If you’re new to the world of competitive or fitness swimming, the term “Euro swimwear” might sound more like a fashion trend than performance gear. But don’t be fooled—Euro cuts are the real deal in lap lanes around the world. Somewhere between a brief and a jammer, Euro swimwear (also called square-leg suits or Euro trunks) offers just enough coverage to stay modest, but not so much that you’re dragging a parachute behind you during pace work.
Euro-style suits are especially popular in Europe (surprise), but their streamlined shape and no-nonsense functionality have made them a staple in American swim bags, too. They’re ideal for training, fitness swimming, and even competition if you’re not in a tech suit. And if you want to work on body awareness or drop some drag from your training load, this might be your next go-to.
Let’s break down five of the most popular Euro suits on the market right now. And spoiler alert: Speedo still leads the lane.
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