How To Choose the Perfect Sport Swimwear

A sport swimsuit is made of technical fabric engineered to dry fast, resist damage, and help you move through the water like a pro. Designed with performance in mind, these suits are sure to stay put, keep you supported, and be ultra comfortable in and out of the water. Wherever your next adventure takes you, we guarantee your swim can get you there.

Whether you prefer swimming laps or training in the ocean, medium-support swimsuits will offer plenty of comfort for swimmers. Swimming is an excellent form of cardio fitness that builds endurance and muscle strength, so swimwear for athletes should act as a second skin. Look for sleek styles and aerodynamic cuts, such as high-neck bikini tops, that will offer a secure fit and reduce drag in the water.

From pop-ups to duck dives and the occasional wipeout, surfing requires athletic swimwear with high support to keep everything in place. We love swimsuits with thicker shoulder straps for more bust support, or strappy bralettes with skimpy pant bikini bottoms for maximum comfort in the lineup.

A tight-fitting rashguard is a great choice if you prefer less sun exposure. These surf tops offer additional support and enhanced UV protection when worn over your swimsuit. We love long-sleeved rash vests, but if you still don’t know where to start, our helpful guide on “How To Choose A Rash Vest” outlines everything you need to know.

As a general rule, your swimsuit support should match the level of intensity of your water activity. If you practice medium-to-low-impact activities like stand-up paddling or snorkelling, choose a medium-support suit that will keep you comfortable while you explore. If high-intensity water sports like bodysurfing or beach fitness are more your thing, a high-support swimsuit will offer more security and confidence.

Athletic swimming is typically hardware-free for maximum comfort. It's compressive, and smooth and has removable cups so you can tailor the fit to your preference. We recommend your swim fit like a glove, offering slight compression with no wrinkles or loose fabric. Extra space in the suit means it’s too big, and any pinching means it’s too small. For an easy size test, you should only be able to fit two fingers (one on top of the other) snuggly under the shoulder strap.

When weighing the benefits of a sports bikini versus a one-piece, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. One-piece sport swimsuits offer fuller coverage, but bikinis are a more comfortable choice for women who tend to wear different-sized tops and bottoms. You can't go wrong with either, but if you're looking for a little more coverage and sun protection, we recommend a long-sleeved swimsuit.

Of course, you can! However, it’s important to pay attention to the fabric. Natural fibre fabrics like cotton sports bras will get heavy in the water and quickly lose shape. They will also take a lot longer to dry out afterwards. Bra tank swim tops are a great alternative because they offer similar comfort and coverage, but are specifically designed for active beach days, whether you're getting to the surf or getting barreled. Look for premium recycled nylon fabric featuring shape retention technology so you don't have to worry about wearing out the fabric.

We wouldn’t recommend it. Bras aren’t the most comfortable option and aren't designed to withstand chlorine, salt water, and sunlight, so it’s a quick way to ruin your favourite undergarments. Fortunately, most sports swimsuits are fully lined so you won’t need to stress about see-through situations. And if shape is your concern, you can opt for swim tops with built-in bras or removable cups for just that purpose!

Similar to our advice on sports bras, you can swim in gym shorts. Keep in mind that the type of fabric and thickness will affect the weight and comfort when wet, see the next section for more information. This could weigh you down and impact your performance. If you want short-style coverage, consider women’s board shorts or boyshort bikini bottoms.

Just because it's functional doesn't mean it can't be cute! Looking for a fun way to emphasize your upper body while prioritizing comfort and support? We love banded triangle tops with a comfort-driven pullover design and fun back strap detail. If you're looking for a little extra security, try high-neck tops for a fun fashion look out in the water.

Want to cinch the waistline and highlight your curves? We recommend high-waisted or boy-short bikini bottoms.

If coverage is your focus, try a zippered one-piece swimsuit. In long sleeve or tank styles, these bathing suits offer excellent sun protection and easily zip on and off, plus they give off major Bond girl vibes in and out of the water. High-neck one-pieces are an athlete's fav.

If you want some help sorting through the sea of options, have a look at our “How To Choose a Bikini for an Athletic Body Shape” guide.