If you swim for fitness, training, or competition, your swimsuit isn’t just something you throw on. It affects how you move in the water and how long you can stay comfortable. A poorly chosen suit can chafe, stretch out, or create drag. A well-made one supports your movement and holds its shape over time. Before you buy, focus on a few practical factors rather than brand hype or appearance.
Comfort and Fit
Fit comes first. A swimsuit that shifts, pinches, or gaps will distract you the entire session. What you wear whilst swimming should sit close to the body without digging into the skin. If it feels restrictive when you stand still, it will feel worse once you start swimming. At the same time, a loose suit will collect water and slow you down.
Check the sizing guide carefully, especially if you’re ordering online. Sizes vary between brands. When possible, move around in the suit before buying. Raise your arms, bend, and simulate a few swim strokes. The fabric should stay in place without cutting into your shoulders or waist.
Straps should feel secure but not tight. Seams should lie flat. If something rubs in the changing room, it won’t improve in the pool.
Materials and Durability
Fabric determines how long your swimwear lasts. Chlorine breaks down weaker materials quickly, which leads to sagging and loss of shape. Polyester holds up well in chlorinated pools and tends to keep its color - so many active suits use polyester blends that include spandex or similar fibers for stretch. These blends allow a snug fit while maintaining durability.
Check how the fabric feels. It should stretch easily and return to shape without feeling thin or fragile. Reinforced stitching also matters, especially around straps and seams that handle the most tension. If you swim several times a week, or are in training for a major event, durability is more important than trend or texture.
Water Resistance and Quick Drying
Competitive and training swimwear often uses fabric designed to reduce drag. While no suit makes you faster on its own, smoother fabric and a close fit reduce unnecessary resistance.
Quick-drying material helps once you leave the water. A suit that stays heavy and damp for hours can cause irritation and discomfort. Look for fabrics described as chlorine-resistant and quick-drying rather than simply “soft” or “luxury.” Those terms rarely tell you anything useful about performance.
Functional Design
Design should support movement, not complicate it. For women, that may mean choosing suits with reliable strap construction or built-in support that doesn’t shift during laps. For men, it may mean selecting briefs or jammers that stay in place without rolling or riding up.
Avoid excessive cutouts, loose panels, or decorative features that serve no practical purpose in the water. Training suits usually have simpler lines for a reason.
Think about how you actually swim. If you dive frequently, make sure the neckline and straps stay secure. If you train for endurance, prioritize comfort over appearance.
UV Protection
If you swim outdoors, sun exposure becomes part of the equation. Some active swimwear includes built-in UV protection measured by UPF rating.
A UPF of 30 or higher blocks most ultraviolet radiation, which helps protect areas the suit covers. This does not replace sunscreen, but it adds another layer of protection during long sessions in open water or outdoor pools.
Conclusion
Active swimwear should support your training, not distract from it. Focus on fit, fabric strength, construction, and design that matches how you swim. Ignore marketing language that doesn’t explain performance. If the suit fits well, holds up to chlorine, and stays comfortable through a full session, you’ve chosen correctly.
