The FAST Swim Store - Sizing and Fitting, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Disclaimer: these questions and answers are oriented towards FAST swimmers and may not apply to general visitors from outside our team. Our opinions are are own. For questions related to medical conditions, please consult a qualified physician.

If you have a suggestion or a question not covered here, feel free to email webslave@fastswimming.org. (If we don't know the answer, we can always make something up!)

• Competition swimsuits
• Swimcaps
• Goggles
• Hand Paddles
• Fins
• Skin and Hair Care

Other good sources for answers can be found at:

• news:rec.sport.swimming
  
• USA Swimming website (see Forums)
  

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Competition swimsuits FAQ:

1. What color of swim suit is fastest ?
2. Why do I need a FAST team suit for meets ?
3. What size competition swimsuit should I buy ?
4. Should I get one of those Fastskin swimsuits?
5. How about those "Aquablade" suits ?
6. What size training swimsuit should I buy ?
7. Why do these swimsuits wear out so darned fast ?
8. How should I care for my swimsuit ?
9. These swimsuits are so expensive. How can I save money ?
10. What colors fade the most ?

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1. What color of swim suit is fastest ?
   Whatever color the first place swimmer is wearing. We hope this will be a FAST team suit at meets.
   
   
2. Why do I need a FAST team suit for meets ?
   FAST policy is that our swimmers MUST wear a FAST team suit in meets. This makes it easier for the coaches to keep track of our swimmers during a crowded meet and also promotes team unity and identity. We try to keep these suits affordable for our members. The FAST Swim Store does not always carry every size in stock and it takes time for the team logo to be put on the suits. Be sure to purchase a team swimsuit well in advance of the first scheduled swim meet.
   
   
3. What size competition swimsuit should I buy ?
   Competition swimwear is worn very tight. This ensures that no air bubbles will be caught between the suit and the swimmer, reducing drag. Some compression will also result in the swimmer being smaller in the water, also reducing drag and some muscle fatigue. Racing suits stretch out rapidly due to pool chemicals; you may want to purchase a new racing suit for the championship meet and "retire" the old suit for use in workouts.
   
   
   Female Racing Suit Size Chart

   NYLON SIZE		LYCRA SIZE		LADIES DRESS SIZE		GIRLS DRESS SIZE		Chest		Waist		Hips		Torso
   -		22		-		4		22 1/2		20		24		52 1/2
   24		24		-		5/6		23 1/2		21		25		54
   26		26		-		7/8		26		22 1/2		27 1/2		55 1/2
   28		28		-		10		28 1/2		24		30		57
   30		30		5/6		12		30		25		32		58 1/2
   30L		-		5/6L		12L		30		25		32		59 3/4
   32		32		7/8		14		32		26		34		60
   32L		-		7/8L		-		32		26		34		61 1/4
   34		34		9/10		-		34		27		36		61 1/2
   34L		-		9/10L		-		34		27		36		62 3/4
   36		36		11/12		-		36		29		38		64
   36L		-		11/12L		-		36		29		38		65 1/4
   38		38		13/14		-		38		30		40		66 1/2
   38L		-		13/14L		-		38		30		40		67 3/4
   40		40		15/18		-		40		32		41		69
   42		-		18		-		42		33		42		71 1/2
   44		-		20		-		44		34		44		74
   46		-		22		-		46		35		46		76

   Male Racing Suit Size Chart Chart

   SUIT SIZE		22		24		26		28		30		32		34		36		38
   Waist *		22		24		26		28		30		32		34		36		38
   BOYS		5/6		7/8		10/12		14/16		-		-		-		-		-

   * Measure waist about 1" above natural waist or just above hip bone.
   
   
4. Should I get one of those Fastskin swimsuits?
   NO. FAST policy is that the "Fastskin" bodysuits are for elite athletes only (U.S. Open caliber or above.) These suits are very expensive, custom-fitted, and very fragile. Developmental swimmers need to focus on training and technique. FAST swimmers who show up at a meet wearing one of these suits will not be allowed to swim.
   
   
5. How about those "Aquablade" suits?
   Maybe. These suits are appropriate for the older swimmers for the big meets. Ask your coach before buying. The more heavily-muscled and larger swimmers will benefit the most from the additional compression the leg suits can offer.
   
   
6. What size training swimsuit should I buy ?
   Training suits are worn looser and may be purchased a size larger than for racing. Racing suits that have been worn for a few meets and have stretched out make good training suits. Some swimmers will wear a "drag suit", which is a larger, baggy swimsuit. Switching to the racing suits for meets will then result in a faster "feel" in the water.
   
   
7. Why do these swimsuits wear out so darned fast ?
   The same materials that make the swimsuit comfortable and well-fitting -- Lycra and Spandex -- are the ones that are most vulnerable to the effects of pool chemicals. Swimwear manufacturers actually ARE trying to find new fabrics that tolerate chlorine better. Nylon and polyester suits will last longer than the usual T128 Lycra® competition wear. A new type T274B Lycra® is being used in new swimwear that promises better resistance against chlorine and mildew. "Paper" suits and other elite swimwear are designed solely for speed, not for longevity. Finally, see the recommendations for swimsuit care below to help your swimsuit last longer.
   
   
8. How should I care for my swimsuit ?
   Rinse it BY HAND in cool clear water after use. Never put it into the washing machine or into the clothes drier. Hang it up to dry out of direct sunlight; don't wring or twist it. Don't leave it wrapped up in a towel in your swim bag overnight! Some people like to use their swimmer's shampoo on the suit or a special suit cleaner to help remove chlorine.
   
   
9. These swimsuits are so expensive. How can I save money ?
   Do not wear your competition swimsuit for daily training while it is still new. Instead, purchase a more-durable nylon or polyester suit for training. These work well for the boys but the girls might prefer the comfort and fit of a lycra suit. The swim store carries discounted "grab bag" swimsuits that are first-run quality but discontinued styles.
   
   At swim meets, put on a pair of warmups, sweats, or shorts over your swimsuit when you are not in the water to help avoid snags and rips.
   
   Swimmers can continue to wear worn lycra suits at practice by layering them. This also provides additional drag that is appropriate in training. Workouts are not a fashion show. The swimmer who looks the best in practice is the one who swims the fastest -- not the one with the prettiest swimsuit.
   
   At the end of the summer season many stores have clearance sales and competitive swimwear is deeply discounted. Year-round, clearance and "dress for less" types of stores may have a swimsuit or two in your size. Stock up when the prices are right if your swimmer wears out a swimsuit every 3 months.
   
   D & J Sports sells "generic" swimwear at discount. These suits should be tried on prior to purchase as they may deviate from name brand sizing and "cut". Fabric durability may also be different from the name brand suits.
   
   
10. What colors fade the most ?
    Light colors go transparent faster than darker colors, and solids don't provide as much coverage as patterns. Irregular patterns are better than regular patterns (eg: stripes). White, yellow, and red will fade rapidly; blue and green last longer. Look for suits with a lining in the front to provide better coverage. Red suits often have a black lining for longer usability.

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Swimcaps FAQ:

1. Why do I have to wear a FAST swimcap at meets ?
2. What is the difference between latex, silicone, and lycra caps ?
3. How should I care for my swim cap ?

1. Why do I have to wear a FAST swimcap at meets ? If you choose to wear a swimcap, we require that it be a FAST swimcap at meets. This is a very inexpensive way for us to promote team unity and make it easier for our swimmers to be identified in the water, on the blocks, or around the pool. We keep them in stock at the FAST swim store. The coaches also normally take a few extra team caps to the swim meets in case your swimmer loses their cap or it tears at the meet.
   
   
2. What is the difference between latex, silicone, and lycra caps ?
   Latex caps are very inexpensive. They do not last very long. They can pull on hair or be uncomfortable. Silicone caps are more expensive but last longer and may be more comfortable. Both latex and silicone caps will keep the hair relatively dry. They may help keep goggle straps from slipping. Lycra caps are the most comfortable and do not pull hair. They come in many colors and patterns. Lycra caps are not waterproof and only serve to keep longer hair from swishing around.
   
   
3. How should I care for my swim cap ?
   The easiest way is to simply budget for the cap being a piece of equipment that will have to be replaced frequently, then throw it into the swim bag while still wet. If you purchase a more expensive cap or have a "lucky" cap that you want to keep around, then rinse it in clear water after each use and allow it to air dry.

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Goggles FAQ:

1. Do I need to wear goggles to swim ?
2. What kind of goggle should I buy ?
3. How do I keep my goggles from falling off when I do a racing start ?
4. My goggles keep fogging up !
5. How should I care for my goggles ?
6. What should I do about this rash or irritated skin around my eyes ?
7. I keep getting eye infections
8. Can I wear contacts when I swim ?
9. My goggles make me look like a raccoon after I swim
10. Do I have to buy new goggles just because the headstrap broke ?

1. Do I need to wear goggles to swim ?
   For all practical purposes, Yes. Well-fitting goggles make swimming much more pleasant for all swimmers. They protect the eyes from the harsh chemicals in pool water and improve underwater vision. Without goggles, vision underwater is about 20/400, similar to being legally blind. They can eliminate the redness and "halos" caused by irritation. They can protect contact lenses. Prescription goggles are also available for those who wear eyeglasses.
   
   You should also keep a backup pair of goggles in your swim bag at all times. Goggles are notorious for breaking while swimmers are fidgeting with them just before their race. The swimmer might not have time behind the blocks to do minor repairs or adjust a borrowed pair.
   
   Goggles also tend to get lost easily. Use an ink pen to write the swimmer's name on the headstrap.
   
   
2. What kind of goggle should I buy ?
   Goggle size and style is an individual choice. Because all of our faces are shaped differently, goggles are like shoes on our feet – no single goggle fits everyone! Swimmers should try on goggles before buying them to ensure that they fit properly. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right goggle for you.
   
   
   • Face Placement. Small goggles that fit into your eye socket are called "racing profile" goggles because they do not cause much drag when swimming for speed. Most of the FAST swimmers will wear this type of goggle, as opposed to a mask or large goggle that fits outside the eye socket and covers more of the face.
     
     
   • Gaskets. Goggles come in with two main types of gaskets. "Gasketing" is the material attached to the back of the goggle lens, and is the piece that actually comes into contact with your face. Traditionally this has been a neoprene or foam material. In recent years a new "curved rubber" type of gasket has become very popular. Advantages over foam gasketing are that it is hypoallergenic, generally does not come unattached from the goggle like foam does over time, and is made in fun colors to compliment the goggle color. "Curved rubber" gaskets are made of several materials, including PVC, Silicone, TPR, and Vinyl. "Swedish" goggles have no gasketing at all. People either love or hate this kind of goggle! Some swimmers will wear a gasketed goggle in training and use their "Swedes" only when racing.
     
     
   • Fit. Goggles either rely on fit or suction to provide a leakproof seal. For those styles which rely on suction, the swimmer should press the goggles against their face WITHOUT wearing the strap. If the goggles immediately slip or fall off, they don't fit. If they are uncomfortable, they don't fit.
     
     
   • Protection. On some goggles you may notice a tag for Anti-Fog and UV protection coatings. Both are coatings applied to the interior of the goggle lens and are invisible to your sight. The Anti-Fog coating reduces the fogging experienced inside of goggles. The UV protection reduces a very significant amount of the UV "A" and "B" rays entering the goggle lens and protect your eye.
     
     
   • Color. Goggle color range from clear to smoke (grey), blue, amber (yellow), aqua, and lavender. Clear is the most popular color with smoke as second most popular color. Clear goggles provide excellent vision, especially in indoor pools where the lighting may be weak. Smoke is a darkening effect and is good for outdoor swimming. The other colors provide a varying amount of tint and differing aesthetic appeal.
     
     
   • Eye Width. Everybody has different facial structures, and we all have differently shaped nose bridges, so most goggles have adjustable nose pieces. Some of the newer goggles have moved to newer designs that don’t have the little "pegs" on the nose piece. Some brands come with a selection of nosepieces; other styles have a single flexible nose piece that shape to the contours of your face.
     
     
   • Straps. A single strap sometimes moves up or down your head causing the goggle lenses to move. Many of the newer goggles have gone to split head straps, where there are multiple strap lengths across the back of your head. This reduces the movement of the strap, thereby holding the goggle lenses tighter in place.
     
     
   • Women's and Children's Goggles. Children and many women have facial structure that is narrower than the typical male face. They will find a better fit in a child's or women's goggle. Even some men with narrow faces will also get a better fit with a child's goggle.
     
     
3. How do I keep my goggles from falling off when I do a racing start ?
   Buy goggles that fit. Ask your coach for advice -- you may need to tuck your head against your chin more. You might find that wearing a swim cap helps. Some swimmers get better results with a split, two-piece strap. Finally, tighten the strap more for racing. Some swimmers keep a pair of goggles just for racing that are too tight for day-to-day training but they know are adjusted correctly for racing.
   
   
4. My goggles keep fogging up !
   You can purchase anti-fog goggles or anti-fog drops for your goggles. Avoid rubbing the inside of the goggles as that can remove the coating. Try anti-fog drops out for the first time at practice - never at a meet. Some people will experience red eyes and irritation from the anti-fog drops. Finally, some swimmer's will use nature's own anti-fog solution on the goggles - saliva. Most eye doctors will frown on this practice but it is quite effective.
   
   
5. How should I care for my goggles ?
   Put your name on the headstrap so you are less likely to lose them. They should be allowed to fully dry between practices to discourage mildew and bacteria growth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat since the lenses can distort. You can purchase an inexpensive goggles case or find a pocket in your swim bag to avoid scratching the lenses.
   
   
6. What should I do about this rash or irritated skin around my eyes ?
   The skin around the eyes is delicate and easily irritated. Examine the gasket on your goggles. If the gasket is rough or discolored, it should be replaced or the goggles discarded. Neoprene gaskets will eventually "alligator". Discoloration may indicate some kind of fungus or bacteria. Finally, some people will be allergic to the gasket material and will need to choose a different style of goggles.
   
   Inspect the goggles lens. Sometimes there will be funk growing in the crevices. Discard the goggles and purchase a new pair. You can try to clean and disinfect the goggles, but that will remove any anti-fog or anti-UV coating and possibly etch the lenses or warp the goggles.
   
   If the condition persists, get advice from your doctor.
   
   
7. I keep getting eye infections
   If you have an eye infection, see your doctor for treatment.
   
   Some goggles will place too much pressure on the tear ducts, irritating them and making the area swell very slightly. The eye will not get the normal amount of lubrication, which can provide more opportunity for infection. A different style of nosepiece, different adjustment of your goggles, or a style of goggles with a one-piece frame might help.
   
   Also see the advice above for problems caused by rough gaskets or discoloration.
   
   
8. Can I wear contacts when I swim ?
   Many swimmers do wear contact lenses under goggles while they swim and enjoy good eyesight, no hassles of handling/storing contacts before and after they swim, and not having to deal with eyeglasses on deck. Pool water can ruin contacts so goggles are a necessity. If the goggles fall off or leak, you may still ruin the lenses. One-day disposable lenses will make the risk of ruining a lens more affordable. Many eye doctors do not want their patients to wear their contacts in the pool; ask your doctor or optometrist.
   
   
9. My goggles make me look like a raccoon after I swim
   If this effect doesn't go away after a few hours, then see our advice about skin irritation and rashes caused by goggles.
   
   This is a frequent complaint when using goggles which rely on suction to form a watertight seal. Experiment with your goggles and see if you are able to loosen the headstrap during training and still keep the goggles on. Remove the goggles when practical during kick sets. You might find that a different style of goggle or gasket will alleviate the problem.
   
   
10. Do I have to buy new goggles just because the headstrap broke ?
    Many styles of goggles have replacement parts such as headstraps and nosepieces available for much less than the cost of a new pair of goggles. For example, a new pair of Speedo "Sprint" goggle costs about $6.00 but a replacement headstrap is only about $1.50. It may make sense for you to anticipate this need and purchase spare headstraps in advance.
    
    

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Hand Paddles FAQ:

1. Should I buy hand paddles ?
2. What size and style of hand paddles should I buy ?
3. Talk about these straps

1. Should I buy hand paddles ?
   Ask your coach if hand paddles will be used during your group's workouts. Younger swimmers will do their pulling sets WITHOUT hand paddles. While there are some paddles available at the Wilkerson-Greines facility, it is best if you have your own pair to avoid wasted time during practice finding an appropriate pair. If you swim at the Forest Park facility, you will need your own paddles if you use them.
   
   The paddles can be marked with the swimmer's name using a paint pen, available at most crafts stores.
   
   
2. What size and style of hand paddles should I buy ?
   Ask your coach what kind of hand paddles are best for you. In general, swimmers who have not used hand paddles before will start with a very small paddle just large enough for the hand. The large paddles are for more-experienced swimmers who have good technique and can use them without putting undue stress on their shoulder joints. If a paddle is too large, the swimmer will not be able to maintain stroke rate or stroke length, or the elbows will drop.
   
   
3. Talk about these straps
   The traditional rectangular paddles usually come with a small piece of tubing for the middle finger and a longer piece of tubing for the wrist. The wrist tubing is like "training wheels" for the first time a swimmer uses paddles and should be removed as soon as the swimmer gets the feel of the paddles. If a swimmer has poor pulling technique (eg: dropped elbows), a paddle with no wrist strap will flip away from the hand. This feedback will help the swimmer realize when they are stroking incorrectly.
   
   

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Pull-Buoy FAQ:

1. Should I buy a pull-buoy ?
2. What kind of pull-buoy is best ?
3. How do I keep that pull-buoy from slipping off my head ?

1. Should I buy a pull-buoy ?
   Ask your coach if your group will do pulling sets. There are plenty of pull-buoys available at the Wilkerson-Greines pool, so you may choose not to purchase one. If you will be swimming at the Forest Park pool, none are available there. The pull-buoys at WGAC are property of the Fort Worth ISD and cannot be "borrowed" for FAST outdoor practices.
   
   
2. What kind of pull-buoy is best ?
   There are a couple of basic styles of pull-buoy. It is strictly a matter of personal preference as to which style you should buy. The traditional style is two cylinders of foam with an adjustable cord fastening them together. This style can be adjusted to place the buoys closer together if desired. This adjustment can help keep the buoy from slipping out of place on flipturns. A newer style is a single piece of sculpted foam. It may be softer material than the traditional style, resulting in less chafing under heavy use.
   
   Larger swimmers and lean/muscular swimmers whose legs tend to sink in the water will need a larger pull-buoy. Children, small swimmers and more-buoyant swimmers should use the smaller pull-buoys. Try out the different sizes at the Wilkerson-Greines pool before purchasing.
   
   
3. How do I keep that pull-buoy from slipping off my head ?
   Well, you've just stumped the chump. We don't have an answer to that.
   
   

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Swim Fins FAQ:

1. Should I buy fins ?
2. What style of fins should I buy ?
3. My fins are causing blisters or raw skin areas. What can I do ?
4. How can I tell which fins are mine ?

1. Should I buy fins ?
   Ask your coach if fins will be used during your group's workouts.
   
   While there are fins available for use at the WGAC pool, most swimmers who use them regularly in practice will prefer to have their own. This minimizes wasted time during workouts trying to locate a pair and assures the swimmer there will be a pair that fits. There are no extra fins available at the Forest Park pool, so you will need to bring your own if you are to wear fins. The fins at WGAC are the property of the Fort Worth ISD, not FAST, and they cannot be "borrowed".
   
   
2. What style of fins should I buy ?
   
   
3. My fins are causing blisters or raw skin areas. What can I do ?
   Some fins will do this even when properly fitted. An inexpensive solution is to wear an old pair of white cotton ankle socks with the fins. This can be a nuisance during sets where swimmers alternate between fins and no-fins. Neoprene booties are also available but are more expensive. You might find that a different style of fin provides relief. There are also fins available with a soft or neoprene foot pocket for more comfort.
   
   
4. How can I tell which fins are mine ?
   A paint pen can be used to mark the swimmer's name on the fin blades in a contrasting color. These pens are readily available at crafts stores.

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Skin and Hair Care FAQ:

1. How can I protect my hair from the effects of pool water ?
2. Do I need sunscreen if I'm in the water ?
3. The pool water is making my skin itchy and scaly. What can I do ?
4. My skin is breaking out from swimming !
5. How can I prevent athlete's foot?

1. How can I protect my hair from the effects of pool water ?
   The best way to protect your hair is to wear a swim cap. Always rinse your hair in clear water (not poolwater) after swimming and shampoo if possible. Swimmer's shampoos are more effective than general-purpose shampoos at removing the pool chemicals.
   
   Some other suggestions are to wet your hair BEFORE putting the cap on so that the hair is saturated with clear water, not pool water. Some advise putting conditioner on your hair before putting on that cap, but this can get conditioner in the pool.
   
   Avoid heat. Allow your hair to air-dry without using a heated hair drier if possible. Select a hair style that minimizes the need for heated rollers or curling irons. Perms and hair colors will further damage swimmer's hair.
   
   
2. Do I need sunscreen if I'm in the water ?
   If you are outdoors and the sun is out. While they are conversation starters, neither sunburn nor skin cancer are glamorous. Sun overexposure can also devastate your performance at swim meets. Be sure to read the label and pick a waterproof brand. Apply it several minutes BEFORE getting into the pool. Realistically? Try to tan gradually and try to stay in the shade between swims.
   
   
3. The pool water is making my skin itchy and scaly. What can I do ?
   Shower after you swim and use a mild soap to remove pool chemicals. There are swimmer soaps that are supposed to remove pool chemicals from the skin, or you can use that swimmer shampoo as a body shampoo. You might find that using a exfoliant or scrub puff to remove scaly dead skin will take care of that "fishscale" appearance. Apply a mild lotion while the skin is still moist.
   
   Sitting around in a wet bathing suit can result in a rash. Change into dry clothes after swim practice and don't wear that wet bathing suit home. Dry off well between events at meets.
   
   
4. My skin is breaking out from swimming!
   The pool chemicals can upset the natural skin pH and normal bacteria balance. Using a harsh soap may aggravate the condition. Try to avoid very hot showers and hottubs which will overly dry the skin. Be sure that your towel is clean.
   
   Consult a qualified physician if the problem persists.
   
   Be sure to cool down to avoid post-workout "blotchies."
   
   
5. How can I prevent athlete's foot?
   Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that is very common on shower and lockerroom floors. The best way to avoid it is by drying your feet completely before putting on socks and shoes. Be especially careful to dry between the toes. Several over-the-counter treatments are available, including powders to keep the feet dry. Choose footwear that "breathes" and allow shoes to air out a day between wearings if possible. Choose socks that wick moisture away from the feet.

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