Swim England told women 'don't expose jiggly bellies' and try push-up cups 'to enhance cleavage' in 'sexist' advice (2 Pics)

Swim England has been criticised for having advice on its website telling women with a "flabby stomach" not to wear a b...

Swim England has been criticised for having advice on its website telling women with a "flabby stomach" not to wear a bikini to avoid exposing a "jiggly belly".

The controversial article also recommended females with a "boyish body" should try push up cups and twisted bandeaux style swimwear to "enhance cleavage".

Plus size women were advised to go for swimsuits in darker colours to give an "overall minimizing effect".

The shocking article suggesting what women should wear in the pool according to their body shape and size had been on the national governing body's webpage since 2010.

It was removed after Simone Webb, a UCL PhD student in Gender Studies, tweeted some of its content.

Many hit out at the shocking words, describing it as "grim," "depressing" and "an astonishing example of sexism".

Swim England says the piece that was removed yesterday does not represent their views and has been replaced with new content.

Simone wrote on Twitter: "um so. I've been thinking about maybe taking up swimming again (did it as a child, not for years), and was browsing Swim_England's Just Swim website.

"I came across this page purporting to help women choose swimwear, which you might assume would have lots of helpful info about material.

"Instead, the biggest chunk of the article is devoted to "Choosing swimwear for women by body shape."

"This is nothing to do with athletic performance or comfort: instead, the emphasis is on women's appearance."

Swim England apologised yesterday after it was brought to their attention

Simone went on to cite some "key quotes" from the article for example "a pear shape has often been the plague of women, but it no longer needs to be so."

It caused outrage, with Twitter users thanking Simone for bringing attention to the article and hitting out at the content.

Simone wrote: "I can safely say it doesn't make me feel more inclined to start swimming again like, apparently before I start I need to scrutinise my body and work out what flaws my swimming costume should be concealing."

Ellen Cole wrote: "This is so grim."

Jennifer Cooke added: "This is appalling! - look at this for an astonishing example of sexism & creating unnecessary barriers for women wanting to swim."

Another said: "What in the name of all that is holy is this bu*****t?

And another commented: "Oh Jesus Christ that is beyond appalling. B****y hell that makes me cross."

A Swim England spokesperson told Mirror Online: “This was an old web page from 2010 that does not represent the views of Swim England.

"As soon as the article was brought to our attention we removed the page and replaced the content.

"Swimming is one of the most accessible activities for people of all ages and abilities.

"We want everyone to feel confident and comfortable in the water so they can take advantage of the many benefits swimming has to offer.

"We apologise for any offence this old information may have caused and hope this won’t deter people from continuing to enjoy the water."