We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
The 10 Best Athletic Swimsuits for More Comfortable Water Workouts
Say hello to flash-free flip turns.
With spring approaching, now is the perfect time to get your swimsuit shopping done. Whether you prefer pools, lakes, or the ocean, an athletic swimsuit is a great pick for exercising or lounging in the water. From swim workouts to water sports to riding the waves, investing in a good athletic swimsuit that'll keep you comfortable, flexible, and protected is key.
A quality athletic swimsuit lasts longer—especially one designed specifically to hold up to chlorine and salt water. Similar to shopping for running clothes online, finding a good fit that looks presentable can be tough. There are countless choices from racer backs to long sleeves, so we've gathered the best athletic swimsuits out there to help you choose.
Best Athletic Swimsuits
What to Consider
Fit and Function
The type of athletic swimsuit you choose depends on the activities you’ll be participating in when wearing it. If you’ll be surfing or spending a lot of time in waves, wearing a swimsuit that will not easily slide off or out of place is important. Coverage on your arms and stomach can protect you from chafing and sunburn.
Swimsuits with thick straps or racer backs tend to be great for exercise because they allow plenty of range of motion and security in the chest. Minimal suits are best for swimming, especially if speed matters to you, since these generally have the least fabric and are most aerodynamic.
Material
When it comes to the material of your athletic swimsuit, you should look for those made out of quick-drying materials like polyester and nylon, which also reduce drag when you're swimming. Chlorine-resistant fabrics, like polyester, are also ones you should keep an eye out for if you often work out at a public pool.
How We Selected
To find the best options among the many sports swimsuits out there, we researched some of the most popular styles available through online retailers, department stores, and athletic retailers. We took into account price, materials, sizing, range of motion, and extra features like SPF fabric and efficiency in water. Finally, we consulted thousands of reviews to settle on the 10 best athletic swimsuits out there.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Watch Next
What’s the Deal With Watch Rash?
Tested: The Best Wireless Earbuds for Running
The 10 Best Running Shoes for Women
The Apple Watch Series 8 Is at Its Lowest Price