Equipment and competition

	In the early 1890's Suits covered women head to toe. Hardly any skin was shown and the suits were made of heavy wool. I don't know about you but, I think that would be very difficult to wear and would be very itchy. That in fact was true. They were very hard to move in and they were very heavy.	At the turn of the century swim suits looked a bit like party dresses even though swimming was being more excepted as a women's sport. They were still made of wool and were still very heavy Annettte Kellerman was a popular swimmer of the time was arrested for wearing a tight sleeveless suit. She commented "I can't swim in more stuff you hang on a clothes line."
	Finally in 1920 swimwear gets more comfortable, but still being made out of wool. At least you could now move in in the suits. At this point swimming was an encouraged sport for women.	In the 50's swimwear was starting to go places. There was a great expansion in products they could use swim suits. Now new materials like rubber and plastic helped suits keep there shape for a more comfortable fit. Bonus for the women the girls their suits no longer looked like men's suits.
Flash forward fifty years to present day 2004. There are many options in swimsuits. More patterns and colors to choose from also. Our latest and greatest (not to mention most expensive) is the Fast Skin 2. Or also know as the FS2. This is the most aero dynamic swim suit out there. Its form fitting and made with special materials that duplicate the scales of a shark. By the way if you want to buy one of these suits your price is going to have to be from about $150.00 to about $400.00.		Goggles The goggles are very helpful to a swimmer. They help protect harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, from getting in the swimmers eyes. Early goggles were made of glass, but now the goggles are made of plastic and come in many shapes, styles, and colors. Most swimmers find a pair that fits their face most comfortable. For swimmers that compete out doors reflecting goggles help deflect the sun's harmful rays. They are are even working on goggles that don't have straps.
Caps
		The swim cap has changed a great deal. It's gone from flowery strap on's to cool slick helmet caps. The flower caps are still sold today for anyone who wants to where them and synchronized swimmers. It just so happens I have one. They also have caps made from rubber, latex, and silicone. The main purpose of a cap is to keep your hair out your face while your swimming. They are trying to make caps more aero dynamic. The latest is the helmet cap which goes over over a regular cap. It is supposed to make it better for water resistance.