Swimwear Guide

Because swimsuit sizes can differ from lingerie and dress sizes, it's a good idea to measure yourself every year before buying a new swimsuit. All you need is a flexible measuring tape and a mirror. It also helps to wear as little clothing as possible, since bulkier clothes may throw off your measurements. Remember to keep the measuring tape pulled snug, but not so tight that it's pinching your skin. Below are the three primary measurements you'll want to take:

• Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the bust. Always round up to the nearest whole number if the measurement is between sizes.
• Waist: Bend to one side to identify your natural waistline. Mark it with your finger. Now straighten up and measure around the waistline, keeping the tape snug.
• Hips: Measure just below the widest point of your hips, right under the hip bone.

Choose Your Ideal Swimsuit Size

Most swimsuit manufacturers have their own set of sizing guidelines. In this guide, we've compiled size charts from several different brands to give you a better idea of how sizes vary. If you are looking at a particular product on the website, click on the “Sizing” tab to view the chart for that particular brand. Note: If you’re in-between sizes, go with the larger size in the fashion or fitness suit categories. For competition suits, you may want to go with the smaller size.

What Type of Swimsuit is Right for You?

The kind of swimming you’ll be doing (or no swimming at all) will determine the type of suit you should buy. In the following sections, we’ll break down the three categories of women’s swimwear, and offer some fit recommendations for each.

If you'll be swimming competitively or training at a competitive level, you’ll benefit greatly from owning a competition swimsuit, also called a racing suit. These suits perform extremely well in the water by providing a tight fit, reducing drag and maximizing mobility. Remember: Competition swimsuits fit much tighter than fitness or fashion suits because compression is essential. This type of suit is not for hanging out poolside with the family or lounging on the beach. If you don’t plan on racing or training in your competition swimsuit, you’ll probably be better off with a fitness or fashion suit.

Support

Competition swimsuits don't have internal shelf bras or any added support. Instead, they incorporate a tight, body-hugging fit for a streamlined shape. Most racing suits are unlined, although some training suits may feature a front lining for longer life and extra durability.

Fabric and Shape

Durable, performance nylon and lots of spandex for stretch is standard. Many suits also incorporate chlorine resistant fabrics, which will make them last longer. All competition swimsuits are one-piece suits. Most have moderate leg openings, fairly high necklines, racerbacks or high backs for a secure fit.

Speedo Competition Swimwear

Speedo is one of the leading competition swimsuit brands, although they also make fitness and fashion suits. As you compare your measurements to the chart below, keep in mind that it will be a tight fit. If you're in between sizes, consider choosing the next size up. For comfort, order a full size larger. For racing, buy true to your size.

Speedo Size Chart

TYR Competition Swimwear

Frequently chosen by Olympic athletes, TYR suits are tight and run small. Compare your measurements to the chart below and add one full size for the most comfort. Buy your true size for racing only.

TYR Size Chart

Zoot Sports Competition Swimwear

Built for competition and triathlon training, Zoot swimsuits offer performance features in aerodynamic packages with modest coverage. For a more comfortable fit, order a full size up. As usual, only buy your true size for racing.

Zoot Size Chart

If you swim laps or participate in water aerobics as part of your fitness regimen, but don’t swim competitively, you’ll likely be most comfortable in a fitness swimsuit. These suits will still fit snugly and provide good hydrodynamics, but won’t be quite as tight as a racing suit. Remember: These suits are geared more toward comfort, so many people prefer to buy a size up and go with a style they’ll feel confident wearing during moderate activity. If you're buying a competition-fitness hybrid suit from Dolfin or TYR, for example, you'll probably want to go up a size.

Support

Most aquatic fitness swimsuits incorporate added support. Note: Support is necessary, especially for water aerobics (you wouldn’t take a step aerobics class without a sport bra, right? Same principle applies here). Support typically comes in one of three forms:

• Shelf bras: light coverage and support, great for A and B cups
• Soft cup bras: extra support for women with a C cup and larger
• Underwire bras: maximum support for C, D, and DD cups

Fabric and Shape

Performance blends of nylon and spandex are most commonly used in swimsuits designed for fitness. Look for chlorine-resistant blends for a longer life. You have a little more leeway when choosing a fitness suit. These swimsuits typically come in one-piece, but there are also two-piece styles available. Again, choose the style you’ll be most comfortable moving in.

TYR Fitness Swimwear

For fitness as well as competition, these sleek suits are always in the top tier. As with all fitness swimwear, TYR swimsuits are tight and run small. Compare your measurements to the chart below and add one full size for the most comfort.

TYR Size Chart

Dolfin Fitness Swimwear

Dolfin swimsuits offer fitness performance with more conservative coverage, modest leg cuts and a wider range of sizing. Be sure to go up one size with your Dolfin swimsuit to achieve maximum comfort. Compare your measurements to the chart below.

Dolfin Size Chart

If you don’t plan on doing much swimming, a fashion suit is a fine choice. Fashion suits may also be called recreation swimsuits or casual swimsuits. The iconic bikini is probably the most quintessential fashion swimsuit, although that is certainly not the only option in this category.

Support

Fashion swimsuits frequently have added support, shaping and, at the very least, a lining. Support typically comes in one of three forms:

• Shelf bras: light coverage and support, great for A and B cups
• Soft cup bras: extra support for women with a C cup and larger
• Underwire bras: maximum support for C, D, and DD cups

Fabric and Construction

You'll find the most diverse fabrics in the fashion category. Nylon, spandex, polyester and even cotton blends will show up here. Fashion swimsuits often incorporate embellishments and added design elements as well, from beads to metal hoops. There are many different types of fashion swimwear. You can lounge poolside in an itsy-bitsy, polka-dot bikini or go with a tankini for added coverage. For even more coverage, you can always add a beach cover-up or a pair of board shorts over your bikini. Of course, there are many fashionable one-piece suits available, also.

• One-Piece: Available in halter-style, sarong-style or skirted, this type of swimsuit is flattering, modest and comes in many forms.
• Sarong-Style: An attractive option that flatters a fuller figure with a loose layer on the outside of the suit that resembles a cover-up. This is a great swimsuit for those who'd like a little more modesty.
• Skirted: Provides even more modesty. Skirted suits offer a very flattering look.
• Slimming suits: Designed to slim, shape and lift. Miraclesuit is a good example of a popular slimming option.
• Two-Piece Tankini: This popular style provides the freedom of movement and comfort of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece.
• Two-Piece Bikini: Sometimes less can be more. Always a classic, the bikini comes in an array of styles, from classic to the more adventurous string bikini.

Body Glove Swimwear

The surf's always up in a Body Glove swimsuit. Bikinis and recreation swimsuits from Body Glove are stylish and perfect for hitting the beach or waves. Body Glove tops and bottoms are often sold separately, allowing you to create the perfect outfit.

Body Glove Size Chart

Miraclesuit Swimwear

Swimwear from Miraclesuit uses a special fabric called Miratex® to slim and shape the body. The extremely high Lycra® content within the fabric provides excellent support. Fit Tip: Miraclesuit recommends going up one size from your pant size. So, if your pant size is 10, order a size 12 for an ideal fit.

Miraclesuit Size Chart

• Take good care of your swimsuit and it will take good care of you by lasting for several seasons. To get the maximum life out of your swimwear, always wash it by hand, even if the label reads machine washable. Always hang dry your swimsuits indoors or in the shade. Never dry your suits in direct sunlight, as this can cause the fabric to fade and break down prematurely.
• When in doubt, rinse it out. Harsh pool chemicals, chlorine, salt, sand and even sun tan lotion can take a toll on the look and shape of your swimwear. If you can’t wash it right away, be sure to at least rinse it with fresh water.
• If your swimsuit starts losing its shape, stretch, color or recovery properties, it’s time to replace it. A droopy swimsuit is a lot less flattering.
• Buy before you fly. Don't wait until you're on vacation to buy a swimsuit. You’ll almost always end up paying higher prices, especially if you’re near the beach or at a resort. Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy your trip if you already have a suit.
• If you buy a new swimsuit for a trip, be sure to wash it and try it on a second time before you pack it away. Although most suits won’t shrink significantly after the first washing, you don’t want any surprises during your vacation.