About the important question whether the full-length swimsuits improve erformance and if they are legal? Conclusion - The full-length swimsuits (and consequently other versions of this suit) do not aid buoyancy and therefore do not contravene FINA regulations. - The full-length swimsuits appear to have some benefits in reducing hydrodynamic drag. This is most pronounced when swimmers hold the streamlined glide position. The benefits decrease as the swimmers perform the flutter kick and full stroke. Consideration: The popularity of the full-length swimsuits seems to vary for different swimmers and over different events. The final of the mens 100m at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games shows that even for this sprint event that individuals have varying preferences.