The Bare Essentials One of the advantages of swimming is you don't need much equipment. Before you take your first stroke, you will need to get outfitted. Fortunately, that will be easy.
Swimming is an inexpensive sport.
The only equipment you really need is a swimsuit. The nylon suits are sturdier and last longer, but they absorb more water. The Lycra suits mold themselves to your body's contours and do not absorb water. Because they reduce resistance, Lycra suits allow you to swim faster, but they tend to lose their elastic quality with frequent use. So most swimmers prefer to use nylon suits in practice and Lycra suits in competition.