What Is a Size 28 in Women’s Swimwear
Oct 20, 2025
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Swimwear sizing can be confusing, especially when you encounter a size 28. Is it a small, medium, or large? Does it refer to the waist, hip, or bust? With the variety of styles-bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, board shorts-understanding what size 28 means is crucial for comfort, fit, and style.
In this guide, we'll break down women's size 28 swimwear, including measurement equivalents, international conversions, style considerations, and how manufacturers like Xiamen Reely Industrial Co. Ltd produce swimsuits that fit perfectly across all sizes.
1. Understanding Women's Swimwear Size 28
In women's swimwear, a size 28 typically refers to the waist measurement in inches. However, sizing can vary based on region, brand, and style.
US sizing: Size 28 often corresponds to US size 8–10 for women's bottoms
UK sizing: Equivalent to UK size 10–12
EU sizing: Equivalent to EU size 38–40
Bust/Hip Measurements: Depending on style (bikini, board shorts, one-piece), measurements may vary slightly.
Reely Apparel Insight: For private-label swimwear, we recommend providing exact waist, hip, and bust measurements rather than relying solely on numeric sizes to ensure accurate fit.
2. Size 28 Measurements – Bikini Bottoms
A size 28 bikini bottom generally corresponds to:
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | 28" | 71 cm |
| Hip | 38" | 97 cm |
| Rise (front to back) | 9–10" | 23–25 cm |
Tips for Sizing:
Choose high-waisted or mid-rise depending on preference.
Check fabric stretch: 10–20% spandex content allows flexibility.
For board shorts, consider looser fit to accommodate waist and hip ratio.
3. Size 28 Measurements – One-Piece Swimwear
One-piece swimsuits require torso measurement in addition to bust, waist, and hips:
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Bust | 34–36" | 86–91 cm |
| Waist | 28" | 71 cm |
| Hips | 38" | 97 cm |
| Torso (shoulder → crotch → shoulder) | 56–58" | 142–147 cm |
Reely Apparel Note: One-piece sizing must consider torso length and stretchable fabric to prevent tightness or slipping.
4. Size 28 Board Shorts
For board shorts, size 28 generally refers to waist circumference:
Waist: 28 inches / 71 cm
Hip: 38 inches / 97 cm
Inseam: 5–7 inches (depending on short style)
Board shorts for active swimwear should allow full mobility and may include drawstring or elastic waistbands.
5. International Swimwear Size Conversion
| US | UK | EU | Waist (inches) | Hip (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 | 10–12 | 38–40 | 28 | 38 |
Important: Always consult each brand's size chart, as numeric labels differ across regions and styles.
6. How to Measure for Size 28 Swimwear
Waist: Measure around the narrowest point of your torso.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
Bust (for top sizing): Measure around the fullest part of the bust.
Torso (for one-piece): Measure shoulder → crotch → shoulder.
Inseam (for board shorts): Measure crotch → bottom hem.
Pro Tip: Always measure over a well-fitting bra or swimsuit and record in inches and centimeters.
7. Choosing the Right Style for Size 28
Bikini Bottoms: High-waisted or cheeky styles for comfort and style.
Board Shorts: Loose-fitting or mid-rise with adjustable waistbands.
One-Piece: Tailored torso length for comfort.
Mix-and-Match: Coordinate bikini tops and bottoms for a versatile look.
Trend Insight (2025): High-waisted bikini bottoms and sporty board shorts remain popular for size 28 figures, providing both style and coverage.
8. Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming numeric size equals all brands' sizes
Ignoring fabric stretch and elasticity
Not measuring torso for one-piece swimsuits
Skipping hip measurement for bikini bottoms
Reely Apparel Recommendation: Provide waist, hip, bust, and torso measurements for OEM or private-label production to ensure a perfect fit.
9. Why Size 28 Is Important for Manufacturers
For swimwear brands, understanding size 28 is critical:
Pattern Development: Accurate sizing ensures minimal fit issues.
Size Grading: Converts one sample size into a full range of XS–4XL.
Fabric Selection: Ensures correct stretch and recovery for waist and hips.
Custom Labels: OEM swimwear can carry brand-specific sizing charts.
Reely Apparel supports international brands by creating private-label swimwear in size 28 and all other sizes, maintaining global fit standards and comfort.
10. 2025 Swimwear Trends for Size 28
High-Waisted Bikinis: Flattering waistline and tummy control.
Sporty Board Shorts: Loose fit, quick-drying fabrics.
Cut-Out One-Pieces: Require precise torso measurement.
Sustainable Materials: OEKO-TEX 100 or GOTS fabrics with stretch.
By combining size accuracy with trend-forward designs, brands can satisfy both aesthetic and functional needs.
11. Tips for Consumers
Measure before buying; don't rely on numeric labels alone.
Consider fabric stretch: spandex allows flexibility in sizing.
For mixed sizes (e.g., top small, bottom size 28), mix-and-match styles.
Refer to brand-specific size charts for each swimwear piece.
12. Tips for Brands & OEM Orders
Provide full measurement charts (waist, hip, bust, torso).
Use prototype samples to test fit for size 28.
Consider stretch fabrics and elastic waistbands for comfort.
Offer high-waisted, adjustable, and inclusive options for size 28 customers.
Reely Apparel helps brands produce size 28 swimwear that fits perfectly while adhering to 2025 fashion trends and sustainable manufacturing practices.
13. Conclusion
What is a size 28 in women's swimwear?
Primarily refers to waist measurement (28 inches / 71 cm)
Typically aligns with US size 8–10, UK size 10–12, EU size 38–40
Measurements for hips, bust, torso, and inseam vary by style (bikini, one-piece, board shorts)
Whether you're a consumer looking for the perfect fit or a brand producing private-label swimwear, understanding size 28 is essential for comfort, style, and accuracy.
Reely Apparel provides full-service OEM solutions for all swimwear sizes, ensuring high-quality fabrics, perfect fit, and compliance with global sizing standards.