Swim Gear and How to Buy Them
As a coach I commonly see swimmers carry and wear wrong gear all the time. Read on to know which kit to carry or to double-check if you are carrying the right kit currently.
Swim Costume
A good swimwear should be well fitting, shouldn't move underwater and should be long lasting. Swimwear being a fashion statement can be optional.
Westerners figured out long ago that minimal clothing for swimming is the most comfortable. Excess clothing will move and catch water, making swimming cumbersome and uncomfortable. Polyester is the best material for swimsuits, avoid going for other blends and materials.
To the Indian swimmers and sentiments, I would suggest that you wear the most minimal amount of clothing you are comfortable with. There are few good retail outlets in Chennai where you can try on your swimwear. Good examples of swimwear for men and women are displayed in the mood board below.
Swimwear Care: Always air dry your costume in the shade, away from direct sunlight and clean it occasionally using detergent.
Retail Outlets to Shop:
https://goo.gl/maps/8r7YQR7eq8egRXbx7
Swimwear for Men
Speedo Men All Swimwear | Essential Splice Aquashort - Black - Phoenix Red
Men Swimming Boxers Boxers 100 Plus Black Blue (decathlon.in)
Swimwear for Women
Speedo Women All Swimwear | Essential Splice Kneesuit - True Navy - True Navy - Electri Pink
Speedo Women All Swimwear | Essential Splice Racerback Legsuit Black - Oxid Grey - Bright Zest
SpWomen Swimming One Piece Shorty Swimsuit Heva Mexi Black (decathlon.in)eedo Women All Swimwear | Black - Electric Pink Boom Placement Crop Top With Boyleg
Women’s Swimming Top Una Light Navy (decathlon.in)
Buy Women'S Medium Support Cropped Bra - Black Online | Decathlon
Buy Swimming Swimsuits Online In India|Long Jamsuit|Nabaiji (decathlon.in)
UV Sun Protection Pink Contrast Seam Boyleg Rash Guard Set I Swimwear | The Beach Company
UV Sun Protection Monochrome Long Sleeve Rash Guard BoyShorts Set I Swimwear | The Beach Company
Swim Cap
A swim cap contributes to cleanliness of the swimming pool more than anything else. Swimming without a swim cap will lead to your hair dumping oil in the pool, causing the cleaning chemicals in the water to be less effective. So please wear a swim cap to save your hair from getting bleached and dry, and also to reduce the workload of your friendly pool maintenance team.
I find most caps are manufactured to suit Caucasian hair and are tight fitting and uncomfortable to thick Indian hair. Hence, most caps won’t sit in place or will cause a headache. The cap most suitable for you depends on the amount of hair you carry on your head. A cap that is between firm and too soft will work for the majority, it’ll prevent the cap from coming off.
Tip: When taking a shower, please rinse your hair before putting on the cap so that the chlorine water from the swimming pool will not get into your head. Avoid wearing clips and tying your hair instead tuck in the excess hair into the cap after putting it on your head.
Swim Cap Care: Rinse using tap water and wipe dry after every use, or you’ll see fungus spots on your swim cap real soon.
Buy TYR Long Hair Wrinkle Free Silicone Swim Cap (Black) Online at Low Prices in India - Amazon.in
Buy TYR Wrinkle Free Silicone Swim Cap (Red) Online at Low Prices in India - Amazon.in
Buy The Beach Company Latex Swim Cap Black(Black) Online at Low Prices in India - Amazon.in
Swim Goggles
I cringe every time i see someone dive into a swimming pool wearing a water sport or scuba goggles only to see it float to the surface before the swimmer does. People always buy goggles judging comfort over function on land. Bigger, bulky goggles tend to leak and come off on every sudden movement you make in the water.
Pick goggles that have a very small profile and adjustable nose clips. The nose clips are usually responsible for how comfortable your goggles are. If you are an experienced swimmer, you can switch to Swedish Goggles that are small, extremely adjustable and incredibly comfortable.
Swim Goggle Care: Carry a sunglass case in your swim bag and store your goggles in them to prevent scratches on the lens.
Swimming Goggles Ready One Size Clear Lenses Grey (decathlon.in)
Buy Speedo 809297B988 Jet V2 Goggles Online at Low Prices in India - Amazon.in
Speedo Goggles All Goggles | Vengeance Goggles Red - Smoke
Additional Equipment
Water bottle to keep yourself hydrated during a swim session
Soap or Body Wash to scrub off after a swim session
Towel to dry yourself
Wet bag to store your wet towel and swimsuit in your swim bag Swimming Pool Pouch 3L Blue White (decathlon.in)