Woman wearing Scarlett Bikini Light Blue while buying swimwear online on her laptop at home

Buying Swimwear Online: How to Skip the Fitting Room Fail


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Okay babes, let’s be real — trying on bikinis under those harsh changeroom lights is basically a horror story. The awkward shimmy, the unflattering mirrors, the panic when the shop girl hovers outside like a swimwear security guard? Been there, sweated through that — which is exactly why buying swimwear online is the ultimate glow-up.

Last summer I swore off mall changerooms completely after one tragic attempt at a “quick try-on” turned into a full-blown meltdown. (Let’s just say a fluorescent-lit mirror and an ill-fitting triangle top can humble even the most confident girl.) So now? I only shop my swimwear online — and honestly, it’s been the biggest glow-up.

If you’ve been nervous about buying swimwear online, this is your sign. I’m spilling all my styling tips, fit hacks, and secret scroll habits so you can skip the fitting room fail and look like a total beachside baddie.


Why Buying Swimwear Online Is Actually a Power Move

Once you’ve escaped the changeroom chaos, you realise how freeing it is to browse bikinis from your bed while eating Tim Tams. Shopping from your phone means:

  • You can take your time and compare fits without the pressure

  • You get way more size variety than any store ever stocks

  • You can check real-girl UGC on socials to see how pieces fit actual bodies

  • And honestly? Trying them on at home with your own lighting and playlist = elite energy

Pro tip: Stalk the tagged photos on brands’ Instagram pages. Seeing how something fits different body types is way more helpful than a studio shot. I first spotted the Scarlett Bikini - Light Blue on @ella.in.bali and instantly knew she was serving tropical goddess energy — which is exactly the vibe I want for my next island trip.


The Secret to Getting the Fit Right (No Drama)

The biggest fear about buying swimwear online is that it won’t fit — but that’s totally fixable if you know how to decode sizing like a pro.

Here’s what I always do:

  • Read the fit notes on each product (brands like Dekota Swim always mention if something runs small or large)

  • Measure yourself (boring but worth it) and compare with the size guide

  • Check the fabric — stretchy ribbed fabrics (like the Brooklyn Bikini – Peach) have more give than structured styles

And if you’re stuck between sizes? Size up. A slightly looser fit is so much easier to tailor with ties or clips than squeezing into something too small. Trust me, comfort looks hotter than muffin-top anxiety ever will.


Your Go-To Bikini Staples (Aka the Ones That Slay Every Time)

Let’s talk styles. Because when you’re curating your swim wardrobe, it helps to start with a few iconic silhouettes you can mix, match, and rewear. These are my forever faves from Dekota Swim:

  • Penelope Bikini – Black — A timeless black two piece bathing suit that gives main character energy. It’s sleek, minimalist, and pairs with literally everything.

  • Maya Bikini – Fruit Salad — This one is for the girls who want to be spotted from space (and the shoreline). Loud, juicy, and made for those “Hot Girl Summer” reels.

  • Calliope Bikini – Green — A chic bikini two piece that’s supportive yet flirty, perfect for surfing and sipping spritz on the sand.

When you explore our bikini two piece styles online, you can build a little capsule of mix-and-match sets. Think: one neutral, one bold print, one statement colour. That way you can switch it up each beach day without overpacking.


Style Tips to Level Up Your Online Swimwear Shop

Now for the fun part: turning your online cart into a full vibe. Because buying swimwear online isn’t just about finding something that fits — it’s about finding something that feels like you.

Here’s how I shop like a style editor:

  • Think in outfits, not just bikinis — Picture how you’ll wear it: linen button-up, oversized sunnies, beach tote, gold jewellery. If it doesn’t complete the mental moodboard, it’s a no.

  • Consider the tan lines — Halters like the Lyra Bikini – Pink are gorge but keep the strappy back styles for when you’re not chasing that even glow.

  • Check how it moves — Look for videos, reels, or try-on hauls (hello, TikTok). If it rides up or cuts in when the model walks, swipe left.

  • Imagine the location — Would this suit look iconic on a Bondi beach towel and at a Bali beach bar? If yes, add to cart immediately.

Basically, if it doesn’t make you feel like the star of a bikini model bikini shoot, it’s not the one.


The Longevity Factor (aka Why It’s Worth the Investment)

Here’s the thing — not all bikinis are created equal. And while fast-fashion swim might be tempting, it usually falls apart faster than your ex’s situationship promises.

At Dekota Swim, we’re not perfect — but we’re intentional. While our current swimwear isn’t made from recycled fabrics, we prioritise quality, durability, and timeless designs over throwaway trends. That means fewer replacements, longer life, and less waste.

We’re working toward more sustainable choices with each season — starting with our packaging and conscious production runs. So if you’ve been buying swimwear online and searching for a sustainable bathing suit that you’ll wear beyond just one summer, our pieces are designed to actually last.

If you want to dive deeper into how we do it, you can read more about us here.


FAQs from My DMs: Answered

Q: What is a bikini model bikini?
A bikini model bikini is basically the moment — think perfectly cut, curve-hugging, photogenic from every angle. The Scarlett Bikini – Silver is the ultimate version. It’s made to slay your beach shoot, your TikTok reel, and your confidence levels all at once.

Q: What makes a sustainable bathing suit better?
It’s all about longevity. A truly sustainable suit is one you’ll wear for years, not weeks. High-quality fabric, thoughtful design, and slow production mean less waste and fewer landfill-bound bikinis. (Dekota Swim is obsessed with this part — every set is made to last multiple summers.)


The Best Part About Buying Swimwear Online?

No pressure. No drama. Just you, your playlist, and the satisfaction of building a beach wardrobe that makes you feel like her.

Plus, you can try everything on at home with your own lighting, angles, and mirror. (Pro tip: I always film a little try-on haul in my room — it’s the best way to see how a bikini actually looks in motion, and it makes it way easier to decide what to keep.)

And if you need inspo? Search the #dekotaswimbabe tag on Insta. The girls are killing it in their summer bikini looks — like @sydneybeachbabe in the Brooklyn Bikini – Rose, serving soft-girl coastal energy, or @ella.in.bali rocking the Maya Bikini – Ocean with a sarong and Aperol in hand.


Ready to Slay Your Next Beach Look?

Babes, you deserve bikinis that hype you up, not tear you down. Ditch the changeroom chaos, trust the process, and let your cart be your catwalk.

Start building your dream bikini rotation and explore our bikini two piece styles for pieces that are actually made to last.

Then browse our edit of slow-fashion swimwear if you’re craving suits that are as timeless as they are TikTok-worthy.

Tag me @dekotaswim.official when you pull this look — I’ll probably repost it, no cap. 💅✨

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