Does anyone NOT wear skintight swimwear?

We're not wearing swimwear. We're wearing tri shorts or a one piece tri suit.

You don't change clothes between stages so what you go into the pool wearing is what you're going to cross the finish line wearing. It's just easier that way.

If you want the honest to goodness truth no one will give a damn what you're wearing. We're not looking for that, we're too busy trying to breathe or not puke and running our own race.

If you have any question about any of that, volunteer at a local race and watch what people are wearing and how they're reacted to.

As Daniel said, no one is going to notice what you wear...
So, wear whatever you feel comfortable in and don't give it a second thought.

you won't be a meek wallflower, putting up with hungry stares from the wolves or judgemental looks from hard-bodies.  This isn't a pickup bar or a bikini beach where only the best bodies are admitted. 

It's a totally different position that you put yourself in.  You will not look or appear vulnerable or a target for stares.

Instead- You'll be a competitor! an athlete! 

But, but all means- wear whatever makes you the most comfortable, so that you can think about your performance more than what others might be thinking about you.

Aside from the advice that you've already been given which I totally agree with I would like to add something. I'm not sure of your swim abilities but if you're fairly new to swimming having all the drag of baggy trunks can be a major hindrance to learning proper technique. I'm going to assume with the concern you have that you haven't spent too much time in the pool. If I'm wrong about that then you can ignore this. Swimming is almost all technique. The drag from loose fitting swimwear will slow you down and will likely result in a body position in the water that isn't ideal. You're legs will sink and that will cause all kinds of stroke issues. Some people like to train with the extra drag but I like to think that those people have an already competent stroke and are aware of what they should be doing in the water.

 And after a few times wearing jammers you don't really think too much of it. I know that when I first started swimming I wasn't too sure about the idea.  Taking that first step into spandex can be scary.  Now I don't even give it a second thought.


Edited by argylemonkey 2010-11-04 2:28 PM

You can wear a three piece suit and bowtie in the water if you want. Most people won't care, and if they do, then they aren't racing. Wearing tri shorts or a one piece tri suit does give a few big advantages, but you aren't obligated to wear them. Many people, especially those doing a tri for their first time, wear normal swim wear. 

For the shorter distances you are much better off going with the skin tight stuff, but if you are worried about it, just make sure what you are wearing is black.

I have a buddy who wears regular swimsuits and puts a sleeveless shirt on in T1.  Honestly he sitcks out more than the larger folks in trisuits. 

Thumbs up for all this great info! Thanks everyone!

Swimming in baggy clothes is like dragging a parachute. It is hard.
Buy some jammers or something like a tri suit to train in once or twice and compare the effort required to complete your work out. Once you experience the difference you will not want to ever swim in baggy shorts again.

Wear what is comfortable to you. Over time you will get use to the tight spandex and realize no one cares. There is a big difference in effort over distance with fitted cloths vs. baggy cloths. 

just go have a good time man! skintight does equal speed but its your first race! and ull see other big guys wearing skin tight too. or at least i have.

I have nothing to add, except that you will, of course be making the race harder than it needs to be.  With THAT said, people riding mountain bikes are doing the same.

Whatever it takes to make you smile at the finish line, though.

I wear a Speedo Surf Runner Volley Swimsuit with a 14 inch outseam for training.  It is not baggy like board shorts, but it is not skin tight either.  With the 14 inch outseam, it does not go down to my knees like board shorts, but there is much more fabric than brief cut swim suits.  I find them a good compromise between modesty and minimizing drag.

Well, I notice what people wear. I don't care what they wear, but I do notice. Wear whatever you want.

But, to answer some of your questions;

Yes, you will see some people in loose clothing
Yes ,you will see some large bodied folks "letting it all hang out."
You will also see some large bodied folks who have it all tucked in to tight fitting clothes and nothing is hanging out

Honestly, I tend to notice people who are clearly making a conscious effort to hide their bodies, to the point of wearing impractical clothing, than those who are wearing sport-specific , form-fitting clothing.

I’ve seen people do races in baggy swim suits, wearing t-shirts, or wearing long basketball shorts on the bike or run.

I don’t judge those people, I just wonder why they’d make it needlessly difficult for themselves.