To select the correct swim wear, first determine the activity for which you’ll be wearing the swim wear most often:

Racing/High Performance swimming

– Which includes racing at either the school, club, or higher level.

Training/ Fitness

– Which includes activities such as training and lap swimming.

Racing/High Performance Swimming

– Competitive swimmers need high performance costumes that maximise speed in the water and improve glide times by reducing drag and increasing water flow. Many swimmers buy separate costumes for training and racing. For both training and racing, compression, resulting in a tight
fit, is the key.

Sizing

– For training, buy your normal size, but realize that the fit will be snugger than that of a regular fashion costume.
– For racing, consider buying a racing/high performance costume at least one size smaller than your training costume.

Support
– Costumes for both training and racing provide support through compression.
– Women’s racing costumes do not include any kind of bra or bust support. A tight fit across the chest creates a more streamlined silhouette for the swimmer, reducing drag and increasing glide times.

Lining

– Costumes for top-level competition are not lined, since reducing drag is a priority. However, many women’s costumes for training are front-lined.
– A costume with lining will generally last longer, and hold its shape and colour better than an unlined costume.

Styling
– Costumes for racing and training are one-piece, usually with moderately cut leg openings, fairly high necks and either high backs or racer style X,Y or V backs for a secure fit and freedom of movement.

Fabrication

– Although there are many hybrid fabrics for racing/high performance swimming available, most costumes from Ohana Swimwear are done in blends of polyester/spandex

Racing Fabric

– Costumes are a blend of polyester & Spandex.
– Improvements in fibre engineering have resulted in costume materials that are more resistant to
chlorine than ever.
– Costumes for racing/high performance swimming typically use these more durable versions of nylon and spandex.

Fit

– For lap swimming and training you will need a costume that provides comfort and freedom of movement, plus coverage and support.
– Fit should be snug but not tight. A good fitting costume will stay in place during vigorous movement, but not pinch, bind or ride up in the sent.

When To Replace Your Costume

– Despite the advances in fibre technology, chlorine will eventually deteriorate costume fabrics.
When your costume begins to bag or feels looser than when it was new, it is time to replace your
costume.