Water polo players don’t get enough cred. I mean, have you ever tried treading water for 32 minutes, being clawed at, dunked underwater, passing/catching/shooting a ball, all while contending with a permanent wedgie?
I mean, have you seen the cossies they wear?
So tight. So small. So high riding.
We haven’t seen that kind of poolside get-up since the 80s. You know, the kind Christie Brinkley and Elle McPherson used to swan around in.
Elle Macpherson, circa 1987.
The fashion world has (thankfully) moved on, meaning most of us don't feel obliged to subject ourselves to such invasive attire. Nor the extensive lady grooming that goes with it.
But it's still well and truly the cut of choice for water polo players.
And for good reason.
If you've ever seen a water polo match, you'll appreciate the chaos that goes on above the water. If you've ever played a water polo match, you'll know that is nothing compared to the Game of Thrones-level anarchy that happens underneath.
As you can see, it's wise to have as little for your opponent to grab on to as possible, as any loose/extra material would only serve as a super handy handles for your opponent to snatch.
The fellas have got it easy, of course - budgie smugglers are about as scant as an outfit can get.
But the women have to rely on design: that means extra-durable fabric, as well as a solid back in place of regular straps. Most of them will also wear a suit 2-3 times smaller than normal to make it even tougher for their opponent to get their hands under the edges.
Even then, the suits still cop a beating.
Nip-slip imminent. Image: Getty.
But the high-cut thing. What about the high-cut thing?
Well, turns out that's all about having room to move, laterally.
Water polo players (and synchronised swimmers) do something called an egg-beater kick to tread water. This involves making constant, inward circles with each of your legs - basically mimicking the appliance after which the technique is named.
Any restriction around the top of the thighs would make this motion a hell of a lot more difficult than it already is (seriously, try it next time your in a pool/the ocean/deep body of water - it's tricky as f**k).
Image: Getty.
So, no female water polo suits aren't designed by a leering, sexist dude, and no the players aren't just suckers for punishment.
Well, maybe a little.
Top Comments
I remember back when we did gymnastics and tumbling back when I was in high school, there was one girl there who always showed up wearing her leotards in a cheeky wedgie. At the time, I thought that she was either unaware of it, or was just showing off for the guys in the class, but now I realize that she was just wearing what was the most comfortable for her.
Yeah I don't buy it. Swimwear has undergone amazing advances and I doubt this is cutting edge design or fabric. I think mid thigh, full torso suits would not suit the spectators, hence, these outfits.
I am very concerned you think this way. I am a 14 year old who plays competitive water polo, and I started out going to my first practice in mid-thigh length swimwear (what I did squads in), and this was horrible. I doubt I would've come this far if not for splashing out on some water polo specific swimwear, which was money well spent. It was a terrific change from having rashes and sore legs from cramping and rubbing, while also helping me in my games, as other teams would take advantage of my long swimmers and pull and twist to their hearts content. I hope I didn't come off as mean or condescending, I am just very passionate about my sport.