A bikini that doesn’t fit properly can ruin even the most beautiful design. As ENIQUA bikinis are made according to Italian sizing standards, the fit may differ from classic German ready-to-wear sizes. To help you be sure before you buy, we’ll show you step by step how to find your bikini size, whether it’s a top, bottom or one-piece.
Why Italian bikini sizes fit differently
Italian manufacturers traditionally cut their swimwear slightly slimmer and tighter than German or European ready-to-wear sizes. This isn’t a fault in the fit, but part of the Italian tailoring tradition, which focuses on a silhouette that hugs the body closely. For you, this means that instead of relying on your usual clothing size, it’s worth taking more precise measurements before buying. This way, you can ensure that the cup, waist and leg opening really do fit as they should, regardless of what size you usually wear.
Triangle Top: Measuring length and height correctly
With the Triangle Top, it’s not the classic cup size that matters, but the length and height of the fabric triangle itself. In size S, the triangle measures approximately 16 cm in length and 17.5 cm in height; in size XL, these measurements are 18.5 cm and 22.5 cm respectively. To find your size, place a tape measure diagonally from the tip of the triangle to the top edge (height) and along the top edge from one corner to the other (length). Compare both measurements with our table; the triangle should cover your bust completely without feeling tight or forming creases.
→ Here you’ll find all our triangle bikinis
Push-up: How to calculate your cup size accurately
For our push-up bikinis, it’s the combination of underbust and bust measurements that counts, expressed in sizes such as 70C/1C or 85D/4D. Here’s how to measure correctly:
- Measuring your underbust: Place the tape measure directly under your bust, snugly but not too tight.
- Measuring your bust: Place the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, loosely and parallel to the floor.
- Calculating the difference: Subtract your underbust measurement from your bust measurement; the result in centimetres corresponds to your cup size.
- Check against the table: Match your result to the appropriate ENIQUA size (e.g. 75B/2B for a bust measurement of 62–70 cm).
If you fall between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger one; particularly with firm push-up cups, it’s almost impossible to compensate for a size that’s too small later on.
→ Here you’ll find all our push-up bikinis
Twisted Top: It’s all about the circumference
Styles such as the Twisted Pinky are measured by circumference, ranging from approximately 58–70 cm for size S to 70–85 cm for size XL. To measure, wrap the tape measure once around your chest, at the point where the top will sit, and compare the measurement with the table. As the Twisted cut adapts flexibly thanks to its twisted shape, you’ll usually find the right fit within the middle range of the two circumference measurements.
Zip Suits: Torso length matters
With our one-piece swimsuits featuring a zip, it’s the minimum and maximum torso length that matters, not just the bust or waist measurements. Our Zip Suits are deliberately cut with a generous length – a real rarity on the market – and are perfect for tall women who otherwise struggle to find a swimsuit with the right torso length. How to measure: Place the tape measure at your collarbone and run it down to your crotch – that’s your torso length. For size M, for example, the suitable range is between 63 and 68 cm. Taller women benefit particularly from this: rather than having to make do with one-piece swimsuits that are cut too short, the ENIQUA Zip Suit fits perfectly even with a longer torso.
→ Here you’ll find all our Zip Suits
Regular Bottom: How to measure for classic bikini bottoms
The Regular Bottom is our most generous fit and is measured around the waist or hips – approximately 75–94 cm for size M, and 85–100 cm for size L. To measure, take the circumference at the widest part of your hips. The Regular Cut offers the most coverage of all our styles, making it the safe choice if you’re unsure between two styles.
Cheeky Bottom: Tighter fit – measure carefully
Our Cheeky Bottom fits slightly tighter than the Regular Cut due to the higher leg opening and narrower back panel – approximately 76–75 cm for size M, and up to 90 cm for XL. As the Cheeky cut deliberately uses less fabric, choosing the wrong size has a more noticeable visual impact here than with the Regular Bottom. Measure your hip circumference as usual at the widest point, and bear in mind: if you’re unsure whether to choose the Cheeky or the Regular, you’ll find a detailed comparison of both cuts in our Cheeky Bottom Guide.
→ Here you’ll find all our Cheeky Bottoms
Bottoms with chains: What else you should bear in mind
Styles with chain detailing, such as our Golden Zebra Triangle Trousers, have a slightly narrower size range than the classic Regular Cut due to the metal trims – around 76 cm for size M and up to 84 cm for XL. As the chains themselves are not stretchy, we recommend measuring your hip circumference particularly carefully. If in doubt, it’s best to choose a size larger so that the chain elements don’t feel tight.
Converting bikini sizes: Italian vs. German sizes
As a rough guide: if you normally wear a German size 36/38, you’ll usually opt for an M or L rather than an S or M with ENIQUA. Whilst this rule of thumb doesn’t replace actually measuring yourself, it helps as an initial assessment before you go into more detail. As a general rule: if you’re unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one if in doubt – particularly with structured push-up cups or styles featuring metal detailing, as it’s almost impossible to compensate for a size that’s too small once you’ve bought it.
Now you’re ready for your next bikini
With the right measurements, choosing the right bikini size is a breeze, no matter which style you opt for. Take two minutes to measure yourself – your bikini will reward you with a perfect fit. Afterwards, feel free to have a look at our size guide or discover our latest collection straight away.
FAQ
What is my cup size?
Subtract your underbust measurement from your bust measurement. The difference in centimetres corresponds to your cup size (e.g. a difference of 12.5 cm ≈ cup C).
How do I find my bikini size without a tape measure?
The most reliable method is to measure yourself. If you don’t have a tape measure to hand, comparing your measurements with a well-fitting bra or pair of trousers can give you a rough guide.
Do ENIQUA bikinis run small?
Yes, our bikinis follow the Italian sizing system and tend to run smaller than German standard sizes. If you’re between sizes, we recommend choosing one size larger.
