Competition swimwear

When you are on the starting block at an important swim meet, you know that it is the very smallest margins that decide the race. The hunt for the last hundredths can quickly become frustrating if you feel that your equipment creates unnecessary drag in the water instead of working with you. Therefore the right competition swimwear is not just a luxury, but a crucial tool for achieving your goals.

With a technical racing suit or jammers you optimize your hydrodynamics and get the necessary muscle compression that keeps you streamlined and energetic all the way to the wall. At Watery you will find a wide selection of top models from renowned brands such as Arena, Speedo and Tyr as well as our own specially developed brand, Watery, all designed for speed.

Whether you are chasing your next personal best or heading to your first big meet, we have the equipment that helps you reach the finish. On this page you will find everything for competitive swimming, so you can focus on performing your absolute best.

That is why you should look for the FINA mark

When you enter meets, it is crucial that your equipment complies with the official rules. The small white QR-code logo on the back of the suit is your guarantee that it is FINA approved (now World Aquatics) and can legally be used for licensed swimming.

1. Requirements for meets: For championships and licensed races it is mandatory that your suit carries the official approval stamp, otherwise you risk being disqualified before the starting signal sounds.
2. Advanced materials: Where regular swimwear is primarily made for comfort and durability, competition suits are constructed from high-tech, water-repellent fabrics that minimize drag.
3. Speed optimization: The FINA mark ensures that the suit complies with standards for thickness and buoyancy, so you compete on equal terms, but with maximum hydrodynamic advantage.

How your competition suit should fit

Many swimmers get a shock the first time they hold a competition suit in their hands - it looks very small. But that is entirely deliberate. To minimize water resistance and ensure the necessary compression for your muscles, the suit must sit extremely close to the body, almost like an extra layer of skin. If it feels comfortable and easy to put on like ordinary swimwear, it is unfortunately too large and will slow you down in the water.

Choose the right model for girls and women

When you choose competitive swimwear for women and girls, the standard today is the so-called kneeskin. This model goes down to the knees and thus ensures maximum coverage and compression of the large thigh muscles, which markedly reduces water resistance. But the choice does not stop at leg length - you also need to consider the back of the suit. Your preference often depends on your swimming style, the distance you swim, and what you feel most comfortable in. Whether you are looking for competition suits for women or fast suits for girls, you will primarily encounter two main types, each with their advantages:

• Open Back (Open back): This type has a large opening on the back, which gives maximum freedom of movement around the shoulders and shoulder blades. Many swimmers prefer an open back, as it feels less restrictive and gives a fantastic feel for the water, which is often an advantage on longer distances or medley.
• Closed Back (Closed back): Here the back is covered more with fabric, which provides increased compression and stability around the core (core). A closed back is often the favorite for sprinters who need maximum support and a completely rigid, streamlined body position in the water to drive the highest speed.

Jammers for men and boys - what should you choose?

For men and boys the choice is often more straightforward, as the vast majority of competitive swimmers prefer jammers. These long swim shorts go down to the knees and tighten around the thighs, which gives a decisive advantage in the water. The close fit delivers targeted compression that not only reduces the buildup of lactic acid, but also reduces

muscle vibrations, so you stay fresher longer.

At the same time, your new competition briefs help lift the hip up to the water surface, giving you a more streamlined position and minimizing water resistance. Whether you are looking specifically for men's swimwear or need swimwear for adults in general, the right jammers ensure you get the most out of your efforts.

Arena, Speedo, Tyr or Watery - which suit is right for you?

Finding the right competition suit can feel like a jungle, as all swimmers have different preferences and body types. Some prioritise maximum compression to keep muscles in place, while others value freedom of movement most to be able to rotate freely in the water. Here is an overview of the most popular brands so you can make the right choice for your swimming style.

• Arena: Known for their groundbreaking Arena Carbon technology. These suits deliver perhaps the market's highest compression and stability via carbon fibre threads in the fabric, making them favourites among sprinters who need explosiveness and power.
• Speedo: With the legendary Speedo Fastskin series you get a suit that often focuses on flexibility, comfort and a natural feel in the water. Ideal for those who want optimal freedom of movement without compromising on speed.
• TYR: A strong choice for the swimmer looking for a durable suit with a reliable fit. TYR racing suits are known for holding their shape well and providing solid support throughout the race, which many middle-distance swimmers appreciate.
• Watery: Our own Watery competition swimwear is developed to give you as much speed for your money as possible. It is the obvious choice for new competitive swimmers or those who want high quality and good hydrodynamics without blowing the budget

Extend the lifespan of your competition swimwear

A competition suit is a significant investment, and the technical materials require careful handling to preserve their elasticity and water-repellent effect. Chlorinated water is the suit's worst enemy, and incorrect handling can quickly ruin the expensive fibres so the compression disappears. Therefore, correct maintenance is crucial if you want to ensure your suit performs optimally race after race.

1. Rinsing is the most important: Always rinse the suit thoroughly in cold fresh water immediately after your race. This stops the breakdown from chlorine and chemicals, which would otherwise weaken the elastic if left in the fabric.
2. Gentle drying: You must never wring your suit, as it can break the fine fibres in the fabric. Instead, roll it gently in a dry towel to absorb the water, and then let it dry flat in the shade - never in direct sunlight or on a radiator.
3. Avoid the washing machine: A trip in the machine is often too harsh for a technical suit. When washing competition swimwear you should do it by hand, possibly with specially developed products. You can find all necessary accessories and care for swimwear here.
4. Save it for competitions: Use the suit only when it really matters. For daily training you should use regular, chlorine-resistant swimwear to preserve the competition suit's lifespan.

Don't forget the final equipment for meet day

Although your suit is crucial for speed, it does not do it alone. To further minimise water resistance you should complement it with a pair of streamlined goggles for training and competition that sit snugly to the eyes without slowing you down. At the same time, a close-fitting silicone swim cap is indispensable to create a smooth surface so the water glides effortlessly over the head.

When you are waiting between your heats, it is equally important to keep the body warm and the muscles ready. Here a rashguard can be an effective solution to protect against sun and cold if the meet takes place outdoors or the pool hall is cool. With the right meet equipment you ensure that nothing is left to chance when the starting signal sounds.

Buy your competition swimwear at Watery

Get ready for your next adventure in the water here with us. We have everything you need in competition swimwear, and of course only brands of the highest quality. For us it is natural to have the right equipment, as it makes it safer to give your maximum but also provides more comfort when you have to perform. Whether you are missing the latest top model or a good beginner suit, you will find it in our large assortment.

If you need advice and guidance on sizes or models, we are of course ready to answer all your questions. That way you can be confidently and properly equipped so you are fully ready to jump in the water and chase the records.