A competition swimsuit should fit tightly and supportively, akin to a second skin, to optimize performance and minimize drag in the water. This snug fit is crucial not only for enhancing speed but also for maximizing the life and effectiveness of the swimwear.
The Essence of a Competitive Fit
Unlike casual swimwear, a competition swimsuit is engineered for speed and efficiency. The primary goal is to reduce hydrodynamic drag, allowing the swimmer to move through the water with less resistance. This is achieved through compression and a streamlined silhouette.
Why a Tight and Supportive Fit is Paramount
A proper fit provides several key advantages for competitive swimmers:
- Reduced Drag: The tight fabric compresses the body, smoothing out contours and reducing the surface area that interacts with the water. This minimizes resistance, allowing for faster times.
- Muscle Compression: Advanced competition suits often feature targeted compression panels. This compression supports muscles, reduces vibration, and can improve circulation, potentially delaying fatigue and aiding recovery.
- Hydrodynamic Profile: A well-fitting suit eliminates excess fabric or wrinkles that could create drag. It molds to the body, creating the most streamlined shape possible.
- Enhanced Feel for the Water: A snug fit can help swimmers maintain a better "feel" for the water, which is essential for efficient stroke mechanics.
- Durability and Performance Longevity: For best results and to maximize the life of your swimwear, it is recommended that competition swimsuits provide a tight and supportive fit. This ensures the technical properties of the fabric, such as compression and water repellency, remain effective for longer.
Key Areas of Fit to Consider
When trying on a competition swimsuit, pay close attention to how it feels in these critical areas:
1. Torso and Shoulders
- Snug but Not Restrictive: The suit should pull taut across the torso and shoulders without digging in painfully or restricting movement. You should be able to perform a full range of arm motion without the straps slipping or the suit bunching.
- No Gaps: There should be no loose fabric or gaps, especially around the lower back or armholes, as these create drag.
2. Legs and Hips
- Leg Openings: For jammers and tech suits, the leg openings should sit flush against the skin without cutting off circulation or leaving deep red marks. They should not ride up during movement.
- Hip Compression: The suit should provide firm compression around the hips and glutes, offering support and a streamlined profile.
3. Chest (for Female Suits)
- Supportive: Female competition suits should provide adequate support without requiring an additional bra. The chest area should be compressed and held firmly in place, minimizing bounce.
- No Spillage: There should be no "spillage" from the top or sides of the suit.
4. Fabric and Wrinkles
- Smooth Surface: The suit should lie completely smooth against your body, with no wrinkles or folds anywhere, especially across the back, chest, or hips. Even minor wrinkles can create drag.
- Compression Feel: You should feel a distinct compression, but not to the point of discomfort or difficulty breathing.
Sizing and Trying On Tips
Finding the right size can be tricky, as sizing can vary significantly between brands and even within different models from the same brand.
How to Ensure a Perfect Fit
- Consult Size Charts: Always refer to the specific brand's size chart. Measure your bust, waist, hips, and torso length accurately.
- Expect a Struggle: Getting into a competition suit, especially a high-performance tech suit, can be challenging. It's designed to be difficult to put on because of its tight compression.
- Check Range of Motion: Once on, perform arm circles, leg lifts, and stretches to ensure you have a full range of motion.
- The "Squat Test" (for female suits): Squat down and stand up. The suit should remain in place without riding up excessively.
- Water Test (if possible): If purchasing from a store with a pool or trying on at home, a quick dip can sometimes reveal how the suit truly feels in the water.
- Consider Material: Suits with higher compression or specialized technical fabrics may feel tighter initially but offer superior performance.
Sizing Guidelines Table
| Fit Aspect | Description | Ideal Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Compression | The suit should feel like a "second skin," providing firm, even pressure across the body. | Snug and supportive, but not painful or restrictive to breathing. |
| Shoulder Straps | Should sit securely without digging into the skin or slipping off. | Firmly in place, allowing full range of arm motion. |
| Leg Openings | For jammers and tech suits, leg grippers should lie flat against the thigh without constricting blood flow. For female suits, leg openings should be snug around the glutes. | Flush against the skin; no gapping or excessive tightness. |
| Torso & Back | Fabric should be smooth with no wrinkles or excess material, especially across the lower back and sides. | Flat and streamlined; any creases indicate the suit might be too large. |
| Chest Area | For female suits, it should offer firm compression and support, keeping everything securely in place. | Minimized bounce, no spillage from top or sides. |
The Difference Between Training and Competition Suits
It's important to differentiate between training suits and competition suits.
- Training Suits: Often made from more durable, chlorine-resistant fabrics, designed for daily wear and comfort. They should be snug but offer more flexibility and less compression than a race suit.
- Competition Suits (Tech Suits): Made with specialized, often delicate, high-tech fabrics designed for maximum performance in a limited number of wears. They are significantly tighter, provide more compression, and are typically less comfortable for extended wear.
Remember, a well-fitted competition swimsuit is an investment in performance. Taking the time to ensure the correct fit can significantly impact your race times and overall swimming experience. For more detailed information on specific brands or models, always refer to the manufacturer's official sizing guides and product descriptions, such as those found on SwimOutlet or Speedo USA.
