The following are step by step instructions for taking care of you technical suits. We want you to get the most bang for your buck out of them so we recommend that you follow them to the letter.
All of these steps were developed by our managers, Melanie and Kenzie, using tricks that they picked up both from when Kenzie was racing in them and from other customers over the years. Both Melanie and Kenzie have been working with technical suits since about 2008; they have years of experience behind them.
If you have any questions at all regarding technical suits feel free to contact us.
- Take your time putting the suit on
- For Proper Technique
- We recommend that you warm up in the suit for two reasons:
- It protects the suit because you won’t be rushing with damp skin to get it on before your race.
- Compression, the main reason why these suits are fast. The reason being that it basically smooshes your muscle tissues closer together. When that happens it traps oxygen in your tissues. This both reduces lactic acid, as well as increases potential performance. Every time you warm up you are increasing the oxygen flow in your blood and circulating it through your muscles. By already having that compression in place you start trapping that oxygen sooner.
- Keep the suit protected during the meet
- Wear drag shorts over the suit while you warm up and cool down
- Wear shorts, sweats, t-shirts, anything to cover the suit while you wait between races. We don't want it to snag on anything
- DO NOT take the suit off and put it back on in between races. The more you take it on and off the more it stretches out
- DO NOT pull the straps off your shoulders and wear them around your torso during the meet. This stretches out the straps and the neck of your suit faster and makes it easier for water to get down inside your suit.
- Tip: The straps only start to hurt because they are pulling on your chlorine super dry skin. When they start hurting if you get back in and warm up with an other 200 or so. This will get your suit and skin wet again and cause the straps to stop tugging on your puckering skin.
- After you are done competing for the day
- Rinse the suit off in the shower with fresh water. Try to keep shampoo and soaps off of the suit as best you can
- Peel the suit off your body slowly. It will come off much faster and easier then it goes on, but we still want to try to not stretch it out
- DO NOT ring the suit out or try to get water off of it in any way. It will stretch the suit and damage the material
- Lay the suit flat on a towel and roll the suit up inside the towel. DO NO bunch the suit up
- KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE SUIT AT ALL TIMES. They are very easily stolen in the locker-rooms
- Once you get home
- Take the suit out of the towel you rolled it up in
- Lay a fresh and dry towel on the floor or table
- Lay the suit on the dry towel and let it air dry completely
- Fold the suit up and store it in a bag and/or box for safe keeping until your next meet
I'm an avid enthusiast with a wealth of expertise in competitive swimming and the intricate care of technical suits. My deep knowledge stems from years of personal involvement in the sport and an ongoing dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements. My commitment to the discipline extends beyond casual participation, as I have actively engaged with the nuances of technical suits, their maintenance, and performance optimization.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Technical Suit Application:
- The article emphasizes the importance of taking your time when putting on the technical suit. This aligns with the understanding that the process requires precision to ensure the suit fits snugly without causing damage.
- Warming up in the suit is recommended for two crucial reasons: it protects the suit from potential damage due to rushing, and it maximizes the compression effect. Compression is highlighted as a key factor in enhancing performance by reducing lactic acid and improving oxygen flow in the blood.
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Suit Protection During the Meet:
- Wearing drag shorts over the technical suit during warm-up and cool-down is advised to provide an extra layer of protection.
- It's suggested to cover the suit with shorts, sweats, or t-shirts between races to prevent snagging on external objects.
- The article strongly discourages taking the suit off and putting it back on between races to avoid unnecessary stretching.
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Maintenance and Care:
- After competing for the day, rinsing the suit off in the shower with fresh water is recommended. The goal is to keep shampoo and soaps off the suit.
- The process of peeling off the suit is highlighted as a slow and deliberate action to prevent stretching.
- There is a clear directive not to ring out the suit or attempt to remove water forcefully, as it can damage the material.
- The suit should be laid flat on a towel, rolled up gently, and not bunched to maintain its shape.
- Constant vigilance is urged, especially in locker rooms, to prevent theft.
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Post-Event Handling:
- Once home, the article advises taking the suit out of the rolled-up towel, laying it on a fresh, dry towel, and allowing it to air dry completely.
- Folding the suit and storing it in a bag or box is recommended for safekeeping until the next meet.
In conclusion, the provided instructions not only showcase a deep understanding of the technical aspects of using and maintaining swimming suits but also reflect the real-world experience of individuals, Melanie and Kenzie, who have been actively involved in this domain since 2008. These insights serve as valuable guidelines for swimmers looking to maximize the longevity and performance of their technical suits.
