Speedo 819012 Womens Quantum Splice Super Pro Back, Navy/Gold, 26

Years ago, when I swam recreationally several times a week, I wouldn't wear anything but a Speedo. Later, when I had to stop swimming because of a rotator cuff injury, I got enticed by fashion suits simply because they were more available. I decided to return to Speedos because I got sick of all the frills and folds and skirts and plunging necklines that I found in department stores. After all, a Speedo stays put, if you have the proper size, and it holds everything in. When I bodysurf at the beach, I don't end up with a suit full of sand because the skintight suit lets little inside. My problem was finding the correct size since I had completely forgotten how to buy a Speedo.My body type: I am long-waisted, size 8, bottom-heavy and top-light. In street clothes, I generally wear size 8 pants and a size small top. I bought a size 36, and it fits exactly like I remembered: glove-tight without excessive drag at the shoulders. Yes, if you have back fat or excess skin, the tight fit will show it; however, bathing suits aren't the best clothing to cover up defects. If my back fat isn't showing, then my bottom may be hanging out or my tummy bulge will be prominent or . . . whatever. The reason we all hate shopping for bathing suits is that unless we have a near-perfect body to begin with, we aren't going to be happy. Speedo suits are like Spanx for the beach or pool. You won't find a more flattering suit unless you're going for fashion.You can pretty much count on increments of two to convert to normal sizes. For instance, when I was a size 6, I wore a 34. Size 10 probably equates to a 38. Obviously, different body types may not equate with mine. For example, if you wear size 8 pants and a large top, you might want to start at a 38. The trick is getting that Lycra-snap without feeling that you cannot hold your shoulders at their usual height. You want to be able to squat without the legs riding up.This particular suit, like many but not all Speedo suits, has a relatively modest cut. It covers my bottom and has high legs cut-outs in front. It doesn't expose any cleavage. The kelly green and black colors look just like the product photo. Although it's hardly a sexy suit, it's a workhorse. I'm really glad I returned to the brand.-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann

I struggled immeasurably--after reading the wildly disparate fit comments on this item--with what size to order. So I'm making it my afternoon's mission to give you an incredibly helpful review. Returns undermine my instant-gratification fetish, so I spent an hour agonizing about sizing, with reviews saying this suit is "so small I gave it to my daughter" and "order two sizes up."I decided, after reading all reviews, to put my faith most in the reviewer who was, like me, a competitive swimmer, and I'm very glad I did not size up as others advised. To help the process move faster for you, I'll tell you exactly my build and give my fit notes:I'm 5'9", broad-shouldered with a typical swimmer's build (narrow hips...think adolescent boy, but with a bigger bustline.) I ordered what has always been my Speedo size, 36. The fit is tight, lean, and absolutely as expected/standard for a competitive Speedo.Narrow-cut bustline: One reviewer mentioned fears of "falling out" of the suit in the chest area. Another reviewer responded that this is not a low-rider suit and hiking it up will solve that problem. Bits of truth in both comments. It is a high-rise suit for sure--goes a good inch or two above my hipbones (not all Speedos fit this way). But even hiked up, it's a narrower cut in the bust. It's hard to say whether sizing up would help, but if you are very wide or very busty, or have considerable extra cushioning under your arms or at the bustline, I'd say to pass on this suit.Rise: I would not order this suit in a 36 if I were much taller than 5'9, and even 5'9" is pushing it; it feels like I've just reached its sweet spot with height and I suspect it wouldn't fit prettily if I were taller.Overall fit: Uniform, and snug, but not racing-tight. You want it snug because it streamlines you. It does flatten my bust a lot (and again, that is by design). Update: I've been swimming in it for the last week or so and I LOVE IT! I have shaved two minutes off my mile, whoopee! No real unsightly bulges, but I think if I'd worn this when I was more out of shape last year, there would be some back-fat bulges at the racerback strap area.It doesn't ride up or bind strangely. Its higher cut exposes more of your rear than the hipster swimsuits and I find that flattering. For more coverage, I'd choose another style. The same is true if you're incredibly busty, though going up a size might help that.Racerback straps are wide and comfortable. I bought the gold and black, and absolutely love the angled-chevron gold stripes and the way they point downward and in; accentuates the swimmer build and visually slims the waist, which I haven't much of really.My guess is that this suit would be great for lap swimmers of a moderately heavier build between 5'5"-5'7" or a slender build up to 5'9." If you are much curvier or plus sized, I do not think this style will be flattering; Speedo's more casual one-pieces are more slimming, in my experience. If you are looking for a recreational suit and haven't worn a "fast" (snug, streamlined) swimsuit, this will likely feel tight to you at almost any size. But it's worth it if you want a lasting, quality suit. Remember that it loosens in water!I sincerely hope this helps anyone with the deliberation process. Cheers!

For buyers, regardless if swimmers believe it is too small/just right, need to realize that this is a COMPETATIVE swimsuit. Do not fool yourself and think, "well, I'll definitely be considered fat if I order a 38" suit". ORDER IT. That being said, swimsuits, regardless of competition or recreation, should not dig into your flesh and mark your skin to the point you have every stitch mark on your buttocks, thighs, and shoulders. Your butt should not resemble a large muffin top, either, even if you are 100 lbs. and have a tiny butt.Yep, I did order what I thought was a "snug" but comfortable size. WRONG! Order one size up--seriously. Order. One. Size. Up. Now I have a suit that is comfortable, but doesn't cause any drag. Maybe triathletes would think it was huge because I'm not in pain, but comfort is still my goal when I do 75 laps in the pool.FYI, the suit may be lined, but if you're cold...Essentially, this suit is designed to fit more snuggly and not as flattering as a bikini, but be functional. However form meets function. If your body type does not fit this swimsuit, don't punish yourself. Try another style or brand out there. Speedo is NOT the end all be all.

I love the colour! But it fits smaller than the sizing chart. I measured myself (hips and waist) before purchasing and found that the 34 that I ordered was way too small for my hips.

Nice swimsuit,runs way too small though

Great swimsuit, as expected

Fast delivery and the quality is fine. Size matches size chart.

Muy buen traje de baño, ajusta muy bien en los tirantes que era lo que yo esperaba.