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Say hello to flash-free flip turns.
While temperatures may still be a bit brisk, spring is in the air, and before you know it, you'll be eagerly suiting up for your next swim. Whether you prefer pools, lakes, or the ocean, you will need a athletic swimsuit to get the most out of your experience. From swim workouts to water sports to riding the waves, investing in a good athletic swimsuit will keep you more comfortable and ensure that you don't have to constantly adjust the fit as you swim.
A quality athletic swimsuit will also last you longer—especially one that is designed to specifically hold up against chlorine and salt water. Like shopping for running clothing online, finding your proper fit in a swimsuit can be tough, so you'll want to look at sizing guides before purchasing. Since there are tons of athletic swimsuits out there, we've gathered some of our favorites to help you choose the suit that is right for you.
To find the best options among the many sports swimsuits out there, we researched some of the most popular styles available through Amazon, department stores, and retailers specializing in athletic gear. We then took into account price, materials, sizing, range of motion, and extra features like SPF and efficiency in water. Finally, we consulted more than 9,000 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on the 10 athletic swimsuits you'll find below.
Whether you prefer more coverage for modesty reasons or are looking to protect yourself from the sun, this athletic swimsuit won't let you down. It has a great fit, and despite having long sleeves, it allows for full range of motion, making it great for swimmers and surfers alike. It zips in the back, but it has a long tab on the zipper, which makes it easy to do without assistance.
It has UV protection and is made from nylon and extra strong lycra, the combination of which is designed to resist damage from chlorine and salt water.
Wearing a bikini can feel risky—especially when swimming in the ocean or engaging in water sports. But despite showing a bit more skin than a one-piece, this TYR bikini will stay put, no matter what activities you're participating in. The top has a snug, sports bra-like fit, and the bottoms have a drawstring at the waist that can be tied as tight as you like to ensure they don't come down.
If you like the security of a one-piece but aren't a fan of the style, you may prefer this crossover cutout suit. It fits snugly and securely, but still shows a little skin, making it a bit more stylish than your standard one-piece. It comes in two different colors, and has a high cut around the hips for a flattering fit.
This suit is an ideal mix of athletic functionality and fashionable design. The color-blocking and side tie make it cute option for a beach day, but it will also stay up and in place when riding the waves. While the tie could get a bit annoying for swimming, it is not integral to the suit's structure, so even if it comes undone, your swimsuit will stay in place. It also comes in 16 different color and pattern options, so there's something for everyone.
With a more traditional one-piece fit, this Speedo suit is great for all types of water sports, but is a particularly good choice for wearing in chlorinated pools. Not only is it designed to stay on without bunching or shifting, but it also is resistant against chlorine, so it retains its color and shape better over time than comparable suits.
This bikini is great if you prefer a style that looks a bit less sporty, but will still perform well and stay on. This design has a sports bra-like top that gives great coverage and won't ride up, and a high-waisted bottom that's both comfortable and stays in place.
Another back zip option, this suit is great for swimming or water sports, and offers great coverage on the chest, shoulders, and back—some of the areas of your body most prone to sunburns. It also has a more full-coverage bottom, so it's a great choice if you are looking for a slightly more modest suit, too. It comes in three different colors, and is super affordable at under $30.
This knee-length swimsuit is great for high-intensity swim workouts, thanks to its snug, body-hugging fit, and its drawstring waistband, which keeps it from riding up or falling down. It is designed to hold up in chlorine, and boasts four-way stretch, which makes it both super streamlined and easy to move in.
These swim shorts are not only affordable, but they're also a great option for someone who wants a little more coverage than briefs, but less coverage than you'd get from a knee-length suit. They come in an inclusive range of sizes and are available in five different color options.
If you prefer a slightly looser-fitting suit, you'll love these Nike board shorts. They tie at the waist, so you can easily adjust them to your particular comfort level. This style has a mesh liner, which helps keep you feeling secure and supported, and leg vents to help prevent water from becoming trapped in the fabric.