Swimming in a lake or river is, for some, the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you swim for exercise or for fun, an ill-fitting suit can ruin the experience. But shopping for a bathing suit can be stressful, too, especially if you are unsure of what size you need. Fitness or racing swim suits do not come in dress sizes. Even if a size chart is available, there is no guarantee that someone who wears a size 8 dress will automatically wear a size 34 Speedo. Men have it a bit easier than women, because their waist size is often the same as their Speedo size. Either way, taking the time to measure your body for size will result in a more accurate fit, especially if you are planning to purchase your swim suit online.
Tips & Warnings
Because every body is unique, individual measurements will not match the charts exactly. Round your measurements to the closest size, keeping in mind your personal feelings of comfort. Women's suits and men's racing suits, especially, will stretch a bit. Hip, waist, and chest sizes could be rounded down for a snug fit. Torso measurements, on the other hand, could be rounded up. A too-snug fit in the torso could result in sore shoulders or sore groin muscles.
Though the above method will produce accurate results, the cut of swimsuit styles varies greatly. What is comfortable for one person who wears at 34 might be different for another person who wears a 34. For the best sizing results, try on suits in a specialty swim store.
Because every body is unique, individual measurements will not match the charts exactly. Round your measurements to the closest size, keeping in mind your personal feelings of comfort. Women's suits and men's racing suits, especially, will stretch a bit. Hip, waist, and chest sizes could be rounded down for a snug fit. Torso measurements, on the other hand, could be rounded up. A too-snug fit in the torso could result in sore shoulders or sore groin muscles.
Though the above method will produce accurate results, the cut of swimsuit styles varies greatly. What is comfortable for one person who wears at 34 might be different for another person who wears a 34. For the best sizing results, try on suits in a specialty swim store.
Article Written By Eileen Breeze
Eileen Breeze is a certified history teacher and holds a Master of Education in secondary curriculum and instruction from Boston College, and a B.A. in psychology from Davidson College. She is passionate about teaching teenagers. Writing professionally since 2005, her work appears in educational texts produced by publishers including McGraw-Hill, Harcourt and Kaplan. Breeze has coached highly successful teams in basketball, swimming and soccer.
