Women's Swimwear

Discover our collection of swimwear for women. Whether you choose an elegant swimsuit for recreational swimming, a speedsuit for maximum performance in the water or swim shorts for more coverage and freedom of movement, you will always find the perfect swimwear for every occasion with us. Our women's swimwear combines style, comfort and quality so you always enter the water with confidence.

The range of women's swimwear runs from classic swimsuits and sporty competition swimsuits to speedsuits for triathlon and swimming competitions and swim shorts for more coverage during recreational use. The main selection criteria are the type of use, the desired fit, the chlorine resistance of the material and whether you choose maximum hydrodynamics or maximum comfort. Also view our range of swimming goggles and swim caps for a complete swimming kit.

Which women's swimwear suits you?

The right choice depends on what you swim for and where you swim. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You swim recreational lengths and want a comfortable, stylish swimsuit: Choose a classic swimsuit of chlorine-resistant polyester or polyamide. Available in sporty and elegant cuts with racerback or classic back décolleté. A well-fitting swimsuit stays on the shoulders, does not pull down when you raise your arms above your head and gives sufficient freedom of movement for every stroke. View our complete range of swimsuits for all available models.

You swim competitions and want maximum hydrodynamics and speed: Choose a competition swimsuit of technical material or a speedsuit. Competition swimsuits are tighter than recreational models for lower water resistance. Some models are exclusively for race use due to the higher compression and water-repellent technical material. Also view our range of powerskins for the most advanced competition swimsuits.

You are a triathlete and are looking for a suit that also dries quickly at the transitions: Choose a lightweight quick-drying sporty swimsuit or speedsuit that dries quickly after the swimming section and stays comfortable when cycling. Also view our women's trisuits if you want to combine all three disciplines in one suit without changing swimsuit.

You want more coverage in the lower body during recreational swimming or beach use: Choose women's swim shorts. Swim shorts reach halfway down the upper leg for extra coverage. Can be combined with sporty bikini tops, tankinis or strapless tops for a complete, practical swimming outfit that combines style and functionality.

You swim in open water and want protection at colder temperatures: Combine a close-fitting swimsuit as a base layer with a wetsuit for heat retention and buoyancy. Choose a swimsuit without loose elements or straps that can cause friction under the wetsuit.

What types of women's swimwear are there?

Swimsuits

The classic one-piece swimsuit is the most worn variant at the pool. Available in sporty cuts with racerback for maximum freedom of shoulder movement and in classic cuts for recreational use. Sporty swimsuits have a higher neckline at the front and back for more coverage and better support during swimming. Recreational swimsuits are often more elegant in cut with a deeper back décolleté. Both available in chlorine-resistant materials for long pool use.

Competition swimsuits and speedsuits

Technical competition swimsuits are tighter and more compressive than recreational models for the lowest water resistance. Speedsuits contain water-repellent technical material that absorbs minimal water. Covers more of the body than standard swimsuits for maximum hydrodynamics. View our complete range of speedsuits for all available competition models.

Women's swim shorts

Swim shorts reach halfway down the upper leg for extra coverage of the upper leg zone. Popular with women who want more coverage than a swimsuit offers. Made of quick-drying swimwear material and excellently combinable with sporty bikini tops, tankinis or strapless tops for a complete, practical swimming outfit. Ideal for pool, beach and outdoor pool.

Materials: what do you choose?

Polyester

The most chlorine-resistant material for swimwear. Retains its shape, colour and elasticity much longer with intensive pool use than lycra or nylon. The standard choice for swimmers who train multiple times per week. Slightly less stretch than lycra but considerably more durable with daily use in chlorinated water.

Lycra and elastane

Maximum stretch and a second-skin feeling. Excellent fit and freedom of movement. Less chlorine-resistant than polyester and wears faster with intensive pool use. Suitable for recreational use and competitions but less suitable for daily training in chlorinated water.

Technical competition fabrics

Water-repellent composite fabrics for competitions. Absorb minimal water, give tight compression and reduce water resistance. Vulnerable to chlorine and intensive use. Intended exclusively for competition use.

What to look for when buying?

Fit and size

A swimsuit must fit tightly but not pinch. Test when purchasing whether the suit feels comfortable when you raise your arms above your head: a well-fitting swimsuit does not pull down with this movement and the straps stay on the shoulders. Also check whether the neckline and back opening give sufficient support for your use. When in doubt between two sizes choose the smaller for a better hydrodynamic fit.

Chlorine resistance

If you regularly train in a pool, invest in a chlorine-resistant polyester or polyamide swimsuit. Chlorine quickly damages lycra so the material loses its stretch and fades. A quality chlorine-resistant model lasts hundreds of swimming sessions.

Type of use

Competition, training or recreational: the choice of the type of swimwear depends primarily on the use. Competitive swimmers choose maximum hydrodynamics. Recreational swimmers choose comfort and style. Triathletes choose quick-drying tight models that are also functional outside the water.

Back cut and straps

The back and strap cut are extra relevant for women. A racerback gives maximum freedom of movement at the shoulder rotation for all swimming strokes. Classic wide straps offer more support and comfort. Spaghetti straps are more elegant but less suitable for intensive swimming. Check whether the straps sit comfortably and stably during the dynamic movement of swimming.

Our advice: Buy two or three swimsuits in rotation if you train regularly. By alternating swimsuits you give the elastane time to recover after each swimming session, which significantly extends the lifespan. Combine with good swimming goggles and a swim cap for a complete and functional swimming kit.

Who is women's swimwear suitable for?

• Recreational swimmers who want to comfortably swim lengths or enjoy the beach and outdoor pool.
• Competitive swimmers who seek maximum hydrodynamics and minimal resistance at official competitions and intensive training.
• Triathletes who are looking for a tight quick-drying swimsuit for the swimming section that also dries quickly at the transitions.
• Open water swimmers who are looking for a comfortable swimsuit as a base layer under their wetsuit.
• Athletes who regularly train in the pool and need a durable chlorine-resistant model that lasts intensive sessions.

Complete your swimming kit with our range of swimming boards, pull buoys and swim buoys for a complete training set-up.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our swimming specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about women's swimwear

How do I choose the right size women's swimwear?

Always check the size chart of the specific brand. Swimwear must fit tightly but not pinch. Test when purchasing whether the suit feels comfortable when you raise your arms above your head. A well-fitting swimsuit does not pull down with this movement and the straps stay on the shoulders. When in doubt between two sizes choose the smaller for a better hydrodynamic fit.

Is chlorine-resistant material really necessary?

Yes, if you regularly train in a pool. Chlorine quickly damages lycra and elastane so the material loses its stretch and fades. Chlorine-resistant polyester and polyamide models retain their colour and shape considerably longer. With daily training the price difference pays back within a few weeks through the longer lifespan.

Can I also use a swimsuit for open water swimming?

Yes. For open water at warm temperatures a swimsuit is fine. At colder water temperatures you combine the swimsuit as a base layer with a wetsuit for heat retention and buoyancy. Choose a close-fitting model without loose elements that can cause friction under the wetsuit.

What are women's swim shorts?

Women's swim shorts are swim trousers that reach halfway down the upper leg for extra coverage of the upper leg zone. Popular with women who want more coverage than a swimsuit or bikini offers. Made of quick-drying swimwear material and combinable with a sporty bikini top, tankini or swimsuit for a complete two-piece swimming outfit.

What is the difference between a sporty swimsuit and a competition swimsuit?

A sporty swimsuit is designed for training and recreational swimming with a focus on comfort, durability and freedom of movement. A competition swimsuit is tighter, more compressive and often of water-repellent technical material for maximum hydrodynamics. Competition swimsuits are more expensive and more delicate, only recommended for actual race use and not for daily training.