Selecting and Sizing Costumes

Swimwear Size Chart  - MALE
SIZE	HEIGHT	WAIST	AUS
XSmall	140-150cm	52-62cm	8
Small	150-160cm	62-68cm	10
Medium	160-170cm	68-74cm	12
Large	170-180cm	74-80cm	14
XLarge	180-190cm	80-86cm	16
XXLarge	190cm and taller	86-92cm	18

Swimwear Size Chart  - FEMALE
SIZE	HEIGHT	WAIST	AUS Girls	AUS Women
XSmall	135-145cm	45-55cm	6	4
Small	145-152cm	55-64cm	8	4 - 6
Medium	152-160cm	65-70cm	10	6 - 8
Large	160-168cm	70-75cm	12	8-10
XLarge	168-175cm	75-88cm	14	10 - 12
XXLarge	175cm and taller	85-92cm	16	12-14

To select the right costume, first determine the activity for which you'll be wearing the costume most often:

• Racing/High Performance swimming - which includes racing at either the school, club, or higher level.
• Training/ Fitness - which includes activities such as training and lap swimming.

Racing/High Performance Swimming
Competitive swimmers need high performance costumes that maximise speed in the water and improve glide times by reducing drag and increasing water flow. Many swimmers buy separate costumes for training and racing. For both training and racing, compression, resulting in a tight fit, is the key.

Sizing

• For training, buy your normal size, but realise that the fit will be snugger than that of a regular fashion costume.
• For racing, consider buying a racing/high performance costume at least one size smaller than your training costume.

Support

• Costumes for both training and racing provide support through compression.
• Women's racing costumes do not include any kind of bra or bust support. A tight fit across the chest creates a more streamlined silhouette for the swimmer, reducing drag and increasing glide times.

Lining

• Costumes for top-level competition are not lined, since reducing drag is a priority. However, many women's costumes for training are front-lined.
• A costume with lining will generally last longer, and hold its shape and colour better than an unlined costume.

Styling

• Costumes for racing and training are one-piece, usually with moderately cut leg openings, fairly high necks and either high backs or racer style X,Y or V backs for a secure fit and freedom of movement.

Fabrication

• Although there are many hybrid fabrics for racing/high performance swimming available, most costumes from Ying Fa are done in blends of polyester/lycra. (Lycra is a specific brand of spandex made by DuPont and is found in many costumes).
• Fastskin costumes are a blend of 82% polyester & 18% Lycra.
• Sharkskin costumes are 81% polyester and 19% Lycra.
• Improvements in fibre engineering have resulted in costume materials that are more resistant to chlorine than ever. Costumes for racing/high performance swimming typically use these more durable versions of nylon and spandex.

Fit

• For lap swimming and training you will need a costume that provides comfort and freedom of movement, plus coverage and support.
• Fit should be snug but not tight. A good fitting costume will stay in place during vigorous movement, but not pinch, bind or ride up in the sent.

When To Replace Your Costume
Despite the advances in fibre technology, chlorine will eventually deteriorate costume fabrics. When your costume begins to bag or feels looser than when it was new, it is time to replace your costume.

SWIMWEAR CARE SUGGESTIONS

• When trying on Ying Fa racing costumes, you should place each of your feet in a plastic shopping bag and then pull the costumes over each foot. The use of the plastic bag will ensure no damage is done to the costume via toe nails etc. , reduces stretching in the pressure membranes and will generally aid in the longevity of the swimwear.