HI All,
Thanks for the many replies. You have given me much to think about (fortunately it's a topic I am happy to wallow away the time on). I am going to breeze through some of the major points you have raised thus far.
Product being real or fake.
I take the point on board that it could be a fake, these days fake goods are everywhere. All I can say to this is that it "shouldn't" be fake having been purchase from a top line department store.
Sizing being different in Australia.
This is one thing I hate about buying clothes of any type without trying on first. A size is not a size is not a size. I am your average Joe. I am six foot. 87kg/192lb. Bit of a belly (which I am reducing and can see all I need to see). 35 yrs old. 34 inch waist.
I know that generally when I buy anything I prefer to try it on first. I know I can buy shirts from one brand in small and another brand in large. Generally I would class myself as medium ebbing to large. The same goes for trousers, jeans, shirts, jumpers, knits and shoes... and now speedos too.
Country of origin.
Like everything is this country now this Speedo is produced in China
Explains a lot!!!
Aussies Wearing Loose Suits
I think you might get that image from some of the images of lifesavers on the beach and some images propergated by the Aussiebum brand. While I like that look for the Aussiebum product and for outdoors / beach / lake / chilling out ... for lap swimming I want it all in place.
I might have to pay closer attention to my fellow swimmers though and see just what is happening out there
Tyr Suits
I have never used these and they aren't generally available in retail stores. Would be definitely harder to find here (If anyone in Melbourne knows please share). I have had a look online and was put off as most have a wider hip.
Please post some examples maybe I can source from overseas.
Endurance Versus Normal/Lycra
I prefer the endurance, always have. I am just never happy with my butt in lycra suits.
Embroidered Logos Versus Screen Print
I agree embroidered is best. In my opinion the screen print logo is only there as the manufacturer KNOWS it will come off and entice the wearer to buy more SOONER.
Diamonds Are Forever
Like SwimTeamSpeedo says some of my suits have seemed to have lasted forever and ever. These are all the endurance ones. All the lycra ones and the high end fashion ones have ALL come and gone. While the endurance, um, endure.
Thank you for all your thoughts and responses. And to recap (not that we have gone off topic at all) my focus here is for lap swimming briefs.
Mike