Spandex bicycle shorts vs. jammers

[electric2010]

These days, if you see a guy on a racing or touring bicycle, your almost guaranteed to see him wearing spandex bike shorts. Doesn't seem like anybody gives any special notice of these guys. So, why do so many people have such a hard time with guys wearing jammers at a pool? I know that if I go for a bike ride, I will always wear bike shorts..., but I wouldn't considering wearing jammers (or gasp speedos) to a public pool.

Considering bike shorts acceptance, do you think it would be easier to get people to accept jammers? Then if jammers become common, maybe even speedos would become acceptable.

[swimcmk]

Out here in Arizona at gym pools i am starting to notice a few guys wearing Jammers. It is weird that bike shorts are normal and Jammers are almost nowhere.

[dorcas336]

Swim in the bike shorts-I do sometimes in the lake during a bike trip.

[California Dolphin]

Pardon me for being the skunk at the garden party, but jammers/bike shorts look and feel just plain weird and I have a very strong revulsion to wearing them -especially as a swim suit.

They seem to be just a streamlined version of the Down-to-the-knee look in men's casual and athletic "shorts" and it can't go out of style fast enough!!!

[JohnC]

My theory still is this: you might notice most outdoor pools in Pennsylvania usually do not have any lap lanes set up - most of the people going don't have a background in swimming. We don't have water polo, or surf lifesaving and most kids never grew up wearing a speedo. I don't think we have enough swim culture.

Indoor facilities are set up for swimming and I usually see proper swimwear (drag suits, briefs or jammers).

[tannedbum]

Big difference between bike shorts and jammers. Bike shorts have padding in the seat so those skinny bike seats won't have to be surgically removed after a long ride. The fabric is designed to hold the muscles to prevent strain or cramps.
Where I live it is very common to see guys (and girls) wearing the bike shorts (some with short gym style shorts over them). With all the bike riders in town I see bike shorts a lot and even occasionally in the market. They get the ones with the ads on them with shirts and helmut to match so they look like they are on the Tour de France, but they just rode to the market for a loaf of bread.
Jammers, on the other hand, I seldom see. My guess is that unless you have a body like a N2N model, they don't look that great and actually accentuate the negatives. Too me they are uncomfortable. If I'm going in the pool --why all the material? If I am wearing short I want cool and comfy - not hot and tight. Wear my bike shorts on the bike because of the pad but when the ride is done the shorts come off. (I keep mine to a solid color with a T-Shirt) When it is time for the pool - out comes the speedos.

[paspeedo1]

hey John--

You back in PA again or still in CA?

[electric2010]

I like the leg support from the jammers. Not a competative swimmer, so I don't mind the extra fabric. Maybe I'll give speedos a try to see how they feel in the long run.

[Locutus]

I wear both. My bike shorts are solid black, and its not really a big deal because everyone else in the group is wearing them. The jammers for the pool are my favorite. I admit that I don't have the body most of you do that allows me to wear the super hot speedos, but the jammers serve a purpose, so i really don't care what people think/say.

A great balance are my tri shorts. They're a little heavier than the jammers, and have a smaller pad than the bike shorts.

I get my jammers from swimoutlet. The sporti ones last 2-3 months (I swim 3-4 days a week) and are much cheaper than the other brands that last about the same.