Bathing Suit Fit Guidance, Please?

Question

My waist-size is a 27.5, and I couldn't stand up in the 28. I'm tall and skinny. Some of the bathing suits had XS or XXS appended after the size... does that reflect the length?

Answer 1

Beetlemilk is listing some sizes that I do not think would fit you.  Bathing suits are by waist size in inches here in the U. S.  Using your waist size, get a suit.  If you are uncomfortable with that area below your waist, stay away from the Speedo.

Answer 2

The guys suits are by waist size.  They feel tight and are going to show everything.  Maybe a nylon suit would be better for you.  The really good competitive swimmers that are your size wear a 26 which would be approximately 1 size below your waist size given your meausurements, you should have a 28 inch waist.  My brother who is a 35 yr old recently retired swim coach wears a 32, he is 5'7" and 190lbs, his pant size are 34's but are a bit loose.  I really wouldn't go higher than a 30.

Even if you don't follow swimming, Michael Phelps who recently won 8 gold medals at the Olympics is 6'4" and weighs 195 lbs, he has a 32 inch waist.  His suit size is not a 32.

EDIT:  As I said based upon your measurements you should be a 28 waist which you confirmed.  A good swimmer your size would stuff into a 26.  Since you are doing this not on a competitive level suggest a 30 in a drag suit, that's nylon.  It doesn't give but isn't tight.  The XS and XXS do not reflect length.  Suits run differently speedo and nike are smaller cut than TYR.

http://www.swimoutlet.com

On this site you should look at briefs, square leg (drag suits, made of polyester, or nylon), the water polo suits have more length, or for a more conservative look get a jammer.