This may seem like a weird question but I am new to the forums. I am 50 years old and I have gotten back into swimming within the last year. I swim at least 4 days a week- sometimes 5-- and have recently increased my yardage to between 3500 and 5000. However, my swim suit is causing terrible irritation, redness, and chafing around the shoulder straps. The suit is sized correctly (as far as I can tell) I don't think it is an allergy to the fabric because the only place I have the redness is the shoulder and front of the chest. Has anyone had this problem? Is there something I can out on my skin to prevent this. Do I need a different type of suit?
Most of the competitive suits are sized for a 19 YO body. The fitness suits are built for someone who doesn't move in the water.
I have a really hard time finding suits that fit properly. I'm a tall thin 67 year old.
Body Glide, PAM vegetable spray, or similar products will help, as will time (your skin will toughen up.)
However, the best cure of all in my opinion is duct tape. If you cover the affected areas with small pieces, it will halt the abrasion completely. Unlike bandaids, duct tape also stays on in the water for long periods of time.
My son learned this when he was a cross country runner in high school. I have subsequently applied it to swimming and it does work really well and costs very little besides, perhaps, a little sense of cosmetic degradation. If you are invited to the Royal Wedding and plan to wear something low cut, you may need to remove the duct tape.
Otherwise, leave it on till it falls off of its own accord.
Then re-apply.
Different styles, or even different manufacturers' suits in the same style, will fit you just a little different. I prefer the thin-strap suits for working out because the wide-strap ones usually chafe my neck.
Body glide works great for preventing chafing around the neck or on the ribs. Be especially vigilant about using something to prevent chafing if you swim in salt water.
Different styles, or even different manufacturers' suits in the same style, will fit you just a little different. I prefer the thin-strap suits for working out because the wide-strap ones usually chafe my neck.
Body glide works great for preventing chafing around the neck or on the ribs. Be especially vigilant about using something to prevent chafing if you swim in salt water.
i ditto, thin straps are easier on the neck and shoulders!
This may seem like a weird question but I am new to the forums. I am 50 years old and I have gotten back into swimming within the last year. I swim at least 4 days a week- sometimes 5-- and have recently increased my yardage to between 3500 and 5000. However, my swim suit is causing terrible irritation, redness, and chafing around the shoulder straps. The suit is sized correctly (as far as I can tell) I don't think it is an allergy to the fabric because the only place I have the redness is the shoulder and front of the chest. Has anyone had this problem? Is there something I can out on my skin to prevent this. Do I need a different type of suit?
Shop for a new suit and make sure it's not too big, especially if it's a poly suit. Have someone take the shoulder straps straight up and if they reach over your ears when stretched, the suit is too big. Suits that are too big can cause chafe, so make sure yours is sized correctly. I suspect you are in a too big suit and having chafe issues.
--mj
Just a little venting. I have a relatively long body and square shoulders. I prefer thicker straps, which can chafe. I find that a suit needs to be broken in, which happens midway into becoming a blousey misfit. I get about three months to a suit.
Unfortunately, many of the suits in my size come with way too large leg openings.
When I tried to buy a longer body I got the bonus of two little sponges in the front. I am a teacher, I get in and out and want a quick dry suit.
My former boss bought suits for the teachers. The first one was wonderful. I can still wear it for practice even though the lining is dead. The second one was cut too skimpy around the arms and legs and had that guaranteed to fail elastic on the openings. I'm sure they were the same style and manufacturer. the only difference was the year.
Enough of this rant.
Just a little venting. I have a relatively long body and square shoulders. I prefer thicker straps, which can chafe. I find that a suit needs to be broken in, which happens midway into becoming a blousey misfit. I get about three months to a suit.
Unfortunately, many of the suits in my size come with way too large leg openings.
When I tried to buy a longer body I got the bonus of two little sponges in the front. I am a teacher, I get in and out and want a quick dry suit.
My former boss bought suits for the teachers. The first one was wonderful. I can still wear it for practice even though the lining is dead. The second one was cut too skimpy around the arms and legs and had that guaranteed to fail elastic on the openings. I'm sure they were the same style and manufacturer. the only difference was the year.
Enough of this rant.
I am long in the torso as well and I understand the frustration of finding stuff that fits. Nike seems to be the best brand for me...
--mj
If the pool chemicals are out of whack it can cause skin irritation.
Thick straps are better than thin straps for some of us. It depends on your body shape and the slope of your shoulders. Thin straps can dig in, allow too much bouncing, stretch out prematurely, and may not stay in place.
There are also a variety of swim suit back styles. Some may tend to ride up towards your neck than others. Some may tend to slip off your shoulders. Again, depends on your build.
Some of the chlorine-resistant fabrics can be rougher on the skin than the older lycra suits that fall apart in 3 months.
