Gone are the days of the “Speedo” style swim briefs for men. While they are still around, swimmers and triathletes tend to wear the more comfortable and more modest option of jammers. Similar in design to cycling shorts, jammers fit snugly around the thighs and groin area and provide the most coverage for men when training and racing.
Origins of Swim Jammers
The swimsuit has come a long way from the bulky woolen garments that swimmers wore at the beginning of the 20th century. Lightweight and durable nylon suits were designed by former Olympic swimming champion, Adolph Kiefer, in the 1950s, and Lycra and spandex materials were later introduced as swimsuits got smaller and tighter and required a snugger fit.
When it was found that longer suits helped them move faster through the water, full-body suits came into play and were first featured at the Beijing 2008 Olympics by Australian Olympic champion, Ian Thorpe. The full-body suit was subsequently banned by the International Federation of Swimming (FINA) in 2010 and swimsuits reverted to smaller versions that only covered the body below the waist.
Longer suits helped them move faster through the water. Brazilian swimmer César Cielo Filho at the 2009 US World Championships Trials (Indianapolis) by myuzeme / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
What are the Advantages of Swim Jammers?
Competition-quality swim jammers are designed to increase your performance in the water by fitting tightly and compressing the body – the less body that moves the water, the faster you go. Made out of a combination of hybrid materials including Lycra, spandex, and polyurethane, jammers are designed to reduce the body profile in the water. The smoother and sleeker your body shape, the less resistance you encounter from the water as you move forward.
According to USA Swimming, the water-repelling qualities of polyurethane in the suits help to make the body “slip” through the water more efficiently, as opposed to traditional swimsuit textiles that cause friction in the water and reduce speed. For this reason, new regulations limiting the amount of material allowed in suits were introduced after the Beijing Olympics to prevent unfair advantages caused by the suit.
Jammers are designed to reduce the body profile in the water. 2012 London Olympic Games Korea Park by Korea.net / Wiki Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
What to Look for in Swim Jammers for Training
There is a difference between swim jammers for training and those used in competitions for racing. Swim jammers for racing or competitive suits are more expensive than regular suits for training and do not last very long in chlorinated swimming pools. They are also much tighter than those used for training as you want to compress the body as much as possible when racing over a short period. As soon as the suits become loose-fitting, you may lose that competitive edge the tighter suits have given you.
There are some key factors to look out for when picking out the best swim jammer for training:
- Fabric
- UV Protection
- Color
- Drawstrings
- Fabric
Most swim jammers for training are made from long-lasting polyester that is resistant to chlorine and offers a comfortable fit. While they do cause slightly more drag than the Lycra-based racing jammers, they are far cheaper and super durable. Some swim jammers for training have small amounts of lycra in them to give the suit some stretch, however, these suits will not last as long as those made of 100% polyester.
UV Protection
It’s important to get chlorine and UV-resistant suits as these will have a longer lifespan than those without. If you are training outdoors, swim jammers with UV resistance are important if you want to prevent them from fading.
Color
Open-water swimmers should consider the color of their swim jammers for both racing and training as brighter colors make you more visible in the water for safety reasons.
Drawstrings
Drawstrings are an important factor to keep in mind when shopping for swim jammers for training as when you are diving at full force and swimming at higher speeds with fins and paddles on, drawstrings will keep the suit in place.
Swim jammers with UV resistance prevent them from fading. Speedo Swim Jammers by Utakokokou / Wiki Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Best Swim Jammers for Training
There are a plethora of swim jammers for training on the market for all body shapes and sizes. Let’s take a look at some of the top picks of these sleek and stylish swimming suits for men.
Speedo Endurance+ Solid Training Jammer
The Speedo Endurance+ Solid Training Jammer is one of the most popular swim jammers for training, not only as it’s made by world-renowned swimming brand Speedo but offers an array of great features.
The swimsuit is made of Speedo’s exclusive Eco-Endurance+ fabric (a 50% polyester and 50% Repreve Recyclable Polyester), making it super resistant to chlorine and other harsh chemicals in the pool, as well as UV rays from the sun for outdoor swimmers. A four-way stretch in the suit provides a comfortable and snug fit and maintains the shape and pile, as it’s quick-drying for a polyester-based fabric.
The Speedo Endurance+ Solid Training Jammer has an inner drawcord at the waist which is great for keeping the suit in place when diving and swimming at speed and a comfortable front gusset. It is available in a variety of colors and cuts and comes in large sizes of up to 38”.
Pros
- Long-lasting Eco-Endurance+ fabric is ultra-chlorine resistant
- Designed to last 20 times longer than conventional swimsuits
- Four-way stretch technology provides a comfortable, snug fit
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Front gusset for optimal fit
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Sizes can run small
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Speedo PowerFlex Swim Jammer
The Speedo Powerflex Swim Jammer is a fantastically flexible suit with plenty of stretches that makes it lighter and hydrodynamic. These swim jammers for training have more Lycra in them than the Speedo Endurance+ Solid Training Jammer and provide the maximum range of motion for the legs.
Made from 78% nylon and 22% spandex, the Speedo Powerflex Jammer is constructed from Lycra Xtra Life fiber which helps keep the shape of the swimsuits up to 10 times than other swimwear fabrics. The legs have a form-fitting design for a snug fit and a drawstring closure at the waist to ensure the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed.
The swimsuit is made of Speedo’s exclusive Eco-Endurance+ fabric (a 50% polyester and 50% Repreve Recyclable Polyester), making it super resistant to chlorine and other harsh chemicals in the pool, as well as UV rays from the sun for outdoor swimmers. It is available in a variety of colors and cuts and comes in large sizes of up to 38”.
Pros
- Lycra Xtra Life fiber keeps the shape of the swimsuit
- Long-lasting Eco-Endurance+ fabric is ultra-chlorine resistant
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Super resistant to chlorine, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Sizes can run small
No products found.
TYR Durafast Endurance Swim Training Jammer
The TYR Durafast Endurance Swim Training Jammer is designed for longevity with a comfortable, secure fit and plenty of flexibility for hip movement, particularly for breaststrokers. The legs have a form-fitting design for a snug fit and a drawstring closure at the waist to ensure the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed.
Made of 94% polyester, and 6% Lycra, the TYR Durafast Endurance Swim Training Jammer is resistant to chlorine and other harsh chemicals in the pool, as well as UV rays from the sun for outdoor swimmers. It is available in three different solid colors and has an affordable price tag.
Pros
- Great flexibility for breaststroke swimmers
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Super resistant to chlorine, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Tight-fitting around the bottom
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TYR Miramar Jammer
Made with TYR’s most durable and long-lasting fabric, Durafast Elite, the TYR Miramar Jammer is one of the toughest, most durable swim jammers for training out there. Designed for comfort and flexibility, the circular knit construction of the suit provides fantastic stretchability and range of motion for your swimming.
These swim jammers for training have UPF 50+ sun protection and are resistant to chlorine, suntan lotions, and skin oils and will hold their color and shape for the whole season. The legs have a form-fitting design for a snug fit and a drawstring closure at the waist to ensure the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed.
Pros
- Made from Durafast Elite fabric
- Great flexibility for breaststroke swimmers
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Super resistant to chlorine, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Tight-fitting
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Arena Men’s Spider MaxLife Panel Jammer Swimsuit
The Arena Men’s Spider MaxLife Panel Jammer Swimsuit is a no-frills swim jammer for training that promises a long-lasting companion in the water. Made from 100% polyester, the swimsuit has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a lap training jammer such as adjustable drawstrings at the waist for a comfortable and secure fit, and long-lasting chlorine and UV resistant fabric designed to withstand pool chemicals and the sun.
The sleek and stylish hydrodynamic design offers maximum coverage and support and low resistance in the water. The suit is constructed with MaxLife fabric, a high-tech and advanced longest-lasting fabric that promises maximum comfort, superior softness, excellent range of motion, and ultra-durability.
Pros
- Made from MaxLife fabric for maximum comfort and durability
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Hand wash only
No products found.
Dolfin Uglies Men’s Jammer Compression Swim Trunks
The Dolfin Uglies Men’s Jammer Compression Swim Trunks are ideal for both training in the pool or wearing on the beach. Made from a 92% polyester and 8% spandex fabric blend, the swim jammers for training are designed for a smooth fit with body-hugging stretch, a comfortable elastic waistband, and quick-drying fabric.
The long-lasting fabric maintains the shape of the jammers, but also provides super flexibility and body shaping. It is resistant to chlorine, suntan lotions, and skin oils and has a comfortable elastic closure for a superior, non-sagging, or bagging fit.
Dolfin Uglies swimsuits are renowned for their bright colors and funky designs and these jammers are no different. They are available in a range of cool designs and sizes for both kids and adults.
Pros
- Sleek, body-hugging design
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Elastic closure for a secure fit
- Front gusset design for support and streamlining
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Sizes run small so fitting according to the size guide is essential
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Nike Men’s Swim Jammer
The Nike Men’s Swim Jammer has a hydrodynamic design for comfort, style, and to enhance performance in the water. The suit is super resistant to chlorine and other harsh chemicals in the pool, as well as UV rays from the sun, and is quick-drying with low moisture absorption.
The Nike Men’s Swim Jammer has an inner drawcord at the waist which is great for keeping the suit in place when diving and swimming at speed and a comfortable front gusset for modesty. It is available in a variety of bright colors and funky designs and comes in sizes for both men and boys.
Pros
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Front gusset for optimal fit
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
No products found.
MY KILOMETRE Sailfish Jammer Swimsuit
The Sailfish Jammer Swimsuit by MY KILOMETRE is made from 81% polyester and 19% special spandex and offers ultra- resistance to chlorine, UV rays, bagging, and sagging. Designed for training and fitness swimming, these swim jammers are fast drying and have great shape retention for a full season of swimming.
The legs have a form-fitting design for a snug fit and a drawstring closure at the waist to ensure the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed. A front gusset provides extra comfort and structure and four-way stretch technology provides maximum flexibility and range of motion for the hips and legs.
Pros
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Front gusset for optimal fit
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Tends to fade
No products found.
BALEAF Men’s Athletic Durable Training Polyester Jammer Swimsuit
Designed for both training and racing, the BALEAF Men’s Athletic Durable Training Polyester Jammer Swimsuit is made from a combination of polyester and spandex and is one of the best suits on the market for chlorine resistance and durability.
With a built-in adjustable drawstring inside the waistband, the jammers provide a comfortable and customized fit, and a unique crotch design provides comfort and security and helps to optimize performance.
The fabric is breathable and quick-drying, and the suit has superior fit seams that have been minimized for enhanced stretch and performance. The jammers are fully lined to prevent fabric transparency and maximize support and streamlining in the water.
Pros
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Front gusset for optimal fit
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Fully lined for transparency, support, and streamlining in the water
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Smaller fit so you would need to size up
- Heavier fabric than other jammers
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FINIS Youth Jammer Maze
The FINIS Youth Jammer Maze is designed for longevity with a comfortable, secure fit and plenty of flexibility for hip movement. The legs have a form-fitting design for a snug fit and a drawstring closure at the waist to ensure the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed.
Made of 53% polyester, 47% polyester blended technology, the FINIS Youth Jammer Maze is resistant to chlorine and other harsh chemicals in the pool, as well as UV rays from the sun for outdoor swimmers. The jammers are fully lined to prevent fabric transparency and maximize support and streamlining in the water. The legs have a form-fitting design for a snug fit and a drawstring closure at the waist to ensure the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed.
Pros
- Made from Aquatuff material for maximum resistance to chlorine and sun
- Inner drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
- Fully lined for transparency, support, and streamlining in the water
Cons
- Hand wash only
No products found.
Onvous Men’s AquaGenesis-Lite Swim Jammer
Made from lightweight materials for high-performance, the Onvous AquaGenesis-Lite Men’s Swim Jammer is designed for training and racing. Made from an 82% polyester + 18% spandex dual blend, the AquaGenesis-Lite Jammer will provide optimal comfort, fast performance, and flawless flexibility for all four strokes.
The ultra-lightweight jammer includes a built-in adjustable drawstring inside the waistband that provides a customized fit and ensures the jammers stay in place when diving and swimming at speed. A four-way stretch in the suit provides a comfortable and snug fit and superior fit seams offer enhanced stretch and performance.
Pros
- Made from super lightweight materials
- Four-way stretch provides a comfortable and snug fit
- Hidden drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- Great flexibility and range of motion
- Lightweight and quick-drying with low moisture absorption
- Resistant to chlorine, UV rays, suntan lotions, and skin oils
Cons
- Hand wash only
No products found.
BEST FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS: Flow Splice Swim Jammers
Flow Splice Swim Jammers are designed for young competitive swimmers with bright and funky designs. The idea for training in the pool, triathlons, and wearing at the beach, these cool swim jammers are made from 87% polyester and 13% spandex and provide a comfortable and snug fit.
The material is breathable and quick-drying, and the bright side panel prints are made from a chlorine-resistant polyester-spandex blend for durability and to prevent fading. They have a “V” panel crotch for increased comfort and a stylish sportier look, and high-tech flatlock stitching and a flat drawstring closure help water flow over the swimmer and provide streamlining in the water.
Pros
- Designed for young swimmers
- Breathable and quick-drying material
- Comfortable and snug fit with super flexibility
- A “V” panel crotch for increased comfort
- Hidden drawcord for a secure fit while diving and swimming at speed
- High-tech flatlock stitching for ultra streamlining
- Lightweight with low moisture absorption
- Resistant to chlorine and UV rays
Cons
- Hand wash only
No products found.
Caring for Your Swim Jammers for Training
Your swimsuit is just as important as your goggles and you’ll want it to last as long as possible. Caring for your swim jammers correctly can extend their lifetime and keep them in tip-top shape. Whether you are a beginner swimmer and just getting into the sport or a high-level competitive swimmer training with a team, here are some important tips for taking care of your jammers.
1. Know the Swimsuit Material
Swim jammers for training are made from a range of materials like polyester, Lycra, and spandex. These are delicate materials with a high thread count that must be treated with care in the laundry. The best way to wash your swimsuit is to hand wash it in cool water – avoid the washing machine as this will damage the fine fiber threads that the suit is constructed from.
2. Always Pre-Rinse Before Washing
Pre-rinsing your swim jammers is essential in getting your swimsuit clean. You should always rinse your swimsuit in freshwater after a workout or a competition to remove as much of the chlorine and other pool chemicals, and body oils as much as possible.
You can also rinse your swimsuit with products like Summer Solutions that work to neutralize chlorine residue on the fabric. If you do not have access to a sink for rinsing your jammers, simply pop them in a plastic bag with some fresh water and the solution and rinse them that way.
3. Hand Wash Your Suit
The best way to give your swim jammers a long and happy life is to hand wash them in cold water. Never put them in the washing machine – even in a mesh bag – as the spinning and swirling movements are too hard on the fabric, which will break it down.
Once you have rinsed your jammers in freshwater, place them in a sink of cool water and add a tablespoon of mild liquid detergent. Don’t use washing powders or chlorine bleach as this will weaken the fibers of the swimsuit, strip off the outer coating to reveal the inner yellow core of the threads, and turn the fabric yellow.
Always turn your swim jammers inside out when you are washing it, swirl the suit through the water for several minutes, drain it and then rinse well until all the detergent is removed from the suit. Gently squeeze—don’t wring—the water out of the fabric and hang it up to air dry.
4. Removing Stains
Stains on your swim jammers from sunscreen or dye transfer from your clothes can look unsightly and they are best removed. If you want to remove these stains, oxygen bleach is the best product to use. Never use chlorine bleach as this turns the swimsuit yellow.
Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach like Country Save Oxygen Bleach, Clorox 2, OxiClean, or Seventh Generation Oxygen Bleach with cool water. Always follow the instructions on the package and you’re your swim jammers soak for at least eight hours. Hand wash as usual after eight hours and if the stains are still evident, soak the swimsuit in a fresh batch of oxygen bleach solution for another eight hours before washing again.
5. Avoid Heat
Swim jammers are made from delicate, lightweight material that does not go well with any form of heat. High heat causes colors to fade and materials to shrink, so avoid putting your swimsuit in a clothes dryer (tumble dryer) or direct sunlight. Air dry your swim jammers after washing them by hanging them or spreading them out in a dry spot out of the sun.
If you want to dry your swim jammers quickly, place your freshly washed swimsuit on a clean, thick cotton towel and roll the swimsuit up in the towel. Then squeeze gently allowing the towel to absorb much of the moisture. Unroll the towel, hand the swim jammers up and allow them to dry completely.
Never iron your suit as this can burn holes in the delicate fabric and always make sure your swimsuit is completely dry before storing.
Always rinse your swimsuit in fresh water after a workout. Swimmer in jammers.
Top Tips to Make your Swim Jammers for Training Last Longer
- Alternate swimsuits – swapping swimsuits for every workout will give your swim jammers a chance to rest, allow the material to regain its shape after a workout, and extend their lifespan.
- Don’t throw old suits away – double them up for practices. Old, worn-out swimsuits can be doubled up if they have stretched to avoid transparency and provide extra drag and resistance in training. Extra resistance can help you build stamina and endurance by swimming with that extra bit of weight in the water.
- Watch where you sit – most pool decks are rough to avoid slipping. Avoid sitting on these rough areas as it will cause your swim jammers to pull and tear. Sit on a towel to save your swimsuit.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse – always rinse your swim jammers in freshwater after your workout to rinse any chlorine and other chemicals out of the fabric.
- Save them for swimming – your swim jammers are for training so try and not use them on a sunbed or the beach. If you do swim in saltwater, treat it the same as you would chlorine – rinse your swim jammers in freshwater after the sea to get rid of all the salt.
Looking after your swimsuit should be an essential part of your post-swim routine. By following the correct methods of cleaning your swim jammers – looking after your suit, washing it correctly, and storing it in a dry place, you could save yourself the cost and stress of having to buy a new suit.
Happy swimming!
Mia Russell is currently the head swim coach at Aquasharks Swimming Academy in South Africa. She has worked as the head swim guide at SwimQuest Open Water Swimming Holidays in London and was previously a Swim Coach at Cybersmart Aquatics. She has a AIDA International Level 3 Freediving Certification, PADI Open Water Advanced Certificate, SSI Level 1 Free Diver Certificate and RYA Beach Lifeguard Certificate.