How do I choose supportive swimwear?
Whether you’re after bust support, tummy control or long bodied styles – Margot Lundgren, Zoggs’ Product Line Manager, shares her expert advice to choosing supportive swimwear
Why is support important?
Wearing supportive swimwear is really important when pool training for many reasons. Firstly, the swimsuit should be a snug fit, holding everything in place. The right level of support helps keep the swimsuit securely in place, allowing the swimmer to move freely and focus on their swim. Secure support minimises movement and distraction, ensuring swimmers feel comfortable and streamlined. The swimsuit should also not have a low cut neckline as this will allow water to get between the body and the water resulting in increased drag, which slows you down.
What is the effect of an unsupportive swimsuit?
An unsupportive suit will certainly affect swimming performance. If the bust, straps or leg lines don’t stay securely in place, for instance, the swimmer may continually adjust the suit, affecting concentration, swim rhythm and performance. If the suit is tight, freedom of movement will be reduced as swimming is about flexibility and lengthening strokes, which can greatly affect the quality of the swim session.
What questions can I ask to determine what type of support I need?
What areas in the body do you feel you need support? If it’s purely bust support, a high back design like a scoop back or classic back will hold the bust securely, while cut away backs provide less bust support. Do you feel you need adjustment for a short or long body? If so, you might want to look for suits with adjustable straps. If you want a suit that offers more support through the body, choose a suit with tummy control. Meanwhile, people who swim for longer sessions may look for a thinner strap so the neck does not chafe.
Are there other benefits to tummy control panels other than making you feel more confident?
Tummy control smooths the tummy area making you feel more streamlined in the water. This assists with improving posture (by straightening you up) that benefits your body position. Tummy support can also provide gentle compression around the torso, giving a feeling of core support. Finally, the key element is improved confidence. If swimmers feel held and supported though the mid section, it will make them feel more comfortable when swimming and feel less conscious of their swimwear particularly during longer swim sessions.
Does higher compression or built-in padding increase drag or water absorption?
Higher compression generally does not increase drag if the swimsuit is a smooth, firm fit. In fact, compression can potentially reduce surface resistance and help create a smoother silhouette, particularly around the torso. However, very high compression can become restrictive and may affect comfort or movement. In regards to foam cups, Zoggs use a polyester, lightweight foam that absorbs very little water and is fast drying. There is minimal affect on water absorption by having a foam cup in the swimwear.
How do you ensure bust support remains accurate for swimmers with long or short torsos?
To maximise the fit experience for swimmers with a short or long body, look for adjustable strap options. Zoggs offer many suits with adjustable straps that allow for 2.5cm longer or 2.5cm shorter, which can result in providing optimum bust support.
Is there anything else we should consider?
The most important thing to consider when buying swimwear is ensuring the fit is firm but not uncomfortable. Swimwear will loosen up when wet so this is an important consideration. Leg line is also important – such as high, medium, low and short (boyleg). A medium leg is the most popular as it creates a nice line and the back is secure and doesn’t move.
Find out more about Zoggs support levels.
Supportive swimsuits
MOODY MERMAIDS Brave Swimsuit
£65
This double-lined suit has a great body length and coverage across the bust. The paneling supports the body, while the fabric feels soft against the skin. It comes up big size-wise, so I recommend trying a size down from your usual size. There is additional bust support with removable cups, which does keep your bust better placed, although they are not stitched into the suit, so adjustment is needed each wear. This suit is great for full-figured swimmers, enabling great coverage across and down the length of the body, without riding up around the bottom or pulling down from the bust – it is one you can swim in comfortably knowing you are covered and it also comes in a joyful colour. EF
ZOGGS Elaine Zip Back Swimsuit
£42
Women’s bodies are so varied, that the quest to design swimwear that supports us and elevates our swimming seems never ending. Zoggs’ answer is pretty decent. I normally go for bright, uplifting colours rather than sporty black, but I absolutely love the fit and feel of this swimsuit. The high neckline and racerback has better coverage and feels more secure than other shapes, plus, it avoids the drag created by larger breasts and a low neckline. The built-in shelf bra is great, while the chlorine-resistant Ecolast™ fabric feels fantastic on – firm and slightly compressing, with the promise of retaining its shape through frequent use in chlorinated water. RC
BRAVISSIMO X SPEEDO Iris Sports Swimsuit
£70
For those with big busts, additional wired support can be either helpful or a hindrance, but with this Speedo-Bravissimo combo it’s a win-win. It offers everything you want from a swimsuit – a chlorine resistant, breathable fabric that’s fast drying, plus bust support from a brand that knows boobs, Bravissimo. Built-in bra suits often don’t work for proper swimming, but this suit not only works for lengths in the pool, the invisible bra does its job without jabbing or poking. The high neckline with mesh panel was great in the water and visually appealing, and the back clip and strapping didn’t twist or pull. Overall, a surprisingly good suit! EF
ZOGGS Drone Adjustable Scoopback Swimsuit
£60
The thick, adjustable straps provide a secure and comfortable fit, and the Level 4 Maximum Support certainly lived up to its name – my chest felt well supported before, during and after my swim. I particularly like that the foam cups are sewn into the suit, so there’s no fiddling around trying to re-position them after washing the suit. The cups also give this swimsuit a flattering silhouette, and the soft yet durable Ecolast+™ recycled polyester fabric feels good against the skin. My only niggle was that I felt some water entering over the top of the bust, which created a little drag while swimming. AW
All products are reviewed independently by our editorial team. If you buy a product through a link on this page we may receive a commission.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
