In 2000, a number of swimsuit manufacturers introduced new suits that covered much of the body with fabric. The goal of these suits is to make the swimmer more streamlined in the water by:

• covering them with a fabric that is "smoother" than skin,
• changing the way water flows around the body and how much water you "pull along" with you when you swim,
• compressing the body and reducing vibration of the skin.

Research from the swimsuit manufacturers shows that when the swimmer is "towed" through the water in a streamlined position they experience less resistance/ drag they would if they were not wearing the suit. Essentially, the suits may make you more streamlined. These companies have also performed additional tests that suggest performance is improved when swimmers wear the suits. However, there has not been any research that shows improved performance during active swimming (arms and legs moving). Streamlined drag tests and active swimming are entirely different. What is found in one test may not be true for the other. There are also other considerations to take into account