What Swimwear Is Best For Active Swimming Or Sports?
Active swimming demands swimwear that stays in place, supports movement, and withstands exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water. Whether you're clocking laps, hitting the surf, or practicing SUP yoga, the right gear blends function with style. This guide explores top swimwear types for sports and aquatic fitness, highlighting design features like compression fits, high necklines, and racerbacks. You’ll discover eco-conscious material choices, inclusive sizing options, and performance-enhancing styles for every water-loving body. From sleek one-piece swimsuits to versatile rash guards, we dive into what really works—and what doesn't—so you can swim, surf, and splash with confidence.
The True Demands of Active Swimwear
Active swimming isn't lounging by the pool. It's diving through waves, racing across lanes, or maneuvering on a paddleboard. When movement is the goal, fashion alone won’t cut it—you need function.
This is where active swimwear steps up. Designed with performance in mind, it's more than just fabric and fit. The right suit stays put, resists chlorine and UV rays, and adapts to your body in motion.
One of the most popular choices? A classic one-piece swimsuit. Known for its full coverage and streamlined fit, it minimizes drag and offers core support during intense swim sessions.
Essential Swimwear Types for Sports & Performance
Whether you're chasing waves or counting laps, certain swimwear types rise to the top for water-based sports. These options prioritize freedom of movement, durability, and support.
1. One-Piece Swimsuits
Best for lap swimming, surfing, and triathlons, the one-piece is a staple in the world of aquatic sports. Look for:
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Compression fit for support
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Racerback designs for shoulder mobility
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Built-in bust support for stability
Bonus points if it's made from chlorine-resistant and eco-conscious materials like ECONYL or Repreve fabric.
2. Swim Bikinis
Not all bikinis are built for lounging. Today’s sport-ready swim bikinis are designed to stay put.
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High-waisted bottoms with a secure waistband
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Tops with adjustable straps or crossbacks
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Ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, or open water swimming
Browse performance-friendly sets in our bikini collection that blend athletic design with elevated style.
3. Tankinis & Swim Tops
A hybrid between a bikini and one-piece, the tankini offers more coverage without sacrificing comfort.
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Pair with swim leggings or shorts for added movement
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Great for postpartum swimmers or those seeking tummy control
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Offers modular styling for different activity levels
Explore stylish and secure styles in our tankinis collection.
Design Features That Actually Matter
Swimwear isn't just about looking good—it needs to work hard. Here are the features that separate fashion swimwear from athletic swimwear.
“If it doesn’t stay put, it’s not made for movement.”
Key Design Features:
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Racerback: Keeps straps from slipping during strokes
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High necklines: Prevent wardrobe mishaps in waves
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Compression fit: Provides muscle support and reduces drag
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Thumb holes & long sleeves: Found in rash guards for sun protection and layering
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Low-cut underarms: Prevents chafing without limiting movement
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Back zips: Easier to get in and out of after intense sessions
Looking to mix and match? Our swim tops collection features performance-friendly designs that stay in place during everything from wild swimming to beach volleyball.
Built to Perform: Attributes of Great Active Swimwear
A swimsuit that looks great out of the water but stretches, sags, or shifts once you start moving is a no-go. So, what should performance-ready swimwear actually do?
A Great Sport Swimsuit Should Be:
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Stretchy but firm (no sagging when wet)
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Quick-drying to reduce post-swim chills
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Wave-proof and dive-proof for active environments
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Chlorine-resistant to last through countless pool laps
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Snug but not restrictive for extended wear
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UPF 50+ rated for sun-heavy days
Whether you’re training or touring coastlines, materials and fit matter. Our swim bottoms are designed with stay-put styles and comfort-focused fabrics that move with you.
Sustainability in Motion: Eco-Conscious Swimwear That Performs
In the past, swimwear for sports and sustainability rarely intersected. But today’s sustainable swimwear is rewriting that script. Designed to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance, these styles are made for swimmers who care about the planet as much as their pace.
Sustainable Fabric Options That Make Waves
Modern eco-conscious swimwear options often use innovative recycled materials, such as:
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ECONYL: Regenerated nylon from ghost fishing nets and landfill waste
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Repreve fabric: Made from post-consumer plastic bottles
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Ocean-waste derived fabrics: Designed for durability, often with natural stretch
These materials are chlorine-resistant, quick-drying, and designed to stand up to repeated wear, making them ideal for both pool training and open water adventures. Many items in our swimwear collection offer these features while maintaining our signature sleek, confident silhouettes.
“Eco-conscious doesn’t mean compromising on performance—it means investing in gear that goes the distance, for both you and the planet.”
Full Coverage Swimwear: For Protection, Modesty & Performance
Full-coverage options like seasuits, rash guards, and paddle suits are no longer niche—they’re fast becoming the go-to choice for athletes, adventurers, and modest swimmers alike. These styles offer:
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Sun protection (UPF 50+)
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Layering potential for wetsuits or cool conditions
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Anti-chafing design for endurance swims
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Coverage for personal comfort and modesty
Long sleeves, thumb holes, and zip-front styles are just some of the design details you’ll find in these suits. Our swim dresses offer a stylish, feminine alternative for swimmers who want more coverage without less movement.
Fit for Every Body: Inclusivity and Function in One
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all swimwear. The best performance suits today are engineered for a wide range of body types, offering inclusive sizing and customizable fit features to ensure no swimmer is left behind.
Must-Have Fit Features
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Adjustable straps and under-bust bands for a secure yet flexible fit
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High-waisted and low-rise options to match your comfort level
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Cup sizes up to HH to support every shape
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Postpartum swimwear with sculpting and tummy control
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Period-proof swimwear that offers freedom even on heavy days
Whether you're after compression and core control or soft, forgiving fits, options like our swimwear for all shapes are designed with the body-positive swimmer in mind.
Multi-Functional Swimwear: Sport, Style & Versatility
In a world where minimalism meets movement, activewear crossover swimwear is having a moment. Think sculpting swimwear you can wear for beach yoga, or SUP yoga swimwear that doubles as sleek activewear.
Some standout options include:
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Swim top & shorts sets for training or casual watersports
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Minimalist styles with anti-drag construction
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Triathlon swimwear designed for speed, transition, and distance
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Surf suits made to stay in place even on the roughest sets
These designs bridge the gap between swimwear and workout wear. Whether you're training hard or relaxing after a session, you’ll find versatile looks in our swim tops collection that don’t compromise on style or support.
How to Choose the Right Swimwear for Your Activity Level
Now that we've explored swimwear types, features, and fit, it’s time to bring it all together. Choosing the right swimwear for your sport or activity comes down to balancing support, mobility, coverage, and durability.
Here’s a quick guide to help match your aquatic sport with the best swimwear type:
For Lap Swimming & Training
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Opt for a compression-fit one-piece swimsuit
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Choose chlorine-resistant materials
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Look for racerback and high neck designs
These are built for speed, endurance, and maximum range of motion. Our streamlined one-piece collection offers options designed to stay sleek and strong, swim after swim.
For Surfing, SUP, or Ocean Swimming
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Go with a surf suit or paddle suit
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Seek zip-fronts, long sleeves, and UPF 50+ sun protection
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Features like secure waistbands and built-in bust support are essential
Ocean sports demand more protection and movement flexibility. If you’re in and out of the water, look for suits that layer well with rash guards or swim tops.
For Beach Activities & Water Fitness
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A two-piece bikini with supportive straps works well
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High-waisted bottoms offer both comfort and stay-put coverage
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Choose quick-drying fabric if you’ll be transitioning from water to land
The perfect fusion of fashion and function, our bikini collection features sporty designs for everything from beach volleyball to aqua aerobics.
For Modesty or Multi-Purpose Use
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Consider seasuits or swim dresses
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These offer full coverage while still being functional
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Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics with stretch
If you're after modest swimwear or something you can comfortably wear pre- and post-swim, our swim dresses strike that perfect balance.
Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Sporty Swimwear
Even seasoned swimmers can fall into these traps. Here's what to avoid:
1. Prioritizing style over fit.
A stunning suit that rides up, rolls down, or shifts around doesn’t work when you’re training or moving.
2. Ignoring material.
If it’s not chlorine-resistant, it’ll fade and degrade fast. Always check the label.
3. Buying the wrong size.
Sport swimwear should fit snug—not tight. Many activewear pieces are designed with compression in mind.
4. Overlooking support.
Especially for larger busts, adjustable straps and cup-specific sizing make all the difference in comfort and performance.
5. Forgetting about movement.
Always test stretch and mobility before committing. A suit may fit well standing up, but it needs to support a full range of motion.
Hanna Banna’s Top Picks for Active Swimwear
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s a curated shortlist from our collections that ticks all the right boxes:
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Best for Swim Training: Sleek, chlorine-resistant one-piece swimsuits with racerback support
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Best for Surfing: High-coverage pieces with long sleeves and secure waistbands
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Best Two-Piece for Movement: High-waisted bikinis with compression-fit tops
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Best for Comfort + Coverage: Tankinis that move with your body without riding up
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Best for Layering & Versatility: Mix-and-match swim bottoms and tops that let you build your perfect set
Final Thoughts
Choosing high-performance swimwear is less about trends and more about how it works with your body and your movement. Whether you're catching waves, training for a triathlon, or simply seeking gear that empowers you to move freely, today’s options offer style without sacrificing substance.
At Hanna Banna, we design for real movement, real bodies, and real water—because when you feel good in what you wear, you move better. Dive into our collections and discover what freedom in the water really feels like.
Explore Our Full Swimwear Range →
Frequently Asked Questions: Active Swimwear & Sport Swim Suits
1. Can I use regular swimwear for sports or training?
Not ideally. Regular swimwear is designed for lounging or light swimming, but may not offer the support, compression, or stay-in-place fit required for sports. Active swimwear is built with performance fabrics, secure design features, and durability for high-movement activities.
2. What’s the difference between a training swimsuit and a competition swimsuit?
Training swimsuits prioritize comfort, durability, and frequent wear, often made with chlorine-resistant fabric. Competition swimsuits, on the other hand, are engineered for speed with hydrodynamic designs, tight compression, and minimal seams—but they’re less comfortable for long-term wear.
3. How tight should a sport swimsuit fit?
It should feel snug and secure, like a second skin, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or movement. Compression is normal and necessary for performance, but it shouldn’t cause discomfort. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up for casual use and down for race-day suits.
4. Do I need different swimwear for ocean swimming vs. pool training?
Yes, there can be differences. Ocean swimwear often includes added sun protection, full coverage, and anti-drag features due to currents and salt exposure. Pool swimwear focuses more on chlorine resistance and long-term durability. Choose accordingly based on where you’ll swim most.
5. What makes swimwear “chlorine resistant”?
Chlorine-resistant swimwear is typically made from polyester blends or PBT fabrics, which hold up better against chemical exposure. These fabrics resist color fading, fabric thinning, and loss of elasticity, making them ideal for frequent pool use.
6. Can I wear active swimwear under a wetsuit?
Absolutely. In fact, many sport swimsuits, rash guards, and swim tops are designed to layer seamlessly under wetsuits without bunching or rubbing. Look for flatlock seams, minimal hardware, and sleek compression fits for the best results.
7. What’s the best swimwear for colder water or open water races?
In cooler conditions, consider thermal swimwear, long-sleeve suits, or even full-coverage seasuits. These styles help retain body heat and offer protection from the elements. They're also excellent under wetsuits or paired with swim caps and booties.
8. Is sport swimwear suitable for water-based workouts like aqua aerobics or pool yoga?
Yes. For activities like aqua fitness, SUP yoga, or water Pilates, you want swimwear with:
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A secure fit that doesn’t shift
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Full range of motion
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Good coverage during bending or stretching
Tankinis or two-piece sets with supportive swim tops and high-waisted bottoms are great options.
9. How can I prevent chafing with active swimwear?
Look for suits with flat seams, soft fabric edges, and no exposed elastic. Long sessions or saltwater can cause rubbing, so styles with rash guard features, long sleeves, or snug fits help reduce friction. Always rinse after use to remove salt or chlorine, which can irritate the skin.
10. How do I care for sport swimwear to make it last longer?
To extend the life of your active swimwear:
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Rinse immediately after each use (especially after chlorine or salt water)
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Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent
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Avoid wringing or stretching the fabric
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Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight
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Never machine dry or iron
Proper care maintains elasticity, color, and support features, helping your suit stay high-performing longer.
