Sizing & Fit · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- JAYD sizing does not match standard US clothing sizes, always measure first
- Most customers size up from their usual clothing size, sometimes by two sizes or more
- How much you size up varies by body type, measurements are the only reliable guide
- If you're between sizes, always size up, JAYD fabric has very limited stretch
- The compressive fit on land is performance, not a sizing mistake
If you've ever ordered a swimsuit online, crossed your fingers, and ended up with something that either falls apart mid-lap or rides up in places it really shouldn't, this guide is for you. Here's exactly what to expect from a JAYD fit, why it feels the way it does, and how to find your perfect size.
Why does JAYD size differently to fashion swimwear?
Because it's built to perform, not just to be worn.
Think about what happens to a loosely fitted suit the moment you dive off the blocks, roll a flip turn, or paddle into a wave. Straps shift. Fabric billows. Coverage disappears at the worst possible moment. JAYD suits are designed to move as one unit with your body, which means the fabric is compressive by design.
On land, that compression can feel unfamiliar if you've only ever worn fashion swimwear. In the water, it's exactly what keeps everything exactly where it should be. The size number on the tag means very little. What matters is how your measurements match our size guide.
| Property | Fashion Swimwear | JAYD Performance Swimwear |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing vs clothing size | Usually matches closely | Runs smaller, size up from clothing size |
| Fit on land | Relaxed, loose feel | Firm, compressive, intentional |
| Fit in the water | Can shift, sag, lose coverage | Stays put through flip turns and waves |
| Lining | Standard nylon, degrades quickly | 100% PBT, chlorine-proof, holds shape |
| Sizing over time | Stretches out within weeks | Stays consistent season after season |
How do you measure yourself for a JAYD swimsuit?
Grab a soft measuring tape and take these four measurements before you look at any size chart:
Torso loop
Measure from the top of your shoulder, over the fullest part of your bust, through your legs, and back up to the starting point. This is the most important measurement for one pieces.
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Waist
Measure around the smallest part of your waist, which sits above your hip bones.
Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, include those cheeks! 😄
Once you have those numbers, match them to the JAYD size and style guide. If your measurements fall between two sizes, always size up.
Real examples, because sizing varies more than you'd expect
From the JAYD team
Our athlete Madi wears a standard size 4 in clothing. In JAYD, she wears a 10.
Our community manager wears a standard size 2 in clothing. In JAYD, she wears a 12.
Two women. Two very different sizing experiences. This is exactly why we always say: ignore your clothing size and measure your body instead.
Performance fit vs relaxed fit, which is right for you?
Once you've found your size range from your measurements, consider how you want the suit to feel.
Go with your measured size if:
You're a competitive swimmer, water polo player, or ocean athlete who wants maximum security and support. You're used to wearing performance swimwear and know what a compressive fit feels like.
Consider sizing up one if:
You prefer a slightly more relaxed feel. You're using your suit for beach days, casual swims, or lower-intensity activity. You're new to performance swimwear and want a gentler introduction to the fit.
Neither is wrong, it's entirely personal and it's your call.
Do one pieces and separates size the same way?
For one pieces, use your measurements as described above. Because a one piece covers the full torso in a single piece of fabric, the overall compression is more noticeable than in a two-piece, which is exactly what most athletes want.
For separates, you can mix sizes across pieces. If your bust and hip measurements fall into different size ranges, order accordingly. A top sized for your bust and a bottom sized for your hips will give you a far better fit than forcing both into the same size. JAYD separates are designed to work across size combinations, so don't be afraid to mix.
Why does JAYD sizing stay consistent over time?
Most swimwear stretches out. Fashion suits made with cheap nylon linings lose their shape within weeks of heavy pool use, the lining sags, straps go loose, and what once felt fitted now feels floppy.
JAYD's 100% PBT lining is engineered to resist chlorine and hold its shape wash after wash. The suit that fits you today should fit you just as well at the end of the season. For more on why fabric quality matters so much, read our post on chlorine-resistant swimwear.
A note for first-time JAYD customers
The number of customers who order, feel surprised by the fit, and then come back for a second suit is genuinely high. It takes a little adjusting to if you've only ever worn fashion swimwear.
The fit that feels snug when you first try it on is the fit that stays put when you're diving into a wave. Our suits soften slightly when wet. The support that feels firm on land is the support that keeps you focused on your next stroke instead of pulling your suit back into place.
Dive in with confidence, your suit is doing its job. We can't wait to see you suited up in JAYD. 🤍
Frequently Asked Questions
Does JAYD swimwear run small?
Yes, JAYD sizing runs smaller than standard US clothing sizes. How much smaller varies by body type, which is why we always recommend measuring your bust, waist, hips, and torso and matching those measurements to our size guide rather than going by your usual clothing size.
I'm a size 4 in clothing. What size JAYD should I order?
Clothing size is not a reliable guide for JAYD sizing. Some customers who wear a 4 in clothing wear a 6 in JAYD; others need an 8 or higher depending on their body measurements. Please measure your body and use our size and style guide, it's the most accurate way to find your right size.
What if I'm between sizes?
Always size up. JAYD fabric is compressive by design and has very limited stretch compared to fashion swimwear. The smaller size will not stretch to accommodate, go up.
The suit feels really tight when I first put it on. Is that normal?
For performance swimwear, yes, firm and supportive is how it's supposed to feel. If you can move freely and the fabric isn't cutting in or restricting your breathing, you're in the right size. If it's genuinely uncomfortable rather than just unfamiliar, sizing up is the right move.
Can I contact someone if I'm still not sure about my size?
Absolutely. Email the JAYD team at hello@jaydswimwear.com before you order. Sizing questions are something the team loves helping with. Getting it right the first time is always easier than an exchange.