by Kristine Tucker

Created on: May 24, 2010   Last Updated: March 30, 2011

Speedo swimsuits are a popular form of swimwear for both swimmers and athletes alike. You can wear Speedo swimsuits for recreational activities and competitive sports. Speedo is a versatile swimwear brand for men, women and children. Take accurate body measurements to ensure that your purchase will be the best size. Follow these simple tips to determine the size that you will need.

Measure the chest in inches. Use a measuring tape to find the chest measurements for men and children, and the bust measurements for women. Find men’s chest sizes for water shirts and rash guards that are often worn for surfing. Measure for an accurate Speedo size by wrapping the tape measure around the widest part of the chest or bust area. Measure at the widest part of the chest, which is usually right at the nipple line. Compare this measurement with Speedo's sizing charts. For example, a woman whose bust size measures 32 inches will need a size 32 Speedo swimsuit. Speedo swimsuits run small, so one size larger than the measured size often fits best.

Measure the waist in inches. Hold the end of the tape measure to the stomach area and wrap the tape around the natural waist. For most swimmers, the natural waistline is right around the bellybutton area. Compare the waist size with the Speedo size chart. As an example, according to Speedousa.com, a woman's Aquablade style swimsuit that is a size 28 would fit a waist size of 25 inches.

Measure the hips in inches. Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of the hips and measure that distance to the nearest inch. For most men and boys, the waist and hip measurements will allow them to accurately find a well-fitting Speedo swimsuit. Refer to the Speedo size chart at Sportsauthority.com and compare the waist and hip measurements for the closest comparison. In order to measure Speedo sizes for women and girls, continue with Step 5.

Measure the torso length in inches. Measure the torso by holding the tape measure at the top of the shoulder and wrap the tape diagonally down and across the back. Continue wrapping the tape measure between the legs and back up the front of the body where the end of the tape meets the beginning of the tape at the same shoulder. Compare this torso length with the Speedo measurement charts. Use the bust, waist, hips and torso measurements to determine the best size of a Speedo swimsuit for women and girls.

Individual measurements will not match the Speedo charts exactly, so round the measurements to the closest size. Women's swimming suits and men's racing suits offer flexibility and a fair amount of stretching. A too-tightly fitted torso measurement could cause tension in the shoulder or groin area. Swimsuit styles vary greatly, so for the most accurate sizing results, it is important to try the swimsuit on at a specialty swim store. If the swimsuit is purchased without trying it on first, make sure it is returnable.

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