I love these suits http://www.eqswimwear.com/ I get the grab bag harmony. Right now they have a sale of buy 2, get 1 free. I get their lycra and they last for around a year each!
Alison
i buy my dragsuits at nationals. two usually last me until next nationals. i think i've gotten tyrs the last couple of years, but usually whoever has the best grab bag 2 for $x deal and the worst-looking patterns.
actually bought a fastskin2 from kastaway's tent at Federal Way b/c i didn't like how my fspro was was working.
swimoutlet.com has been the most convenient place for me so far. I order a bunch of suits in different sizes, they get to my house in 4-6 days, I try them on (without a 360 mirror and bright lights,things I hate when trying on suits!) and send back the ones I don't want. Shipping is free (over $75). The other company I've had good luck with (price,service) is elsemore aquatics......they allow you to choose a specific back style when you order grabbag suits....something most companies don't do....
to date i've used kiefer.com. i really like the Kiefer brand products... excellent quality and VERY good prices. i mostly buy suits and goggles there. their closeout deals can be great.
i recently discovered that the Lane 4 Swim Shop headquarters is just around the corner here. i stopped by and got to meet the owner, who is a very nice fella. a number of my swim buddies get their suits there as they routinely have great sale/closeout prices. their web is lane4swim.com
i'm completely spoiled because for nearly seven years now I have been able to regularly swim mid-mornings year round in an outdoor pool. in order to get some color on my cheeks i started using a "tan-thru suit" for practice. as for the tan-thru function they work OK (the fabric is = to about SPF 15-30), but what was the pleasant surprise is that they are pretty tough and they dry REALLY fast, which is pretty handy for those early am practices where a wet suit has to be in my car all day. (they will dry on your body really fast too.) i have always gotten the "Solar" brand suits. they changed it all around since my last purchase, but i believe this is their web: solartanthrusuits.com. the fabric is not real stretchy, but if you are on the cusp size-wise i've found it is better to go smaller as they will stretch a bit and then stop. i take good care of them (don't sit on the deck, rinse them well etc.) and they will last at least a year or more (i'm sure i had one for over 2 summers, and i swim about every other day). the closeout deals are not fantastic, but considering how well they last i figure i'm ahead $ wise.
if you google (or similar variations) you will get some other brands. (like "COOLTAN tan-through swimsuits and sportswear".)
I bought a grab bag bathing suit at http://www.eqswimwear.com/and am waiting to get it. Alison ( swimshark had told me about how much she likes them) I have been told by email they mailed it but I don't have it yet. I hope to get it soon as if I like it I will order one more for me and 1 for each of my daughters ( the two piece ones for them)
Cheers
I got a great deal on a bathing suit at a (speciality pool store) they had speedos for 90 bucks and were clearing stock. I got a plain blue one for $24. I love it for the price.
Katie
I've had very good luck with swimoutlet.com. The only drawback is that quite often they don't have a size I am looking for. I order for both me and my daughter from the grab-bag.....
