The Best Athletic Swimwear for Women

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Welcome to ThinkVail – shop for the best athletic swimwear for women featuring swimsuits from Roka, Speedo, Reebok, Nike, Rip Curl, TYR, Body Glove, Dolfin, Adidas, prAna and more.


Vail, Colorado maybe a landlocked state but people here, spend A LOT of time searching out fun water activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, canoeing, water skiing, wade fishing, hiking to hot springs, tubing rivers, competing in triathlons and swimming in local water holes.

Female athletes, adventurists and enthusiasts need active swimsuits that are comfortable, durable, flattering and offer freedom of movement to participate in these challenging activities.

Athletic swimsuits should be made of good material. Here is a list of the best materials for competitive suits, choose the materials that best encompass the features you need.


Best Swimsuit Materials

Polyester

Ideal for competition suits and a durable alternative to Spandex. It is form-fitting fitting, chlorine-resistant, colorfast and will last a long time even if not cared for properly. It does not stretch as much as Spandex but does holds its shape longer. Polyester usually costs more.


Nylon

A common fabric for swimwear and is regularly blended with Spandex or Lycra for elasticity. Nylon is one of the strongest man-made fibers and offers a lightweight, smooth fit. It is also quick-drying and does not absorb much water. Bathing suits made of nylon usually cost less. Unfortunately, it will degrade with prolonged sun exposure, so fabric will eventually fade and fray.


Spandex

Spandex, Elastane and Lycra are used interchangeable and are all similar synthetic fibers known for exceptional elasticity. They are stronger and more durable than natural rubber.  Competitive swimsuits contain a high percentage of Spandex to make them form-fitting. These fibers will deteriorate with chlorine so it is essential to wash swimsuits made of Spandex or Lycra with fresh water after each use.


Neoprene

Securely molds to your body and creates a waterproof barrier that is flexible and strong. It is form-fitting, flattering, extremely durable and can withstand vigorous outdoor activities. The color is infused into the rubber, so your suit will never fade. Neoprene also retains your body heat so you won’t freeze when you get out of the water.

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10 Athletic Swimsuits


#1 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – ROKA Elite HD Swimsuit

ROKA is an industry-leading and award-winning company based in Austin Texas and started by two Stanford All-American swimmers. This premium swimwear is for people who take their fun seriously.

  • Made from Darwin fabric by Carvico a premium Italian polyester that resists fading and pilling.
  • One-piece performance swimsuit offers streamlined fit.
  • Strong athletic performance and style is reflected in thin straps, moderate open back, and medium leg cut.
  • Chlorine-proof fabric, never fades
  • Two-way stretch allows fluid, athletic movement.
  • UV protection: UPF 50+ protects you from the sun’s harmful rays
  • Classic look with high front and a bare back with straps.
  • This long-lasting trainer optimizes durability and performance.
  • Perform at your highest level while looking and feeling great
  • Available in a variety of vibrant colors; blue/yellow, red/black, blue/black, pink/black, orange/black

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#2 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – prAna Lahari Swimsuit

prAna is all about showcasing your adventurous spirit. PrAna is an American company based in Carlsbad, California and is all about quality and innovation. They believe in stylish and sustainable clothing and this super cute halter swimsuit continues the tradition.

  • Classic halter one-piece swimsuit
  • Made of 80% recycled Nylon and 20% Spandex
  • Full seat coverage
  • Machine washable
  • Empire band provides lift and support and has an adjustable back hook entry.
  • Removable soft cups
  • Moderate bust coverage
  • Standard leg cut
  • Halter neck ties
  • Tons of vibrant colors and bold, amazing patterns

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#3 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Adidas 3 Stripe Bikini

For 70 years Adidas has been creating amazing swimwear for athletes that helps the reach their peak performance. This sporty bikini will boost your body confidence—and your performance in the water. It offers full freedom of movement and a comfortable, secure fit. The signature 3 stripe design on the side is a cute, subtle detail that just enhances this swimsuit. Perfect for paddle boarding on a hot summer day

  • Made with ECONYL regenerated yarn, made from recycled fishing nets and other discarded nylons
  • Swim set is made of Eco chlorine-resistant fabric.
  • 78% recycled nylon / 22% elastane tricot
  • Medium leg cut
  • Thin straps allows for athletic performance
  • Modest bikini offers support and coverage.
  • Machine washable
  • Available in black only

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#4 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Dolfin Ocean Panel Swimsuit

Dolfin has been a global leader in swimwear for more than 50 years., Designing high-quality, high performance gear for both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts. Whether you swim competitively or for recreation, these bold, vibrant suits are sure to please

  • Scoop neck, V-back, one-piece swimsuit
  • Made of an 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex blend that makes it soft and comfortable with a little stretch.
  • Quick-drying and low-water absorbency
  • Front lined
  • Offers unparalleled performance, durability and style.
  • Extensive color and pattern options available
  • Dolfin Swimwear holds its shape while remaining bright and flexible for ultimate range of motion and comfort.
  • Ideal for the pool and beach.
  • Hand wash and rinse with cool water after each use to prolong the life of this suit

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#5 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Body Glove Swimsuit with Strappy Back

This is a super sexy bathing suit that can easily hang at the pool, the local hot spring or at the beach. It has a dramatic, memorable strappy back detail. Body Glove has been setting trends since 1953 with the invention of the first practical wetsuit to revolutionize surfing and diving. This bold suit is perfect for those seeking adventure!

  • High hip, tank style one-piece swimsuit
  • Made from 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex this swimsuit is soft and comfortable.
  • Shelf bra keeps you feeling secure and confident.
  • Dramatic multi strap, plunging scoop back
  • Hand wash with cool, fresh water to extend suit life
  • High-cut leg with cheeky rear coverage for a sassy look!
  • Thick contrast binding sets this bathing suit apart
  • Ultra-modern minimalist look
  • Available in a variety of solid colors and vibrant, bold patterns to liven up your summer.

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#6 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Reebok High Neck Bikini Top

Perfect for volleyball, paddle boarding, swimming and relaxing. If you are looking for an active Bikini top that will move with you no matter what the outdoor activity, look no farther than this bold geometric design swim top by Reebok.

  • Made with 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex for the right amount of stretch and support.
  • Stretch fabric with a snug fit
  • Fully lined so you feel secure, confident and totally covered
  • Made to Perform, Designed to Express.
  • Allow you to move with ease in style.
  • Soft cup bra provides subtle shaping support.
  • Sporty high neckline design
  • Antimicrobial lining.
  • Bottoms sold separately.
  • Hand wash cold,
  • Available in Black & White only
  • Swimsuit is fashionable and functional and reflects your active lifestyle.

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#7 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – TYR Sport DiamondFit Phoenix Swimsuit

TYR is one of the world’s most recognizable swimming and triathlon brands. These suits are for those who love competition, adventure and pushing their limits. TYR’s swimsuits are tough, fun and will propel you to do more and try harder!

  • Made of 94% polyester/6% spandex for comfort and durability.
  • Created with Durafast Elite, a material utilizes high denier poly fiber and innovative circular knit construction to combine the strength and colorfastness of polyester with the comfort of spandex.
  • Chlorine proof and colorfast nature, Durafast Elite swimsuits are able to sustain 300+ hours of use
  • UPF 50 effectively blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation
  • Racerback swimsuit features a medium, square neckline, thin straps, keyhole back and moderate cut leg
  • Perfect performance suits for athletes
  • Fully lined with an antimicrobial lining for odor protection and long-lasting freshness.
  • Available as Black or Blue swimsuit with orange, red, green, blue, purple, white or pink accent design.
  • Hand Wash
  • This is a performance suit that will also just look great on the beach.

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#8 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Lands End Long Sleeve Swim Tee

Swim shirts (or rash guards, or swim tees) are the perfect way to protect yourself and your family from sunburn, windburn and sand or other abrasions while playing on the water. They are an essential for fun in the sun! Lands End has swim tees in a variety of flattering colors and patterns in both long sleeve and short sleeve styles, there is sure to be one that is perfect for you.

  • 91 % Nylon, 9 % Lycra-blend means this shirt is quick drying and comfortable
  • Designed to wear over your bathing suit in and out of the water
  • Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV protectant for covered areas.
  • Lightweight and extra soft.
  • A generous amount of stretch gives you room to move, no matter what your activity
  • Perfect for paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, SUP Yoga and fishing.
  • Modest coverage, bold vibrant patterns.
  • Does not snag when wet.
  • Hand-wash only

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#9 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Nike Laser Crossback One Piece

Nike has always been the athlete’s go-to brand for high quality and performance. Nike swimwear boasts the same characteristics in a sleek package. This swimsuit makes hanging out on the river, lakes or local pool a no-brainer. Enjoy the cool, edgy look of this Nike swimsuit.

  • 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
  • Chlorine resistant material.
  • Medium coverage swimsuit.
  • Embroidered Nike swoosh on front
  • Crisscross back is ideal for high impact activities and maximum support.
  • Removable soft cups for custom coverage and comfort.
  • Moderate scoop neck is paired with stretchy, supportive design for a full range of motion.
  • Hand-wash

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#10 Best Athletic Swimwear for Women – Rip Curl G Bomb Long Sleeve Swim Suit

If you’re looking to kayak, raft, paddle board, fish or swim in the local lakes and rivers of Colorado, especially in the autumn, you are going to want this super sexy, heavier, 1 mm neoprene, one-piece swimsuit. This suit will keep you warmer in high alpine waters when the season turns cooler. It will also protect you from abrasions due to rocks or sand. 

  • One-piece swimsuit is made of smooth 80% E4 neoprene and 20% polyamide.
  • Constructed from thin 1 mm neoprene keeps you warmer than a rash guard
  • Part of Rip Curl™ Bombshell Series, this design is functional and flattering.
  • 50 UPF Sun Protection
  • E stitch high-stretch seams for comfort and performance.
  • Long sleeve style keeps arms and core warmer while protecting skin from abrasions.
  • Vertical front half-zip closure
  • Lightweight neoprene suit for  spring or summer beach activities
  • Perfect for long hours in the chilly water.
  • Mock neckline keeps core warmer
  • Full coverage bikini cut bottoms.
  • Available in Black and cute floral design
  • Rip Curl logo on chest, arm, and cuff.

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Comments

We hope you found this article about the best athletic swimwear for women helpful. Please tell us what your favorite brand and type of athletic swimsuit is. What features does your swimsuit have to have and what is the best material for the type of swimming you do? We would love to hear your thoughts, stories and comments. Thanks for reading!

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  • Exactly what I needed, I spend my summers rafting and kayaking all spring and summer.  I need a good suit that can help keep me warm in cold mountain rivers and protect me from the occasional rock and branches that are in the river.  I love the Rip Curl G Bomb long sleeve bathing suit, it looks perfect. I can always layer on top with a dry top if needed but the 1mm of Neoprene should help me stay warmer for most of the season.  This is a hot looking suit that will offer insulation and protection from abrasions and the sun. Also I love the patterns that are available, so cool! Thanks so much for the ideas.

  • Love, love love these suits, they are perfect for an active lifestyle.  I really like the Dolfin Ocean Panel swimsuit, it totally  caught my eye and I want to pair it with the Lands End Swim Shirt so I can also protect myself from the sun when I am stand up paddleboarding and water skiing, I get tired of reapplying sunscreen all the time and I think this would be brilliant.  I am so excited to order both of these, thanks for including them in your lineup.

    • Hi Bella thank you for your kind comments for the post about best athletic swimwear and I am so happy you found it useful.  Yes you will love the Dolfin swimsuit, this is an amazing brand that makes high quality durable suits that will last.  And the Land End swim shirts come in so many great colors and patterns to choose from.  The swim shirt does let you cut down on putting sunscreen to your body and arms but don't forget to keep applying it to your face and legs so you don't sunburn.  If you are looking for a good spray sunscreen that is easy to apply and good for you check out the article Best Spray Sunscreens.

  • Very informative article, showing a great selection of athletic swimwear for women.  Loved these suits I am in my 40's now, and although I am in good shape I still really do not want to wear a skimpy bikini anymore, I appreciate some extra support and I look for suits with  more coverage.  These swimsuits are exactly what I have been looking for, they are good looking, not super revealing and allows you to feel confident during different types of activities. I think my suit is the Nike Powerback Tankini Swimsuit set - it is so cute and I love the Nike brand.

     

    • Hi Jan I am so happy you found the article Best Athletic Swimwear (Women) helpful and you found a suit that you love! Yes the Nike Powerback Tankini Swimsuit set is a really nice set and the boy shorts are awesome allowing for a lot more confidence ten with just a normal bathing suit bottom especially if you are doing strenuous activities like SUP yoga, surfing, hiking to a hot spring or cliff jumping you will appreciate the full coverage of the shorts and the tank top design.

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