SWIM JAMMERS

Hitting the sweet spot between hydrodynamics and coverage, jammers offer the perfect swim short for many triathletes. Here are eight new pairs on test.

- JOHN WOOD

It’s an age-old debate in the swimming world: the classic ‘budgie smuggler’ versus the more modern jammer. For some, the brief is the only way to go, a testament to tradition and a minimalist approach to cutting through the water. But for a growing number of triathletes and swimmers, the jammer has become the go-to for its winning blend of comfort, coverage, and performance.

The jammer isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a functional piece of kit. With its longer cut, it offers a subtle level of compression through the thighs, providing a streamlined silhouette that can help you feel faster and more efficient in the water. This isn’t a psychological trick—the added material can genuinely help reduce muscle vibration and improve your hydrodynamics, particularly over longer training sessions. What's more, it’s a brilliant way to avoid the dreaded rub from a tight brief, giving you a chafe-free swim even on the most demanding days.

Of course, the jammer also offers a bit more in the modesty department, which for many swimmers is a welcome bonus. But let’s be clear, this isn’t about shyness. It's about confidence and feeling secure in the water so you can focus on what really matters: your stroke.

So, are jammers truly better than briefs? To find out, I’ve put together a line-up of eight of the newest and most exciting pairs on the market. I’ve been putting them through their paces, testing their durability, comfort, and performance across countless lengths. Stay tuned to find out which ones rise to the top and earn the coveted 220 Triathlon stamp of approval.

I took each pair of jammers through 3-4 swims to make sure that they all had a thorough testing, and through a variety of types of session including some higher volume/endurance sessions and some more speed-focussed efforts.

NABAIJI 100 BASIC