How to Tell If Your Jammers Are Too Tight or Too Loose
In this sport, being precise is very important. Small details like your stroke and split times can make a big difference, and how your swimwear fits is one of them. For male swimmers, the jammer is one of the most important items to have. However, even the most top-of-the-line jammers won’t work well if they aren’t the right fit for you.
If you are just starting in swimming or getting ready for a big meet, you need to make sure your jammers fit well. If your jammers are too tight, it can limit your movement and cause discomfort, while if they are too loose, they might cause you to drag, lose focus, and possibly be disqualified in top events.
Thousands of swimmers have come to Elsmore Swim Shop to find the best swimwear for their needs. We will discuss the ways to tell if your jammers are too tight or too loose and how to make sure they fit properly.
What are Jammers, and Why It’s Important to Get the Right Fit
Jammers are close-fitting swim shorts that are meant for competitive swimmers. They go from the waist up to just above the knee and are made from smooth, tight materials that help make the body more streamlined, decrease drag, and boost swimming performance.
There are two main types of jammers:
- Training jammers that are comfortable and long-lasting for daily use.
- Racing or tech suit jammers are made for important events using advanced materials and a tight fit.
Both types need to be matched properly to function correctly. If the suit does not fit well, it can cause discomfort, make moving harder, or prevent you from performing well in the water.
Things to Look for When Jammers Are Tight
It is important that your tech suit fits snugly, but if it is too tight, it can lead to problems. Here are some important signs that your jammers could be too small:
1. Restricted Movement
If you feel uncomfortable with your kicks, bends, or squats in your jammers, whether you’re on the block or doing a flip turn, they are probably too tight. Though a racing jammer is designed to restrict movement, you should be able to move easily and keep the right form.
2. A Lot of Red Marks or Irritated Skin
It is normal for racing suits to create slight compression marks near the thighs and waist. If you notice deep lines, bruising, or pain or chafing, your jammers are probably too tight.
3. Taking Longer to Get into Them (Much More Effort Than Normal Tech Suit)
It takes a little time to put on tech suits, which is normal. When you are having difficulty with the fabric and it seems to be tearing, you might want to consider a larger size. A tech suit should cling to your body like a second layer of skin, not be too hard to get on.
4. Waistband Digging into Skin
The waistband should be straight and not move around. If the ring is too tight and bends inward, digging, or makes it hard to breathe or move, it is probably too small. This matters a lot to younger swimmers since their bodies are still developing.
Ways to Tell Your Jammers Are Loose
Loose jammers can also cause big problems. They make it harder for water to get in, reduce the amount of pressure on your feet, and may be uncomfortable or awkward to wear during races.
1. Wrinkling or Sagging Fabric
If the jammers are bunched, sagging, or wrinkling around the hips or thighs, it means they are too loose. The fabric should be smooth and flat against your skin at all times.
2. Water Trapping Inside the Suit
If you notice water inside the jammers or see bubbles between your skin and the suit, the suit is too large. Water resistance is something swimmers fear, and loose jammers can make you feel like you are wearing a parachute.
3. Falling Backward When Starting or Going Through a Turn
If your jammers come loose while you are diving or turning, you may end up with a wardrobe issue and perform poorly. If your suit fits well and snugly, you won’t have to worry about adjusting it during the race.
4. No Compression or Support
Compression supports your muscles, helps your blood flow, and reduces tiredness. If your jammers seem loose and have no compression, it’s probably because they’ve become too big or worn out.
How You Know When You’ve Found the Right Fit
A good fitting pair of jammers should:
- Be comfortable enough that they do not pinch your skin
- Lay flat against the body so there are not many wrinkles
- Provide even compression throughout
- Remain securely attached to you at every part of the race
- Make sure you can move through the entire range of motion
When training jammers, it is important that they are comfortable and long-lasting. Because you’ll use them daily, they need to be comfortable and not too tight. It is normal for there to be some stretching as time goes on.
Compressive and snug-fitting racing jammers are preferred by most racers. A racing suit is usually needed for a few sessions, and it ought to fit comfortably and enhance your performance.
Pro Tip: How to Tell If Your Jammers Are No Longer Working
No matter how well jammers fit, they will eventually wear out. With time and use, chlorine and wearing the fabric can make it lose its shape or deteriorate. Some signs that your jammers might need to be replaced are:
- Loose waist or leg openings
- Faded or thinning fabric
- Loss of compression or shape
- Noticeable drag or discomfort
If you are training frequently, switch between your training jammers and save your tech suit for competitions.
The Elsmore Advantage: Support with choosing the right size, selecting the appropriate model, and using the product.
We realize that every swimmer has their own needs at Elsmore Swim Shop. That’s the reason we give personal advice to anyone looking for a jammer, whether you are new to the field or have been competing for years.
The Items You Can Buy at Elsmore Swim Shop
- Speedo, TYR, Arena, Mizuno, Dolfin, and others are popular brands in the industry
- Getting advice from trained staff in the store
- Apparel that is designed specifically for swimming in training and competitions
- Organizing teams for schools and clubs
We have stores all over the country and an online store, so swimmers of every skill can easily find the right gear for them.
Get the Fit Correct, and the Performance Will Improve
Your jammers should be a teammate, not an enemy. If your jammer is too snug, it will cause extra stress, but if it’s too loose, it can hinder your streamline and make you lose time in the water.
We make sure swimmers get the right gear, as it helps them swim better, concentrate, and achieve their goals. training, racing, and setting goals are all important.
If you’re not sure about the jammers you have or want some help with sizing, visit one of our stores or talk to our staff online. We are here to help swimmers at every stage of their journey.