If you’re planning on doing lots of water sports while you’re on holiday, you might be in the market for a new swimsuit. But finding the right one can be a challenge. I’m a sucker for bathing suits, so I’d know.
After all, it’s not as simple as picking out a bikini for lounging on the beach, especially if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your new swimsuit and moving around a lot.
This guide will help you to find the right swimsuit for the job, giving you a better idea of what you need to look out for on your next shopping trip.
At A Glance [show]
13 Things You Should Know When Choosing A Swimsuit
1. Do choose something stylish
There’s a misconception that sporty swimsuits all look drab and boring, but you don’t need to look unkempt or hide your figure to be able to swim to your limit and get that all-important exercise.
There are a number of sporty swimwear styles that you could choose from to highlight some of the best parts of your body when in the pool or ocean.
You may also want to think about whether you would prefer a one or two-piece suit. One-pieces can offer more support and security, but two-pieces might be more your style.
Instead of getting a classic bikini, consider a two-piece with a sports-bra style upper for a little more coverage.
2. Don’t forget about quality
Opting for a good quality brand may allow it to hold up over time, which is perfect for regular swimmers or people who often do water sports while on a trip.
When swimming in a pool, you may find that chlorine and other additives could ruin a cheap or poorly made garment. Therefore, look into the material, as well as reviews from previous customers, before you buy.
3. Think about support
Female swimmers may need to think about bust support before they begin their swim. Should you like the look of a swimsuit, but it doesn’t offer proper support to your breasts, you may be rather disheartened.
However, it might be possible to stitch in your own support cups or boning. This may help you to feel more secure within your swimsuit, as well as increase your level of comfort.
Alternatively, you could opt for items with hidden support built-in that will still help your bust while allowing you to swim as well as you can. Those with larger busts may feel better about wearing swimwear that downplays the breasts, letting them focus on their swim rather than ensuring that everything remains contained.
4. Material and fit
The material found in a swimsuit can affect your ability to swim. You may find that spandex or nylon is incredibly lightweight and can, therefore, reduce the amount of drag in the water.
Too many adornments to your suit, such as fake gems, could reduce how streamlined you are and work against you. When you swim for sport, it could be better to go for a plainer garment that can help you to really get that workout you desire.
The swimwear you choose shouldn’t cut in at the seams either, allowing you to have a full range of movement within the water. Should this occur when trying on swimwear, you may want to look into either a larger size or a different style more suited to your body.
5. Plan your activities
This sunburn was not a good idea..
The type of swimsuit you choose may depend on the kind of water sports you’re going to be doing while you’re away. If you know you’re going to be out in the sun a lot, it could be worth investing in a swimsuit that has more coverage.
For example, it’s common to see surfers wearing a rash guard to protect them from harmful rays, as sunscreen can only do so much.
However, if you know you’re going to be in an indoor pool, you may want a more simple swimsuit that allows you to swim more freely without being constricted.
6. Know your body type
If you often struggle to find a swimsuit that looks good on you, it could be worth thinking about your body type. Sporty swimsuits come in all kinds of cuts and styles, so don’t feel like you have to compromise with one that isn’t right for your shape.
If you find out that you’re more pear-shaped, a swimsuit that has a high neck could bring more balance to your silhouette. Similarly, if you’re more top-heavy or apple-shaped, prioritise adjustable straps and consider a racerback for more support.
7. Buy more than one style
Swimsuits don’t take up a lot of room in a suitcase, so there’s no harm in buying more than one to suit different occasions. Pack a long-sleeved suit for those long days catching waves and a bikini for some more leisurely laps around the pool back at your resort.
If you’re not sure which swimsuit you’ll feel most comfortable in, try on all different kinds – you might be surprised by which one ends up being your favourite.
8. Don’t rule out wetsuits
Some destinations are colder than others and you don’t want the weather to ruin your trip. If you know that the weather isn’t going to be particularly sunny, think about getting a wetsuit to give you some insulation in the sea.
Wetsuits are also a great choice for people who plan to snorkel, as it can often be chillier if you take a boat further out to sea. Wetsuits come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to choose a short or long-sleeved one as needed.
9. Stay within your budget
While you might want to buy a high-tech swimsuit for your big trip, it might be more than you’re comfortable spending. If this trip is a one-off and you don’t think you’ll be doing much in the way of water sports in the future, don’t buy the most expensive swimsuit out there.
You can get away with something cheaper if you know you aren’t going to be wearing it often. However, if the sporty swimsuit you buy can be repurposed at your local pool, it could be worth shelling out a little more.
10. Get creative with colour
A lot of sporty swimsuits come in classic colours like black, blue and grey, but there’s no need to stick to these. While these colours are easier to wear in pools at gyms, you might want something a bit flashier on holiday. Shop around and consider brighter colours with patterns and designs.
If you’re buying a two-piece, you could even mix and match bottoms with tops to create a truly unique look. And, if you’re travelling with friends, why not get matching swimsuits so you can feel like a real team?
11. Accessorise
You probably won’t spend the whole day in the water even if that’s the main purpose of your trip. Make sure that you can feel comfortable walking around in your swimsuit and grabbing lunch with the right accessories.
For example, you might want to get some comfortable flip-flops that take you from the beach to the local café or invest in a cover-up.
There are all kinds of amazing designs out there, whether you prefer a poncho or sarong to feel more put-together. Don’t forget to bring along both light and heavier layers in case of weather changes.
12. Comfort
The last thing you want is to choose a swimsuit that digs into your body in all the wrong places. It can be really hard to enjoy a trip if you’re constantly readjusting the straps on your swimsuit or pulling at its seams.
While some sports swimsuits may offer more compression than leisure garments, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable and you should feel happy to wear them all day.
Make sure you’re choosing the right sizes and trying everything on at home before you jet off. You could even give swimsuits a good trial run at your local pool if you’re feeling at all hesitant.
13. Hire the right gear
While buying a swimsuit is fairly straightforward, if you’re going to be undertaking some adventurous activities, you may want to think about hiring the right kit at your destination.
For example, scuba diving may require you to have a dry suit and flippers, which could be pricey to buy for a one-off occasion. Similarly, a boat trip could involve wearing a life jacket, which most places will happily loan you.
Before you go ahead and spend a lot of money, check with your tour group or activity provider what they have on hand for you to use. It’s usually a good idea to have your own swimsuit though, as this way you can be sure it fits and suits your needs.