Swim Shop Experience

[jackk78]

The seals on my googles were wearing out, so I stopped by a swim shop on the way home from work last night. They've got a good selection for both competitive and recreational swimming. In the cooler months, they slim down their recreation supply and focus more on the competitive side of things.

When I got there, the only other people in the store were a mom with two twin boys. They were looking at the jammers section. I went over to the rack of googles. A female employee came out from the back carrying a box. She set it down on the counter and went over to the family. I was close enough to overhear their conversation.

"Can I help you find anything?" she asked.

"They need practice suits for swim team, but I'm a little overwhelmed," answered the mom. "I never realized there were so many choices."

"For swim team, they're going to want to wear a competition suit," replied the employee.

"Is this not the right thing?" the mom asked indicating toward the rack of jammers.

"Some competitive swimmers wear jammers, but we generally don't recommend it. They create too much drag in the water."

"Isn't this what they wear in the Olympics?" asked the mom.

"Those suits are made out of a special fabric. Most of the schools don't allow them any more. They're really expensive and wear out quickly. For competition, we recommend the brief style for boys. They're right over here." She lead them to the rack containing all of the brief cut suits. "The longer life fabrics like this," she said holding up a suit, "are good for practice. They last a long time before they wear out. I'll give you some time to look and check back in a bit. If you need to try anything on, the dressing rooms are right over there."

The mom thanked her. On her way back to the counter, the employee asked if I needed help, but I told her I was okay. She picked up the box on the counter and started to unload it.

The boys stood there looking nervous as the mom looked at the brief suits. Eventually, she gave one to each of them and told them to try the suits on. They went into the dressing rooms. After a minute, the mom told them to come out so she could see how they fit. The boys both came out wearing the brief suits, clearly not comfortable with the amount of skin they exposed. The employee went back to help them.

"How's everything going?" she asked.

"Good, I think," replied the mom. "Do these look alright?"

The employee examined the fit. "They're a bit loose in the back. You don't want to see any slack in the fabric. It will be looser in the water. They can probably both go one size down." The employee went to the rack, came back with the smaller suits, and gave them to the mom.

"Try these on," she said handing them to the boys who went back into the dressing room.

After a minute, they came back out wearing the smaller suits. "That looks perfect," said the employee. "Was there anything else I can help you with today?" she asked.

"I think that's it," said the mom.

"Great. You can bring those up whenever you're ready."

I'd found a pair of goggles, so I brought them up to the counter. The employee checked me out. As I was leaving, the boys came out dressed again and handed their mom the swim briefs. She walked up to the counter to check out.

[California Dolphin]

Glad to hear that jammers are slowly, but surely going the way of the dinosaurs.

As briefs become more common, men will also become less hesitant and more comfortable wearing them in public. :)

[SwimTeamSpeedo]

I had a similar experience several years ago. A nearby town had a small shop that sold competitive swimwear. It was near the high school and town pool and served most of the local swim teams. Of course this was before the internet had taken hold. The shop was run by an older lady who started it when her kids were on swim teams. I used to stop in whenever I was in town. One afternoon, about 3:30 I stopped in to see what was new.

Other than me, there was a young man, he looked like he was still in school. I was looking at the swim briefs, as was he.

"You on swim team?" I asked.

"Yeah," he replied.

"That's great. Swimming is such a cool sport," I replied.

"Yeah, I like it alot." he replied.

I then silently picked out a couple of new suits. I did not need to try them on, since I knew my size. "Good luck with swimming," I said as I started to turn and walk away.

"Hey, can I ask you a question?" the young man asked. I turned back.

"Sure, what's up?"

"I am thinking of trying one of these. I have always worn jammers, but I really like how these look on the college swimmers."

"Yeah, briefs are awesome." I replied. "But very different from jammers, so much more freedom in the water. And yes, most serious swimmers wear them."

"What size should I get?" he asked.

"Well, you want them to be tight on. Lots of swimmers get them one size less than their waist." He had on Levi jeans and the leather label said he was wearing size 30. "I would start with 30, based on your jeans, and then try a 28, too. The 30 will feel snug, but the suit will stretch out after a while. If the 28 feels really tight, it is probably perfect."

"Thanks," he replied, grabbing a suit in each size and went toward the fitting room. I went to pay.

"Ryan, you got some nice suits," Dot, the owner, said.

"Yes, I really don't need them, but I like the colors." I replied.

"A swimmer always needs more swimsuits," Dot replied as she bagged my purchase. We were chatting about business and she was telling me how she wasn't sure how long the shop was going to stay around. "More and more teams are buying on line." As we chatted, the young man stuck his head out the fitting room curtain.

"Hey, mister, can I ask you some more?"

"Sure," I said walking over.

He sheepishly stepped out of the fitting room in one of the suits. "Does this look right?" he asked. He looked great in the suit. "It is size 30." He turned around so I could see all sides. The suit looked snug, but not tight.

"I'd try the 28. See how much more snug it is. If you want, I'll wait."

"That'd be great," he replied. A minute later he came out in the smaller size. It was pretty snug.

"This feels much tighter," he said. "Sure isn't much to them," he added.

We decided the 28 was right. "I'll be the only guy on my team wearing a suit like this," he confided.

"You look great, once you start the other guys will follow."

He thanked me for the help and we shook hands. Dot later told me he actually came back and bought two more suits, and he brought two other guys from the team. Her shop closed a few years after that.

[Captain.Jammer]

Excellent encounters, both of you.

And with these accounts, you have have given me a better answer to a question I posed on another thread (http://www.mensswimsuitboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1718)-- I was asking how tight do you wear your suits, when I should have asked, how tight should suits be. Since I have never been a swimmer, and have never bought racer cut suits for that purpose (yes I do wear jammers), I never would have guessed to go a size smaller than your waist. Interesting. But those Speedo Axcel Spliced Jammers I posted a pic (http://www.mensswimsuitboard.com/forums/showpost.php?p=14461&postcount=7) of the other day are like 2 sizes too small to my actual current waist measurement. (I don't like the way they 'dig into' my body being so tight, but it appears they should do that to some degree? At least one size smaller's worth.) I got them so I would have them (discontinued style) for when I lose the weight I plan to lose. I am hoping to get to a waist of 36 and I believe those are a 38. So one size bigger, not smaller. Oh well, now I know for future purchases.

What I am also amazed at is how you both could remember conversations so well! I am impressed, But then I have a horrible memory.

Thanks for sharing the experiences. Anyone else with something similar to share?

[Torchwatch]

Of course if you are buying Asian swim briefs you need to upsize as they are cut rather small.

[Captain.Jammer]

Of course if you are buying Asian swim briefs you need to upsize as they are cut rather small.

They can be VERY affordable, and some do look awesome... but I have never tried to get any because of my size.

[PSDave]

I gave up on Asian suits a while back. The sizing is so screwed up and totally inconsistent. If they want to sell to the West, they should go with measurements and not S,M,L. Inches or Centimeters are always the same and you would have a chance of getting a suit that fits. I have a drawer full of suits that don't fit and even got stuck with a couple fakes. Like the pricing - quality ok, but suing sucks!

[sebbie]

You can get the Asian suits in a bit higher rise that would cover your butt entirely. See this Seobean.
The XL is probably slightly larger than the US MED
Keith1178 is a good vendor on ebay. He imports these from China but is in the US so they arrive in a few days. I'm sure if you have size questions he would help you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seobean-New-Swim-suit-Mens-Bikini-Swimming-Trunks-Swimwear-Low-Rise-waist-Sexy-/321884112020

[speedorob86]

You can get the Asian suits in a bit higher rise that would cover your butt entirely. See this Seobean.
The XL is probably slightly larger than the US MED
Keith1178 is a good vendor on ebay. He imports these from China but is in the US so they arrive in a few days. I'm sure if you have size questions he would help you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seobean-New-Swim-suit-Mens-Bikini-Swimming-Trunks-Swimwear-Low-Rise-waist-Sexy-/321884112020

shipping is $34.00 - don't bother ;)

[sebbie]

where are you seeing that? Mine says shipping is $1

[sebbie]

Shipping here might be cheaper or free
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2014-new-men-s-swimming-trunks-Men-sexy-briefs-swimwear-bikini-nylon-swimsuit-summer-swimming-wear/1752435053.html?spm=2114.01020208.3.317.F7DCAv&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2_79_78_77_91_80,search web201644_5,searchweb201560_9

[MaryAnderson]

Swim Jammers looks like shorts to make you feel sleeker and faster when you swim. I think this would be perfect for swimming. With this, you can also use goggles and swim caps to look more attractive and dashing.

[Torchwatch]

Unless you use hyper-technical and expensive water repelling fabrics the basic Lycra that jammers are made from slow down the swimmer compared to a briefer cut. The swimmer with the most money can buy speed against a comparable but poorer swimmer.
Far better for everyone competing or exercising to wear basic minimal swim briefs and goggles, maybe a swim cap for racing.

[California Dolphin]

Swim Jammers looks like shorts to make you feel sleeker and faster when you swim. I think this would be perfect for swimming. With this, you can also use goggles and swim caps to look more attractive and dashing.
Jammers are irritating and just an annoyance for swimming, running, and an example of "Good for nothing".

They also seem to be another version of the persistent knee-length theme in men's "shorts". The knee-length style is some kind of "Ritual Wear" meant to make an obscure statement about men's sexuality. :mad:

[sebbie]

I wear jammers a lot but for stationary rowing, stationary bicycling and my weight workout. Nothing quite like a snug pair of jammers and a nice-fitting strap under for this...In cooler weather I switch off with a wrestling singlet and sometimes as another option a pair of football pants, too. Jammers tend to be my choice for summertime workouts. The right clothing can make your workout time more pleasant and satisfying for sure.

[Captain.Jammer]

Jammers are irritating and just an annoyance for swimming, running, and an example of "Good for nothing". ...


The great thing about life is we can choose what we want to do and use and enjoy according to our needs and preferences.

I, for one (and I seem to not be alone, thanks to Sebbie's recent response), really like Jammers. And to not throw this thread further off topic -- I really want to hear if others have had similar swim shop experiences -- may I suggestion we move further Jammer discussion to the thread I started some time ago, "In Defense of Jammers" (http://www.mensswimsuitboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1494). My reasons for liking Jammers are given there.

:)

[Bede735]

They also seem to be another version of the persistent knee-length theme in men's "shorts". The knee-length style is some kind of "Ritual Wear" meant to make an obscure statement about men's sexuality. :mad:
I think they just want one pair of shorts to go swimming in, play tennis, walk about town in etc.

[California Dolphin]

Why/what makes jammers so appealing?

They are very irritating and look just plain weird. In fact, the knee length distorts the form of the human body and looks "deformed" much like people afflicted with Down's Syndrome.

[NE_OH_thonger]

I'm sorry, California Dolphin, but that last comment was a low blow. First of all, it was insulting to people with Down's Syndrome (I have a cousin who has it). Secondly, jammers wearers have been welcome on this site for a long time. They are close cousins to the the brief swimsuit, and serve a similar purpose. It is OK to dislike the aesthetics of them, but to say they are "good for nothing" is patently untrue.
Captain.Jammer, I am completely with you that further discussion of this should have its own topic. <Putting my soapbox away>

[Torchwatch]

One summer I took my jammers camping in France. I wore them around the campsite and to and from the beach. However I wore Speedos when I went swimming in the sea. I prefer how Speedos feel in water and don't like how jammers behave when wet. This is a personal preference and if you feel differently that is your choice.

[Bede735]

The inescapable truth is that the less you wear, the more comfortable you will feel.

[SwimTeamSpeedo]

I do not understand how someone else wearing jammers, boardies or whatever impacts any of us. Just as we don't want someone judging us by what swimwear we prefer, we ought not judge or insult the other way. On the right guy, jammers look fantastic, and so do board shorts. Wear what you want and tell everyone else to go you know what.

STS

[California Dolphin]

I agree that men should be allowed to wear whatever they want without being criticized.

However, the real problem is that jammers and boardies are considered to be the "norm", but speedos are considered to be abnormal and subject to criticism.

[PSDave]

I have worn speedos my whole life and have never been subject of criticism. Who is it that is allegedly doing it? The only negative I have ever heard is about guys that wear too skimpy or transparent - but that has also been applied to women doing the same.

[Bede735]

Well, nobody seems to mind what I wear so I'm the same about them. I've stopped noticing what other guys wear at the pool. The only ones which get my attention now are women in bikinis!

[jackk78]

I was back at this swim shop Friday night. It looked surprisingly busy. On the door, there was a sign about a Fitting Party for a high school boys swim team. The boys season is usually winter here.

Inside, there were a bunch of kids and parents. A couple of small areas near the changing rooms had been walled off with screens to provide additional space to change.

I asked the staff member what was going on. She told me the team was doing a group fitting a suit purchase. I asked her what suit they were using and she held up a Tyr brief. "No jammers this year?" I asked. She told me not this year and added that a few other teams have switched back to briefs only. I told her I was going to browse. The staff member said that would be fine, but warned me there might be a bit of a wait for a fitting room.

I walked around the store and found a couple of suits I wanted to try on. The fitting rooms were both occupied. One of the mothers waiting for her son pointed to the screened off area and said she thought it was empty. I peeked around the corner of the wall and saw that it was.

I went into the screened off area and got undressed with my back to the opening. When I turned around to pick up the first suit, I noticed in the mirror that one of the other moms had a pretty good view inside. I pulled on the suit while she took cautious glances at me, probably hoping I wouldn't notice. When I took off the suit to try on the other one, she must have said something to the other woman she was talking to, because she turned around right at that moment, looked in the mirror, smiled, and turned away again.

The second suit fit perfectly and I liked the pattern. As I took it off, I could see the woman still watching me, and they were joined by one more. They must have said something to the new woman, because she took a quick glance in my direction. I pretended to check the label in the suit lingering nude for a moment longer. I saw her take one more glance. Then I got dressed.

The group of women smiled at me as I walked past to the cashier. I bought the suit I'd picked out and left.

The experience reminded me of a summer when I'd taken to swimming laps in the morning. The place where I swam ran classes for kids and my swims would often end around the same time as the classes. For some reason, mothers felt that it was acceptable to help their kids change and would come right into the locker room sometimes. The first time it happened, I had a moment of panic when I thought I'd walked into the wrong locker room. The mom apologized and said she be out of there in a minute. I waited for a bit, but figured she made the choice to come into the men's locker room, so I changed. She discretely looked at me a few times.

This happened on numerous other occasions. At first, the really did seem to be there just to help their kids. Eventually, however, it started to seem like the were just using as an excuse to come in. They walk into the open shower area saying they were looking for their kid. I mentioned it to the lifeguard. She just apologized and told me that it sometimes happens after the classes end and suggested that I could wait a bit for the locker room to clear out.

Since I was enjoying the experience, I did not. ;)

[California Dolphin]

Glad to hear that briefs are making a solid come back and jammers are slowly becoming extinct. :)

[sebbie]

A snug-fitting pair of jammers will be just as revealing of the male anatomy and the condition it is in as a pair of swim briefs. Its easy to find photos of swimmers wearing jammers that reveal the shape of the male anatomy. A brief is called a brief not because it covers less of the anatomy than something called a non-brief. Briefs cover less of the thighs than jammers, but so far as I am aware, male thighs are not a sexual organ. The notion that some swimmers seen to have that a snug-fitting jammer suitable for lap or competitive swimming will be less revealing of male body parts than a brief is all in the swimmer's imagination. And I differ with some of you guys apparently in thinking that a snug jammer can look very sexy on a guy.
To illustrate, check out a photo like this

http://famewatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jammer-swimsuit-for-men-adidas-unnamed-swimmer.jpg

or, these guys
http://famewatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jammer-swimsuit-for-men-nathan-adrian-in-nike.jpg

[Bede735]

Sure, and full length trousers can be quite revealing, if you're a ballet dancer:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZBkfuZO0T8/UvXBr8T8G1I/AAAAAAAAAsU/-qa4Fmh4y5g/s1600/white+tights.jpg

[SpeedosRule]

I was back at this swim shop Friday night. It looked surprisingly busy. On the door, there was a sign about a Fitting Party for a high school boys swim team. The boys season is usually winter here.

Inside, there were a bunch of kids and parents. A couple of small areas near the changing rooms had been walled off with screens to provide additional space to change.

I asked the staff member what was going on. She told me the team was doing a group fitting a suit purchase. I asked her what suit they were using and she held up a Tyr brief. "No jammers this year?" I asked. She told me not this year and added that a few other teams have switched back to briefs only. I told her I was going to browse. The staff member said that would be fine, but warned me there might be a bit of a wait for a fitting room

We used to have a fitting at the first practice of the season. There would be a bunch of trial suits in different sizes, and you'd find the one that fit so it could be ordered.

The team would do this at the pool. Things were more lax in those days and no one thought twice about parents of either gender being in the locker room. There would be 20+ boys in various states of undress trying on suits while observed by moms and dads.

Before and after practices and meets, parents would frequently come into the locker rooms. I think by the end of the season, the moms had all seen us naked at least a few times.