Last modified Wednesday, October 18, 2006 11:32 AM

Swimwear Mysteries Explained

What kind of suit should I buy? How long do they last? What size? Why do some wear 2 suits? And what is a grab bag suit?

When buying a swim suit the team would recommend a Speedo or Nike brand. They fit well with most body types and they tend to hold up the best.

GIRLS­

If your child is in swimming year round, you can expect to buy around 3 lycra practice suits per year.

If you purchase a polyester suit, these will last a lot longer. Although some times the poly suits rub the girls under the arm. You may want to put an old Lycra under and wear the poly on top.

BOYS­

Most boys prefer the jammer style - similar to biking shorts. If your child is a year round swimmer and they like Jammers, around 3-lycra suits per year. Polyester will last a lot longer, I have not heard of the poly bothering the boys.

With the briefs, if you buy a Grab bag brief and then purchase a Nylon Reversible Trainer you should be good to go for the year.

Nylon Reversible Tanners are a great way to create drag over your jammers and the nylon will last.

WHY 2-SUITS?

By wearing 2 or more suits for practice, this creates drag. This helps the swimmer with a little harder, more resistant work out. Then when they put on their "Meet" suit they feel really light in the water. This is not required at practice, just some of the swimmers like to do this.

WHAT SIZE­

When buying a practice suit you want it snug, because it will stretch after a few times.

A race suit should fit tightly, to create the smooth line for a fast race.

If you go to the Marlins web site (Montrosemarlins.org) under swim suits for sale, at the end of the page is a sizing chart. I will also have one with me when taking orders, but you will need to know the measurements of your child for a proper fit. You can also ask your coach.

GRAB BAG SUITS­

These are for practice, you purchase the size. The team will request a Speedo, Nike, or TYR in that order and you will receive one of those brands. The look is a mystery (i.e.: Grab bag), some say the uglier the better, kind of a contest. These suits are NON-REFUNDABLE!!!! This is why they are practice suits.