side seams
			 
			 
			
		
		
		
		It may sound like an odd thing to say but the skimpier suit could give you more water-drag than the standard 2 or 3 inch suits mentioned. 
Their slightly larger area of fabric can provide tension over all the suit to maintain a really snug fit in all parts.  The 1 inch ,usually with the higher leg cut, will sometimes not cope as well below the waistband against water pressure. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
	
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