Different Swimming Strokes and Their Benefits

Competitive swimmers race in a variety of different swimming strokes. The freestyle and butterfly races are some of the most highly anticipated events at the Olympics. But, you don't have to be a professional or competitive swimmer to enjoy the benefits of swimming. Learn about the benefits of different swimming strokes to help you decide how you want to do your laps in the pool.

1. Freestyle

Freestyle is probably the most well-known of the swimming strokes. Here is what you need to know about performing this stroke and its benefits:

Freestyle Stroke Technique

Freestyle is also known as the front crawl. When swimming this stroke, your body will be in a prone position on your stomach and face toward the water. Both your arms and legs will pull you through the water, while your torso remains stable. Your arms will move in an alternating fashion. One arm will arc up out of the water while the other is on the downswing, close to your torso in the water. Each arm will reenter the water at an angle, fingers held straight and together, to minimize resistance. While your arms pull you forward through the water, your legs will be hard at work too. You will use the flutter kick to complete the freestyle stroke technique. The flutter kick is achieved by constantly moving your legs in a tight, scissor-like movement beneath the water. Your knees will bend slightly, but your legs will remain relatively parallel to the surface beneath you at all times. You can adjust the number of kicks per complete cycle of arm movement depending on how quickly you want to swim. Your legs are an important part of freestyle, but keep in mind that they provide just about 10 percent propulsion in the bodies of practiced swimmers. Freestyle often looks intimidating to inexperienced swimmers because it requires you to put your face in the water. Once you get used to putting your face in the water, adding breathing to the freestyle cycles is relatively easy. As one arm swings up and out of the water, you simply turn your face to the side and take a breath. As the arm comes down, lower your face back into the water. Some swimmers alternate sides when it comes to breathing while others stick to one side.

Benefits of Freestyle Stroke

You can burn hundreds of calories with just a half an hour of swimming freestyle. What are the biggest benefits of this stroke? Freestyle, favored by long-distance swimmers, is considered the most efficient stroke. Freestyle takes you farther than other strokes without expending more energy. If you like to set your swimming workouts to a lap count, this will help you reach your goal faster. Freestyle also gives you a full body workout. It works the muscles in your arms, legs, core and back. If you are looking for a particular swimming stroke to tone your back muscles, freestyle is definitely the way to go. While freestyle has multiple benefits, keep in mind that this stroke can be more difficult to master than other options, such as breaststroke. Shop Swimwear

2. Breaststroke

The best swimming stroke is a matter of opinion. If you are new to swimming, breaststroke might be the easiest place to start. Breakstroke is also a good option for anyone looking for a slower alternative to freestyle. Here is what you need to know about breaststroke technique and benefits:

Breaststroke Technique

Like freestyle, breaststroke involves separate movements for your arms and legs. Your body is in the same horizontal position as it is during freestyle, but you will use different motions to propel yourself through the water. Your arms will together at the same time in a half-circular motion underneath the water. Your arms, bent at the elbow, will sweep apart and then together again toward your chest, remaining underwater the entire time you swim this stroke. As your arms move in this rhythm, your legs will be busily pushing you forward with a technique known as the whip kick or the frog kick. When executing this kick, your legs should be behind you approximately hip-distance apart. With your knees bent and your feet flexed, kick your legs apart and then sweep them together again to form one smooth line. Repeat this motion in concert with the arm movement. The optimal rhythm allows your arms to rest while you kick and vice versa. The final piece of breaststroke is your breathing. It is possible to complete the arm and leg motions of this stroke with your head completely above water. If you want to add in the breathing technique to complete the stroke, you will duck your head beneath the water each cycle of the stroke. Use your shoulders to lift your head out of the water and take a breath. As your arms sweep forward in the water, all your shoulders to drop and take your head under the water once again.

Benefits of Breaststroke

If you are looking for swim stroke advantages, there is a lot to love with breaststroke. For every 30 minutes of swimming breaststroke, you will burn approximately 200 calories. Breastroke is considered the easiest stroke to learn, which means you can concentrate on the workout without worrying too much if you are getting your movements just right. Plus, if you aren't comfortable putting your face in the water, you can still swim this stroke. Like all swim strokes, breaststroke works multiple different muscle groups. This swimming style is a particularly good option for working your chest muscles and your hamstrings. Your thigh muscles, core muscles and arm muscles will also benefit from breaststroke. Breastroke is also a great cardio workout. Breaststroke is the slowest swimming stroke, which may be a con for people who prefer speed. Yet, this can be considered positive. Because it is so slow, breaststroke can be done for longer periods of time, serving as an endurance workout. more.

3. Backstroke

Unlike with most other swimming strokes, your face will not be in the water during the backstroke. Instead, you will be on your back in the water, just as the name suggests. Here are some tips on perfecting your backstroke technique and reaping the benefits of this stroke:

Backstroke Technique

You can think of backstroke as almost the mirror image of freestyle. Instead of facing downward, you will face upward in the water. You will remain in this horizontal position, looking upward, as you move your arms and legs. Your arms will propel you forward with a windmill-like motion. One arm will come up out of the water and go overhead, while the other sweeps forward beneath you in the water. You will move by alternating this motion — one arm comes up and the other goes down. Keep your arms close to your ears as they come back down into the water. Additionally, you will want to keep your arms as straight as possible and your fingers close together to minimize resistance. Try to keep your hips from dropping into the water. Too much sag in your hips will slow your forward momentum. As your arms pull you through the water, your legs will be using the same flutter kick performed during freestyle. Your legs will be slightly bent as you kick in a flurry of alternating motion. You can decide on the frequency of kicks depending on how fast you want to move. The beauty of backstroke is that you only need to concentrate on your arm and leg movements. There is no breathing technique to worry about because your face is always above the water.

Benefits of Backstroke

Swimming backstroke will burn approximately 250 calories in 30 minutes. The pros and cons to swim strokes can often depend on what you are looking to get out of your time in the water. Backstroke offers plenty of benefits distinct from other strokes. For example, backstroke can help improve your posture since your muscles need to work to keep your back straight in the water. It can also help improve your hip flexibility. Just like other swimming strokes, it will also work your arm, leg and core muscles. The position of your head is one small downside of backstroke to consider. Since your line of sight is directed upwards, rather than in front of you, some people feel slightly nervous not being able to see where they are going in the water. You can overcome this by counting how many strokes it takes to complete a lap. Shop Swimwear

4. Sidestroke

Sidestroke can be done on your own or with the help of a kickboard. You may be less familiar with this stroke because it is not used during competitive events. Here is a look at the technique and benefits of sidestroke:

Sidestroke Technique

Just like the name suggests, you will swim this stroke on your side. Begin by positioning your body on one side in the water. Stretch the arm beneath that side of your body forward in the water. The arm on top will rest on top of your horizontally positioned body. Rest your head on the arm stretched out straight in front of you. Your head will not move from this position the entire time you swim sidestroke. Since your face does not enter the water, you will not have to worry about your breathing technique. Both of your arms will move during sidestroke. The arm stretched out in front of you is referred to as your lead arm. Your lead arm and the arm resting on the side of your body will both sweep downwards through the water, bent at the elbow. Your hands will come toward one another in front of your chest and then sweep upwards back to the straight, starting position. During sidestroke, most of your forward momentum will come from your legs. You will move your legs using a scissor kick, which means your legs move back and forth beneath the water in an alternating motion. As you kick, your arms will move toward one another and then back to a straight position.

Benefits of Sidestroke

You can burn more than 200 calories swimming sidestroke for 30 minutes. While not a competitive stroke, sidestroke is often used by lifeguards to perform in-water rescues. So, knowing how to swim sidestroke can come in handy if you are ever in an emergency situation. You will use your arm and leg muscles to propel you forward, while you will work your core muscles to maintain a smooth, horizontal position in the water. From purely an exercise standpoint, sidestroke allows you to keep your face out of the water while working multiple muscle groups.

5. Butterfly

Of all the different swimming strokes, the butterfly is probably the most challenging. Butterfly requires a great deal of strength and coordination that takes time to develop. Here is what you should know about this swimming stroke:

Butterfly Stroke Technique

The butterfly is named for the way a swimmer's arms move while swimming this stroke. Your arms arch up and out of the water together, looking like a pair of wings. Your body is in the same horizontal position as required by freestyle and breaststroke. You begin by placing your arms out in front of you, your thumbs facing down toward the water. Sweep your arms down and out with your elbows slightly bent. Your arms should form a Y-shape in front of your body. Pull your arms back through the water, parallel to your body. Next, you will pull them back up out of the water and begin the cycle again. As your arms move through this cycle, your legs will be continuously moving using a technique known as dolphin kick. During dolphin kick, your legs remain zipped together in one smooth line. The legs move up and down together, pushing you forward in the water. The heels and soles of your feet will break the surface of the water as you kick upward. You will kick down as your arms reenter the water and sweep down. The breathing technique for butterfly is similar to that of breaststroke. You will use your shoulder muscles to bob your head up out of the water and back down. You should come up to breathe as your arms are recovering and preparing to sweep back up again.

Benefits of Butterfly Stroke

The butterfly burns the most calories of any swimming stroke, approximately 450 calories for every 30 minutes of swimming. This stroke is an excellent option for combining core and upper body training. During this stroke, you challenge your core muscles to keep your body stable as your arms and legs move simultaneously. You also work your arm, chest and upper back muscles to raise both of your arms up out of the water and over your head. Your body's position during the butterfly also helps improve overall flexibility. While a fantastic workout, the complicated movements that go into the butterfly can be a challenge to master. If you are looking for a challenge in the water, the butterfly is the way to go.

Get Swim Gear at Kiefer

Which swim stroke provides the best exercise? It depends on your goals and preferences. No matter how what stroke you use, you need the proper gear to get into the water. Shop Kiefer for suits, goggles and more. Shop Swimwear

The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits

Swimsuits have a long history that dates back to the 1700s. Naturally, the materials and fabrics that we use for swimsuits are nothing like those worn back then. With the introduction of synthetic materials, we created suits that can withstand chemicals, hold up against the sun and sand and have a comfortable fit that makes swimming or lounging more enjoyable. Although some suits are much more durable than others, it's typical for any suit to last for less than a year of consistent use. Some will only get you through the summer, while others will push that year mark and stretch their life a little longer. Because different fabrics have different properties, you might want to stock up on multiple suits. You can find a form-fitting suit that will look great in the sand or on the pool deck, a quality suit for training, and a competition suit that will last you throughout your season.

Common Types of Swimsuit Fabrics

Most suits will blend multiple fabrics rather than having only one fabric. Regardless of your intended use, some materials add stretch and resistance to natural elements that make swimsuits more durable and better suited for either competitive or casual wear. Common types of swimwear fabric include:

• Polyester: Polyester is the most common choice for swimsuits because it is resistant to chlorine and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It's durable, form-fitting and comfortable to wear.
• Nylon: Typically, nylon is what you think of when you imagine fashion swimwear. Although it's less UV resistant and chlorine can damage it, you can blend nylon with other fabrics and materials to create comfortable and stretchy swimwear.
• Elastane: You will not find a 100% elastane suit. Instead, manufacturers have to blend the elastane with other synthetic materials or natural fibers. Doing so will give the suit much more stretch. The production process for elastane can be extensive, so these suits are typically more expensive.
• Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT): PBT is a plastic yarn fiber with a natural stretch and a smooth and light feel. It has a stiffer texture but is excellent for athletic swimming.
• Natural fabrics: Cotton and wool are natural fabrics that were much more common in the earliest versions of the swimsuit. The first suits were made of wool, and cotton followed years later. Today, most people prefer to wear synthetic fabrics instead of natural fibers. Wool and cotton suits struggle to keep their shape, absorb water, and are easily damaged by the sun and sea salt.
• Neoprene: Neoprene is a synthetic rubber and is technically not a fabric, but it is used to make wet suits and other swimwear. Neoprene is the insulated foam that keeps water close to your body so that you stay warm when swimming in open waters. It is soft and comfortable and doesn't slip off.

The Benefits of Common Swimsuit Fabrics

The best swimsuit fabrics for you will be ones that make you comfortable for your activities. Whether you're looking for a suit to help you glide through the water, keep you warm in the ocean, or allow you the flexibility to perform workouts, make sure you're comfortable in your suit. Check out the benefits of these common swimsuit fabrics:

Polyester

Polyester is more resistant to natural elements than other fabrics. It can hold up in chlorine and isn't easily damaged by the sun, making it great for indoor or outdoor swimmers. Polyester is also very durable and very easy to take care of, making it a popular choice. With quick-drying properties, zero water absorbency and the ability to absorb dye, these suits are ideal for teams and individuals.

Nylon

Nylon feels and looks attractive. When blended with elastane, these suits can hug all your curves and make for wonderful fashion pieces. Nylon repels water and is quick-drying, but not as much as polyester. Because of their comfortable fit, nylon suits can be great for training or pool party attire but aren't as suitable for competitions unless paired with other fabrics.

Elastane

Elastane is the fabric that brings us spandex and Lycra. These suits are form-fitting and can be blended with different swimsuit fabrics to create long-lasting and durable competitive suits or beautiful statement pieces. Because elastane must combine with other materials, the best competitive suits will have between 10% and 20% elastane.

PBT

PBT will help you glide through the water when you pair it with a matte finish. It's also resistant to chemicals so that it will hold up in pools with chlorine. PBT is also fast-drying, comfortable and resistant to UV rays and piling, making it a great competition fabric.

Neoprene

Neoprene has the advantage of keeping you warm. These suits will enable you to compete in races that take place during colder months or practice your skills in the winter. Your natural body heat can warm the water that your wet suit has trapped close to your body, helping you withstand colder temperatures.

Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics don't perform as well in the water, but they are more sustainable than the other options. They can create retro styles that help you stand out when sitting by the poolside or soaking in the sun. They're readily available and tend to be less expensive than other alternatives.

Competitive vs. Casual Swimsuit Fabrics

Most competitive suits have the best swimsuit materials for chlorine, aid swimmers in gliding through the water, and are durable enough to last through multiple competitions. Casual swimsuits will typically last for the summer and, depending on their use and how often you take care of them, can last for up to a year. Most competitive or fitness swimmers wear polyester swimsuits. Team suits are usually made of polyester because you can print on them. Nylon makes suitable training swimsuits because they can be combined with elastane, but people primarily wear them as fashion pieces. You can find spandex in durable tech suits that are great for competitions because they propel you through the water. You can use neoprene for some competitions that take place in open waters to keep the athletes warm. Natural fabrics are not ideal for competitive swimwear. Because they soak in water, they create a drag in the water and they don't last as long with repetitive use. Wool and cotton can be beautiful statement pieces, but they won't aid you in swimming or gliding through the water. They struggle to hold their shape and take longer to dry, making them less suitable for competitions such as triathlons, where athletes need to switch from one event to the next without changing. The most durable suits will be a blend of fabrics. Polyester blended with elastane or PBT will be the most ideal for competitive swimmers. These suits will last longer, hold their shape the best, resist damage from UV rays and chlorine, and aid your movement in the water.

Swimsuits From Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics has over 70 years of experience with swimwear, gear, equipment, and supplies. We're humbled by our origins and proud of our strides in the aquatic community. We have a customer satisfaction guarantee because we know we provide the best service and supplies out there. We have suits that you can wear for training, workouts, and competing. Whether you're looking for a durable tech suit or looking to become an aerobics fanatic, we've got you covered. For team needs or individual pieces, browse swimwear from Kiefer Aquatics.

Learn More About Swimwear:

• Choosing Swimsuit Fabric: An Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Material
• Swim Shorts vs. Speedos
• What To Look For When Choosing A One-Piece Swimsuit
• Competitive Swimwear Sizing Guide
• How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit: A Step-By-Step Guide
• How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit
• Understanding the 12 & Under Technical Suit Ban
• Training Suits Explored and Explained Brand Edition: TYR

The Science Behind Swim Caps

Swim caps aren't just for competitive swimmers. Realistically, you should wear a swim cap every time you enter the water. People of all ages should wear a swim cap to ensure their safety and make them more visible in the water. Even when you're just taking a dip at home, wearing a cap can keep loose hair from clogging your pool and protect your hair from chlorine damage. They're not just for safety, though. Swim caps are especially beneficial for swimmers who compete in races or swim for a team because they can help reduce drag in the water. As a bonus, bright-colored caps will let your parents, coaches, and fans know where you are so they can cheer you on during your event. Whether you swim recreationally, compete for a team, or participate in triathlons, finding the right swim cap can enhance your success. Understanding swim cap science can help you decide which type of swim cap will be the right choice for you.

Types of Swim Caps

There are four types of swim caps that you can find, although some of them are recommended for fitness and competitive swimming while others are not. Depending on your intended use, you might want to look into getting more than one to discover which fit you enjoy best. Types of swim cap materials:

• Silicon: Silicon is by far the most durable swim cap material. These caps will last the longest and help keep your hair from breaking. They are easy to take off, and you can find dome-shaped caps with additional silicon. Dome-shaped caps have fewer wrinkles, helping to reduce drag further. These caps are great for fitness or competitive swimmers. The downside to these caps is that the material can be so smooth that they occasionally slip off your head.
• Latex: Latex swim caps have a tighter fit, and they don't budge when they're on. They can rip after a few months of consecutive use but are still great options for swimmers who compete. The material of latex swim caps is thinner, making the cap more breathable. However, you may pull your hair when taking these caps off or putting them on because of the tight fit.
• Lycra or Spandex: Lycra or spandex swim caps are more comfortable and cozy. They don't squeeze your head, and they can last for a while if you take care of them. However, they don't protect your hair from the water because they are very porous, and to keep elasticity, you need to rinse them with a chlorine neutralizing solution. These caps are not meant for fitness swimmers but are good for recreational swimmers.
• Neoprene: Neoprene swim caps consist of the same materials that make up wetsuits. These caps are perfect for swimmers who exercise in open water because they keep your head warm. They have heavy seams and thick material. You can find many endurance swimmers or triathletes who wear these when swimming in the ocean.

You can find child sizes and adult sizes in each type of swim cap. Ensure you find the right swim cap size to ensure safe swimming.

How Do Swim Caps Work?

Competitive swimmers first used swim caps to move faster and experience less drag. If you have long hair, you can probably attest to the pulling feeling you get when you're underwater. By holding your hair tightly in place, swim caps reduce the resistance you can experience in the water. These caps have a smooth surface that allows you to glide through the water, increasing your hydrodynamic. The best cap fits snugly and comfortably for proper usage. If your cap is too loose or tight, it may slip off or irritate your head and skin. Furthermore, a cap that doesn't fit properly can create wrinkles, which will reduce the effect of the cap in the first place.

How to Put on a Swim Cap:

Properly putting a swim cap on can be challenging the first few times. It's a good idea to practice taking it off and on to ensure it fits. Here's how to put on your swim cap:

1. Wet your hair to reduce any pull.
2. Pull your hair into a ponytail if it's long.
3. Stretch out the cap.
4. Line up the seam with the middle of your forehead.
5. Rest the cap in the middle of your forehead.
6. Pull the cap back over your head.

Try reversing the process if you struggle to put your cap on from the front to back. Instead, put the cap against the base of your head and pull it over to rest on your forehead. One best practice is to apply baby powder to your cap after you finish swimming. The baby powder will make putting the cap on easier for the next time and help keep your cap clean from any bacteria that may gather inside.

Advantages of Wearing a Swim Cap

There are plenty of reasons why swimmers wear swim caps. They primarily serve as a protectant and assist in speed. Regardless of why you swim, a cap can protect your hair and head and create a safer environment for all swimmers. Other benefits of wearing a swim cap include:

• Keeping your hair out of your eyes and mouth
• Eliminating drag in the water from your hair
• Protecting your hair from chlorine damage
• Ensuring your goggles stay on without pulling your hair
• Providing a safety measure for other swimmers and boaters
• Keeping your head warm in cold or open waters
• Protecting pool filters from loose hair
• Eliminating the risk of hair getting caught on ropes
• Giving parents, fans, and watchers a focal point
• Reducing the amount of water that enters your ears
• Assisting in keeping earplugs in place

Above all, swim caps help keep you safe in pools and open waters. Bright colored caps let boaters and other water-lovers know where you are. When you compete, other swimmers, coaches, and officials will be better able to identify where you are and keep any collisions from happening. Furthermore, they will be better able to aid you in an emergency.

Get Your Swim Caps From Kiefer

Kiefer Aquatics was started in 1947 by Adolph Kiefer, who pioneered many developments in the aquatic community. Today, we continue to strive to reinvent your swimming experiences. With more than 73 years of industry experience, we're proud of our collection of swimwear, apparel, gear, swim aids, backpacks, and other swim equipment. We provide a customer satisfaction guarantee because we know we offer the best quality for the best prices. We constantly add to our collection and currently have thousands of items and designs. We have tons of colorful and fun swim caps that can make your swim experience unique and help you stand out. Take a look at our swim caps and find the perfect fit for your next water adventure with Kiefer Aquatics.

Learn More About Swim Gear: 

• The Hidden Benefits of Swimming With Swim Fins
• Swim Gear Guide: Five Things All Swimmers Should Be Using In Their Training
• Swim Fin Sizing Made Easy!
• Center Mount Snorkel Explained
• How to Take Care of Your Swim Gear
• Restringing Racing Lanes – The Fast Way!
• Ordering Racing Lanes

Swimwear falls into one of two categories — competitive swimwear or leisure swimwear. Leisure swimwear is the pair of trunks you buy to wear on vacation, boat trips, or casual swimming and lounging at the pool, lake, or beach. Leisure swimwear does not adhere to a strict set of standards and is designed to be stylish, comfortable, and simple to wear. Competitive swimwear is anything intended for professional or competitive use. Competitive pieces are constructed out of different materials that make them more durable. They are designed to minimize disruption to the swimmer and help them move quickly and fluidly. All types of swimwear fall into one of these two categories, including Speedo briefs, boardshorts, jammers, and square leg shorts. Keep reading to learn some tips for choosing between Speedo briefs or trunks, including some essential differences and similarities.

What Are Swim Shorts?

"Swim shorts" is a broad term swimmers use to describe jammers, boardshorts, and square leg shorts. Whether competitive or leisure, the three types of swim shorts are: • Jammers: Jammers are form-fitting shorts that reach just above the knee. They offer more coverage than briefs and square leg shorts and have some built-in compression.  • Boardshorts: Boardshorts are ideal for casual surfing and swimming. They are long and do not have compression, which makes them a comfortable option for long wear. They look like regular shorts, so many people wear boardshorts to non-swimming activities. • Square legs: Square leg swim shorts are shorter than boardshorts and jammers but longer than briefs. They end around the upper thigh, and fit snug and compressed against the skin.

What Are Speedos?

Speedo is actually a brand of swimwear, not a specific garment. The brand has been around since the 1920s and is a favorite among Olympic athletes. Speedo makes many types of men's and women's swimwear, including briefs, rash guards, boardshorts, swim trunks, jammers, bikinis, and one-piece suits. When most people hear the name, they are picturing the famous Speedo briefs. Speedo briefs fit along a swimmer's hips and do not have leg coverings like shorts do. Most have some level of compression for comfort and performance. You can find swim briefs in different styles and levels of coverage.

Similarities and Differences Between Speedo Briefs and Swim Shorts

Competitive swimwear is created to minimize naturally occurring drag that holds swimmers back in the water. Drag is the pressure in the water that pushes back against you as you swim forward. Swimmers learn different techniques and strokes to minimize the effects of drag. The closer a swimsuit fits your body, the more you can glide through drag and swim faster. This is the same reason competitive swimmers wear swim caps and remove body hair. Suits, shorts, and briefs also have compression qualities, which shapes the swimmer's body to be hydrodynamic, resulting in smoother strokes through the water. A few similarities between Speedo style swim briefs and shorts include: • Options: Whether you prefer swimming in Speedos or shorts, you get to choose the specific style, level of coverage, color, design, and fabric makeup of your swimwear. • Quality: Quality manufacturers like Kiefer, Speedo, Dolfin, and TYR are creating both swim briefs and swim shorts. Whichever style you prefer, you can find garments with expert construction and quality materials to meet your casual and competitive swim goals. Different styles of swimwear serve different purposes. Some key differences between shorts and swim briefs are: • Speed: One of the most significant differences of Speedo briefs vs. jammers, boardshorts, and square leg shorts is speed. Speedo briefs have less fabric than knee-length swim shorts, which may help you swim faster. • Coverage: Swim shorts provide more coverage than tight Speedos. This means you can easily wear many types of swim shorts or Speedo trunks in public, like to the grocery store or a beachside restaurant, without having to change your clothes. This additional coverage is a good idea for swimmers who burn quickly in the sun. On the other hand, the lack of coverage with swim briefs means fewer tan lines. • Resistance: Some swimmers opt for swimming shorts or drag suits during training because they can create natural resistance in the water. This resistance lets swimmers build muscle and strength.

Tips for Choosing the Best Men's Swimwear

Before purchasing swimwear, analyze your swimming needs. Are you a competitive swimmer, or do you spend more time lounging at the beach? How much flexibility do you require? To choose the best swimwear for you, consider the following factors: • Fabric: Swimwear is made of movable, moisture-resistant material that helps swimmers move faster without getting waterlogged. When choosing the fabric of your swimwear, consider where you regularly swim, like a chlorine pool or saltwater ocean. Swimwear fabrics include polyester, polyester PBT, and nylon. Polyester is soft, flexible, breathable, and quick-drying. For those who frequent the pool, it also resists chlorine. Polyester PBT — short for polyester terephthalate — is lightweight, fast-drying, and snag-resistant. Nylon has a smooth, soft fit with good elasticity and abrasion resistance, but is not chlorine resistant. • Comfort: Although performance can be an essential factor when choosing swimwear, it's not the only one. Your trunks, briefs, or jammers need to be flexible and comfortable. The more comfortable you feel, the more you can focus on your form and techniques in the water. • Fit: Poor-fitting swimwear is uncomfortable and can hinder your performance. Baggy swimwear can also come loose in currents or waves. Before choosing your garment, make sure it is the correct length and the waistband sits comfortably against your skin. Some swimwear, like boardshorts, has drawstrings for a more standard fit. If you purchase a garment with built-in compression, make sure it isn't too tight. No matter which type of swimwear you choose, it's important to maintain and replace your garment as needed. Today's swimwear is designed to be long-lasting and durable enough to withstand all types of water, but if you notice any stretching or wear, you want to replace them before competing.

Get Men's Swimwear at Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics is the place to shop for competitive men's swimwear, including technical suits, lifeguard apparel, jammers, briefs, and boardshorts from popular brands like Kiefer, TYR, Speedo, Dolfin, and others. We have been industry pioneers since 1947 when Olympic Gold Medalist Adolph Kiefer founded a company with a passion for offering value and service for every type of swimmer. Browse our website to learn more about the Kiefer advantage and find the quality swimwear you need today.

Learn More About Swimwear:

• Choosing Swimsuit Fabric: An Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Material
• The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits
• What To Look For When Choosing A One-Piece Swimsuit
• Competitive Swimwear Sizing Guide
• How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit: A Step-By-Step Guide
• How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit
• Understanding the 12 & Under Technical Suit Ban
• Training Suits Explored and Explained Brand Edition: TYR

Picking a one-piece swimsuit isn'’t easy, so here are some things to think about to help you in the shopping process. First, you should determine how much use this suit is going to get and in what conditions.

Will you be wearing it at an indoor pool or outside? How many hours a week? This will help you determine what fabric is best and is as good a place to start as any.

If, for example, you will be wearing your suit in the water for 10 hours a week or less a Lycra suit should do the job.  If you are swimming outdoors or 20 hours a week or more polyester is your best bet.  The sun and chlorine affect the life of a suit.  The more you use it and the more the sun fades it, the faster it will wear out.

Let’s examine the different cuts next. The rise at your hips is generally available in three different cuts: modest, moderate, and high. Most competitive swimmers will be looking into high cut suits whereas most aqua aerobic enthusiasts prefer modest cuts. There are plenty of options in the middle for those who aren't quite sure.

We aren'’t done with cuts yet, next we have straps. Thin or thick?  There is a healthy mix of both and the choice often just rides upon personal preference.  Thick straps tend to be more supportive but can bite into the neck of competitive swimmers because of the constant movement during training. Many younger competitive swimmers prefer thin ‘lingerie’ type straps.

Finally, we come to the back of the suit.  There are a multitude of different backs with hundreds of different names.  It generally comes down to thick cross backs and thin strap lingerie backs.  Again this has a great deal to do with personal preference.  For training competitive swimmers seem to prefer the less is better approach.  The thinner the back the less rubbing, fewer tan lines, more mobility, etc.  With thicker backs, you get more stability and a tighter fit.  Thick straps are preferable in racing situations like competition.

Last we get to colors.  This is the fun part.  You can pick between patterns, solids, splices, and more, the choices are innumerable and colorful.  Say color isn’t your thing, black is an industry standard and is most often offered in all styles and cuts.

Learn More About Swimwear:

• Choosing Swimsuit Fabric: An Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Material
• Swim Shorts vs. Speedos
• The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits
• Competitive Swimwear Sizing Guide
• How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit: A Step-By-Step Guide
• How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit
• Understanding the 12 & Under Technical Suit Ban
• Training Suits Explored and Explained Brand Edition: TYR