By Julia Cunningham, Swimming World College Intern
Brands are very important for swimmers, but our tech suit is not the only fashion decision we make on deck. Depending on the time of year, the temperature of the air on deck, we tend to see a slew of outfits that pass as our warm ups.
What is a swim meet but a chance to strut around deck showing off your style-guide like fashion? From the towel pants and Crocs to the professional warm-up aficionado, here are six swimmer models of fashion you may spot around the pool deck…
1. The Age Grouper
Photo Courtesy: Connor Bailey
Easily picked out by the cap and goggles worn at all times to ensure they are always ready for their race, the Age Grouper will often sport an oversized towel and a swim suit they’ve worn a few too many times. This look requires the help of a mom to properly style the towel around the swimmer in a unique burrito-like fashion.
2. The Top Knotters
Photo Courtesy: Kelly Lennon
The Top Knotter is the person whose hair is piled on top of her (or his) head as soon as they are out of the pool. Often this look can be accompanied by Ugg boots or the shorts-over-the-kneeskin look.
3. Those Too-Far-in-the-Zone-to-be-Bothered
Photo Courtesy: Lucas Amodio
This outfit is a little pricier, featuring a thick parka and the latest in headphone technology. The hood is worn up at all times, and it’s best for the wearer to avoid all eye contact to seem more intimidating and mysterious.
4. The Sleeper
Photo Courtesy: Kelly Lennon
Always found in a horizontal position, the Sleeper has a knack for turning their clothing into a nest. Usually found in a full sweat-suit, this swimmer will often have an extra towel or two to use as a blanket and pillow. Professionals may even bring their own pillow, or maybe a hotel pillow, with them on deck.
5. The Show Boater
Photo Courtesy: Julia Wieczorek
The only thing this swimmer is wearing besides his or her suit is confidence. This is the loudest, most pumped swimmer behind the blocks. Often done for the intimidation factor, this swimmer can be found pounding the blocks or their chest at any given moment.
6. The Swim Coach
Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien
This look comes in a variety of styles, most commonly accented with a clipboard, Crocs, at least two stopwatches, and a swimmer at each arm. Very rarely do we see this look off the pool deck, in fact, we often worry that the wearers are permanently confined in the chlorine-infused air bubble we call the pool deck.