How to measure for a Swim Brief

The SOSecure Swim Brief is unisex and is meant to be worn next-to-skin under a swimsuit. To ensure optimal effectiveness, a snug fit is crucial. These garments have hook & loop closures making them very adjustable.

The style you choose (Adult, Youth, or Child) is based on your measurement, NOT your age!

There are TWO important considerations when choosing the correct size and style.  They are:

1. The larger of your hip and waist measurement
2. Your "rise" measurement

 FIRST, MEASURE YOUR HIP AND WAIST

Use a soft (no-stretch) measuring tape. Tension should be firm but not pulled so tightly as to compress the tissue underneath. 

• Measure your waist at the narrowest point between the bottom of your ribcage and your hip bones. 
• Measure your hips at the widest point around your buttocks.

Use the larger of these two measurements to determine size. For example, if the person's waist is 30" and their hip is 35" you would use 35" and choose a Large which has a size range of 33-36" ... even if the waist is much smaller than 33".

If your measurements are at the higher end of a size range, don't assume you should go to a larger size as they should fit quite snug, and there is stretch to the fabric.  

NEXT...

The Rise Measurement determines whether you need an Adult or a Youth Style.  

NOTE: For young adults and children, refer to chart at the bottom of this page

To Measure Rise, begin about 1 inch below the belly button, measure down through legs, and up to the position on the back that matches the starting position on the front. 

Then, using the larger of waist/hip measurement, choose the style (Adult or Youth)  that comes closest to your own rise measurement. Or, choose the style that simply suits your preference of whether you wish the garment to sit higher or lower on your body.

          

 

 

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE AN ADULT, OR A YOUTH STYLE?

The difference in these styles is mainly in the rise (crotch depth), which dictates how high the garment sits at the waistline.  Measure the rise, (see instructions above) and then choose which style is closest to your measurement. Youth styles are similar in design to adult styles, but with a slightly shorter rise. They are intended for young adults, teens, or adults with shorter stature.

Here is a chart to compare Adult and Youth, sizes XS to 3XL only. Waist/Hip size ranges are identical. Only the total rise measurement differs.  In the example below, a Medium Youth garment has a total rise 3 ½” less than a Medium Adult.  The Youth would therefore sit just 1 ¾” inches (half of 3 ½”) lower on the waistline than the Adult style. 

NOTE:  Sizes 4XL and 5XL are available in Adult Style only.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL	4XL	5XL
Waist/Hip Adult & Youth	22-24”	25-28”	29-32”	33-36”	37-40”	41-44”	45-48”	49-52” Adult Only	53-52" Adult Only
Adult Rise	27 ½”	28 ¼”	29”	30”	31”	32 ½”	34”	35 ½”	36 ½”
Youth Rise	25”	25 ¾”	26 ½”	27 ½”	28 ½”	28 ½”	28 ½”	N/A	N/A

 

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN YOUTH OR CHILD STYLES

 

For Teens and Children with waist/hip measurement less than 36”

For Children and Youth with Waist/Hip measurement between 22”-36” there is a choice between a Youth or Child style.  The Child style sits on the natural waistline of a child with normal growth patterns.  If a child is very slim and tall, you may want a Youth to get the highest rise. If they are short and stocky, you may wish a Child style. Measure their rise, and choose the style that is closest. For example, if the person's waist is 26" and the hip is 29", then 29" is the larger of the two measurements, so use that to determine size. You can see in the chart below that a 29" measurement would be either a Child XL or a Youth M.  To choose between these 2 styles, measure the rise of the person, then pick the style that is closest to this rise measurement, for the best fit.

NOTE:  One more consideration...

Youth Style is designed for those past puberty, with more developed buttocks.  A Youth Style that is worn on a undeveloped child may have excessive material in that area, which is why a Child Style may be more appropriate. 

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL
Waist/Hip Child	17-19"	20-21"	22-24"	25-27"	28-30"	31-33"	34-36"
Child Rise	19 ½”	20 ¼”	21"	22"	23"	23"	23"
Waist/Hip Youth	22-24”	25-28”	29-32”	33-36”	37-40”	41-44”	45-48”
Youth Rise	25”	25 ¾”	26 ½”	27 ½”	28 ½”	28 ½”	28 ½”