KIT ZONE
BUYER'S GUIDE
We've been away from pools a lot over the last year, so if you've grabbed your kit bag only to find your swimwear isn't what it once was, now is the time to invest in a new training swimsuit or pair of jammers.
Training swimwear should be chosen to improve speed and maximise comfort, so look for designs that are streamlined and allow good freedom of movement. There's nothing worse than kit that drags in the water, won't allow you to tumble turn or impedes your stroke mechanics.
For men, jammers should fit closely with zero bagging, while an adjustable drawstring waist will ensure they stay up. Women's swimsuits come in many designs, but pick straps that stay up, don't irritate your shoulder blades (cross backs work well) and are comfortable. Thin straps tend to work well on slimmer women with small busts, whereas larger or bustier women may choose wider straps for support.
Most brands will have their own terms for their fabric, but make sure they're chlorine-resistant. You may also want to look for swimwear that has good eco-credentials, with some manufacturers now opting to make their suits out of recycled fishing nets and post-consumer plastic bottles.
Finally, pick a design that makes you feel good. It's been shown that the more confident you feel in any kit, the better you perform, and that's
