Important new rules regarding swimsuits | USA Swimming September 21, 2009
Below is a link to the amended rules relating to swimwear and the FINA press release which lists in detail the specifications required for the approval of swimsuits. It will be necessary to reference this press release as to what constitutes an approved suit.
The new swimsuit requirements are very specific and technical in nature, but the most obvious restrictions/rules are as follows:
- Swimsuits for men may not extend above the navel or below the knee and for women may not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or below the knee;
- Material used for swimsuits can be only textile fabric which is defined as materials consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving, knitting, and/or braiding; and
- No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie on a brief or jammer.
USA Swim Letter, Amended Rule and FINA press release (effective October 2009) [pdf]
