Size up or size down on bikini top? Also, swimming shorts.

[MaybeDoctor]

I have bought both the size up and size down of the same bikini top:

bikini

The funny thing is that they both seem to fit. The 12 is the same size as the band on my bra, pulls my cleavage together a bit and I can feel the band gripping, whereas the 14 still seems to fit fine and my breasts look more fully encased but the feel is a bit more 'relaxed'.

Any advice on which one to go for? I will be swimming in the sea (with a UV top over) and in a pool. Should I generally size up or size down on swimwear.

I would also like some stretchy swimming shorts for the sea as I burn like anything. I have tried some fabric ones, but the cut doesn't seem right. I would like stretchy ones. Any tips please?

Bumpity bump!

Re the bikini top, they tend to stretch a bit once they get wet and worn for a while so I'd maybe go for the smaller one as long as you aren't spilling out of it