REVIEW: Perfect Athletic Suit for Performance and Style
Written by: Meg Freitag
Jolyn is a popular athletic apparel company that specializes in swimwear for women. Founded in 2007 by female athletes, with Mondy Herndon playing a key role, the brand has built a reputation for creating durable, comfortable, and stylish swimsuits. These suits are designed with strength and performance in mind, making them a favorite among competitive swimmers. Prices for competitive suits typically range from $60 to $85.
Many people think that Jolyn suits are uncomfortable or inappropriate but that's simply not the case. In an article Buying Your First Jolyn Swimsuit? Here’s What to Know, by the Elsmore Swim Shop it says “The suits were designed by and for female athletes.” With that being said these suits were meant to fit women based on their own shape and size. They provide numerous styles for any female athlete playing in all kinds of water sports. The suits aren't meant to discriminate because they are made to be very inclusive.
Lately Jolyn has received negative reviews. People say that there has been a quality decline. The fabrics are wearing out, stretching, and fading much faster than before. Some find sizing inconsistent making it difficult to purchase what's best for them. Certain liner designs have been known to cause chafing for some body types. As the company grows suits are seen as overly expensive with sale items still pricey. The new styles being constantly released has caused a high demand for the product leaving orders backed up for weeks.
As a competitive swimmer, I’ve had my Jolyn suits for over three years, and I love them. The variety of colors and styles makes them fun to wear, and they even help make tough practices more enjoyable. My friends and I often compare which suits we’re wearing that day to see who has the brightest or coolest one. My favorite suits are "Sunkist" in the "Brandon" style and "Gecko" in the "Jackson" style. They really help me stand out during practice! Despite some of the criticisms, I’ve found my Jolyn suits to be incredibly durable. They get used twice a day, several months at a time, and still hold up well.
Just like any bathing suit you should be doing research before buying. This is important especially for water sports because the suit can make or break your performance. Some important things to keep in mind before buying a jolyn, the suit should feel tight when dry. They will loosen slightly in the water making it easier to move around. It is recommended to size down for compression if used for competition because you are going to want a tighter suit. Jolyn is based in Orange County Southern California, which has heavily inspired the designs. Jolyn’s are definitely worth the purchase however there are some things you should know before buying. They tend to run small because their straps are meant to be tight, so don't size. At times they can have excuse fabric that could contribute to chafing. They can be a bit expensive, but they make team suits for when buying in bulk. If you're in competitive water sports Jolyn's are worth the purchase and will give you an unforgettable experience.