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Fit Isn't Just Comfort - It's Performance

A swimsuit that's too loose creates drag in the water. One that's too tight restricts your stroke. Getting the right fit for your specific activity is the foundation of everything else.

  • Recreational Swim

    Fits closer than a regular garment but allows freedom of movement. Designed for comfort across a full session at the pool or beach.

  • Training & Fitness

    A snug, supportive fit that stays in place during intense movement. Expect it to feel firm when dry - it relaxes slightly in water.

  • Open Water

    Suits for outdoor swimming prioritise a secure fit at the arms and legs to prevent water entry and reduce friction against a wetsuit.

  • Racing & Fastskin

    Engineered compression garments with their own dedicated sizing system. Deliberately tight - this is intentional, not a sizing error.

How to Measure Yourself

Use a soft tape measure and take your measurements over bare skin or close-fitting underwear. Don't pull the tape tight - it should sit flush against your body without digging in. Take each measurement twice and use the larger number if they differ.

  • Bust

    Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal across your back. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides.

    Used for: all women's swimwear

  • Waist

    Measure at the narrowest point of your natural waist, usually an inch or two above your belly button. Breathe normally - don't pull in.

    Used for: swimwear, Fastskin

  • Hips

    Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, keeping the tape level all the way around. Stand with your feet together.

    Used for: all women's swimwear

  • Chest

    For men and boys: measure around the fullest part of the chest under the armpits, keeping the tape horizontal across the shoulder blades.

    Used for: men's and boys' suits

  • Body Loop

    A Fastskin-specific measurement. Starting at one shoulder, measure down the front to the crotch and up the back to the same shoulder.

    Used for: Fastskin LZR suits only

  • Height & Weight

    Used for wetsuits, some kids' sizing, and as a cross-reference when your measurements fall between sizes on the standard charts.

    Used for: wetsuits, kids' ranges

Does It Fit Correctly?

New swimwear - especially training suits — can feel snug on first wear. Use these checks to tell the difference between a good fit and a suit that's the wrong size.

✓ FITS WELL

✓ Sits flat against the body without gaps at the chest, back, or legs

✓ Straps stay in place on your shoulders without slipping or digging in

✓ Leg openings lie smoothly against the skin without cutting or gaping

✓ You can complete a full arm rotation without the suit pulling

✓ Feels firm when dry - this is normal and will ease slightly in water

✗ Wrong Size

✗ Fabric puckers or bunches anywhere across the chest, back, or seat

✗ Straps fall off your shoulders or leave visible marks within minutes

✗ Leg openings are so tight they restrict circulation or leave deep marks

✗ You can't lift both arms above your head without the suit riding up

✗ Significant gaps at the chest or back that let water in

Care & Longevity

Chlorine and UV are hard on swimwear fabrics. The right care routine significantly extends the life of your suit and keeps it performing as intended.

Rinse Immediately

Rinse your suit in cold, clean water as soon as you leave the pool or sea. Don't wait until you get home. This removes chlorine and salt before they degrade the fibres.

Hand Wash Only

Machine washing - even on a gentle cycle - breaks down Lycra fibres and shortens suit life significantly. Hand wash in cool water with a specialist swimwear detergent or mild soap.

Dry Flat in Shade

Never wring your suit - gently press out excess water instead. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. UV exposure degrades the fabric and fades colour quickly.

Avoid Heat

Don't tumble dry, iron, or leave your suit on hot pool surfaces. Heat breaks down elastane permanently. Keep it away from hot tubs and saunas where possible.

Rotate Suits

If you swim regularly, rotating between two suits gives each one time to recover its shape. Elastane needs rest between sessions to spring back properly.

Store Dry

Never store your suit damp - this encourages mildew and accelerates fibre breakdown. Ensure it is fully dry before folding and storing away from direct light.