Suit Sizing Tips
- Taking fresh measurements and matching them to a swimsuit size chart is the best approach for a great fit.
Guidelines for making proper swimwear measurements:
· Don’t take your own measurement – ask a friend to measure you.
· Take measurements on bare skin when possible
· Use a soft tape to measure. No rulers – no metal tape measures – soft tape only!
o Bonus Tip: The tape should lay flat, without indenting skin. Over-tightening distorts measurements.
o Extra Bonus Tip: If a soft tape measure isn’t an option, use non-stretching string – and carefully match the string length to a reliable measurement tool.
· Warning For Guys: Gentleman, your measurements are less challenging – but be careful!
o Measure 1″ below your navel to determine your waist size. Waist measurement equate to the suit size, so a 32″ waist should order a size 32 suit.
o Do not use the pants size shortcut! Pants size is not an accurate equivalent, because it is often chosen by the look or style of the fit, instead of an actual measurement. Save yourself some frustration and measure your waist.
Tips for Females:
Chest & Hips
All bodies are different, and women with greater variations between chest and hip size may want to consider downsizing or upsizing as follows:
· Small Chest / Large Hips: Consider upsizing above chest measurement guidelines.
· Big Chest / Small Hips: Consider downsizing below chest measurement guidelines.
Tips for Males
Jammers
Jammer cuts have changed over the last few years. Jammers used to fit lower on the waist, more current cuts have a higher waist. Here are some extra jammer fitting tips to help you determine what a great fit feels and looks like:
· Jammers should be sufficiently snug at both waist and knee, to make getting 2 fingers under the fabric somewhat challenging.
· Waist fit rules! Don’t worry about the leg cuff height, as this will vary for different body types.
· Remember, your waist measurement equates to the suit size, so a 32″ waist should order a size 32 suit.
Polyester Swimwear Fabric
· Polyester material has a tighter, more compressive fit and wears longer. This does not mean you have to upsize for poly, but swimmers should consider sizing up if on the cusp on a larger size.
Tight fitting swimwear is better
· The suit you are trying on is as tight as it’s ever going to be and will loosen over time.
· The feel of the suit will change once you are in the water.
· Bag = Drag! Any bag or wrinkles will cause unwanted drag during your race or workout.
· Swimsuits are more than a means to cover your skin. Like running shoes, competitive swimwear is a piece of sports equipment. And like shoes that are too large, wearing an over-sized swimsuit will cause discomfort and hinder athletic performance.
