You wouldn’t use a butter knife to chop vegetables or wear flip-flops to run a 5k. The right tool makes any job easier, and swimming is no exception. While that stylish bikini is perfect for lounging by the water, it simply isn't built for the demands of a real workout. Training swimwear is a specialized piece of athletic gear designed for performance, durability, and a secure fit. The differences in fabric, construction, and cut are what separate a suit that creates drag and wears out quickly from one that feels like a second skin and supports your every stroke. Let’s break down what makes a great training suit and how to find the perfect one for you.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on Fabric and Fit, Not Just Fashion: The best training suits are made from durable, chlorine-resistant polyester blends. Look for a snug, compressive fit that feels like a second skin to minimize drag and ensure it stays put during intense workouts.
- Match Your Suit to Your Primary Activity: Your main swim goal dictates the best suit for you. Competitive swimmers need maximum durability for daily pool training, while water aerobics participants should look for extra support and coverage for dynamic movements.
- Extend Your Suit’s Life with Proper Care: The simplest habits make the biggest difference. Rinse your suit with cool, fresh water immediately after every swim, then hand wash it gently and always let it air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Training vs. Regular Swimwear: What's the Difference?
Ever wondered if you can just grab that cute bikini from your vacation drawer for swim practice? While you technically can, you’ll quickly find it’s not the best tool for the job. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t wear casual sneakers to run a marathon. The same logic applies here. Training swimwear is athletic equipment designed for performance, while regular swimwear is all about style and leisure.
The biggest difference comes down to fabric and construction. Training suits are built to last through countless hours in chlorinated water, which can be incredibly harsh on delicate materials. They are typically made from durable, chlorine-resistant fabrics like polyester or polyester blends. These materials are specifically chosen for their ability to withstand chlorine and maintain their shape and color, preventing them from stretching out or fading after just a few wears. Regular fashion swimwear, on the other hand, often uses softer, less resilient fabrics that prioritize comfort for lounging over longevity in the pool.
Fit and function are also worlds apart. A great training suit should feel like a second skin—snug but not restrictive. It’s designed to stay put during flip turns, dives, and intense drills, minimizing drag and allowing for a full range of motion. You won’t find extra frills, beads, or complicated ties that could come undone or create resistance in the water. Instead, you’ll find supportive straps and a streamlined cut. You’ll find these durable, performance-focused designs in any good competitive swim collection, where the focus is on helping you move through the water as efficiently as possible.
What to Look for in a Great Training Suit
A great training suit is your workhorse in the water. It’s the one you’ll wear for countless laps, drills, and sets, so it needs to be more than just stylish. The right suit can make a real difference in your comfort and performance during those long practices. When you’re shopping for a new one, it’s easy to get caught up in colors and patterns, but the most important factors are the ones you can’t always see at first glance. A suit that looks amazing but stretches out after a month isn't going to help you hit your personal bests. The goal is to find something that works as hard as you do.
You’ll want to pay close attention to three key things: the fabric and construction, the fit and support, and the overall durability. A suit that excels in these areas will feel like a second skin, hold up against chlorine and constant use, and give you the freedom of movement you need to focus on your technique. Think of it as an investment in your training. Choosing wisely means you’ll have a reliable suit that supports your goals, practice after practice, without you having to constantly adjust straps or worry about wear and tear. Let’s get into what makes a training suit truly great.
Check the Fabric and Construction
The material of your suit is the foundation of its performance. For training, you’ll want to look for fabrics with a high percentage of polyester. Polyester is a champion when it comes to durability and chlorine resistance, meaning it won’t break down or stretch out after just a few weeks in the pool. Many of the best competitive swim suits use a blend of materials like polyester and spandex. This combination gives you the toughness of polyester with the flexible, form-fitting comfort of spandex, creating a suit that moves with you and holds its shape over time.
Find the Perfect Fit and Support
Your training suit should fit like a glove—snug and compressive, but never restrictive. If you see wrinkles or loose fabric, the suit is too big, which will create drag and slow you down in the water. You should have a complete range of motion in your shoulders and hips without any chafing or slipping. For women, pay attention to the strap style and level of bust support to ensure everything stays in place during flip turns and fast-paced sets. A perfect fit means you can forget about your suit and concentrate entirely on your workout.
Choose a Suit That Lasts
A suit that lasts is a suit you can rely on. Durability comes down to both fabric and construction. As we covered, a polyester-spandex blend is a fantastic choice for longevity. An 85% polyester and 15% spandex blend, for example, offers a great balance of chlorine-resistant durability and comfortable stretch. Beyond the fabric, look for quality construction details like strong, reinforced seams. Investing in a well-made suit from our collection of new products means you won’t have to shop for a replacement halfway through the season, saving you time and money in the long run.
Our Favorite Training Swimwear Brands
When you’re spending hours in the pool, you need a suit that can keep up. While personal preference plays a huge role, some brands have earned a stellar reputation for a reason. They consistently deliver on durability, comfort, and performance-enhancing design. Think of these brands as the MVPs of the swimwear world—the ones you can always count on to support you through tough sets and long practices.
We’ve seen countless suits come and go, and the best ones always share a few key traits: they’re made from high-quality, chlorine-resistant fabrics, they offer a secure and comfortable fit that doesn’t chafe or drag, and they hold their shape and color after months of use. The brands we’re about to highlight are masters of this craft. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a classic name or looking to try something new, this list is a great starting point for finding your next favorite competitive swimsuit.
Swim2000's Top Picks
Here at Swim2000, we’re pretty picky about the gear we carry. We look for suits built with materials like polyester and nylon blends that ensure longevity, even when exposed to harsh pool chemicals day after day. A great training suit is an investment in your performance, so we focus on brands that prioritize quality construction and a comfortable fit. Our collection of new products is always updated with the latest styles and fabric technologies from brands we trust. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a suit that performs well and one that lasts, so we make sure you don’t have to.
Speedo's Go-To Training Suits
You can’t talk about swimming without mentioning Speedo. It’s a legendary brand for a reason. Speedo offers an incredible range of women’s one-piece swimsuits and men’s jammers that are perfect for every kind of water activity, from intense training to race day. Their suits are known for providing excellent comfort and support, allowing you to focus on your stroke instead of adjusting your straps. With classic designs and innovative fabric technology, Speedo consistently delivers reliable performance that swimmers have trusted for generations. Check out their latest swimwear new arrivals to see what’s new.
Performance Suits from TYR
If durability is your top priority, TYR is a brand you need to know. TYR swimwear is famous for its use of polyester fabrics, which are exceptionally tough and highly resistant to chlorine. For competitive swimmers who are in the water almost every day, this is a game-changer. A TYR suit is built to withstand the rigors of intense training without losing its shape or vibrant color. This focus on long-lasting performance means you get a reliable suit that feels as good on its hundredth swim as it did on its first.
JOLYN's Most Popular Training Suits
JOLYN has made a huge splash in the swim world, especially among female athletes. The brand specializes in women's training swimsuits that perfectly blend style with serious performance. They offer a fantastic variety of cuts and prints, so you can express your personality without sacrificing function. Many of their suits are also FINA-approved, making them a great choice for both daily practice and competitive meets. JOLYN understands what female swimmers need: a secure fit, durable fabric, and a design that makes you feel confident and fast in the water. Their girls' swimwear line is also a favorite among young athletes.
Don't Forget Arena (and Others!)
While Speedo and TYR are giants in the industry, brands like Arena are right there with them, creating top-tier performance swimwear. Arena is another favorite among elite swimmers for its advanced fabric technology and hydrodynamic designs. Beyond the big names, there are many other excellent brands making waves in the swim world. The best part is that you don’t always have to pay a premium for quality. Keep an eye on our Clearance Corner, where you can often find amazing deals on high-performance training suits from the best brands in the business.
How Fabric Tech Affects Your Swim
The material of your training suit is more than just a detail—it's the core of its performance. The right fabric technology can make a huge difference in how you feel in the water, how your suit holds up to chlorine, and even how fast you move. When you're shopping for your next suit, understanding the basics of fabric tech will help you pick one that works as hard as you do. Let's break down what you need to know about the materials that make up a great training suit.
Polyester vs. Spandex: What's the Best Blend?
Think of polyester and spandex as the power couple of swimwear fabric. Polyester brings the strength and durability, standing up to chlorine and sun without fading or falling apart. Spandex (also known as Lycra) is all about the stretch, giving you that snug, flexible fit that moves with you. Most high-quality training suits use a blend, often around 85% polyester and 15% spandex. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: a suit that hugs your body for a streamlined feel but is tough enough to handle daily practices. It’s the go-to blend for competitive swimwear for a reason.
Why Chlorine Resistance Matters
If you spend most of your time in a pool, chlorine is your suit’s number one enemy. It breaks down fabrics, especially spandex, causing them to lose their shape and become saggy and thin over time. This is where polyester shines. Polyester fibers are naturally resistant to chlorine, so a suit with a high polyester content will last significantly longer. When you’re looking for a workhorse suit for daily training, checking the tag for a high percentage of polyester is the single best thing you can do to ensure you’re making a good investment. This is why chlorine resistance is a must-have for any serious swimmer or water aerobics enthusiast.
The Benefit of Quick-Dry Fabrics
There’s nothing worse than pulling on a damp, cold swimsuit or finding your gym bag has that mildewy smell. That’s where quick-dry fabrics come in. Materials like polyester and nylon are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t absorb much water and allow moisture to evaporate quickly. This is a huge plus when you have back-to-back practices or need to pack up your gear right after a swim. A quick-dry suit is not only more comfortable to put on, but it also stays in better condition. You'll find this feature in many of the latest swimwear new arrivals, making your post-swim transition seamless.
A Look at Advanced Fabric Tech
Beyond the basic blends, swimwear technology is always evolving. High-performance suits often feature advanced fabrics designed to do more than just cover you up. Some use compression to support your muscles and reduce fatigue, while others have a water-repellent finish that helps you glide through the water with less drag. These innovations are all about improving your hydrodynamics—basically, making you more efficient in the water. While you might see the most cutting-edge tech in elite racing suits, many of those features trickle down into training swimwear. Keep an eye on new products to see how the latest fabric science can give you an edge in your training.
How to Choose the Right Size and Style
Finding the right training suit is a lot like finding the perfect pair of running shoes—fit and function are everything. The best suit will feel like a second skin, allowing you to focus on your stroke, not on adjusting your straps. While style is a great way to show off your personality on deck, the right size and cut are what will truly support your performance in the water. Let’s walk through how to pick a suit that fits you perfectly and meets the demands of your training.
How to Read a Sizing Chart
Every brand fits a little differently, so your best friend in this process is the sizing chart. Before you even look at the chart, grab a soft measuring tape and take your key measurements: chest, waist, hips, and torso loop (from the top of your shoulder, down through your legs, and back up). A good training suit should feel snug but not restrictive. You want a comfortable fit that allows for a full range of motion without being so loose that it creates drag. If you see wrinkles or loose fabric, the suit is too big. If you’re between sizes, it’s usually best to size down for a more compressive, race-ready fit.
One-Piece or Two-Piece: Which is Better for Training?
For women, one-piece suits are the classic choice for a reason. They offer excellent coverage and security, meaning you won’t have to worry about anything shifting during flip turns or fast sets. Most training one-pieces feature an open or keyhole back with supportive straps that stay put. However, training two-pieces have become increasingly popular. These aren't your average beach bikinis; they’re designed for performance with secure tops and bottoms that offer great freedom of movement. Ultimately, the choice is yours. While a one-piece is the go-to for most competitive swimmers, a well-designed two-piece can be just as effective for long training sessions.
Fit Tips for Your Body Type
The perfect training suit should fit like a glove, providing slight compression with no gapping or bunching. When you try on a suit, move around in it. Lift your arms and bend over. The straps shouldn't dig into your shoulders, and the leg openings should sit comfortably without chafing. If you notice extra space in the midsection or around the straps, the suit is likely too big. Different strap styles also offer different levels of support—thicker straps are great for more coverage and support, while thinner straps allow for more shoulder mobility. Finding the right style in our women's new arrivals can make all the difference in your comfort and confidence.
Match Your Suit to Your Swim Goal
Not all training suits are created equal, and what works for a triathlete might not be the best choice for someone in a water aerobics class. The secret to finding the perfect suit is to think about how you’ll be using it. Are you logging hundreds of laps in a chlorinated pool, or are you training for an open-water race? Your primary swimming activity dictates the fabric, fit, and features you should look for.
For example, a competitive swimmer needs a suit that can withstand daily exposure to chlorine and offer a compressive fit for better hydrodynamics. On the other hand, a fitness swimmer might prioritize comfort and support for a wider range of movements. Thinking about your specific goals helps you narrow down the options and invest in a suit that will perform well and last longer. Let’s break down the best choices for your specific type of swimming.
For Competitive Pool Training
If you spend hours in the pool, your suit needs to be a workhorse. The main things to look for are chlorine resistance and durability. This is where polyester fabrics shine. A suit made primarily of polyester will hold its shape and color far longer than one made from spandex, which can break down quickly in chlorinated water. For the best performance, look for a suit that blends polyester with materials like nylon for a powerful mix of durability and flexibility. Your competitive swimwear should fit snugly, offering slight compression to reduce drag without restricting your movement.
For Open Water and Triathlons
When you’re swimming in a lake or the ocean, your needs change. While chlorine isn't an issue, you'll want a suit that offers UV protection and, depending on the water temperature, some thermal insulation. For triathlons and open water swims, a comfortable fit that allows for total freedom of movement is essential. Your suit should feel snug but never restrictive, especially around the shoulders. Many athletes prefer brightly colored suits for better visibility in the water. For colder temperatures, a well-fitting wetsuit is a must-have piece of gear.
For Water Aerobics and Fitness
Water aerobics and other aquatic fitness classes involve a lot of dynamic movement, so your suit needs to offer excellent support and coverage. Look for styles with higher necklines, wider straps, or built-in shelf bras to keep everything secure. The fit should be like a glove, providing light compression with no loose or wrinkling fabric, which can cause drag and discomfort. A suit from a dedicated water aerobics collection is designed specifically for this kind of activity, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident through every movement.
For Young and Junior Swimmers
For kids on a swim team or just learning their strokes, the right suit makes a huge difference. Comfort and a secure fit are the top priorities. You want a suit that stays put, so look for one-piece styles with straps that cross in the back to prevent them from slipping off the shoulders. While it’s tempting to buy a size up for them to grow into, a baggy suit will fill with water and create drag, making it harder to swim. Find a durable, chlorine-resistant suit that fits them well now to help them build confidence in the water. Check out the latest girls' swimwear for great options.
How Much Should You Spend on a Training Suit?
Figuring out your budget for a new training suit can feel a little tricky. Prices can range from a simple, no-fuss suit that gets the job done to a high-tech performance piece that costs a pretty penny. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality suit that will last. The right price for you really depends on how often you swim, what your goals are, and what features you value most. Whether you’re just starting out with water aerobics or you’re logging serious hours in the lap pool, there’s a perfect suit for your budget. Let’s break down the different price points so you can find exactly what you need.
Budget-Friendly Picks ($20-$40)
You can absolutely find a durable, comfortable training suit without breaking the bank. In this price range, you’ll discover plenty of workhorse suits that are perfect for daily practices, fitness swimming, or if you just like to have a few different options in your swim bag. These suits are typically made from chlorine-resistant polyester blends that hold their shape and color lap after lap. Don’t mistake the lower price for lower quality; many trusted brands offer fantastic, long-lasting options in this bracket. For the best value, you can often find great swimwear in clearance sections, making it easy to stock up.
Mid-Range Performers ($40-$80)
If you swim several times a week, stepping up to the mid-range is a great investment in your comfort and performance. This is the sweet spot where you’ll find suits with more advanced fabric blends, offering a better balance of stretch, compression, and durability. The construction is often more refined, with features like supportive straps, comfortable lining, and more intricate designs. These suits are built to withstand rigorous training schedules while providing a secure, confidence-inspiring fit. Exploring the new arrivals from top brands will give you a good idea of the latest styles and fabric technologies available in this price range.
Premium Suits Worth the Splurge ($80+)
For the dedicated competitive swimmer or triathlete, a premium suit is an investment that can pay off. Suits in this category feature the latest in swimwear technology, from water-repellent fabrics that reduce drag to strategically placed compression panels that support your muscles. They are engineered for a second-skin fit that feels incredible in the water and allows for maximum range of motion. While the price is higher, the longevity and performance benefits are often worth it for those who demand the most from their gear. These are the suits you’ll find in the competitive swim collections, designed to help you train at your peak.
How to Find the Best Deals
Everyone loves a good deal, and with a little smart shopping, you can get a fantastic suit for less. One of the best strategies is to keep an eye on sales events, especially at the end of a season when new styles are rolling in. Signing up for your favorite swim shop’s email list is also a great way to get notified about special promotions. Don’t forget to regularly check the Clearance Corner, where you can often find high-quality training and even racing suits at a deep discount. With savings sometimes reaching up to 70%, you might just snag a premium suit for a mid-range price.
How to Make Your Training Suit Last Longer
You’ve found the perfect training suit—it fits well, feels great, and looks sharp. Now, you want to make it last as long as possible. High-performance swimwear is an investment in your training, and with a little extra care, you can get more laps out of every suit. The lifespan of your swimwear comes down to how you treat it after you leave the pool. By following a few simple steps for washing, drying, and storing, you can protect the fabric, maintain its shape, and keep the colors vibrant. It also helps to know the tell-tale signs that a suit is ready for retirement so you can replace it before it affects your performance.
Wash and Dry Your Suit the Right Way
The single best thing you can do for your suit is to rinse it with cool, fresh water immediately after every swim. This washes away chlorine, salt, and chemicals that degrade the fabric over time. After rinsing, gently hand wash your suit with a mild soap. Avoid using a washing machine or harsh detergents, which can damage the delicate fibers. Instead of wringing it out, which stretches the material, gently squeeze out the excess water. Always let your suit air dry by laying it flat or hanging it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. The high heat from a dryer will destroy the spandex fibers that give your competitive swimwear its essential stretch and shape.
The Best Way to Store Your Swimwear
How you store your suit is just as important as how you wash it. First, make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away to prevent mildew and fabric breakdown. Store your suit flat or loosely folded in a drawer, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that can cause the material to deteriorate and fade. Never leave a damp suit balled up in a gym bag or sealed in a plastic bag, as this traps moisture and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. For transport, a mesh bag is a great option because it allows air to circulate. Proper storage helps preserve the advanced fabric technology that makes your suit perform so well in the water.
Know When It's Time for a New Suit
Even the best-cared-for suit won’t last forever. The first sign of wear is often sagging or looseness, especially in the straps and seat. This means the spandex fibers have broken down and lost their elasticity. Modern polyester-spandex blends are designed to reduce sagging, but frequent exposure to chlorine will eventually take its toll. Other signs include faded colors and thinning fabric—if you can see through it when held up to the light, it’s definitely time for a replacement. A worn-out suit can also cause chafing. When you start noticing these signs, it’s time to start looking for your next go-to suit in our new arrivals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just use my regular fashion swimsuit for training? Think of a training suit as a piece of athletic equipment. It’s built from tough, chlorine-resistant fabrics like polyester that can handle hours in the pool without stretching out or fading. Fashion swimwear is designed for style and lounging, often using delicate materials that chlorine will quickly destroy, leaving you with a saggy, worn-out suit after just a few swims.
How do I know if my training suit fits properly? A great training suit should feel like a second skin—snug and compressive all over, but not so tight that it restricts your shoulder movement or chafes. When you try it on, there shouldn't be any wrinkles or gaps, as that extra fabric will create drag in the water. If you can pinch loose material around your torso or straps, it's likely too big.
What's the single most important feature to look for in a long-lasting suit? Without a doubt, it's chlorine resistance. The best way to ensure your suit will last is to check the fabric tag for a high percentage of polyester. Polyester is incredibly durable and stands up to harsh pool chemicals far better than other materials. This is the key to preventing your suit from becoming thin and baggy over time.
How often will I need to replace my training suit? This really depends on how often you swim and how well you care for your suit. A competitive swimmer who is in the pool daily might need a new suit every few months. If you swim for fitness once or twice a week, your suit could last a year or more. You'll know it's time for a new one when the fabric feels loose, the color has faded significantly, or you can see through the material when you hold it up to the light.
Is it really worth spending more on a training suit? While you can find excellent, durable suits at a budget-friendly price, investing more can pay off, especially if you swim frequently. More expensive suits often feature advanced fabric technologies that offer better compression, a more streamlined fit, and enhanced water repellency. For a dedicated swimmer, the improved performance and longevity can make the higher price tag a worthwhile investment.
