What are the differences in the Olympic Swimsuits? ?

Question

I'm not versed at all in the sport, but love watching it. I've noticed that different events tend to have different types of swimwear. Some are full body, and some are just half. Examples:

Full Body:

http://www.mokers.org/blog/images/2008/02/sports/michael-phelps-speedo.png

Half body:

http://jaehakim.com/articles/lifestyles/phelps.jpg

All options:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-07/22/xin_320701221131253162536.jpg

It seems like they wear one kind for one event, and then another for a different one. Is there really that much of a difference or is some of it mental(like a lucky suit for a certain event)? Or does it just boil down to personal preference?

If someone could explain the difference I'd appreciate it. Just curious. thanks!

Answer 1

I have no idea...but I wish someone would answer you...now I'm dying to now :P

Edit: hmmm...that doesn't explain the length of the legs on the suits.

Answer 2

all of the swimsuits are pretty much the same there isn't a best or worst out of the option for each of the event but the big thing that sets the americans apart is that they have  seamless swimsuit which could be the reason they are winning but i don't think so

Answer 3

umm there isnt a certain swim suit for an event its just what they like wearing, what they prefer. plus the full body suit you  have there is the  new lazr racer by speedo. alot of olympic swimmers are wearing them as it was proven they make you go faster (and they were helped designed by NASA) but yeh, its more what they feel like  wearing i guess.

Answer 4

in breaststroke swimmers tend to use the jammer swimsuit (just down the the knee for male ) this allows more movement below the knee . also they might feel as if it is uncomfortable that the suits are too tight but it is mostly to do with preference . But most people tend to use the full body suits as they feel it makes them go faster .

Answer 5

Ok well, the full body is often used in freestyle.  The suit you see in the first picture is a new design by speedo meant to mimic the skin of a shark, thus being more graceful in gliding through the water.

The half body suit is used in the butterfly events, when the full body straps would interfere with the motion of the arms both going forward at the same time, not nesscesarily interfering, just not providing the same effect as it does with freestyle swimming.

Edit: i see i didn't explain the lengths of the suits, and the explanation for that would be comfortability.  Some swimmers believe it gives them the advantage, while others dont like that constricted feeling on the lower legs where all the kicking is going on.

And women wear full body all the time, well because... i think you can guess.

Answer 6

it depends!!!!!!!!!!              plesae write back

Answer 7

its what they want, but the full body suits help them glide through the water.