The best sports swimsuits to get your breaststroke on in style, as more of us take up swimming for the summer
Swimming is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety while also keeping you fit – but you'll need one of the best sports swimsuits to get your strokes up to scratch. It's no surprise thousands more women are dipping their toes into the sport of late; we're not only cooling down at our local swimming pool during summer, we're also swimming outdoors more, too. In fact, there's been more openings of official swimming lakes than ever.
If, like us, you're turning to the pool to pack in those lengths this summer (or you're planning on doing wild swimming/water sports with your mates on your weekend break), our guide to the best sports swimsuits should come in handy. 'Cos let's face it – when you search for "sports swimsuit" and receive thousands of options in return, the buying process can be a tad daunting.
While a stylish bikini or belted one-piece swimsuit is paramount for days spent lazing around your holiday cottage with hot tub, active swimwear is a necessity if you're going to be a bit more... well, active in the water. Luckily, loads of our favourite active swimwear brands (Nike, Adidas, Sweaty Betty – we're looking at you) stock really stylish and supportive sports swimsuits that'll take you from indoor pool to Cornish surfing lesson in one fell swoop.
Just like the gym clothes we'd wear on dry land (sports bras and yoga leggings, for example), sports swimsuits boast technical and performance-driven design features like fast-drying fabrics, built-in bras for support, higher necklines, UV protection, chlorine resistance or compression. This makes them ideal for swimming, aerobics, waterfall hikes, surfing, paddle boarding... the list goes on.
As well as all of the above, it's crucial you ensure your sports swimsuit fits properly before you take the tags out. An ill-fitting sports swimsuit will only cause chaffing, rubbing and discomfort; three things we'd definitely rather avoid. The straps of your swimsuit should sit flat on your shoulders (without cutting in – ouch), and the front of the swimsuit should lie against your chest without gaping. This'll make for a much more streamline effect in the water, too, so you'll be hitting your PB (personal best) in no time.
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Dip your toes into our edit of the best sports swimsuits and active swimwear for women ahead of your summer adventures.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Sweaty Betty Swimsuit
Regenerated Plastic Lido Mesh Swimsuit, WAS £85 NOW £48, Sweaty Betty
Why we love it: Sustainable, chlorine-resistant, and with an inner bra shelf, it's worth spending a bit more on Sweaty Betty's sports swimsuit. The fabric offers UV+ 50 protection and the suit is fully lined for complete coverage in and out of the water. We love the sheer mesh panel to the stomach, which is super flattering.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these Sweaty Betty discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Adidas Swimming Wear Womens
SH3.RO Big Logo Swimsuit, £28, Adidas
Why we love it: The chlorine-resistant fabric to this swimsuit is made with yarn that's spun from recycled fishing nets and other discarded nylons.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these Adidas discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuit: Nike Swimming
HydraStrong Multiple Print Spiderback One-Piece, £44.95, Nike
Why we love it: With its double straps offering moderate support, careful to avoid the shoulder blades so as not to restrict your movement, this Nike swimsuit is a favourite among swimmers. Lined for a better fit and security, with flat seams for increased comfort, it's designed to last – much like the brand's other designs.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these Nike discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Active Swimwear
GANNI Recycled Swimsuit, £135, Net-A-Porter
Why we love it: Taking inspiration from retro swimwear, this GANNI swimsuit is perfect for the avid swimmer but it also doubles as a bodysuit should you wish to wear it out of the water.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Black Swimming Costumes
Maison Lejaby Nouvelle Vague Open Back Swimsuit, £99, John Lewis
Why we love it: Thanks to seamless finishes, this swimsuit will fit you like a glove – enhancing your performance in the water and ensuring you look chic out of it.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these John Lewis discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuit For Plus Size
Positivisea 3-Stripes Graphic Swimsuit, £43, Adidas
Why we love it: This sporty suit is made from soft, chlorine-resistant fabric and is inspired by overexposure in photography, the floral print has reversed colours for a dramatic effect. Not only does it look cute underwater, but it performs well too.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Speedo Swimming One Piece
Hyperboom Medalist Swimsuit, £39, Speedo
Why we love it: Ideal for regular training, the medalist design to this Hyperboom swimsuit aids shoulder movement and flexibility so you can cruise through your workout without feeling held back.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Sweaty Betty
Aqua Xtra Life Performance Swimsuit, £70, Sweaty Betty
Why we love it: The high-leg design to this swimsuit offers a flattering finish both in and out of the water, while the stretch fabric is durable against chlorine, UV rays, and suncream.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these Sweaty Betty discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Swimming Costumes For Ladies
Anella Reversible Swimsuit, £95, Finisterre
Why we love it: Two swimsuits for the price of one? We'll take it. This reversible design has been carefully engineered to unlock the best possible freedom of movement across the shoulders and legs; ideal for serious swimmers.
Best Sports Swimsuits For Pro Swimmers
Placement Hydrasuit, £43, Speedo
Why we love it: The purple graduated chevron print takes its cue from Speedo's Fastskin heritage, so you look the part while training, while a comfy under-bust band helps provide a supportive fit and allows you to focus on your performance. Notice the zip fastening to the back, it includes an extended puller for easy changing.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Adidas Swimming Suits
Iconisea 3-Stripes Swimsuit, £45, Adidas
Why we love it: Inspired by the iconic little black dress, this Adidas swimsuit is flattering and versatile. With removable padding (for options), and an open back, the silhouette also features a built-in bra offers medium support.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Swimming Suit Long Sleeve
Tidal Xtra Life Long Sleeve Swimsuit, £110, Sweaty Betty
Why we love it: Part-recycled, Sweaty Betty claims that Xtra Life Lycra is five times more durable than elastane. The high-neck and long-sleeve design makes this swimsuit ideal for cold-water swimmers.
Best Sports Swimsuits: John Lewis
Plain Ruched Swimsuit, £39, John Lewis
Why we love it: It may not be decorated in a fancy pattern, but John Lewis' plain ruched swimsuit does have a flattering shape thanks to its central tummy panel that provides shaping control.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these John Lewis discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Adidas Active Swimwear
Souleaf Graphic Swimsuit, WAS £63 NOW £34.65, Adidas
Why we love it: While the pattern is something to admire – inspired by the relationship between sea and land – this swimsuit is made with a series of recycled materials, and at least 60% recycled content.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these Adidas discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Hunza G
Hunza G + NET SUSTAIN Polly Seersucker Halterneck Swimsuit, £155, Net-A-Porter
Why we love it: Modelled after the label's Polly dress, this swimsuit is crafted in Hunza G's signature seersucker fabric to a one-size-fits-most silhouette. The high neckline lends a sporty finish – perfect for the regular swimmer.
Best Sports Swimsuit: Finisterre
Zenith V-Neck Swimsuit, £85, Finisterre
Why we love it: Made from the brand's SEQUAL YARN (a highly innovative fabric which contains recycled ocean waste plastics), this swimsuit offers both performance and style. A combination any type of swimmer looks for.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Speedo Swimming Costume
Eco Endurance+ Thinstrap Swimsuit, £33.93, Speedo
Why we love it: Alongside the open back detail and thin straps, this Speedo swimsuit is made from 50% recycled materials – making it a more sustainable choice as well as a stylish one.
Best Sports Swimsuits:
Maison Lejaby Naïade Zip-Front Underwired Swimsuit, from £79.20, John Lewis
Why we love it: Maison Lejaby's Naïade swimsuit is made from raw-cut fabric on the bottom half for a suit that fits like a glove, while its primary material and lining are made with Amni Eco Soul fibre – which is biodegradable, responsive, durable and breathable - for a more sustainable finish.
Save when you shop for a sports swimsuit with these John Lewis discount codes.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Adidas Plus Size
Classic 3-Stripes Swimsuit, £38, Adidas
Why we love it: You can't go wrong with Adidas' 3-stripe classic pieces, and this swimsuit is no exception. It's also made with yarn made from recycled materials for a more sustainable choice, too.
Best Sports Swimsuits: Stay Wild Swim
The Odyssey One Piece, £170, Stay Wild Swim
Why we love it: The coloured panels to this zip-up swimsuit provide sculpting through illusion and strategic design. The raised neckline gives a higher level of support, perfect for more active pursuits, and the double lining provides extra warmth when needed.
Best Sports Swimsuit: We Are We Wear
Debbie Deep Band High Leg Swimsuit, £32, We Are We Wear
Why we love it: Part of the brand's Eco Edit swimwear collection, this high-leg swimsuit is made from recycled yarns which were once fishing nets, marine waste and other waste materials. So its saving the planet while looking great.
