Anna Real
Staff Writer
This fall during the preseason conditioning practices at the Costa pool, the girls water polo team decided to try a new technique. Instead of practicing in the usual one piece bathing suits, many girls have switched to sports bikinis to be more comfortable.
“The type of bikini we use in practice, the Jolyn, allows us to play well and tan well,” girls water polo captain senior Jordan Raney said. “They also stay on when swimming and scrimmaging so it is the best of both worlds.”
Suits made by Jolyn Swimwear and Clothing have become more popular among water polo teams throughout the South Bay.
“Most girls I know wear them,” Raney said. “Jolyn is very popular in the girls water polo world.”
The Jolyn is a bikini that was originally designed for girls water polo during practice. The bottoms have adjustable ties, like a Speedo, to keep it secure and the top has a cross back designed for support.
“The creator played water polo and swam herself so she knows just how to create them so it fits perfectly when you are in the water,” junior water polo player Isabella Magno said. “I love the brand and wear them all the time.”
These bikinis are made of high quality material and cost more than regular bikinis, but are less money than normal one piece. Both tops and bottoms range from $25-$30 each, while the water polo one pieces can cost around $65 per suit.
“They’re reasonably priced for how long they last and how often we all wear them,” Magno said.
Although wearing the sports bikinis during practice seems to have more pros than cons, some people do have some issues with the bikinis including dress code.
“I think it’s problematic because water polo is a very physical sport and wearing bikinis can cause some accidents and wardrobe malfunctions,” vice principal and athletic director Jaime Mancilla said. “We would like to try and prevent any issues with the suits during a game which is why I feel the team should keep the traditional uniforms to avoid any conflicts.”
There are no restrictions on wearing bikinis during practice and so far there have been no accidents or injuries due of the bikinis.
“I think they are good for warming up and shooting and it is perfectly acceptable to wear a two piece during practice as long as they’re appropriate,” team captain senior Katy Heatherton said.
Most of the girls prefer the comfort of the two pieces over the one piece, but the girls have the option to wear either suit.
“Some days they wear them, sometimes they don’t,” coach Jon Reichardt said. “It’s not affecting their practice and it’s just something to wear in the water. It’s their choice.”
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