triathlon_article_how_to_Care_for_your_Swim_Gear

Taking Care of your Swim Gear

By Niki Jamieson
TriathaNewbie.com Staff

Triathlon Event

First of all, all swim gear needs to be properly cared for and that means you should always rinse off your swim gear after it’s been used. Two reasons:

  • Chlorine is a corrosive and it will shorten the life of your gear.
  • The salt in salt water isn’t good for your gear.
  • Fresh water won’t really hurt your gear, but you should always rinse off any gear you are going to store in your swim bag to prevent it from stinking.

The BEST way to care of ALL of your swim gear on an ongoing basis is to take the gear in the shower with you. Rinse off the swim cap and goggles. Lather yourself up with body soap WITH your swim suit/ trisuit/ wetsuit on, take off the suit, rinse it thoroughly and continue with your shower. All gear should air dry.

Swim Caps:

Types of Swim Caps:
(left to right) Latex, Lycra, Silicone and
Neoprene

Swim Cap Care:
Latex – rinse with faucet/shower water, dry
with towel and add baby powder; Lycra, Silicone and Neoprene – rinse with faucet/shower water, air dry; Neoprene should not be worn in a pool

Learn More:
Best Swim Cap for You
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)

Goggles:

Types of Goggles:
Go to the store and try them on if you don’t
already have a favorite.

  • Some adjust at the nose and some fit similar to a mask
  • Some have cushion around the eye and others do not
  • All adjust to fit the size of your head
  • Some are worn similar to a scuba mask (without the nose) while others just fit around your eyes

Goggle Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water, air dry and store it in its original
plastic case.

Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)

Swim Suits:

Types of Swim Suits:

  • Women: One piece or two pieces
  • Men: Range of lengths starting with fit
    snug to swim suits that extend to your knee

Swim Suit Care:

Rinse with faucet/shower water and air dry; wash infrequently and air dry

Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)

Trisuits:

Types of Trisuits:
Both men and women have the option on a one piece or two piece
Trisuit Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water and air dry; wash infrequently and air dry

Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)

Wetsuits:

Types of Wetsuits:

    • Shorties/ tank top (not pictured above)
    • Shorties with short sleeves
    • Full length/ tank top
    • Full length with long sleeves

Wetsuit Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water and air dry; do NOT wear in a pool; do NOT wash with detergents

Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)




Triathlon Swim : – Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.

Triathlon Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.

Triathlon Run : – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.

“Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.




Triathlon Swim : – Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.

Triathlon Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.

Triathlon Run : – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.

“Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.

There are Newbies Starting Triathlons Every Day. Today Just Happens to be YOUR Day!