Side ties beat ruching for swimsuit fit.

Side ties. Ruching is a fabric trick that hides some looseness, but it doesn’t actually adjust — it’s sewn in at the factory. If you want real control over how tight or loose the bottoms sit, get a pair with adjustable side ties.

You can tug them tighter after lunch or loosen them if you’ve been in the water all day. That matters more than you think. Brands like Athleta, Summersalt, and even Amazon’s own line have good options under $50. Ruching is fine if you already know your size fits perfectly, but if you’re between sizes or just want flexibility, side ties are the move.

Your waistline changes more than you think at the beach.