How to Put on a Bikini

Get undressed from head to toe. Bikinis are meant to bare a lot of skin, so go ahead and get undressed. Remove your bra and underwear, too. Don't attempt to wear your bikini over underwear, since it will be nearly impossible to keep your underwear from peeking out when you're active at the beach or pool.

Pull on the bikini bottoms. Bikini bottoms usually provide the same amount of coverage as bikini-style underwear. The top edge of the bikini bottoms should sit along your hips, crossing over each hip bone below your belly button. In the back, they should hug your bottom tightly. Depending on the style you're wearing, they'll provide either full or partial cheek coverage.^[1]

• Your bikini bottoms should not sag or droop. If they feel loose, you need a smaller size.
• They also shouldn't cut into your skin and cause bulging. If they do, try a size up.

Fasten the bikini top below your breasts. Put on the top as you would put on a bra, fastening the band around your chest first. It might help to put the top on backward so you can fasten the band in the front, then slide it around to position it correctly with the cups in the front.

• If it's a string bikini, first tie a tight knot, then tie the ends in a bow. Tie it so that the bikini will stay in place, but not so tight that it cuts off your circulation.
• If the band of your bikini top is loose enough to easily slip your hand through, either tie it tighter or go down a size. If it's so tight that you feel uncomfortable, go up a size.

Adjust the cups. Rest your breasts right in the center of each cup, to keep them securely in place there. Make sure the fabric of the cups completely covers your breasts; if they feel tight, or your breasts and bulging out from the sides, you might want to go up a size. If they feel loose, try a size lower or choose a padded top. Here are the different types of bikini tops, and how to fasten them properly:

• Triangle top: This style provides the least amount of support and coverage, and it works best for smaller breasts. Make sure your breasts are positioned in the centers of the triangles. If your top has sliding triangles, slide them over your breasts to make sure the fabric covers your breasts entirely.
• Halter top: This style provides a more support, making it a good choice for bigger breasts. Position your breasts in the center of each cup, and stretch the cups around your breasts for maximum coverage.
• Bandeau top: This style is strapless, so make sure you choose the right size so that your top won't slide up or down. Adjust the top so that your breasts fit into the center of the cups. It should hug your chest quite firmly; if it sags or droops, you may need to go down a size or choose a different style top.
• Underwire top: This style is similar to a bra, and fits much the same way. Position the underwires so that they sit right beneath your breasts, then lower your breasts into the cups.

Adjust the straps. It's important to adjust the straps so that they keep your bikini top secure and provide support for your breasts. You want the straps to be tight enough to hold your bikini top in place, but not so tight that they dig into your shoulders. Your bikini top should feel as comfortable as a bra.

• Adjust bra-style bikini straps just as you would regular bra straps. Use the plastic slides on the straps to loosen or tighten them.
• If the straps are strings you need to tie, it might take a few tries before you're able to tie the knots just right. They should be tight enough to provide support for your breasts, but not so tight they cut into your shoulders. Tie the ends of the strings into bows.
• Some bikini tops are styled as halters, with two strings that are tied right at the nape of your neck. Again, make sure you tie the strings tight enough to support your breasts without being uncomfortable.
• If you find that you aren't able to adjust the straps in a way that allows your breasts to be well-supported without causing pain in your shoulders or neck, you may need a different style top. Try a traditional bra-style top with an underwire for maximum support.

Take a walk around the room to check for slipping and discomfort. Try skipping and jumping, too. You're going to be having fun in the sun, and you don't want to have to worry about your breasts coming loose or your bikini bottoms slipping down. Make adjustments where necessary so you can wear your bikini confidently all day long.