How to Choose Your Franco Marine Size: The Complete Swimwear Sizing Guide
Finding the right size in luxury swimwear is one of the most common questions we receive at Franco Marine. Get it right and your bikini or one-piece will fit like a second skin - sculpting, supporting, and flattering exactly as it was designed to. Get it wrong and even the most beautiful piece will not perform as intended.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to measure yourself correctly, how Franco Marine sizing works, which styles suit different body types, and how to choose between sizes when you are between fits.
Step 1: How to Measure Yourself for Swimwear
Before choosing your size, take three key measurements. Use a soft measuring tape and measure directly against your skin - not over clothing.
Bust Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Do not pull the tape too tight - it should sit snugly but comfortably. This is your bust measurement.
Waist Measurement
Measure around the narrowest part of your natural waist - typically about 2-3cm above your belly button. Keep the tape relaxed and breathe normally.
Hip Measurement
Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. This is usually about 20cm below your natural waist.
Pro tip: Always measure in your underwear, not over clothing. Have someone help you if possible - self-measuring can introduce small errors that affect your fit.
Franco Marine Size Chart
Franco Marine uses European (EU) sizing. Here is how our sizes correspond to international sizing standards:
- XS: EU 34 | UK 6 | US 2 | Bust 80-83cm | Waist 60-63cm | Hips 86-89cm
- S: EU 36 | UK 8 | US 4 | Bust 84-87cm | Waist 64-67cm | Hips 90-93cm
- M: EU 38 | UK 10 | US 6 | Bust 88-91cm | Waist 68-71cm | Hips 94-97cm
- L: EU 40 | UK 12 | US 8 | Bust 92-95cm | Waist 72-75cm | Hips 98-101cm
- XL: EU 42 | UK 14 | US 10 | Bust 96-99cm | Waist 76-79cm | Hips 102-105cm
General fit rule: Franco Marine pieces are true to size. We recommend ordering your usual EU size. If you are between sizes, size up for one-pieces and size down for bikini tops if you prefer a more secure fit.
How to Choose Your Size by Style
Triangle Bikini Tops (YARA, TIO Collections)
Triangle tops are the most adjustable style in the Franco Marine range. The fully adjustable ties on YARA and TIO pieces allow you to customise the fit across a range of sizes.
- Order your usual EU size based on your bust measurement
- If you have a larger bust (D cup and above), consider sizing up for more fabric coverage
- The adjustable ties allow you to tighten or loosen the fit - making triangle tops forgiving across half a size either way
- For TIO crochet lace pieces, the fabric has less stretch than standard nylon-spandex - stick closely to your measured size
Bandeau Bikini Tops (TIA Bandeau)
Bandeau tops rely on a snug fit to stay in place. For the TIA Bandeau:
- Order based on your bust measurement - a snug fit is essential for a strapless style
- If you are between sizes, size down for better support and security
- The adjustable ties on TIA Bandeau allow you to add shoulder support if needed
Underwire Push-Up Tops (RUFF Collection)
RUFF's underwire construction provides structured support similar to a bra. For the best fit:
- Order based on your bust measurement - the underwire is sized to cup sizes A through D
- If you have a larger bust (D cup and above), size up for the most comfortable and supportive fit
- The convertible gold buckle straps on RUFF allow you to adjust the fit in multiple configurations
High-Waist Bikini Bottoms (ALTO, BUCO, KAREEN)
High-waist bottoms should fit snugly at the waist without digging in. For ALTO, BUCO, and KAREEN high-waist styles:
- Order based on your hip measurement - this is the most important measurement for bottoms
- If your waist and hip measurements fall in different sizes, size up and rely on the waistband elasticity
- The tummy control ruching on BUCO and KAREEN provides additional smoothing - these styles are particularly forgiving
One-Piece Swimsuits (MASSIMA, MARE, KAREEN, BUCO)
One-pieces need to fit well across bust, waist, and hips simultaneously. This makes sizing slightly more complex:
- Start with your bust measurement as the primary guide
- Check that your hip measurement also falls within the same size range
- If your bust and hips fall in different sizes, size up and rely on the adjustable straps or ruching to customise the fit
- For MARE pieces with leather straps and metal hardware, the adjustable straps allow significant fit customisation
- For MASSIMA belted styles, the adjustable belt allows you to define the waist independently of the overall size
Reversible Bikini Bottoms (TIA Reversible)
For TIA Reversible high-waist bottoms, order based on your hip measurement. The reversible construction uses slightly denser fabric - if you are between sizes, size up for the most comfortable fit.
How to Choose Between Sizes
If your measurements fall between two sizes, here is how to decide:
- Size down if: You prefer a more secure, snug fit - especially for triangle tops, bandeau tops, and high-leg styles
- Size up if: You have a larger bust, prefer more coverage, or are choosing a one-piece where the fit needs to work across multiple body measurements
- For adjustable styles (YARA, TIO, ALTO, RUFF, MARE): The adjustable ties, straps, or buckles give you flexibility - you can often make either size work
- For structured styles (MASSIMA, KAREEN): Stick closely to your measured size - the jacquard fabric has less stretch than standard nylon-spandex
Swimwear Sizing by Body Type
Hourglass Figure
Most Franco Marine styles are designed with an hourglass silhouette in mind. High-waist styles like ALTO and BUCO will emphasise your natural waist, while MASSIMA's adjustable belt creates definition. Order based on your bust measurement and check that your hips fall within the same size range.
Pear Shape (Wider Hips)
For pear-shaped figures, prioritise your hip measurement when choosing bottoms and size up if needed. High-waist styles like ALTO and BUCO are particularly flattering, as the tummy control waistband balances the hip-to-waist ratio. For tops, you may be able to size down.
Athletic or Straight Figure
RUFF's underwire push-up construction adds shape and definition. Triangle tops like YARA and TIO with adjustable ties allow you to customise coverage and create the illusion of curves. MARE's deep V neckline elongates and adds visual interest.
Fuller Bust
RUFF's underwire push-up construction (A-D cup) provides the most support for larger busts. For triangle tops, size up and use the adjustable ties to customise coverage. One-pieces like MARE and KAREEN with adjustable straps are also excellent choices for fuller busts.
Petite Figure
High-leg styles like ALTO and YARA elongate the leg line beautifully. MARE's deep V neckline creates a longer, leaner silhouette. For petite figures, XS (EU 34) is available across the full Franco Marine range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franco Marine Sizing
Does Franco Marine swimwear run true to size?
Yes - Franco Marine pieces are designed to be true to EU size. We recommend ordering your usual EU size. If you are unsure, measure your bust, waist, and hips and compare to our size chart above.
What if I am between sizes?
For bikini tops, size down for a more secure fit. For one-pieces and bottoms, size up. For adjustable styles (YARA, TIO, ALTO, RUFF, MARE), either size can often be made to work with the adjustable ties or straps.
Do Franco Marine one-pieces stretch?
Yes - all Franco Marine pieces are made from premium nylon-spandex with four-way stretch. Jacquard styles (MASSIMA, KAREEN, TIO) have slightly less stretch than standard nylon-spandex styles - stick closely to your measured size for these collections.
Can I return or exchange if the size is wrong?
Please refer to our returns and exchange policy for full details on size exchanges.
Quick Reference: Franco Marine Sizing Summary
- Measure bust, waist, and hips before ordering
- Franco Marine uses EU sizing - true to size
- For bikini tops: size based on bust measurement
- For bottoms and one-pieces: size based on hip measurement
- Between sizes? Size down for tops, size up for bottoms and one-pieces
- Adjustable styles (YARA, TIO, ALTO, RUFF, MARE) offer the most flexibility
- Jacquard styles (MASSIMA, KAREEN) - stick closely to your measured size
Still unsure about your size? Contact our team directly and we will help you find the perfect fit. Explore our full collection of bikini tops, bikini bottoms, and one-piece swimsuits - each designed to fit, flatter, and last.