wearing, hand wash with gentle detergent, reshape, and lay flat to dry. Never wring out a swimsuit.
What swimsuit works best for a long torso?
Look for styles designed specifically for long torsos, or choose tankini sets where the separate top and bottom allow more flexibility in length. Adjustable straps are also important.
Do swim shorts help prevent riding up?
Yes. Swim shorts and swim skirts provide extra coverage around the hips and thighs, making them a great option if bikini bottoms tend to shift during swimming or movement.
