Naturally, those who practice competitive swimming and consequently also take part in sports competitions in the pool, must be more careful than ever in the choice of swimsuit. In this second case, in fact, the swimsuit must not be limited to a perfect fit, but must also meet the standards imposed by the FINA (International Swimming Federation). This is not surprising, given that there are now swimming costumes made with technologies that support the muscles, reduce the friction with the water and consequently also affect the performance of the race.
Here is a first fundamental difference within the macro-category of swimming costumes:
- Non-competitive regular / frequent training swimwear
- Competition swimwear for competitive training and competitions
In this guide we will examine the various types of swimsuits and we will try to guide you in choosing the perfect swim suit for the workout you follow.
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By virtue of these particular characteristics of the swimming suit, it can be useful to take measurements on your body, just like you would for a tailored suit, in order not to make a mistake in the choice. However, it is not recommended to delegate the purchase or to assume that you have the same size for different brands.
(knee-length or long)The first two are mainly used in amateur swimming, although the bikini is not very widespread there are still those who prefer it for training in the pool. The third, on the other hand, is designed specifically for those who train at a competitive level and is made of a different material, not elastane or lycra to be clear, and is also much more expensive.
One-piece Swimsuit for Women
The one-piece swimsuit is the classic of training in the pool, also in this case there are different models among which you can choose. The different models differ mainly in how the straps close on the back:
- U-shaped models, in which the back is completely uncovered, which are therefore very comfortable but do not support much
- "Y" model in which the two straps come together to form one.
- "X" model in which the straps cross
Then the opening on the back changes which, if in the "U" model it is always total, in the "Y" or "X" model it can be more or less wide.
This model by Arena has the classic "U" cut, the back remains uncovered and the less support is counterbalanced by the extreme comfort. This model is perfect for those who start swimming and are not familiar with the most compelling technical models, but even for non-swimmers, instead attending water aerobics or other aquatic disciplines. Made of polyester, the Arena swimming suit is resistant to chlorine, a fundamental detail to check on the label before purchasing any swimsuit.
In the Speedo model the shoulder straps cross X to leave a small portion of the back uncovered. This swimming suit allows great freedom of movement, also because it is made with 4-way stretch fabric to offer greater comfort. This model is 100% resistant to chlorine, which means that, if used well, it will last a long time and will not discolour, as do other swimsuits that do not have this particular feature. It is equipped with quick dry, that is a quick drying system that makes it even more practical to use.
Knee-length swimsuit
It is "the model that is seen wearing by athletes in competition and there is no surprise." Very comfortable, it allows great freedom of movement while supporting the muscles and favoring the typical gestures of swimming. Generally it is made of carbon fiber, very light and versatile, and in fact it has a much more important cost than the classic lycra, polyamide or elastane swimming suit.
It is worth buying it only and only if we practice competitive swimming, or if we participate in open water or long-distance competitions and our equipment includes specific accessories, such as swimming smartwatches.
Arena Powerskin is the classic model used for swimming competitions and competitive training. It is made of carbon fiber, very light and therefore ideal for swimming at speed. The model has a targeted compression that supports the muscles while giving maximum freedom of movement, also improves hydrodynamics favoring the efficiency of the swim.
Two-piece Bikini Swimsuit
It is not very common to see bikinis in the pool, especially when it comes to training, however there are those who prefer them to the one-piece swimsuit. Why? Surely if you don't pursue performance at all costs, two-piece swimsuits for the pool are they are distinguished by comfort. This means that if you do not tolerate the adherence of the one-piece swimsuit, especially on the stomach, the bikini for the pool can be a good solution.
The support, in fact, is very good: the top piece has nothing to do with what one would expect to find in a normal "beach bikini", but it is in effect a sports bra, which therefore contains and allows the wearer to move in total comfort.
The model by Arena is a bikini that lends itself to "training in the tub. The design includes wide and ergonomic straps and the swimsuit is equipped with a practical internal drawstring that allows it to be adapted (at least in part) to our shapes. It is made for 80% in Polyamide and 20% in Elastane. Being a swimsuit designed for leisure time, often synonymous with outdoor swimming pools, it is equipped with UPF 50+ UV protection and dries very quickly.
Swimsuit for Cut Pool
C "is a last model that can be interesting for those who, even in the pool, are looking for an extra touch of style, and it is the cut-out swimsuit in which the opening on the lower back is so wide that it reaches up to the belly, discovering the hips. It is a very feminine swimsuit that, made in sports fabric, has nothing to envy to other models such as the classic one-piece swimsuit.
The comfort of this Arena model is due to the "absence of side seams, replaced by large openings on the sides. The shoulder straps are ergonomic E" 100% resistant to chlorine and has a UV protection UPF 50+. In addition, the maxlife fabric is 100% chlorine resistant. Arena Big Logo has an excellent fit, designed to minimize friction and for this reason it is a candidate to be the perfect swimsuit for those who train intensely.
Speedo Essential Endurance Plus Sportsbrief, Men's Swim Brief, (Navy Blue), 40 "(IT 54) from
The model proposed by Speedo is really essential, but it has everything it takes to become the perfect swimming suit. The fabric of the slip is resistant to chlorine and is quick and dry, meaning it dries very quickly. The material used is Lycra. Being a very minimal model, however, it is good to check the size carefully, because the line between "right" and "too small" is really thin.
Boxer Swimsuit
The boxer model swimming suit looks like a tight-fitting shorts. The length of the shorts varies from model to model, so there are boxers that look a lot like shorts, others that instead reach mid-thigh or just above the knee. What matters, of course, is the subjective taste and sensation they give while swimming. Let's see some models together.
The Arena Square Cut model is a very short and low-waisted boxer costume, so as to be as less annoying as possible. It is a swimming suit for those who train seriously, suitable for both amateur swimmers but consistently (for example 3-5 times a week), and for competitive swimmers.
The fabric is comfortable and resistant to chlorine, the particular mesh texture increases friction and in this way makes training even more challenging.
Adidas offers a very simple model of boxer shorts for swimming: total black with the classic three white lines. It is a very versatile swimming suit, since it can also be adapted to your body thanks to the presence of the internal drawstring. The swimsuit is made of polyamide and elastane, it is very comfortable and turns out to be a perfect companion for not too demanding workouts in the pool.
Jammer Swimsuit
Jammers are the classic swimming suit that we see in the most important sports competitions. Olympic athletes and even those who do competitive swimming wear them, because often the material and the shape in which they are made allow for better performances. For example, the material and the particular structure of the jammers can minimize the friction with the water, support and compress the muscles to improve swimming.
Speedo offers practical and comfortable jammers, in fact they have a very comfortable fit, also because they are equipped with an internal drawstring that allows you to adapt the costume by tightening it and making it adhere well to the hips. They are resistant to chlorine (they have Endurance + chlorine resistant fabric) and equipped with a quick & dry drying system, that is, they dry in no time. They shape the leg increasing the hydrodynamics. However, this is not a competition model, but a perfect swimsuit for everyone.
The Arena Jammers, on the other hand, are suitable for competition and have FINA approval. They are made of 52% Polyamide, 47% Elastane, 1% and Carbon Fiber, which makes them light and enveloping. They are particularly suitable for styles such as back and back. frog. Thanks to the technology studied and developed by Arena, muscle compression does not limit freedom of movement. Even the seams are positioned in such a way as not to slow down the swim, but to allow a very rapid glide in the water.
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