August , 2020
Swim Shorts vs. Speedos
Swimwear falls into one of two categories — competitive swimwear or leisure swimwear. Leisure swimwear is the pair of trunks you buy to wear on vacation, boat trips, or casual swimming and lounging at the pool, lake, or beach. Leisure swimwear does not adhere to a strict set of standards and is designed to be stylish, comfortable, and simple to wear. Competitive swimwear is anything intended for professional or competitive use. Competitive pieces are constructed out of different materials that make them more durable. They are designed to minimize disruption to the swimmer and help them move quickly and fluidly. All types of swimwear fall into one of these two categories, including Speedo briefs, boardshorts, jammers, and square leg shorts. Keep reading to learn some tips for choosing between Speedo briefs or trunks, including some essential differences and similarities.
What Are Swim Shorts?
"Swim shorts" is a broad term swimmers use to describe jammers, boardshorts, and square leg shorts. Whether competitive or leisure, the three types of swim shorts are: • Jammers: Jammers are form-fitting shorts that reach just above the knee. They offer more coverage than briefs and square leg shorts and have some built-in compression. • Boardshorts: Boardshorts are ideal for casual surfing and swimming. They are long and do not have compression, which makes them a comfortable option for long wear. They look like regular shorts, so many people wear boardshorts to non-swimming activities. • Square legs: Square leg swim shorts are shorter than boardshorts and jammers but longer than briefs. They end around the upper thigh, and fit snug and compressed against the skin.
What Are Speedos?
Speedo is actually a brand of swimwear, not a specific garment. The brand has been around since the 1920s and is a favorite among Olympic athletes. Speedo makes many types of men's and women's swimwear, including briefs, rash guards, boardshorts, swim trunks, jammers, bikinis, and one-piece suits. When most people hear the name, they are picturing the famous Speedo briefs. Speedo briefs fit along a swimmer's hips and do not have leg coverings like shorts do. Most have some level of compression for comfort and performance. You can find swim briefs in different styles and levels of coverage.
Similarities and Differences Between Speedo Briefs and Swim Shorts
Competitive swimwear is created to minimize naturally occurring drag that holds swimmers back in the water. Drag is the pressure in the water that pushes back against you as you swim forward. Swimmers learn different techniques and strokes to minimize the effects of drag. The closer a swimsuit fits your body, the more you can glide through drag and swim faster. This is the same reason competitive swimmers wear swim caps and remove body hair. Suits, shorts, and briefs also have compression qualities, which shapes the swimmer's body to be hydrodynamic, resulting in smoother strokes through the water. A few similarities between Speedo style swim briefs and shorts include: • Options: Whether you prefer swimming in Speedos or shorts, you get to choose the specific style, level of coverage, color, design, and fabric makeup of your swimwear. • Quality: Quality manufacturers like Kiefer, Speedo, Dolfin, and TYR are creating both swim briefs and swim shorts. Whichever style you prefer, you can find garments with expert construction and quality materials to meet your casual and competitive swim goals. Different styles of swimwear serve different purposes. Some key differences between shorts and swim briefs are: • Speed: One of the most significant differences of Speedo briefs vs. jammers, boardshorts, and square leg shorts is speed. Speedo briefs have less fabric than knee-length swim shorts, which may help you swim faster. • Coverage: Swim shorts provide more coverage than tight Speedos. This means you can easily wear many types of swim shorts or Speedo trunks in public, like to the grocery store or a beachside restaurant, without having to change your clothes. This additional coverage is a good idea for swimmers who burn quickly in the sun. On the other hand, the lack of coverage with swim briefs means fewer tan lines. • Resistance: Some swimmers opt for swimming shorts or drag suits during training because they can create natural resistance in the water. This resistance lets swimmers build muscle and strength.
Tips for Choosing the Best Men's Swimwear
Before purchasing swimwear, analyze your swimming needs. Are you a competitive swimmer, or do you spend more time lounging at the beach? How much flexibility do you require? To choose the best swimwear for you, consider the following factors: • Fabric: Swimwear is made of movable, moisture-resistant material that helps swimmers move faster without getting waterlogged. When choosing the fabric of your swimwear, consider where you regularly swim, like a chlorine pool or saltwater ocean. Swimwear fabrics include polyester, polyester PBT, and nylon. Polyester is soft, flexible, breathable, and quick-drying. For those who frequent the pool, it also resists chlorine. Polyester PBT — short for polyester terephthalate — is lightweight, fast-drying, and snag-resistant. Nylon has a smooth, soft fit with good elasticity and abrasion resistance, but is not chlorine resistant. • Comfort: Although performance can be an essential factor when choosing swimwear, it's not the only one. Your trunks, briefs, or jammers need to be flexible and comfortable. The more comfortable you feel, the more you can focus on your form and techniques in the water. • Fit: Poor-fitting swimwear is uncomfortable and can hinder your performance. Baggy swimwear can also come loose in currents or waves. Before choosing your garment, make sure it is the correct length and the waistband sits comfortably against your skin. Some swimwear, like boardshorts, has drawstrings for a more standard fit. If you purchase a garment with built-in compression, make sure it isn't too tight. No matter which type of swimwear you choose, it's important to maintain and replace your garment as needed. Today's swimwear is designed to be long-lasting and durable enough to withstand all types of water, but if you notice any stretching or wear, you want to replace them before competing.
Get Men's Swimwear at Kiefer Aquatics
Kiefer Aquatics is the place to shop for competitive men's swimwear, including technical suits, lifeguard apparel, jammers, briefs, and boardshorts from popular brands like Kiefer, TYR, Speedo, Dolfin, and others. We have been industry pioneers since 1947 when Olympic Gold Medalist Adolph Kiefer founded a company with a passion for offering value and service for every type of swimmer. Browse our website to learn more about the Kiefer advantage and find the quality swimwear you need today.
Learn More About Swimwear:
- Choosing Swimsuit Fabric: An Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Material
- The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits
- What To Look For When Choosing A One-Piece Swimsuit
- Competitive Swimwear Sizing Guide
- How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit: A Step-By-Step Guide
- How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit
- Understanding the 12 & Under Technical Suit Ban
- Training Suits Explored and Explained Brand Edition: TYR
Guide to Dryland Swimming Workouts and Products
Whether you're a competitive swimmer, lifeguard, or someone hoping to improve their performance in the water, you can do a lot of things on dry land to become a better swimmer. Dryland training for swimmers is a great way to stay in shape, build strength, and balance while minimizing the chances of injuring yourself during a swim.
Products for Dryland Swim Training Workouts
To get the most out of dryland exercises for swimmers, invest in quality training equipment. The right gear can help you focus on the key areas of your body that you use when you're swimming and provide a clear focus for your workout.
1. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can help you improve your range of motion and build strength by adding a resistive force to your workout. You can use them on their own to target specific areas — like your legs, chest, or biceps — or integrate resistance bands into your existing routine to keep tension in your muscles. Plus, resistance bands and cords are simple to use, lightweight, and easy to take with you whether you workout at home or on the go.
If you're a beginner, choose a light resistance band and gradually work your way up. Depending on which areas of your body you target when using these bands, you might see your lap time decrease or find it easier to swim longer distances.
2. Free Weights for Swimmers
Free weights are an excellent way to target specific muscles and gain strength. There are a few different kinds you can use for dryland training:
- - Ankle and wrist weights: Ankle and wrist weights are similar to resistance bands because they aid in strength training by adding tension and are a lighter alternative to dumbbells. You can find ankle and wrist weights to use in the water and for swimming dryland training workouts. To avoid injury, never use ankle or wrist weights for too long and consult a professional trainer about the best weights for your body type and fitness level.
- - Dumbbells: Dumbbells let you target each side of your body separately, making them a great tool for strengthening specific areas. Start with lighter dumbbells until you build enough strength to add heavier ones.
- - Medicine balls: Medicine balls are weighted balls that you can toss and catch to strengthen muscles without putting too much strain on your joints. You can use one lying down, sitting, or when standing.
3. Stationary Swimming Machines
Stationary swimming machines are a unique way to practice swim techniques and train without the need to go to the local pool or beach. They are a small, stationary pool that uses currents and water movement to replicate the real motion of a pool, ocean, or other body of water. You can think of a stationary swimming machine like a treadmill because, while you are constantly swimming in a forward position in a stationary swimming machine, you stay in one place.
4. Dryland Swim Training Benches
If you want to practice your flutter kicks, breaststroke, and freestyle stroke, consider using a dryland training bench. To use a dryland swim training bench, you lay down on the platform and use various attachments, bands, and paddles to move your arms and legs as if you were swimming. If you're just starting out and want to work on your form, this is a great way to keep your arms in the correct position.
Exercises and Dryland Training for Swimmers
Every swimmer's dryland workout plan should include exercises that strengthen the upper and lower body and improve overall endurance.
Upper Body
For a thorough upper body workout, implement the following into your exercise routine:
- - Warm up with arm swings: Before you dive too far into your upper body workout, do some arm swings to stretch out your muscles and prepare them for training. Some good arm swings to include are small circles, big circles, and forward swings.
- - Lift free weights: Lift free weights, like dumbbells and kettlebells, to target where you want to build muscle.
- - Do push-ups and pull-ups: Push-ups and pull-ups can strengthen your shoulders, triceps, back, and other parts of your upper body that you rely on in the water.
- - Use resistance bands: Resistance bands are ideal for beginners and advanced swimmers and can help you build strength while practicing arm movements.
- - Practice planking: Planking strengthens your core, which you use to stay balanced and keep good form while swimming.
Lower Body
A strong lower body is the best way to keep your kicks powerful and your form straight. To improve your lower body strength, use these exercises in your dryland training program:
- - Warm up with leg swings: To warm up before your lower body workout, swing your legs to the front, back, and from side to side.
- - Do squats: Squats build up the muscle you need to do flips, turns, and kicks while in the water. Start by mastering the basic squat, then add in free weights to increase resistance and build more muscle.
- - Practice flutter kicks: Replicate the flutter kicks you do in the water in your home or at the gym by lying flat on the floor, faceup, with your arms straight at your side. Flutter your legs up and down as if you were swimming. To keep the correct form, do not let your legs touch the ground while kicking.
Endurance
Even the most advanced swimmers can benefit from regular endurance training. The more you practice your endurance techniques, the longer and faster you will be able to swim. For dryland endurance training for swimmers, add the following to your workout:
- - Do jumping jacks: Jumping jacks exercise multiple parts of your body without special equipment. At the beginning of the week, record how many jumping jacks you can do without stopping. Then, re-record this number at the end of the week and note any changes.
- - Use a stationary swimming machine: A stationary swimming machine can help you practice your swimming endurance in resistant waters. This is an especially useful tool if you're a lifeguard or swim in waters with strong currents.
- - Go for a run: Running is a simple form of cardio that can have enormous benefits for a swimmer. For example, running increases your endurance, encourages you to practice breathing techniques, and can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Get Swim Gear and Equipment at Kiefer Aquatics
Once you have found a dryland routine that you enjoy, keep practicing and challenge yourself by adding more resistance and weight. Over time, you will start to see results in the water. Kiefer Aquatics has the gear you need for in-water and dryland training, including resistance bands, free weights, and trainer belts.
Visit us online to browse our inventory of swim, pool, and lifeguard gear and to get the tools you need to become a more powerful swimmer.
Learn More About Aquatic Fitness:
How to Prepare Your Child for Competitive Swimming
Competitive swimming for youth is an enriching experience. It's an excellent way to teach your child the importance of practicing and working hard to set and meet goals. It can teach your child how to accept and move past losses and celebrate their victories while making friends their own age. Competitive swimming can also help them maintain a healthy weight and establish lifelong fitness habits.
Here is what you need to know to prepare your child for competitive swimming.
What to Know Before Your Child Starts Competitive Swimming
If your child has expressed interest in competitive swimming, the first step is to enroll them in formal swim lessons if you haven't already. The time and dedication these lessons require will give you and your child a good idea of what to expect before beginning your competitive swimming journey, and it will teach your child the essential strokes and techniques they need to know to be successful.
Here are some other things you can do before enrolling your child in competitive swimming:
- - Research everything: Always research teams, coaches, and facilities before enrolling your child, as each one is different. Meet with the parents of other swimmers and get an idea of what to expect, including the time required.
- - You may need more than classes and practice: While classes and regular practice attendance are crucial parts of any competitive swimming routine, your child may want or need to supplement training to reach their goals. Dryland training is a type of exercise routine swimmers do on the land, and it includes strength and endurance exercises.
- - Your child may not enjoy it: While it's important to encourage your child to try new things and persevere when they don't catch on right away, be prepared for the possibility that they may not enjoy competitive swimming. Swimming competitively and swimming for fun are very different experiences and they may find it's not the best fit for them.
When to Start Competitive Swimming
Ultimately, what age you should start competitive swimming depends on your child's abilities, interests, and available time. The best time to introduce swimming to your child is when they are physically and mentally ready to learn the necessary skills to stay safe. You can find competitive swimming lessons and meets for kids as young as five years old, as long as your child is developmentally ready to participate.
You should also consider the other things happening in your child's life, including other sports, academics, and extracurricular activities. Make sure you pursue a swim schedule you can realistically fit into both of your lives. Finally, it's important to listen to what your child wants. If they aren't ready to commit to a competitive swim routine just yet, that's okay! Keep encouraging them to try new things and see if the interest develops on its own. Alternatively, if your child is excited to start something new, do what you can to help them pursue their new interest.
How to Help Your Child Prepare for Competitive Swimming
Swim lessons and practices will teach your child the rules of the sport and help perfect their form and techniques. You can also do some things at home with your child to set the groundwork for success. When it comes to swimming training for kids, there are a few things you can do together to make the experience successful and rewarding, such as:
- - Master the basics: Before you begin, take the time to get a full picture of your child's current swimming abilities. This will let you know what kind of lessons to pursue and which basics they still need to master before competing. Some basic swim techniques every swimmer should know are flutter kicks, front crawling, the butterfly, arm strokes, and breaststrokes. They will also need to know the correct way to breathe and balance underwater, and the correct posture and form they need to stay safe.
- - Set goals: Work with your child to develop short-term and long-term goals so they can record and track how their hard work pays off over time. It's also a great way to keep lessons and practices focused. For example, if your child wants to improve their lap time by two minutes, they can write down their lap time every day and celebrate when they meet their goal.
- - Create a routine: Although competitive swimming can be one of the most fun and enjoyable parts of your child's week, it does take work, practice, and discipline to improve and perform well at swim meets. Add these things to an already existing schedule of school, homework, family time, and extracurricular activities, and things can get overwhelming. The best way to combat this is to establish and stick to a daily and weekly routine, so everyone knows what to expect and what needs to be accomplished. A stable routine is also the easiest way to avoid forgetting practices or meets.
- - Be a cheerleader: Although your child is the one in the water, parents often work just as hard to make competitive sports a reality. Make an effort to be present at your child's meets and cheer them on. Celebrate wins together and encourage them to keep trying when they fall short.
- - Invest in quality swim gear: Although quality gear is not essential for beginning swimmers, you will want to invest in some when your child decides to turn their hobby into a competitive sport. Equipment like hand paddles, swim fins, junior goggles, kickboards, pull buoys, and swim training platforms can hone their skills and perfect their form. Quality kids swimwear will keep your child comfortable throughout long practices.
Get Swim Gear at Kiefer Aquatics
Competitive swimming can be a great choice for your child. It's fun, fosters a healthy sense of competition, and will teach them valuable fitness and social skills. With some pre-planning, plenty of practice, and the right gear, you're setting your child up for a successful, lifelong sport. Visit Kiefer Aquatics online to find the kids swim gear you need, including swimsuits, goggles, and kickboards. As your child advances, you will also find training equipment like hand paddles, swim fins, and pull buoys.
Read More Swim Parent Resources:
