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With spring approaching, now is the perfect time to get your swimsuit shopping done. Whether you prefer pools, lakes, or the ocean, an athletic swimsuit is a great pick for exercising or lounging in the water. From swim workouts to water sports to riding the waves, investing in a good athletic swimsuit that'll keep you comfortable, flexible, and protected is key.
A quality athletic swimsuit lasts longer—especially one designed specifically to hold up to chlorine and salt water. Similar to shopping for running clothes online, finding a good fit that looks presentable can be tough. There are countless choices from racer backs to long sleeves, so we've gathered the best athletic swimsuits out there to help you choose.
Best Athletic Swimsuits
1
Best with Sun Protection
Lululemon Long-Sleeve Zip-Back Paddle Swimsuit for Working Out
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2
3
Most Stylish One-Piece
Tempt Me One-Piece Athletic Racerback Swimsuit
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4
5
6
7
Best for Water Sports
BALEAF Athletic Racerback One Piece Training Swimsuit
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8
9
Best Splurge
Billabong A/Div High Neck One-Piece Athletic Swimsuit
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10
What to Consider
Fit and Function
The type of athletic swimsuit you choose depends on the activities you’ll be participating in when wearing it. If you’ll be surfing or spending a lot of time in waves, wearing a swimsuit that will not easily slide off or out of place is important. Coverage on your arms and stomach can protect you from chafing and sunburn.
Swimsuits with thick straps or racer backs tend to be great for exercise because they allow plenty of range of motion and security in the chest. Minimal suits are best for swimming, especially if speed matters to you, since these generally have the least fabric and are most aerodynamic.
Material
When it comes to the material of your athletic swimsuit, you should look for those made out of quick-drying materials like polyester and nylon, which also reduce drag when you're swimming. Chlorine-resistant fabrics, like polyester, are also ones you should keep an eye out for if you often work out at a public pool.
How We Selected
To find the best options among the many sports swimsuits out there, we researched some of the most popular styles available through online retailers, department stores, and athletic retailers. We took into account price, materials, sizing, range of motion, and extra features like SPF fabric and efficiency in water. Finally, we consulted thousands of reviews to settle on the 10 best athletic swimsuits out there.
1
Best with Sun Protection
Lululemon Long-Sleeve Zip-Back Paddle Swimsuit for Working Out
1
Best with Sun Protection
Lululemon Long-Sleeve Zip-Back Paddle Swimsuit for Working Out
Pros
- UV-protective
- Drop-in pocket
Cons
- Limited sizing
Whether you prefer more coverage for modesty reasons or you're 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 zip 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.
Key Specs
| Sizes | 2–14 |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Marlin |
| Materials | Nylon, extra strong lycra elastane |
2
Best Bikini
TYR Solid Durafast Diamondback Workout Bikini
Pros
- Fabric can endure more than 300 hours of use
- Fade-resistant
Cons
- Can only be hand washed
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 stays 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.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XXS to XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, blue, navy, red |
| Materials | Polyester |
3
Most Stylish One-Piece
Tempt Me One-Piece Athletic Racerback Swimsuit
3
Most Stylish One-Piece
Tempt Me One-Piece Athletic Racerback Swimsuit
Pros
- Wide shoulder straps
- Quick-drying fabric
Cons
- Seat coverage may be too little for some
This one-piece is great if you prefer a more colorful swimsuit and one that performs well when you're active. This color-block bathing suit’s wide shoulder straps and wire-free, padded bra provides ythe utmost support.
It's made with quick-drying and breathable fabrics, which are helpful when out of the water but are most beneficial when participating in water activities like surfing or competitive swimming as they reduce drag. It comes in 21 colors and is on the more affordable end around $30.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 21 |
| Materials | Nylon, spandex |
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4
Best for Beach Days
Cupshe Orange White Bowknot Bathing Suit
4
Best for Beach Days
Cupshe Orange White Bowknot Bathing Suit
Pros
- Bowknot at waist
- Padded cups
Cons
- Can't tumble dry
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 also stays up and in place when riding the waves. While the tie might get a bit annoying for swimming, and it definitely isn't made for speed, the tie is just for style, 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.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 16 |
| Materials | Chinlon, spandex |
5
Best for the Pool
Speedo Athletic One-Piece Swimsuit
Pros
- Four-way stretch
- Front and back lining
Cons
- Can only be hand-washed
With a more traditional one-piece fit, this Speedo suit is great for all types of water sports, but it's a particularly good choice for wearing in chlorinated pools. Not only is it designed to stay on without bunching or shifting, but it's resistant to chlorine, so it retains its color and shape better over time than comparable suits.
Key Specs
| Sizes | Swimwear sizes 20–40 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 65 |
| Materials | Polyester, PBT |
6
Most Stylish
Holipick High Waisted Two-Piece Bikini
6
Most Stylish
Holipick High Waisted Two-Piece Bikini
Pros
- High-coverage bottoms
- Flattering two-piece style
Cons
- Not the most durable
This bikini is great if you prefer a style that looks a bit less sporty, but performs well and stays on. This design has a sports bra-like top that gives great coverage and doesn't ride up, and a high-waisted bottom that's both comfortable and stays in place.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 35 |
| Materials | Nylon, spandex |
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7
Best for Water Sports
BALEAF Athletic Racerback One Piece Training Swimsuit
7
Best for Water Sports
BALEAF Athletic Racerback One Piece Training Swimsuit
Pros
- Chlorine resistant
- Racer back straps allow for full range arm motion
Cons
- Bra pads may shift when washed
If you prefer a swimsuit with more conservative coverage, you should consider this one-piece training swimsuit. Its racer back straps allow for full range of arm motion, making it great for swim workouts and water sports that require broad arm movement. Its built-in shelf bra is great if you’re looking for additional support in the chest area. The cups can also be removed, and this chlorine-resistant bathing suit is available in seven colors so you can have one for every day of the week.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 7 |
| Materials | Polyester, spandex |
8
Best Eco-Friendly
prAna McKalya One-Piece Athletic Swimsuit
Pros
- UPF 50+
- Made with recycled nylon fabric
Cons
- Limited color options
This bathing suit made with 78% recycled nylon performance fabric is a great option for someone who wants an eco-friendly swimsuit. The quarter-length front zipper can be zipped or unzipped depending on the look you're going for. The swimsuit’s long sleeves and back fabric protect your skin from the sun as it's UPF 50+ rated. This swimsuit also has holes you can slide your thumbs through for added security when you're surfing. With this swimsuit, you can worry less about wardrobe malfunctions and focus more on staying active.
Key Specs
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | 2 |
| Materials | Nylon, extra strong lycra elastane |
9
Best Splurge
Billabong A/Div High Neck One-Piece Athletic Swimsuit
9
Best Splurge
Billabong A/Div High Neck One-Piece Athletic Swimsuit
Pros
- Made from recycled fibers
- Center front zipper
Cons
- Limited sizes available
This high-neck suit is perfect for those seeking a luxury feel and a stylish look. Made with 78% recycled nylon, this one-piece has you surf-ready from the moment you put it on. It features a half zipper that can be adjusted to give you the look you seek at any time. Although this swimsuit is only available in one color, Kiss The Earth, this pattern is stylish enough to work through any season. Although this swimsuit is on the pricier end at just over $100, we think the mix of style and function is as good as it gets.
Key Specs
| Sizes | S–L |
|---|---|
| Colors | 1 |
| Materials | Recycled nylon, elastane |
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10
Best Trunks
Nike JDI Fade Men's Volley Short
10
Best Trunks
Nike JDI Fade Men's Volley Short
Pros
- Built-in mesh brief
- Exterior drawcord
Cons
- Limited colors available
If you prefer a loose-fitting suit, you'll love these Nike board shorts. They tie at the waist, so you can easily adjust them to your comfort level. This style has a mesh liner, which helps keep you feeling secure and supported, and the leg vents help prevent water and sand from becoming trapped in the fabric. The drawstring is great for keeping your trunks up while you hit the waves, too.
Key Specs
| Size | S |
|---|---|
| Colors | Psychic Purple |
| Materials | Recycled and non-recycled polyester |
Gabrielle Hondorp
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
