How to find your best Swimsuit fit for Swimming

Most women have left the changing room empty-handed while shopping for swimwear.

It can be time-consuming and off-putting. Trying on endless incorrect sizes, and poor fits can make us negative about our bodies. But it’s the swimsuit, not you – and we are here to help you find the right one.

To find the perfect match, it’s best to know what you like and don’t like. For performance swimwear, comfort and functionality are a must.  It has to last in chlorine or the ocean. It then comes down to design and size. On design, ask yourself these questions:

1. What back style do I like?
2. What bust support do I prefer?
3. How much coverage do I prefer? - on my bum, back, sides, and boobs.

We’ve got your back
There are six main back categories: cross back, v (or y) back, scoop back, racerback, trapeze back, and full back. There can be elaborate or simple versions of each, e.g. triple cross back or extra deep scoop back. 

On top of that, there are varying thicknesses of straps across the shoulders and across the back, some with and some without the ability to adjust. Which to choose and why?

Need those boobs supporting? 
Choose thicker straps or adjustable straps. You can also choose a racer back or V back, especially with a thicker lower strap across the back. Explore the bust support range here

Coverage
What flesh we want to show or don’t is complicated and is only about what each person is comfortable with:

More of a cover-me-up sort of swimmer? Then opt for racerback, full back, or a scoop back with a shallow scoop.

Want to show more flesh?  Then opt for a deep scoop back or a cross back, cut out as much as you like from the sides, and add ultra cheeky bum cuts and extra high legs.

A side note: Think about what side coverage you prefer – not surprisingly, the more cut out the more you show

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Love your Bum: Bum cut is all personal preference, what you like to show, what support you prefer, and what you find comfortable. It is sometimes hard to see how exactly each style will fit. Use the bum cover icons to check, from full coverage to extra cheeky. Check out our cheeky ones here.

Leg Height: A higher cut makes your legs look longer and it shows more flesh. The lower leg cut does the opposite. 

Sizing Matters
Sizing is challenging as it varies across brands. Measuring your body is a good way to counter-check fit: measure hips, bust, and thighs. If you are long or short-bodied you need to adjust for this.  If this is all too hard, use the Trufit sizing tool to find your best fit and refer to the Face the Water size guide for a harmonised view across designs and brands. Face the Water size guide. and the Face the Water size chart

Performance Fit
Performance swimwear is meant to fit firm. A wrinkle probably means your suit is too big. Most costumes get bigger over time, so allow for this. Performance swimwear should last a while, so take the time to buy well.

Shop at Face the Water to find YOUR swim fit here