Size 38L Swimwear
Also labeled UK 38HH and EU 85L
If you wear a 38L bra, start your swimwear search in the same size. Then check that the band stays put and the cups hold a very full cup without spilling. Our Swimwear Size Chart shows how 38L is labeled in UK and EU sizing.
Getting the Band Right in a 38L Suit
Look for a band area wide enough to spread pressure around a 38 ribcage rather than a narrow strip that can roll. If the lower edge of the band folds over, it may be too narrow for your frame or set too tight. Before you tighten the straps, make sure the band is level from front to back.
Sit down in the suit and lean forward. If a very full cup lifts out of the cups or the band peels away at the back, the band needs to be firmer.
Checking the Cups on a 38L Swimsuit
An L cup projects well forward, so a shallow cup will flatten or spill even when the letter is right. Check that the cup edge lies flat against your chest at the top, without a ridge or a gap. If the cups wrinkle but also press in one spot, the shape may be wrong rather than the size.
UK brands print it as 38HH. HH is simply the UK letter for a US L cup.
Taking Strain Off 38L Swim Straps
Shoulder marks after a swim usually mean the straps are doing the band's job. Ease them off, check the band, then tighten them only as far as feels comfortable. Wider straps can spread the load for a very full cup, but they will not fix a band that is too loose.
For everyday styles, browse our 38L bras.
Frequently Asked Questions About Size 38L Swimwear
What is 38L swimwear in UK sizing?
US 38L is labeled UK 38HH and EU 85L, because HH is the UK letter for a US L. Check which system each brand uses.
Which works better for 38L, a one-piece or a tankini?
It depends on your torso more than your bust. A one-piece spreads support through the whole garment but needs the right body length, while a tankini top relies on its band and cups. With a very full cup on a larger band, choose whichever keeps the band level when you move.
Why do 38L swim cups wrinkle when the band fits?
Wrinkles with a good band usually point to cup shape, not size. With a very full cup, settle your bust again, then compare a different cup shape or coverage before going down a cup.
Can a swimsuit give 38L the same support as a bra?
Yes, a suit sized by band and cup can come close, as long as the band is firm and the cups have enough depth for a very full cup. A suit sized only by dress size usually cannot hold 38L the same way.
Does a 38L bust need more side coverage in swimwear?
Yes, usually. With a very full cup, tissue can slip out near the underarm when you move, so look for cups that reach back toward your side.
Should 38L swimwear fit more snugly than my bra?
Yes, a little, especially in the band. Many swim fabrics give once wet, so a larger band that feels firm when dry usually sits right in the water. It should still let you breathe deeply without pinching.