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Training suit
For girls: a one-piece competitive practice suit, not a recreational swimsuit. Practice suits are made from polyester or polyester blends that hold up to daily chlorine exposure. Recreational suits degrade fast. Budget $25-50. Speedo, TYR, and Arena all make solid training suits in youth sizes.
For boys: competitive brief (jammer) or swim trunks are both acceptable at the rec level. Jammers (knee-length compression shorts) are standard at competitive club. Budget $20-40.
Goggles
Buy two pairs. Goggles break and seals fail at the worst times. Fit matters more than brand. Have your kid try them on in the store if possible. They should create a seal without the strap. Budget $12-25 per pair. Swedish goggles are low-profile with minimal gasket and are used by serious competitive swimmers but take getting used to. Start with a standard gasket style for younger swimmers.
Cap
Silicone caps ($5-10) last longer than latex. Most club programs have a team cap, but having a personal practice cap prevents the team cap from wearing out before meets.
Bag
A mesh bag or vented backpack is worth it. Wet gear needs airflow or it grows things. A $20-30 mesh swim bag is fine. Do not put wet suits in a plastic bag in a hot car.
Pull buoy and kickboard
Clubs usually provide these. Do not buy them unless the coach specifically asks.
Tech suit (for competition)
Only relevant for serious club swimmers competing at championship-level meets. Tech suits are made with bonded seams and compression panels that reduce drag. They cost $150-600. They compress performance by a few tenths of a second per event, which is meaningful at a high-level meet and meaningless at an age-group developmental meet. Do not buy one until your swimmer is competing at regional or state championships and the coach recommends it.
Fins
Used in training. The club provides them. Do not buy fins unless your coach specifically assigns them for at-home d