High-technology swimwear

High-technology swimwear, or tech suits, are scientifically advanced materials used for swimwear in competitive water sports such as swimming and triathlon. Materials of this type are normally spandex and nylon composite fabrics with features to reduce drag against the water.[1] The fabrics include features that increase the swimmer's glide through water and reduce the absorption of water by the suit as opposed to regular swimsuits. Additionally, the suits are extremely tight, which make the swimmers body more streamlined and help reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the body.[2] Since 2010, high-tech swimsuits, specifically those offering significant performance-enhancing features and made from non-textile materials, have been banned in professional competitive swimming. This decision was made by FINA after the 2008 and 2009 swimming seasons, during which many world records were broken by swimmers wearing high-tech swimsuits, raising concerns about the impact of technology on the sport.[3][4][5]

  1. ^ "The Rocket Swimsuit: Speedo's LZR Racer - Science in the News". Science in the News. 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
  2. ^ McFadden, Christopher (2019-11-24). "How Swim Suits Help Improve a Swimmer's Performance". interestingengineering.com. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  3. ^ News, A. B. C. "Full Body Swimsuit Now Banned for Professional Swimmers". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-09-07. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "FINA to ban controversial bodysuits". ABC News. 2009-07-28. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  5. ^ "Fina ban controversial swimsuits - but not until 2010". www.insidethegames.biz. 2009-07-23. Retrieved 2024-09-07.