USA Swimming releases new suit guidelines, effective Oct. 1, 2009

   USA Swimming has officially released its new policy on technical suits, signaling the end to the era of non-woven suits.  The new swimsuit requirements are very specific and technical in nature, but the most obvious

restrictions/rules are as follows:

1. 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;

2. 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

3. No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie on a brief or jammer.

Many of the swimsuits currently being used by swimmers will no longer be allowable under the new rules and

care should be taken when purchasing a suit to ensure it does meet the new requirements.