Which Speedo swimsuit cut gives you the coverage you want?

Speedo suits differ most at the back and the legs. The Medalist is the classic cut, made to help your shoulders move. Speedo's back-style guide says the Muscleback has durable straps and is perfect for longer training sessions. Powerback suits have an open back and narrow straps, which Speedo says help shoulder movement with slightly less coverage.

Want more coverage? The Eco Endurance+ Legsuit adds an inner bust shelf liner, and the Leaderback Swimsuit reaches the knee. For full coverage, the Performance Female 2-Piece Full Body Burkini Set pairs leggings with a top. Girls get the Medalist and Muscleback cuts too, in age sizes. Compare every cut in women's swimming gear.

How should a Speedo swimsuit fit?

Adult Speedo swimwear here is sized by number, not S, M and L. Kids' swimwear goes by age, from 3 Years to 15-16 Years. Speedo's size guide uses bust and hips for women's swimwear, chest for men's and boys' suits, and height and weight for some kids' sizes.

Speedo says a training suit should stay in place when you move hard, feel firm when dry and relax slightly in water. A good fit sits flat with no gaps at the chest, back or legs, and lets you make a full arm rotation without pulling. If the fabric bunches, or the suit rides up when you raise both arms overhead, it is the wrong size.

What to pack in your first Speedo swim bag

Beyond the suit, pack these basics:

• Goggles: the Futura Classic has a soft one-piece frame, and the Biofuse 2.0 shapes to your face for a soft, watertight fit.
• A cap: silicone caps do not snag or pull hair, polyester caps are easy to pull on for lessons, and long hair caps add extra depth.
• A nose clip: the Universal Nose Clip has soft silicone pads on a memory plastic frame.
• A mesh bag and slides: the 35L Printed Mesh Bag lets wet kit drain, and One Piece Slides have footbed holes that drain water.

If you are new to Speedo, start with an Endurance+ Medalist or a Dive Jammer that passes the fit check, Futura Classic goggles and a silicone cap. Add fins or a pull buoy once you swim every week. Fill the rest of the bag from all swimming gear.