Factors contributing to high-performance competitive swimsuits: a review from materials science and engineering principles

High-performance competitive swimsuits are designed and manufactured to enhance athletic performance mainly through the combined effects of drag reduction and optimized body compression. This review synthesizes current research on the key factors in high-performance competitive swimsuits that enhance swimmers' performance, including optimal fiber composition and proportion, warp-knitting techniques, microfiber adoption, surface modification for enhanced hydrophobicity and drag reduction, compression systems, unimpeded thermal exchange, positive sensory and psychological feedback, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as ultrasonic welding and three-dimensional cutting. The analysis indicates that these factors do not operate in isolation but rather function as interdependent and coupled mechanisms, collectively contributing to improved performance, although the size of that contribution has not been quantified. Nonetheless, a small number of factors involve trade-offs that require careful balancing, although their overall influence appears to be relatively minor. This review provides an integrated framework for understanding the complex design principles of high-performance competitive swimsuits and offers insights for future material innovation and engineering optimization.