Best Swimwear for Water Sports and Activities
Choosing swimwear for water sports requires different considerations than selecting something for lounging poolside. When you are paddleboarding, surfing, jet skiing, or playing beach volleyball, your swimwear needs to stay in place, provide adequate support, and hold up to demanding conditions. This guide covers the best swimwear options for active water enthusiasts.
The Priority: Security and Stay-Put Fit
Nothing ruins a water sports session faster than constantly adjusting your swimsuit. For any activity involving significant movement, waves, or impact, security is the primary concern. String ties and delicate straps may look cute but fail when put to the test.
Look for swimwear with wider straps that distribute pressure and resist slipping. Racerback designs provide the most secure fit for tops, keeping straps firmly in place regardless of arm movement. Adjustable straps allow customization for your specific body and activity needs.
Bottoms should have substantial waistbands that grip rather than roll. Full coverage options stay in place better than minimal-coverage styles. Consider boy-short style bottoms or swim shorts for activities with lots of movement or sitting, like jet skiing or kayaking.
One-Piece Advantages
One-piece swimsuits offer inherent advantages for water sports. Without a gap between top and bottom, there is no risk of pieces shifting independently or exposing your midsection unexpectedly. The unified construction handles movement and waves more reliably.
Athletic one-pieces designed for lap swimming translate well to other water activities. Look for styles with racerback or cross-back designs, moderate leg cuts, and secure necklines. These provide excellent range of motion while maintaining coverage.
Some one-pieces feature built-in shelf bras or molded cups for added support. For high-impact activities or larger busts, this additional structure makes a significant difference in comfort and security. Check product descriptions for support features.
Sport Bikini Options
If you prefer bikinis for water sports, choose styles specifically designed for activity. Sport bikini tops resemble sports bras, with thick straps, compression fit, and minimal embellishment that could catch or dig in during movement.
Look for bikini tops with back closures rather than ties. Hook-and-eye or zipper closures stay secure under stress, while ties can loosen with movement and water pressure. If you choose a tie-back style, double knot securely.
Sport bikini bottoms typically offer fuller coverage with wider sides and a higher rise than fashion bikinis. This additional fabric provides more security during movement. Some feature drawstring waists for adjustable, locked-in fit.
Activity-Specific Recommendations
For surfing and bodyboarding, consider a swimsuit in combination with a rash guard. The rash guard prevents board rash while providing sun protection during extended sessions. Bikini bottoms stay on better than one-piece bottoms when duck diving under waves.
For paddleboarding and kayaking, comfort while seated matters. Avoid suits with details on the back that dig in against boards and seats. One-pieces or high-waisted bottoms with smooth backs feel better during extended paddling sessions.
For beach volleyball, jumping and diving require maximum security. Athletic one-pieces or sport bikinis with compression fit work best. Many beach volleyball players prefer one-pieces specifically to avoid the distraction of adjusting two separate pieces mid-game.
For water skiing and jet skiing, impact-resistant suits matter. Falls at speed hit water hard, and swimwear needs to stay on through impact. Secure one-pieces or well-fitted sport bikinis with sturdy construction handle these forces best.
Sun Protection Considerations
Extended time on the water increases sun exposure significantly. Water reflects UV rays, hitting you from below as well as above. Consider swimwear with higher necklines and more coverage to reduce sunburn risk during long sessions.
Some athletic swimwear features UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings, indicating the fabric blocks significant UV rays. For multi-hour water activities, UPF-rated swimwear provides valuable additional protection even with regular sunscreen application.
Rash guards and swim shirts offer the ultimate in water-sport sun protection. These cover arms and torso, dramatically reducing exposed skin area. They are standard wear for surfing and increasingly popular for all water activities.
Durability and Care
Water sports wear out swimwear faster than casual use. Chlorine, salt water, and UV exposure all degrade fabrics over time. Investing in quality construction means your sport swimwear lasts longer under demanding conditions.
Rinse swimwear in fresh water immediately after each use, especially after salt water or chlorine exposure. Allow suits to dry completely before wearing again. This simple care routine extends the life of your water sports swimwear significantly.
Find secure, supportive swimwear for your active lifestyle in our collection. Gear up properly and focus on the fun instead of your swimsuit.
