Material advice wanted

[edinspeedoguy]

I much prefer the stretchier spandex style speedos, but when buying online there are so many material combinations and brands it becomes really difficult to tell what they will be like without actually seeing them, and being in the UK, finding shops with more than about 5 pairs is basically impossible. Does anyone have any reccomendations on what to look for/avoid, or even better on which suits are really good for this?

[ExBex]

I know what you mean. It isn't always perfect, but you can get some idea by looking at the exact material composition.

The stretchy suits (like classic Speedos) are all typically 80% nylon (also called polyamide) and 20% elastane (also called spandex or lycra). Generally, the higher percentage of elastane, the stretchier. I have one Nike suit that is 32% elastane... very thin and stretchy material. (But some are as low as 5% elastane, for better durability.)

The problem is that the elastane degrades relatively quickly when exposed to chlorine, so the manufacturers have been looking at more durable materials, none of which are as stretchy. The new Speedo "endurance" suits (and many others advertised as "chlorine resistant") use a material that is 50% PBT polyester and 50% polyester. The turbo suits (which I like) are roughly the same at 55/45. These suits hold their shape longer, but none of the polyesters stretch like elastane.

Likewise, 100% nylon (or polyamide) material has been used in suits for many years (even before spandex). Again, better durability but very little stretch. Traditional Aussiebums are probably the most famous, but I have a newer Arena that is also like this (and feels very different from the Aussiebum material).

[timinauckland]

I once had a pair of Aussiebum wonderjock loose swimwear made of 100% nylon. Not very comfortable after being in the water for too long. Prefer 80% nylon + 20% lycra.

[TomCross]

I know what you mean. It isn't always perfect, but you can get some idea by looking at the exact material composition.

So, what is the material for those shiney transluscent types? Are they comfortable?

[SpeedoUSA]

I know what you mean. It isn't always perfect, but you can get some idea by looking at the exact material composition.

So, what is the material for those shiney transluscent types? Are they comfortable?

I believe it’s the same material but the process is different. I think they heat the material to create the shiny exterior.


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[Mazda3mps]

i dont mind nylon.. they feel so much lighter. and quite comfortable if u find a good fit.