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Nobody wants to sit around in a soggy swimsuit. Quick drying fabrics will help to keep you comfortable after a swim and reduce that damp towel smell in your bag.
When it comes to being active in the water, not all swimwear is up for the challenge. The right fit keeps you comfortable and confident, without the constant strap-fiddling or sunburn stress.
The good news? Active swimwear has come a longggg way. Today's options and silhouettes can be just as fashionable as leisure swimwear with the added benefits of comfort and performance.
Whether you're into surfing, paddleboarding, ocean swimming, or prefer clocking laps in the pool, this guide will help your find the right piece.
This guide dives into all things swim: rash vests, one-pieces, sweat-to-swim activewear, and men's briefs (cue the Budgy Smuggler), plus all the essentials – think UPF 50+ sun protection and chlorine resistance.
How to Choose the Right Swimwear for You
Before you buy, ask yourself:
- Do I swim mostly in pools or the ocean? (This will help define whether you need chlorine vs saltwater durability)
- How much sun protection do I need?
- Will this be for lap swimming or water sports like surfing or paddleboarding?
Tips for Choosing the Best Swimsuit
1
Consider Performance Fabrics
Chlorine resistance: If you're a regular pool swimmer, chlorine can quickly fade and stretch ordinary swimsuits. Chlorine resistant fabric will keep your suit looking new and lasting much longer.
Quick-dry materials: Nobody wants to sit around in a soggy swimsuit. Quick drying fabrics will help to keep you comfortable after a swim and reduce that damp towel smell in your bag. It's also the ideal choice for when you move from water to land-based training.
Stretch with recovery: Look for fabric blends with Lycra or elastane that flex without sagging.
2
Think About Sun Protection
SPF and UPF 50+ rating: Provides built-in sun and UV protection, blocking up to 98% of harmful rays. Perfect for surfers, kayakers and anyone spending hours outdoors. Also great for busy kids who are hard to wrangle for constant sunscreen application.
Coverage options: Rash vests and long sleeve swimsuits are a great option if you're looking to protect shoulders and arms without restricting movement.
3
Choose the Right Style for Your Activity
Lap swimming / triathlon: Performance one-pieces, jammers or briefs will help to reduce drag in the water.
Surfing / paddleboarding: Rash vests, long sleeve suits or boardies that stay secure in waves and help to keep you sun safe.
Beach workouts: Sweat-to-swim activewear (like bike shorts and sports bras made from chlorine-safe fabrics) transitions seamlessly from burpees to a dip.
4
Consider Comfort and Support Features
Secure (or adjustable) straps & racerbacks: Helps to keep everything in place and offer freedom of movement through dives, sprints and waves.
Drawstring and/or elastic waistbands: On boardies or men's jammers, these stop your shorts from slipping.
Double lining: Adds confidence, especially for high-movement sports.
Flatlock seams: Helps prevent unwanted chaffing (because salt water and chafe are never a good combo).
5
Don't Forget Fit & Function
Swimwear should feel snug but not restrictive – tight enough to stay put, flexible enough to move with you.
If in doubt, test your suit by stretching, squatting and moving around before hitting the water.
Types of Active Swimwear to Choose
One-Piece Swimwear
One-pieces aren't just for school carnivals anymore. Modern designs are flattering, functional and fashionable.
Why they're great:
- Stay put when diving through waves
- Streamlined for lap swimming or water sports
- Range of designs from sporty racer-backs to chic cut-outs
Rash Vests
If you're spending hours in the sun, a rash vest (aka rashie) is a game changer. Originally designed for surfers to prevent board rash, they're now a mainstream favourite.
Why they're great:
- Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection (it's like sunscreen that doesn't wash off)
- Protects against chafing from saltwater or boards
- There's so many designs and styles. A far leap from the “daggy surf shirt”
- Great for paddleboarding, kayaking or just anyone sun-conscious. Pair it with boardies, bikinis or briefs depending on your vibe.
Period Swimwear
Say goodbye to sitting out swim days. Period swimwear is designed with discreet, built-in protection so you can swim, surf or train with confidence.
Why they're great:
- Leak-proof technology that keeps you protected
- Comfortable and secure fit for active days in the water
- Available in stylish performance one-pieces and bikini styles in women and teen sizing.
Sweat-to-Swim Activewear
One of the coolest trends in recent years is sweat-to-swim activewear – athletic gear you can take straight from the gym to the pool. Think sports bras, bike shorts, or crop tops made from chlorine-safe, quick-dry fabrics.
Why they're great:
- Perfect for anyone who wants versatile, multi-purpose wardrobe pieces
- Ideal for swimmers who prefer more coverage without sacrificing style
- Cuts down on packing – one outfit works for working out and swimming
Long Sleeve Swimsuits
Think of these as the chic cousin of the rash vest. Long sleeve swimsuits offer full coverage while still being stylish.
Why they're great:
- Perfect for surfers or anyone active in the water who needs both movement and protection
- Ideal for parents chasing kids around the beach all day
- Great for anyone who wants extra sun protection without constantly reapplying sunscreen
Tankini Swimsuits
Not ready to commit to a bikini or a one-piece? Enter the tankini.
Why they're great:
- Gives you the coverage of a one-piece with the convenience of a two-piece
- Perfect for bathroom breaks (no wrestling out of a wet suit!)
- Easy to mix and match for fun, personalised styling
Men's Swimwear: Boardies vs Swim Briefs
Jammers
Think knee-length, skin-tight shorts that look a bit like cycling shorts (without the padding). Popular with competitive swimmers, triathlete, and anyone training regularly in the pool, they offer performance without the skimpy fit of briefs.
Why they're great:
- Designed for swimmers who want speed and efficiency – help reduce drag compared to loose-fitting board shorts
- Snug and streamlined, typically extending from the waist to just above the knee
- Made from chlorine-resistant, quick-dry materials for long-lasting performance
Swim Briefs
Iconic for a reason, this timeless swimwear staple combines sleek style with performance-ready support.
Why they're great:
- Minimal drag for faster swimming
- Supportive and surprisingly comfortable
- Favoured by competitive swimmers and confident beach-goers
Boardies (Board Shorts)
The ultimate all-rounder – casual, comfy and versatile.
Why they're great:
- Loose, comfortable, and easy to move in
- Perfect for surfing, swimming, or just chilling on the beach
- Quick-dry, lightweight and low-maintenance
FAQs
Is polyester good for swimming in?
Yes, polyester blends are the best for chlorine resistance. Lycra, nylon and elastane are softer and stretchier but wear out faster in pools. They both serve a purpose.
Is UPF swimwear worth it?
Yes, UPF 50+ swimwear blocks 98% of harmful rays, making it a must for surfers, kids or anyone spending long hours outdoors.
Can you swim in period swimwear?
Absolutely! It's designed to hold light to medium flow and works in both pools and the ocean.
How often should I replace swimwear?
For regular swimmers, expect to replace chlorine-exposed suits every 6 to 12 months. High-quality chlorine resistant swimwear can last much longer.
What's better for men – boardies or briefs?
It depends. Boardies are versatile for casual wear, while briefs (and jammers) are better for performance and training. Many men keep both.
What's the difference between athletic and leisure swimwear?
Athletic or active swimwear is built for performance often featuring streamlined cuts, racerback straps and compression fits. Which are perfect for laps, triathlons, or surf sports. Leisure swimwear tends to focus on style and comfort, with relaxed fits, cut-outs and fun prints, ideal for lounging or casual dips.
Swimwear isn't just about looking good, it's about feeling comfortable, confident and supported in and out of the water.
So next time you're shopping, think beyond colour and cut. Consider the features that matter like chlorine resistance, SPF and UPF 50+ protection, quick-dry fabrics, and fit for your activity. Whether you're chasing waves, smashing lap or just soaking up sunshine, the right swimwear makes all the difference.
Ready to Shop?
Checkout our entire range of swimwear online for men, women and kids. Or head in-store to find the right piece for you.