What Is Sizing Like at Marysia?

Marysia runs small and snug, so my standard advice is simple: size up — especially in the tops, where those pretty scalloped edges have far less give than a smooth-trimmed bikini. If you normally wear a UK 10 in swimwear, I’d reach for Marysia’s M, and possibly the L if you’re fuller on top or like a touch more coverage. The brand runs XS to XL, and the fit sits firmly on the sculpted, body-skimming end of the scale rather than the relaxed one.

I’ve styled a lot of resort shoots over the years, and Marysia is one of those labels where the sizing genuinely catches people out — not because the brand is inconsistent, but because the construction is so different to a standard stretchy two-piece. Let me talk you through it properly.

The scallop is the thing to watch

The signature Antibes scallop is what everyone falls for, and rightly so — it’s one of the prettiest details in swimwear. But those wavy edges are bonded and structured, so they don’t stretch the way a plain elasticated trim does. That changes how the whole piece behaves:

The cups feel fixed rather than adaptable — a top that’s slightly too small won’t simply “give” once you’re wearing it.
The scalloped leg on the bottoms looks beautiful but can dig in if you’re between sizes, so always round up rather than down.
The textured, seersucker-style fabric on the classic pieces is lovely and quick-drying, but it holds its shape from the off — there’s no “wearing it in”.

Tops versus bottoms

Most of the fit niggles I hear about are top-related, so this is where to focus your attention:

Tops: mostly minimal padding, soft triangle and bralette shapes with very little structured support. Fuller busts usually want to size up, or pick a tie or adjustable-back style for flexibility.
Bottoms: these range from cheeky to moderate coverage and often sit high on the leg, which elongates beautifully but can feel skimpy if you prefer fuller coverage — always check the style name before you buy.
One-pieces and ready-to-wear: the swimsuits, dresses and kaftans run a little truer, but still lean fitted, so size up if you’re hovering between two.

A quick word from experience

Years ago I bought a Marysia top in my “usual” size for a shoot in Mallorca, completely convinced the scallops would stretch to fit. Reader, they did not. I spent the whole day quietly adjusting and wishing I’d taken my own advice. The flip side: a client of mine sized up in the bottoms for her honeymoon, and the scalloped hip looked so good she’s since bought three more pairs. With Marysia, a little generosity in sizing always pays off.

How to nail your Marysia size

Measure your bust, waist and hips before you order — never guess from a label.
Size up if you’re between sizes, fuller on top, or simply want more coverage.
Choose tie-side or adjustable styles when you want a bit of wiggle room.
Read the individual style notes — coverage varies hugely across the range.

Where else to shop if Marysia isn’t quite right

If the price point or the cut isn’t for you, here’s where I’d send clients for swimwear and resortwear across every budget.

High street

M&S — my first stop for genuinely supportive swimwear with proper cup sizing and tummy-control options.
Hush — effortlessly chic holiday swimwear and throw-on cover-ups in flattering, muted tones.
Seasalt Cornwall — coastal, sustainability-minded swimsuits built for actually swimming in.
Boden — bold prints and supportive, secure one-pieces that hold everything in place.
Anthropologie — the place for pretty, boho printed bikinis with a bit of personality.
Mango — trend-led, affordable swim that lands the season’s shapes early.
Whistles — pared-back, elegant swimsuits in clean, grown-up silhouettes.
Sweaty Betty — sporty, secure swim for anyone who actually wants to dive in.

Premium

ME+EM — polished, considered swim and resortwear that feels far more expensive than it is.
Ganni — playful, Scandi-cool swimwear with the scalloped, fun-loving spirit Marysia fans tend to love.
Baukjen — sustainable, beautifully cut pieces for a quieter, more refined holiday wardrobe.

Luxury & designer

Zimmermann — the natural step up for printed, romantic swim and matching cover-ups.
Ralph Lauren — timeless, classic swimwear with that easy old-money polish.
Max Mara — understated, beautifully tailored resortwear to wear from beach to bar.

Two independents worth knowing

Davy J — a brilliant British label making genuinely supportive swimwear from regenerated fishing nets; built to last and built to swim in.
Form & Fold — cup-sized swimwear designed properly for fuller busts, so you get real support without sacrificing the look.

Never guess your size again — how Tellar works

If you’ve ever ordered three sizes of the same bikini just to be safe, this is exactly why I built Tellar. It’s the UK’s leading sizing tool, matching your body to 1,500-plus brands instantly — so you never have to squint at a confusing size guide again.

Measure once, using your bust, waist and hip — or simply your existing size in a brand you already own.
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand — COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and many more.
Always free, no downloads needed — it works straight in your browser at tellar.co.uk.

Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

There’s also the Tellar Fashion Hub: a library stacked with free posts from our top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent and always free — covering style advice, top picks and the best brands for every body and budget.

A few of my favourites to read next: