Swim Workout Attire Question

Sometime in the last 20+ years (when I also took a break from competitive swimming) all the guys converted from Speedo briefs to jammers.  Get whichever you prefer for the pool.  I still feel a bit odd wearing jammers.  Stay away from lycra since it doesn't last very long. 

Get a separate pair of tri shorts for cycling and racing.  If you use them in the pool a lot they'll wear out faster (and they can be kind of pricey).  You might also want a pair of cycling shorts since they have more padding and many people consider them more comfortable on the bike (too much padding for swimming or running, though).

I bought my first tri shorts and cycling shorts at the local tri shop.  They were expensive ($75+ a couple of years ago), but since I had no clue what I needed and wanted a recommendation for good quality.  I've also bought stuff online for cheap and have been completely satisfied.

Brian

Get a cheap pair of jammers 25 bucks for my speedo's, 1+ years going strong. 

Get a pair of tri-shorts for racing, they don't seem to last as long in the chlorine from my experience.

Not a dude, but still can answer: get a pair of jammers. Usually you can find good deals on the guys' stuff (stupid women's bathing suits are pricier, even on sale) - my local swim shop has a men's sale bin for like $20 a pair. Tri shorts will get eaten by the chlorine, so I wouldn't make a habit of training in them.

I am not sure if REI sells men's swimwear. I know they have a limited selection of tri stuff for women that includes swimsuits, and I know they sell men's tri tops and shorts. Not sure about jammers though. There are plenty of online retailers - www.swimoutlet.com is a good one, and any of the online tri shops will sell them too (like trisports.com, where BTers get a discount).

A note on spandex/lycra suits vs polyester suits- there are two types of material that swimsuits are made from. The lycra/spandex ones are more stretchy, but wear out faster. Polyester is less stretchy, but lasts forever. I've also seen, at least in women's suits, a lycra/polyester blend. I have 2 of those, and they are nice.

You may have noticed the above links have very limited sizes left so just look for the 09 models.  But also I don't know your waist size but at 6-2 266 I'm gunna guess 38-40  which you may have much less section, especially when you go over 38's.  I have found Dolfin had in the past made same larger sizes.

Also in the poly vs lycra.  Yes poly lasts like forever and lycra will only last 3-6 months, depending on the days per week in the pool, but if your planning on losing weight save your money and get lycra as they will be wearing out just as you need to change sizes anyway.

Also if you do go the poly route.  The poly ones with a poly/PBT Poly blend (like speedo endurance).  Nearly as comfortable as lycra and laasts like 100% poly

Thanks to all for the info.  You guessed right about the 38 waist.  I was down to 240 at one point  and had dropped to a 36 a few years back.  I don't think i'll ever get back to a 32 but it would be nice.  You never know.  I'll look into the links and reccomendations and let you know how it goes.

b

To each his own so wear what ever makes you comfortable or whatever you have.

I wear the baggie trunks to workout in.  I am typically at a family pool and think  modesty should be exercised.  The extra drag is great anyway. 

For competition I wear tri shorts.  I do not wear them to work out in because of A modesty B wear and tear C no drag.

My profile pic has me wearing them.

1:45 / 100 yards is SLOW????  I would be happy with that alone - in one shot!

If your pace is dropping off that sharply, yes, you need focus on endurance. It depends on what your comfortable with for clothing. I don't like baggy shorts for swim workouts, never have. I have jammers. I usually get them on sale, so I don't really care if I go through 3 or 4 a year.

John

You took the words right out of my mouth, I'm  happy if I can go under 2:00/100 for a stand alone 100.

Personally I haven't worked up the courage to buy some jammers I'm still rockin the baggy trunks.