How to Tell If a TYR Swimsuit Is Right for Your Competition Level
Choosing what to wear is important for your performance, no matter if you’re swimming in your first meet or getting ready for a championship. TYR is a well-known brand in swimming, chosen by swimmers everywhere for its strong materials, good design and efficient performance in the water. But how do you know which TYR swimsuit is right for your competition level?
We help swimmers at Elsmore Swim Shop progress from age-group to elite levels. In this blog, we’ll break down what to consider when selecting a TYR swimsuit based on where you are in your competitive journey. If you’re new to swimming or aiming for the best times, there’s a suit suited to your needs.
Why Many Swimmers Depend on TYR
It’s necessary to learn what makes TYR swimwear a leading choice for swimmers worldwide before starting the decision-making process. The company’s reputation is based on its focus on new technology and the needs of athletes. Every TYR swimsuit is constructed with the swimmer’s performance in mind, balancing compression, flexibility, and durability to meet the unique demands of both training and racing.
Some of the reasons swimmers pick TYR are:
- Fabrics that are strong against chlorine and do not stretch out
- Fits that help reduce the drag you experience
- A focus on performance-based compression technology
- There is a style available for every development phase
Know Your Competition Level
Your competition level helps determine what type of TYR swimsuit you should be wearing. A swimmer who trains frequently for big competitions requires different support than someone who swims only occasionally.
Here’s how you can look at it simply:
1. Beginner/Developmental Swimmer
- I am just starting to compete in swimming
- Take part in local or seasonal athletic events
- Chooses comfort and low prices above the latest performance features
At this level, a training-focused TYR swimsuit is typically the best option. A swimmer’s suit should be able to handle daily training and still feel comfortable in races. How durable and simple a tool is to use matters most.
2. Intermediate Swimmer
- Swimming regularly as part of a club or school team
- Plays in games throughout the season
- Concentrating on getting better at technique and time
An intermediate swimmer might choose to wear a tech suit for the first time during important championship events. For regular training, a TYR suit is still best, but a tech suit used only for races may give you an edge without being too complicated or uncomfortable.
3. Advanced/Competitive Swimmer
- Works out hard all through the year
- Participates in meets that take place regionally, in the state or nationally
- Strives to improve performance, technique and how athletes perform on race day
At this level, a high-compression TYR swimsuit designed specifically for racing becomes essential. Swimmers tend to own at least one or two suits that they wear only for big competitions. It’s important that the suit fits and compresses well to reduce drag and maximize the support your muscles get for their best performance.
What is the Difference Between Practice Suits and Tech Suits?
Knowing the difference between practice and tech suits will guide you in picking the right suit for your needs.
Training Suits
- Made to last
- Chlorine-resistant
- It’s easy to use for extended periods
- Offered in many different shapes and styles
These swimsuits from TYR are made for everyday use and will not lose their shape or fade or stretch. These are useful for swimmers of any skill during practice and for those just starting out at meets.
Tech Suits
- Made for racing purposes
- Provide strategic compression
- Made from hydrophobic materials
Tech suits are designed to help you swim faster and better. Most runners put them on only for races and do not use them for daily running. For intermediate and advanced swimmers, a tech-focused TYR swimsuit can make a noticeable difference in the water.
Men’s vs. Women’s TYR Swimsuits
TYR makes high-quality suits for men and women, each designed to fit each person’s body for better results and comfort.
Women’s TYR Swimsuits
Because women’s suits have different strap and back styles, as well as various cuts, they can be customized to fit well and support movement. Training suits are snug but flexible, while race suits offer close compression and shape your body for better movement.
On race day, women’s TYR tech suits are designed to reach the knees to help with hip alignment and to boost leg movement while decreasing drag.
Men’s TYR Swimsuits
For training, men are able to choose among briefs, square leg suits and jammers. Most top male swimmers prefer jammers because they are comfortable and supportive.
The focus for men’s TYR tech suits in racing is to squeeze the legs and glutes and help engage the core. They are designed to be smooth, water-repellent and help you swim fast through the water.
The Importance of Fit: How to Tell if It’s Right
No matter your level, fit is everything when it comes to selecting a TYR swimsuit. Here are the things you should notice:
- The suit you use for training should be tight but still let you move freely.
- Your tech suit should be snug and a little difficult to get on, but it shouldn’t limit your breathing or motion.
- Stay away from suits that sag, gather or move during your actions, as this can make you less efficient.
- Don’t forget to try on your suit before a big competition to feel comfortable and confident when swimming.
Our team at Elsmore Swim Shop is here to help you pick out the best suit for whatever your goals are, from practice to the state finals.
How to Know When to Put on a Tech Suit
If you’re considering getting a race-day TYR tech suit, here are some indications you’re prepared:
- You’re competing in meets and lowering your times by seconds
- You’re participating in regional or state championships
- You want to be physically and mentally strong during the race
- Your coach thinks it’s time to upgrade your equipment
Many swimmers say they feel more confident and swim better in a tech suit. Still, you should only wear a tech suit for racing to ensure it stays in good condition.
Elsmore Swim Shop is Your TYR Swimwear Partner
Swimmers at any level can find a great range of TYR swimwear at Elsmore Swim Shop. If you need to buy a suit for your child’s first training or help a high school athlete pick their next competition suit, our experts can help with sizing, fit and selection.
What makes Elsmore the best place to shop TYR?
- Help from skilled and experienced people
- Used by swim teams and families all over the United States
- You can shop in the store or online with ease
- Team sales pages
Suit Up for Success
The right TYR swimsuit does more than just cover the basics—it supports every kick, stroke, and turn on your path to improvement. No matter if you’re swimming in your first meet or at the national level, you need to know your competition and the suit that suits your needs.
TYR has something for every swimmer and we’re here to help you choose the right gear. You can find our TYR training and race suits by visiting us or shopping online.