swimsuit question

[Miranda]

Hi lph I have a TYR maxback poly suit I bought off TE at year end clearance. Plus, I have a couple lycra non-poly stretchy Speedos.

I don't quite follow all of this techy swim suit talk our ladies posted about fabric. But, I get the jist that: it's how and what is blended together to give the material it's qualities. My best non-techy description lol. So... here is my wearer of both suits ops for you...

TYR does not offer a "long" last I checked. I thought I saw it on a website. Then I asked them directly. By that I mean, torso length. I have a long torso. One piece suits have been an issue for me. But, I feel more "secure" and worry free swimming in one, vs some of the two piece training suits.

Speedo on the other hand does offer a "long". My torso is just a wee bit shy of needing a Speedo long. Do you have any local sporting goods or lbs that do tri also you could try the suits on? Or have one of their pro peeps measure you properly? Sorta like your bike fit for swimwear. Maybe even a fellow swimmer at the pool could help?

I used the on-line illustration of how to measure. I found TYR to run true to size. The Speedo too--with exception of the inbetween long or not. The "cut" of the suit can really make a diff in the same size on actual body fit. I like the skinnier version of TYR straps, but I'm a 34D. I had this fear of my bewb going commando mid roll on a lap. Thus, the Maxback for me.

The "poly" versions of these suits DO indeed feel stiffer--and rougher on the skin at first. They are not uber soft. But have durability. It's about the diff between a Fox ripstock blend jersey for mtb in briars, vs a ultra-smooth-silky lightweight road jersey (not so great w/briars).

I thought I would get the chaffing right away too where my maxback curled around. I bought BodyGlide to try (for friction comfort). Unfortunately got resp infection and haven't been back to try it out. But, I would think some type of h2o proof skin protectant would help too. Plus, the pool chemicals (and/or salt H2O) are VERY drying and hard on your skin--breeding ground for getting rubbed raw easily.

The yellow suit is cute, but if it, or another, doesn't fit... then ouch just like an ill fit bike or saddle. I think too just as our road shorts get stretched out and can chaff/catch a seam to being loose... the swim wear is alike--besides the other stuff.

Lastly, as first I thought I wasted my $ on the TYR poly cuz it cut into my shoulders as a wee short for the long torso. But, a couple swims it was stretched a tiny bit to be perfect. I would buy it again.

Good Luck!

EDIT: Btw, my vote is that you are not allergic to the fabric. I am to wool. If you were, the suit would have made you crazy enough it would have never made it to the pool (got ripped off whilst changing in the locker room)--versus wearing it a while, long enough to stretch out... then getting the sores. It is a diff factor.