Type of Suit?

I think you'll see a variety of responses depending on the person who replies. Some feel that a high-quality is needed for meets, and some may feel a specific design/cut is better for some strokes (such as back or ***). Personally, I wear a regular speedo with a drag suit over it for workouts. You can get a speedo-type suit on sale for about $15 at your typical sports stores, and I get a mesh drag suit from Keifer online, about $15-20 I think. The drag suit will last years...the only time I had to replace one was when it mysteriously disappeared in the locker room. For meets I wear a pretty new speedo. I really don't care how I look, if someone doesn't want to see they don't have to look. It is what works best for me, and I certainly notice the difference in times without the drag suit.

I think a Jammer might be just what the Dr. ordered. Check them out at Speedo's website. The Endurance line is great for practice. My last suit went for almost a year before I replaced it.

I disagree with the advise you should not wear a drag suit because you are essentially wearing one now. A true drag suit will be about 99% less drag that the baggie trunks you are currently wearing. They are also less tight than a jammer and may suit your needs, plus they last forever. I have had great luck with the Speedo poly mesh square leg along with TYR's similar offering. A jammer is just a long version of the traditional tight speedo. I will say that once you reach a comfort level a jammer is a good choice.

Loose skin is more than an appearance thing. I am betting you will go faster in a suit that provides some compression/motion control. 70# is very admirable. A lot of guys seemed to like the old Speedo S2000 suits for meets - full torso, back zipper. The triathlete unitard suits ... gee, those are expensive ... Note that the FastSkins are not meant for daily wear, they are not durable.

What other people wear to swim is irrelevant. As someone who has just begun swimming as an adult, you should not be wearing a baggy or drag suit for practice (and certainly not meets) because it can affect your body position in the water. You want to be able to focus on mastering proper technique, not compensating for extra drag around your hips. That being said, you should be training in a well-fit brief or jammer (get polyester for durability) depending upon your preference for "coverage." In meets you could try a shoulder to knee technical suit (by any manufacturer) for the added adrenaline rush of feeling sleeker in the water.

Actually, I prefer the traditional “briefs” because they are the most comfortable. I’ve tried some of the newer styles, however briefs provide me with the maximum freedom of movement in the water without the annoyance of that “extra clothing” feel. They are also less expensive (only about $12 each) and a lot easier on my budget too. Happy Swimming! Dolphin 2 :D

Originally posted by craiglll@yahoo.com Did anyone else see the new suits for women who are pregnant? They look really comfortable. At first, I thought you meant in a "my beer gut is getting too large, that suit looks comfortable" sort of way.

Thanks to all for suggestions, I have ordered a pair of Jammers, and a pair of the square leg practice suit....dont know about the Jammers, I would hate to gross someone out...lol. maybe try for practice to use the one as a drag suit, just go jammers only for meets? probably better than what I do now... will let you know the results. Thanks all again.

I doubt you will be grossing anybody out!! I have seen a lot of people in swimsuits that are not flattering on their respective physique's but I don't think anybody is grossed out. Good luck to you. Just go have fun, forget about the whole swimsuit part of the equation.

Congrats on the weight loss! I, too, have lost alot of weight so I can relate. (I've lost 140# and still counting). I've usually worn speedo briefs because I've found them the most comfortable. But recently I did get some jammers. I think they're OK, they seem to hold the extra skin around the thighs in. But your coach is right. I actually wore a baggy pair of shorts after I had worn speedos for a while. Whatever shape you're in, those baggy shorts are holding you back! Wearing a speedo type brief or jammer will definitely help you glide through the water. My advice would be to try a pairof jammers. I've noticed alot of sales at sports stores lately, so you could buy one to try and see how you like it. (Hopefully without paying full price). Good Luck! JIM