The Best Women's Athletic Swimwear

Tired of your swimsuit hindering your swim stroke or chafing during your triathlon? Finding the right women’s athletic swimwear can make all the difference in your performance and enjoyment of water sports. From competitive swimming to open water adventures, we'll guide you through the best brands and features to conquer any aquatic challenge.

Athletic Swimwear vs Regular Swimwear

Women’s athletic swimwear is designed specifically for performance and durability in water-based activities. Unlike regular swimwear, it prioritizes a secure and streamlined fit to reduce drag, often featuring tighter, more supportive designs. The fabric is typically chlorine-resistant, quick-drying, and UV-protective to withstand rigorous use. Women’s sport swimsuits incorporate functional elements like compression, reinforced stitching, and adjustable wide straps, and built-in support, ensuring it stays in place and enhances performance during demanding movements.

Swimco’s High Quality, Sport Swimsuits Collections

Popular brands in women’s sport swimsuits, such as Speedo, Finz, Gabar, Soleil Swim, and Beach House Sport, are known for their exceptional quality and performance-focused designs. These brands prioritize creating suits that offer comfort, durability, and style. From advanced fabrics that resist chlorine and UV damage to ergonomic fits and supportive features, their commitment to excellence ensures women can move confidently and perform their best in any water activity.

Athletic swimwear is designed specifically for performance in water sports, prioritizing function over fashion. Our curated collection of sporty women’s swimsuits are engineered to help you move faster, further, and more comfortably in the water, whether you're a competitive swimmer, a triathlete, or an avid surfer.

• Fit: It often features a more compressive fit to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics, as seen in Speedo's racing suits and the supportive designs from Beach House Sport.
• Fabric: Constructed from high-tech materials like polyester and nylon blends that are chlorine-resistant, quick-drying, and offer excellent durability, exemplified by Finz's innovative fabric technology.
• Functionality: Incorporates features like built-in bra support, adjustable straps, and chafe-resistant seams to enhance comfort and performance during demanding activities, evident in Gabar's and Soleil Swim's designs.

 

Let’s Dive In: The Best Swimwear for Every Water-Based Sport

Competitive Swimming and Training:

When it comes to swimming and training, the right swimsuit can greatly impact your performance and comfort in the water. For competitive swimming, every millisecond counts for achieving peak performance. Streamlined one piece athletic swimsuits are a must, as they are designed to enhance hydrodynamics and reduce drag. Here are some key features to look for:

• Streamlined One Pieces for Hydrodynamics and Speed
  Competitive swimmers rely on sleek, one piece designs that fit snugly against the body. These suits minimize resistance in the water, allowing swimmers to glide efficiently and maintain their speed.

• Hydrodynamic Fabrics
  High-quality suits use advanced materials like polyester and nylon blends. These fabrics are lightweight, quick-drying, and engineered to repel water, helping swimmers move through the water with minimal resistance while maintaining durability.

• Compression Fit for Reduced Drag
  Suits with compression technology provide a snug, second-skin fit that reduces muscle vibration and improves circulation. This not only enhances performance but also decreases drag, a crucial factor in competitive swimming.

• Thin Straps for Maximum Range of Motion
  Thin shoulder straps are a common feature in competitive swimwear, offering swimmers the freedom to move their arms without restriction. This ensures an unobstructed range of motion for powerful strokes.

• High-Cut Legs for Optimal Leg Movement
  A high-cut leg design enhances flexibility and mobility in the water, making it easier to execute strong kicks and turns. This feature is especially beneficial for freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly swimmers who rely on efficient leg movement.

Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming presents unique challenges compared to the controlled environment of a pool. Consider the following features for your open water adventures:

• Buoyancy Features
  Consider swimsuits with built-in buoyancy panels or floats strategically placed in the suit.  These help maintain body position and reduce fatigue during longer swims. This feature is particularly useful for beginners or those swimming in rougher waters.

• Bright Colors for Visibility 
  Safety is paramount in open water. Choose swimsuits in bright, eye-catching colors like neon pink, orange, or yellow.  These colors make it easier for lifeguards, fellow swimmers, and boaters to spot you from a distance, especially in low-light or crowded conditions.

• Sun Protection
  Extended exposure to the sun is common in open water swimming, and the sun’s rays are strong in open water, making UV protection essential. Look for athletic swimsuits with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which blocks harmful UV rays. Many suits are made with fabrics that provide UPF 50+ protection, ensuring maximum coverage.

• Chafe-Resistant Materials 
  Long swims can involve a lot of movement and lead to irritation caused by friction between the fabric and your skin. High-quality open water athletic swimwear is made from chafing-resistant materials with flatlock seams or seamless designs to minimize discomfort and prevent rashes, even during extended swims.

Surfing and Paddleboarding

Surfing and paddleboarding require swimwear that balances durability, protection, and flexibility to keep up with the demands of these dynamic water sports. The right paddle suit ensures you can ride the waves or glide across the water comfortably and confidently. 

• Durability and Resistance to Saltwater and Sand
  Saltwater and sand can be tough on swimwear, so it’s essential to choose suits made from high-quality, durable fabrics. Look for polyester blends or spandex that resist fading, stretching, and abrasion. Materials that are chlorine-resistant and quick-drying can help ensure your swimwear lasts through repeated sessions in the ocean.
  
• Coverage and Protection
  Proper coverage is crucial for comfort and safety during surfing and paddleboarding. Board shorts and high-waisted bikinis provide extra coverage, protecting sensitive skin from abrasions caused by surfboards or paddles. Rashguards are another excellent option, offering full upper body coverage to shield against UV rays, sand, and potential board friction, while still allowing for a full range of motion.
  
• Flexibility for Increased Range of Motion
  Both surfing and paddleboarding involve a lot of movement, from paddling out to executing turns. Choose swimwear that prioritizes flexibility with stretchy, form-fitting materials that won’t restrict your motion. Flatlock seams and ergonomic designs are also great features, ensuring the suit moves with you without chafing or discomfort.

Water Polo

Water polo is a fast-paced, physical sport that demands swimwear designed for performance, durability, and comfort. With frequent contact and intense movements, the right suit can make all the difference. 

• High-Neck Suits 
  Water polo often involves close physical interactions, so high-neck swimsuits are ideal. They provide better coverage and reduce the risk of the suit being pulled or grabbed during gameplay, allowing you to stay focused on your performance.
• Modesty for Both Top and Bottom
  A secure and modest design is essential to ensure the suit stays in place during intense movements. Opt for a full coverage swimsuit for both the top and bottom, offering comfort and confidence in high-energy situations.
• Chlorine Resistance
  With water polo typically played in chlorinated pools, swimwear made from chlorine-resistant fabrics is a must. Look for suits made from chlorine-resistant materials that maintain their shape, color, and elasticity even after repeated use.
• Supportive Straps
  Wide, reinforced straps are crucial in water polo swimwear to provide secure support and prevent slipping. They ensure the suit stays in place during aggressive movements, from treading water to sudden sprints and tackles.

Triathlons

Triathlons demand swimwear that can perform across swimming, cycling, and running The right suit should offer a balance of comfort, functionality, and versatility to support you from the starting line to the finish. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Lightweight Suits with Quick-Drying Fabrics and UV Protection 
  Triathlon suits are designed to be lightweight and made with quick-drying materials like nylon-spandex blends. These fabrics help prevent chafing and ensure you stay comfortable after the swim leg and transition seamlessly to biking and running. Look for suits with built-in UV protection to shield your skin during long hours outdoors.
• Comfort for Swimming, Biking, and Running 
  A good triathlon suit should fit snugly without restricting movement or causing chafing. Padded liners in the shorts area provide extra comfort for biking while remaining thin enough not to interfere with swimming or running. Flatlock seams and compression designs enhance comfort, preventing irritation and muscle fatigue across all three activities.
• Versatility for Multiple Disciplines
  Triathlon suits are uniquely designed to handle the demands of each segment of the race. They feature streamlined fits for efficient swimming, padding for biking comfort, and flexibility for running performance. This all-in-one versatility eliminates the need for wardrobe changes during transitions, saving valuable time and effort.

Aqua Aerobics and Fitness Swimming

Aqua aerobics and fitness swimming require swimwear that prioritizes comfort, support, and durability to keep you moving freely during low-impact yet highly effective water workouts. The right aquatic fitness swimsuit should enhance your performance while providing long-lasting comfort. Here’s what to look for:

• Supportive Designs with Side Straps
  For aqua aerobics and fitness swimming, suits with supportive side straps or wide shoulder straps are essential. These features keep the swimsuit securely in place during dynamic movements like stretching, jumping, or resistance exercises, ensuring you can focus on your workout without adjusting your suit.
• Consider a Tankini or Two Piece 
  Tankinis and two piece suits offer greater flexibility and adjustability, making them a popular choice for aqua aerobics.
• Built-In Support Features 
  Many athletic swimsuits designed for aqua aerobics include built-in shelf bras or molded cups for added bust support, providing both comfort and confidence during high-energy exercises.
• Coverage and Modesty 
  Fitness swimwear often features modest cuts with full coverage for the bottom and midsection, providing additional comfort and security during workouts that involve vigorous movement.

Diving

Diving requires swimwear that provides full coverage, stays secure, and allows for precision movements while you’re flipping, twisting, or making clean entries into the water. The right suit ensures comfort and confidence, whether you're training or competing. Here’s what to consider:

• Full-Coverage Suits for Security
  A snug, full-coverage design is essential for divers. High-necklines and modest cuts help prevent wardrobe malfunctions during high-impact dives and provide the confidence needed to focus fully on technique.
• Secure Fit to Stay in Place
  Dive-specific swimwear often features compression fits that hug the body to prevent shifting during dives. Look for suits with wide, reinforced straps or racerback designs, which provide extra support and keep the suit securely in place during flips, twists, and entries.
• Durable, Chlorine-Resistant Fabrics
  Frequent training in chlorinated pools demands durable materials like polyester blends. These fabrics resist fading and stretching, ensuring your suit maintains its color, performance and shape over time.
• Streamlined Designs to Minimize Drag
  Smooth, streamlined suits reduce drag in the water and help you achieve cleaner entries. Seamless or flatlock seam construction also prevents irritation, especially during repetitive training sessions.
• Flexibility for Movement
  Diving involves a wide range of dynamic movements, so flexibility is key. Choose suits made from stretchy materials like spandex or Lycra that allow for unrestricted motion, enabling you to perform even the most complex maneuvers with ease.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper care and maintenance of your athletic swimwear are essential to extend its lifespan and maintain its performance. Chlorine, saltwater, and sweat can degrade even the most durable suits over time. Read our post on How to Wash a Bathing Suit and follow the right techniques to help keep your swimsuits in top condition.

Washing Techniques

1. Rinse Immediately: After every use, rinse your swimsuit thoroughly with cool, fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and sweat. This helps prevent fading, stretching, and damage to the fabric.

2. Hand Wash with Mild Detergent: Use a gentle detergent or our specialized Swimco Swimwear Cleaner to effectively remove chlorine, salt and other impurities without damaging the delicate fibres. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners, as these can weaken the fabric.

3. Avoid Machine Washing: While it may be tempting to toss your suit into the washing machine, the agitation and harsh detergents can damage the delicate materials.

Drying Techniques

1. Do Not Wring Out Your Suit: Wringing can stretch and distort the fabric. Instead, gently press out excess water with a towel.

2. Air Dry Flat: Lay your swimsuit flat to dry in a shaded area. Avoid hanging it by the straps, as this can cause stretching.

3. Keep Away from Heat: Never use a dryer, iron, or direct sunlight to dry your suit, as heat can damage the fabric and elastic.

Additional Tips

1. Store Your Athletic Swimwear Properly: When not in use, store your swimwear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding or crumpling the fabric, as this can create creases and weaken the fibers.

2. Rotate Suits: If you swim often, alternate between multiple suits to prevent excessive wear on one.

Why Shop with Swimco?

Whether you're seeking high-performance swimwear for sports or stylish options for sunbathing and lounging by the pool, Swimco is the ideal destination for all of your aquatic needs. We offer an extensive selection of athletic swimsuits and accessories for both men and women, including top brands like Speedo, Finz, Gabar, Soleil Swim, and Beach House Sport.

At Swimco, we go beyond offering just a product—we provide an experience tailored to meet the needs of every swimmer including:

1. Diverse Collection of Swimwear, Apparel and Accessories: Explore our extensive collection of men’s beachwear and accessories, women’s swimwear, beach apparel and accessories, kids swimsuits and accessories, as well as a wide range of aquatic fitness accessories to enhance your aquatic experience. Our collections are curated to suit a variety of activities and preferences.

2. Exceptional Quality: Quality is at the heart of every swimsuit we carry. Our swimwear is made from premium materials designed for durability, comfort, and performance. Whether you need chlorine-resistant fabrics, quick-drying materials, or suits with UV protection, you can count on our products to exceed expectations.

3. Custom Fit Experts: The right fit can make all the difference in swimwear, and our team of Custom Fit experts are here to help. We guide you through the process of finding the perfect size and style for whatever and wherever your aquatic adventures take you. Stop by one of our locations and talk to one of our custom Fit Experts or chat with one here.

4. Outstanding Customer Service: Shopping with us means you'll always receive personalized attention and care. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions, provide recommendations, and ensure you have a seamless shopping experience—whether online or in-store.

5. One-Stop Shop for Every Water Activity: No matter what water activity you’re passionate about—swimming, surfing, aqua aerobics, or lounging—we have the swimwear to match. Our range ensures that you can find the right suit for any activity, all in one convenient place.

6. Commitment to Style and Functionality: Who says swimwear can’t be stylish? Whether you’re looking for athletic swimwear designed for performance or regular swimwear perfect for lounging and leisure, our collection combines functionality with modern aesthetics. From sleek, performance-driven designs to trendy, comfortable styles for the poolside, our swimwear ensures you’ll feel confident and look great both in and out of the water.