Take the hassle out of swimwear shopping with our handy guide to buying online

<p>Ok, so you might not believe it with the weather we&rsquo;ve been having, but summer has officially landed, and with it, swimwear season. So whether you&rsquo;re jetting away on a summer holiday or plan on getting some sun right here in your back garden, you&rsquo;ll need a stylish suit to do it in.</p><p>While lots of us love the ease of shopping online, we can be more than a little hesitant when it comes to purchasing swimming gear, probably because swimwear shopping can be seriously challenging! As well as trying to find the perfect fit and figuring out your size, there's trends to navigate, and a whole host of different straps, styles and colours to consider. Argh! While it can seem like a nightmare, you shouldn't let it put you off. There's a lot to be said for shopping online for swimwear, such as skipping the queues and the dressing rooms, and finding out whether your size is in stock without having to rifle through a whole rail of mismatched tops and bottoms.</p><p>So fear not beach goers &ndash; with our easy 5-step guide you'll soon be a master at shopping for swimwear online. What are you waiting for?</p><h2>1. Know your body</h2><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4335106383% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHAWNFqq-i4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Stuck for how to work the nautical trend? Head to our Life and Style blog to find out how #LifeAndStyle #Fashion #GeorgeAtAsda (click bio to shop)</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by GeorgeAtAsda (@georgeatasda) on <time datetime="2016-06-23T17:30:02+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 23, 2016 at 10:30am PDT</time> </p></div></blockquote><p>Knowing your body is the first step to identifying your ideal swimsuit.</p><p>Begin by checking your own measurements (bra size, dress size and waist and hip) with a tape measure. Why not even get a trusted friend to help &ndash; you can both measure each other, plus they'll be there to provide much-needed second opinions when it comes to your final selection. You'll also want to note what sizes you usually get in underwear and even tight-fitting clothing. After all, it's best to be completely prepared, and this will help to give you a really rounded picture of your body shape. </p><p>Of course, all this information is great, but you need to look at it to see what the measurements tell you about your body shape and proportions. You can use this for a handy starting guide: </p><p><strong>Apple:</strong> Broader shoulders and bust, and narrower hips.<br><strong>Banana (or rectangular):</strong> Waist measurement is less than 9 inches smaller than the hip and bust measurement.<br><strong>Pear:</strong> Hip measurements are greater than bust measurements.<br><strong>Hourglass:</strong> Hip and bust are of almost equal size, with a narrow waist.</p><p>Once you&rsquo;ve discovered your body shape, you can head to our article to <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/best-swimwear-for-body-type" target="_blank">find the best swimsuit for your body shape</a>, whether it be tankinis, bikinis, or one-pieces.</p><h2>2. Know what <em>you're</em> looking for</h2><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4335106383% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGuNwRPK-gc/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Check out this season&rsquo;s must-have affordable swimwear from just £3! #New #Summer #Love #GeorgeAtAsda (click bio to buy)</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by GeorgeAtAsda (@georgeatasda) on <time datetime="2016-06-16T16:29:52+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 16, 2016 at 9:29am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Now you know the rough style of the swimwear that suits you, the next thing is finding out what you want from your swimsuit. We&rsquo;re talking details, such as clasp straps, halter-necks, colours and even things like deciding on matching suits or separates. It&rsquo;s important to make a list of pros and cons of the different swimwear you like. For example, buying separates might really help you to find your perfect fit if you aren&rsquo;t evenly proportioned.</p><p>Now you&rsquo;ve got a better idea of what suits you, turn to Pinterest and Instagram to see how you might look in your chosen style. This is great to see what kind of trends, colours and patterns are in this year, and what they look like on real people who are shaped like you. It&rsquo;s also a great way to see how different bloggers are styling a trend &ndash; you never know, it may even convince you to try something more daring! </p><h2>3. Study the information available on the website extensively</h2><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4335106383% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFjM6Req-mI/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Work the poolside runway, like @ashleylouisejames Product Code: 5387197 #FashionFavourite #Love #ootd #MadeInChelsea #GeorgeAtAsda (click bio to buy)</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by GeorgeAtAsda (@georgeatasda) on <time datetime="2016-05-18T13:19:27+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 18, 2016 at 6:19am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Good news &ndash; the George website is your best friend during this entire process.</p><p>This is because it is packed full of information that can help you make the right decision, including size charts, reviews, images and product descriptions.</p><p>But how do you go about making the best use of all this info? In order to truly choose the best product for you, you first need to study the sizing charts to see where your measurements fall. Next, look to reviews to see if anyone has left a review containing sizing information &ndash; we all know how products can fluctuate from your usual size choice. Finally, turn to the products description to see what fabric the garments are made of. This can give a great clue as to how the product sits and will fit you. For example, cotton and rayon may shrink in the wash, whereas lycra may be a little clingy.</p><p>Lastly, turn to social media for the fullest picture. By searching ‘George swimwear&rsquo;, or the specific name of the product you are looking at on social media, you can see what the public have been posting about it and glean some much-needed hints from fellow customers about whether this is the suit for you. Finally, head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgeatasda/" target="_blank">George's Instagram page</a> itself to see pictures of models rocking the suits in different scenarios.</p><p>This way, you&rsquo;ll get a good mix of real women sharing their thoughts on the design, complete with the brand information for a full, well-rounded picture of the style you have set your sights on.</p><h2>4. Don't be afraid to ask questions</h2><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4335106383% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFRofK7K-iO/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">This swimsuit is ripe for the picking! As worn by @ashleylouisejames Product Code: 5387190 #FashionFavourite #Love #ootd #MadeInChelsea #GeorgeAtAsda (click bio to buy)</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by GeorgeAtAsda (@georgeatasda) on <time datetime="2016-05-11T17:34:05+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 11, 2016 at 10:34am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Now is not the time to be shy &ndash; customer service representatives are there to help you in whatever way they can, so if you have ANY questions about your future dream suit, don't be afraid to <a href="https://asda.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail_grow/a_id/1514/related/1" target="_blank">call or chat to them online or via phone</a>. After all, they&rsquo;re familiar with the stock, and so they&rsquo;ll be the best people to ask about the fit.</p><p>Get a list of products and questions ready before you ring so you don&rsquo;t have to call back multiple times or get stuck looking for that product you can&rsquo;t remember the name of. Make the questions as specific as possible, such as whether the product you are looking at comes up large or small.</p><p>Completely lost? Don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask them for their personal recommendations &ndash; you could also consider providing them with your measurements and seeing what they recommend. </p><h2>5. Order your favourite suit in at least 2 sizes</h2><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"><div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.4335106383% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"><div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFEyqs8q-uB/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Discover which swimwear is making a splash! From just £3 Product Code: 5334652 #Summer #Holiday #New #GeorgeAtAsda (click bio to buy)</a></p><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by GeorgeAtAsda (@georgeatasda) on <time datetime="2016-05-06T17:52:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 6, 2016 at 10:52am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote><script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Finally, order the size you think you need according to the size chart and your measurements, and then order the next size that&rsquo;s most likely to fit. That way you&rsquo;ve got double the chance of getting the suit that&rsquo;s right for you and reduce the risk of disappointment if your suit gets sold out in the meantime. Then, simply try them on in the comfort of your own home and return whatever size you don't need. Just make sure to keep all the hygiene stickers on!</p><p>Head to George online now to pick up your favourite <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/swimwear/D1M1G20C15,default,sc.html?utm_source=asdagoodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=style-fashiontips-swimwearonline" target="_blank">swimsuit</a> before it's gone. From <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/swimwear/bikini-separates/D1M1G20C15S1,default,sc.html?utm_source=asdagoodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=style-fashiontips-swimwearonline" target="_blank">bikinis</a> and <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/swimwear/swimsuits/D1M1G20C15S2,default,sc.html?utm_source=asdagoodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=style-fashiontips-swimwearonline" target="_blank">swimsuits</a> to <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens-maternity-swimwear/D1M1G20C15S5,default,sc.html?utm_source=asdagoodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=style-fashiontips-swimwearonline" target="_blank">maternity</a>, <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/women/swimwear/post-surgery/D1M1G20C15S12,default,sc.html?utm_source=asdagoodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=style-fashiontips-swimwearonline" target="_blank">post-op</a> and <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens-tankinis/D1M1G20C15S3,default,sc.html?utm_source=asdagoodliving&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=style-fashiontips-swimwearonline" target="_blank">tankinis</a>, George has your summer suit sorted.</p>

5 steps to buying a bikini online that actually fits your shape

By Asda Good Living,11th July 2016

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