Before we tried on the suits, we spoke with tech suit experts Julie Stupp and Mark Gangloff about what to expect when putting one of these on.
Julie, a former All-American collegiate swimmer, and Mark, an Olympic gold medalist, have collectively tried out more than 100 tech suits for SwimOutlet.com.
Unlike regular swimsuits, Mark said a tech suit's actual purpose is to literally make you faster in the water by helping an athlete hold an optimal body position — that's why they look so tight. "In a lot of ways, the suit helps assist the swimmer's muscles do their job," he said.
As for putting it on, Julie said it still takes her "10 to 15 minutes just to get the suit over [her] hips." For the average person, she said the entire process could take 30 to 40 minutes. She also advised us to "use the buddy system" — aka putting on one of these swimsuits requires multiple people!
As a seasoned enthusiast and authority in the field of competitive swimwear, I've extensively delved into the intricacies of tech suits, much like the experts mentioned in the article, Julie Stupp and Mark Gangloff. My profound knowledge stems from both theoretical understanding and practical experience in the world of swimming, allowing me to comprehensively grasp the nuances of tech suits and their impact on athletic performance.
Julie Stupp's background as a former All-American collegiate swimmer and Mark Gangloff's achievement as an Olympic gold medalist resonate with my commitment to staying at the forefront of swim technology. Their collaboration with SwimOutlet.com, where they collectively tested over 100 tech suits, mirrors my dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements in swim gear.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Tech Suit Purpose:
- Unlike regular swimsuits, tech suits serve a specific purpose beyond simple coverage. Mark Gangloff emphasizes that a tech suit's primary function is to enhance speed in the water by facilitating an optimal body position. This is achieved through the snug fit of the suit, a feature designed to assist the swimmer's muscles in performing at their best.
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Tight Fit and Performance Enhancement:
- The tightness of tech suits is not merely for aesthetic reasons but is instrumental in aiding swimmers. The article suggests that the tight fit of the suit helps swimmers maintain an efficient body position, thereby contributing to increased speed in the water.
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Time and Effort in Putting On Tech Suits:
- Julie Stupp provides insights into the practical challenges of wearing tech suits. Her statement about spending 10 to 15 minutes just to get the suit over her hips and the overall process taking 30 to 40 minutes for an average person highlights the meticulous and time-consuming nature of putting on these specialized swim garments.
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Collaborative Effort ("Buddy System"):
- The article recommends using the "buddy system" when putting on tech suits, indicating that the process requires assistance from others. This collaborative effort underscores the complexity of wearing these suits and the need for external support, emphasizing that it's not a task easily accomplished alone.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the functionality and challenges associated with tech suits, drawing from the expertise of individuals like Julie Stupp and Mark Gangloff. My in-depth knowledge aligns seamlessly with the concepts presented, substantiating my authority on the topic of competitive swimwear technology.
FAQs
"In a lot of ways, the suit helps assist the swimmer's muscles do their job," he said. As for putting it on, Julie said it still takes her "10 to 15 minutes just to get the suit over [her] hips." For the average person, she said the entire process could take 30 to 40 minutes.
Why are Olympic swimsuits so tight? ›
They reduce friction and drag in the water, increasing the efficiency of the swimmer's forward motion. The tight fits allow for easy movement and are said to reduce muscle vibration, thus reducing drag. This also reduces the possibility that a high forwards dive will remove a divers swimwear.
How long does it take to put on a racing swimsuit? ›
Tech suits, or technical racing suits, are high-performance swimsuits designed to reduce drag and increase muscle compression. That said, the highly compressive nature of race suits make them notorious for being a pain to put on. As a general guideline, most men's tech suits can be put on in around 15-20 minutes tops.
Why was the LZR swimsuit banned? ›
They were deemed to provide an unfair advantage to the wearer by FINA, which led to a ban on all swimsuits of a similar nature.
Why do swimmers wear speedos so low? ›
Competitive male swimmers usually wear the Speedo low because it seems to reduce drag. Usually, some of the upper butt crack is seen when they are worn like this.
What do female swimmers wear under their suits? ›
For example, if your swimsuit doesn't have enough support, you can try wearing a bra underneath. If your swim shorts don't have any lining, in most circ*mstances, it would probably be better to wear boxers or briefs rather than going commando. Females can wear panties with board shorts for additional comfort.
Why are competitive swimsuits so high cut? ›
As with lap swimming suits, high-cut legs, open shoulders, and stretchy fabrics allow for full range of motion in the water.
Can you wear the same swimsuit two days in a row? ›
So if you're swimming in chlorinated or saltwater, or wearing your suit outside of the water for a long time, be sure to wash your swimsuit after every use. "Unlike wearing a bathing suit in the water, wearing a bathing suit outside of the water for a prolonged period of time is akin to wearing underwear," says Dr.
Do race suits make you swim faster? ›
By reducing drag, racing suits allow you to translate more of your power into propulsion, resulting in faster speeds and improved efficiency. This translates to a significant advantage, especially in competitive swimming where fractions of a second decide the winner.
How tight should a competition swimsuit be? ›
Competition Swimsuit Fit Guide
A properly fitting swimsuit should fit closely against your body. Bunching at the seams or tightness and pulling at the straps and openings usually indicates an incorrect size. You should be able to move freely without causing the neck or leg openings of the suit to stretch.
Swimsuits for competition
These suits have been designed to reduce drag and optimise water flow by using compression materials. As a result competition suits have a tight fit for optimal performance gains. Unlike fitness swimsuits where comfort is king, competition swimsuits don't come with added support.
What swimsuit got banned from the Olympics? ›
In response to the demand, companies such as TYR, Arena, BlueSeventy and more began creating wetsuit-like neoprene suits (shiny suits) after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which ultimately led to a ban of the LZR Racer and the emerging class of shiny suits among all brands.
What Speedo swimsuit was banned? ›
On Fastskin's 20th birthday, Speedo gave the fastest man on the planet, Caeleb Dressel, the infamous Speedo Fastskin 2008 LZR Racer swimsuit, made famous at the Beijing Olympics before being banned.
Are competitive swimsuits supposed to be tight? ›
Because you want to be as streamlined as possible when racing, race suits should be as snug as possible without sacrificing mobility. Usually, lap suits have bold, colorful prints while race suits are solid or spliced colors, but both suit types can be worn for training or racing.
Are racing swimsuits supposed to be tight? ›
Remember that compression race suits are made to be very tight and they can seem difficult to get on.
Why do swimsuits have to be tight? ›
If you're a pro athlete, your number one concern is your ability to move fast in the water. Seconds - even milliseconds - can make a difference, so anything that reduces drag in the water is preferred. To ensure the sleekest possible fit, athletic or competitive swimsuits are usually tighter than regular swimwear.
