Finding a swimsuit for a long torso can be surprisingly difficult. You choose your usual dress size; it looks promising in the picture or on the model, and then, as soon as you put it on, the shoulders pull, the leg line creeps upwards, and the neckline sits somewhere it was never meant to be. You feel uncomfortable, and it’s easy to work out why. Standard swimsuits aren’t designed for long bodies; you need help finding the best swimsuits for a long torso.
Best Swimsuits for a Long Torso
It is easy to assume that this is simply how one-piece swimsuits feel. It isn’t. More often than not, the swimsuit is too short through the body. We here at Halocline design longer-length swimsuits with an extra 5cm, or 2 inches, through the body loop. This gives you more room where you actually need it, without having to buy a larger size and end up with a loose bust, baggy fabric or gaping leg openings.
And you might not have known this, but you do not necessarily have to be tall to need one, either. Your overall height is only part of the picture. Body proportions, bust size and the shape of your figure can all affect how much length you need from a swimming costume.
We thought you might want some help to work out whether you have a long torso. So we’ve pulled together some tips to help you recognise the signs of a swimsuit that is too short and then help you choose a longer-length style that feels comfortable in and out of the water.
What Is a Long-Torso Swimsuit?
A long-torso swimsuit is a one-piece swimming costume with extra length through the body. The relevant measurement you might use or hear referred to is called the torso loop or body loop. It starts at the shoulder, travels down the front of the body, between the legs and back up to the starting point.
A standard swimsuit is designed around an average body-loop measurement. If yours is longer, the swimsuit has to stretch vertically to cover the extra distance. That is what creates the uncomfortable pulling many women, like you, experience.
A longer-length swimsuit, like one from our fabulous range, provides additional room through this loop while keeping the bust, waist, hips and leg openings in proportion with your normal dress size.
Our longer-length swimming costumes have an additional 5cm or 2 inches through the body compared with our standard-length styles. It may not sound like an enormous difference, but in a fitted garment it can completely change how your swimsuit fits and feels.
Is a Long-Torso Swimsuit the Same as a Tall Swimsuit?
The terms “long-torso swimsuit” and “tall swimsuit” are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean quite the same thing.
A tall woman may have a long torso, but she could equally have long legs and an average-length body. Likewise, a shorter woman can have a comparatively long torso and shorter legs.
This is why choosing swimwear based solely on your height can be misleading. A woman who is 5 ft 4 in may find a longer-length swimsuit far more comfortable, while someone who is 5 ft 10 in might be perfectly happy in a regular-length design.
A fuller bust or rounder figure can also use more of a swimsuit’s vertical stretch. You may therefore benefit from extra body length even if you have never thought of yourself as particularly tall.
How to Tell If You Have a Long Torso
There is no single height or measurement that automatically means you need long-torso swimwear. The easiest way to tell is often to look at how standard one-piece swimsuits fit.
The Shoulder Straps Dig In
Straps that feel uncomfortably tight are one of the most common signs. You might loosen adjustable straps as far as they will go, only to find that the rest of the swimsuit still pulls upwards.
Non-adjustable straps may dig into your shoulders or leave marks after swimming. This can be a strap issue, but it can also mean the whole swimsuit is being stretched too far vertically.
The Swimsuit Rides Up
If you constantly have to pull the bottom of your swimsuit back into place, it may be too short through the body rather than too small overall.
A short body length creates upward tension through the suit. The leg openings are pulled higher, and the swimsuit can become uncomfortable, especially when walking, bending or swimming.
The Neckline Sits Too Low
This is one of the most common complaints we hear. Your chosen swimsuit that looks perfectly modest in the product photograph, but when you try it on, it sits much lower on you. This happens because the fabric is being stretched downwards from the shoulders and upwards from the lower body.
Buying a larger dress size rarely solves the underlying problem. It may give you a fraction more length, but it can also leave the bust and waist too loose so the fit overall isn’t great.
The Bust Support Is in the Wrong Place
You’ll find that shelf bras, underbust seams and moulded cups can only provide proper support when they sit in the correct position.
If your swimsuit is too short, you may find yourself trying to pull the bust section upwards while the lower half of the suit pulls it back down. Your cups may sit too low, while the underbust seam can cut across your bust rather than resting underneath it. A swimsuit that is too short just never seems to sit right.
The Fabric Feels Overstretched
Your swimwear should fit closely, but it should not feel as though it is under constant strain. Overstretched fabric can become thin, distort the print and lose some of its intended support, and that’s not what you want.
If your swimsuit fits around your bust, waist and hips but feels stretched from shoulder to crotch, that bit of extra body length is probably what you need.
How to Measure Your Torso for a Swimsuit
If you would like to check your proportions more closely, you can measure your body loop at home.
Take a soft tape measure and place one end at the top of your shoulder, around the point where a swimsuit strap would normally sit. Run the tape down the fullest part of your bust, through your legs and back up to the same point on your shoulder. Keep the tape close to your body without pulling it tightly. It can be easier to ask someone to help, particularly when bringing the tape up your back.
Your body-loop measurement is more useful than your height because it reflects your individual proportions. You should still use your bust and hip measurements to choose your dress size; the longer-length construction then provides the additional vertical room.
Why Sizing Up Is Not Usually the Answer
When a swimsuit feels too short, the obvious response is to try the next size up. Unfortunately, this can replace one fit problem with several others.
- A larger swimsuit may be slightly longer, but it will also be wider. You could end up with:
- Gaping around the neckline or underarms
- Reduced bust support
- Loose fabric around the waist
- Leg openings that do not stay securely in place
- Wrinkles or pockets of fabric when the suit gets wet
You’ll find that the best solution is to choose your usual size in a swimsuit specifically designed with a longer body. You get the extra room from shoulder to crotch while retaining a secure fit everywhere else. You’ll probably find a long torso bathing suit to be so much more comfortable and better fitting.
What to Look for in a Long-Torso Swimsuit
Body length is important, but it is not the only feature that affects comfort. Think about where and how you swim, as well as the type of support and coverage you prefer.
Adjustable Straps
Adjustable straps let you fine-tune the upper-body fit. They are particularly useful if you have narrow or sloping shoulders, or if you need a little more flexibility around the bust.
They should not have to compensate for a swimsuit that is far too short, but combined with a longer-length body, they can make the overall fit of your swimsuit feel much more comfortable for you as you swim.
Bust Support
Look for details such as a bust lining, shelf bra, underbust seam, side panels or padded cups. Whichever you choose will come down to how much support and shaping you prefer.
The important thing is that the support sits in the right position. Providing sufficient length through your body helps the bust section of your swimsuit remain where it was designed to be.
Tummy Control
A longer-length swimsuit can still offer shaping and tummy control. Light or all-over control fabric can help your swimsuit sit smoothly without feeling excessively rigid.
Ruching and thoughtfully placed panels can also create a flattering finish while allowing you to move comfortably when you are swimming or relaxing on the beach or by the pool.
Your Preferred Leg Height
Longer in the body does not have to mean longer in the leg. You can choose a regular or low leg, or opt for a longer-length legsuit if you would like that bit more thigh coverage.
The aim is to find a combination that suits your proportions and makes you feel comfortable, rather than assuming one style will work for every long torso.
Chlorine Resistance
If you swim regularly in a pool, chlorine resistance should be high up on your list of priorities. Chlorine can weaken ordinary swimwear fibres, leading to fading, sagging and loss of elasticity.
Our latest longer-length styles use a fantastic recycled performance fabric which has been specially developed to improve chlorine resistance, support and shape retention. Our swimsuits have been designed to last twice as long as standard swimsuits, making them a much better choice for regular swimmers.
Our Favourite Swimsuits for Long Torsos
There is no single best long-torso swimsuit because different swimmers want different things from their swimwear. Some prioritise bust support, others prefer extra coverage, and some simply want a streamlined suit for swimming lengths.
So bearing that in mind, here are several of our favourites from our longer-length collection.
Lucille Longer Length Swimsuit
Our Lucille Longer Length Swimsuit in Water Garden is a gorgeous choice if you prefer supportive, figure-flattering swimwear.
It has lightly padded foam cups, an underbust seam, supportive side panels and adjustable straps. Ruching and control fabric help create a smooth shape through the body, while the fully lined front provides you with additional coverage.
Our Lucille swimsuits are 5cm longer through the body than standard swimsuits and have a regular leg height. It is particularly well suited to fuller figures or anyone looking for more structured bust support without an underwire.
The Water Garden print combines blue and green tones, while the style is also available in colours including Wild Water, Miami Sunset, Azure Blue, Rose and classic black. You are sure to find a colourway that you’ll love.
Ava Longer Length Swimsuit
Our Ava Longer Length Swimsuit in Botanical Blue is one of those easy-to-wear styles that works equally well for the pool, a spa day or a holiday.
Its V-neck and gentle ruching create a flattering shape, while tummy-control fabric offers comfortable support across your tummy. The additional body length helps the neckline, bust and leg openings sit where they should rather than pulling against one another.
You’ll find that our Ava Swimsuit is a good option if you want a classic one-piece with a softer, less sporty appearance. It comes in a wide selection of colours and prints, including Deep Teal, Purple Posy, Indigo Floral, Blackberry, Caribbean and black.
Angelina Longer Length Swimsuit
For padded bust support and discreet prosthesis pockets, consider our Angelina Longer Length Swimsuit in Purple Posy.
Our new and totally fabulous Angelina swimsuit combines a scoop back with padded cups and a supportive shelf bra. Internal bust pockets can accommodate a swim prosthesis, making this a practical and attractive option following mastectomy surgery.
The extra 5cm through the body can be especially helpful here because it allows the bust section and internal pockets to remain comfortably positioned. It is available in Purple Posy and black.
Sleek Longer Length Swimsuit
If you enjoy swimming lengths or prefer a sportier shape, our Sleek Longer Length Swimsuit is designed with movement in mind.
You’ll love the high neckline and zip back as this creates a secure, streamlined fit while allowing excellent freedom of movement through the shoulders. The longer torso stops the high neck from pulling down or feeling unnecessarily tight. You really need to try this swimsuit for yourself to see what a difference a long body swimsuit can make.
Our Sleek swimsuits are a strong choice for fitness swimming, aqua training or anyone who likes more coverage across the chest. Alongside black, it is available in Wild Water and the bright Miami Sunset print.
Stella Longer Length Clipback Swimsuit
Our Stella Longer Length Clipback Swimsuit in Water Garden combines a supportive fit with a practical metal clip fastening at the back. Our Stella swimsuits have been a long-time favourite of our customers for years, and so we’ve recently launched even more colourways.
The fantastic swimsuit includes all-over control fabric and adjustable straps, while its chlorine-resistant construction makes it suitable for regular visits to the pool. The clipback can also feel more secure than a completely open back without restricting your movement.
As with the rest of our longer-length range, our Stella swimsuits provide an additional 5cm through the torso, helping reduce pulling at the shoulders and giving you that bit of extra length across your body.
Molly Longer Length Legsuit
If you would like more coverage around the thighs as well as extra room through the body, our Molly Longer Length Legsuit in Ocean Blue and Jade offers both.
You’ll find that our Molly swimsuit has a longer boyleg, a supportive shelf bra and light all-over tummy control. It is a wonderful choice for aqua aerobics, water fitness and everyday pool swimming, particularly if you prefer not to wear a traditional high-cut swimsuit.
Our Molly’s longer torso allows the leg section to sit more comfortably. In a standard-length legsuit, a shorter body length can pull the legs of your swimsuit upwards and cause them to move or bunch. Molly is designed to give you coverage without that constant need to readjust.
Can You Wear a Long-Torso Swimsuit If You Are Not Tall?
Yes, in fact, many of our customers who prefer longer-length swimwear would not describe themselves as tall.
Your torso may simply make up a greater proportion of your height. You might also have a fuller bust or rounder figure that benefits from additional fabric through the body.
The label on the swimsuit matters far less than how it feels. If standard one-piece swimsuits pull at your shoulders, ride up or place the bust support too low, it is worth trying a longer-length design regardless of your height.
Should Long-Torso Swimwear Feel Loose?
A longer-length swimsuit should still fit closely around your bust, waist and hips. The difference is that it should not feel as though it is pulling vertically. When you first try it on, move your arms, bend, sit down and walk around. Check that:
- The straps feel secure without digging in
- The neckline remains in place
- The bust support sits beneath and around the bust
- The leg openings feel comfortable and do not ride up
- The fabric lies smoothly without being stretched thin
- You can move without immediately wanting to adjust the suit
Remember that swimwear may relax slightly when wet, so it should feel secure when dry. Secure does not, however, mean painful or restrictive.
Finding a Swimsuit That Finally Fits
If you have spent years believing that one-piece swimsuits are simply uncomfortable, a longer body may be the missing piece of the puzzle for you. The right swimsuit should let you reach, stretch, swim and relax without constantly tugging it back into position. It should support you where you want support and give you room where you need it.
Our longer-length swimwear collection includes classic swimsuits, supportive designs, performance styles and longer-length legsuits in a variety of colours and prints.
Each one of our lovely long torso swimsuits has been designed to provide extra room through the body while maintaining a secure, flattering fit elsewhere. We always say that enjoying the water is much easier when your swimsuit fits properly.