Women’s pool training swimwear
Compressive support, hydrodynamic fits and durable fabrics: we review some of the best women’s swimsuits for pool training
WALLIEN Yemaya
£99
Pro: The front zip makes it easy to get on and off
Con: Some might prefer a cross back for even more shoulder flexibility
I’ve been a fan of this swimsuit for a long time. The combination of a functional, performance fit with such an elegant silhouette is unmatched; it’s my go-to for pool training. Now available in two new colours – coffee and cobalt blue – the Yemaya has an impeccable fit, which doesn’t budge, and allows for remarkable shoulder mobility. The buttery soft fabric feels supportive but is also breathable, durable and dries quickly. The medium coverage on the legs and bum is also just right, a high enough leg for unrestricted kicks while being just a touch cheeky at the back. Reading their reviews online, many older swimmers also commented on how confident this balance of sporty design, support and coverage made them feel. JT
8-LANES Rapido
£45
Pro: Compressive and comfortable
Con: Can’t fault it
Considering the moderate price, I was very impressed with the 8-Lanes Rapido swimsuit, which is the brand’s more sporty and streamlined style – we also loved their classic 8-Back design, with its wider straps and enhanced support. The Rapido combines a semi-compressive, hydrodynamic fit with a exceptional level of comfort in the water. It’s made with a sustainable, high-performance fabric, which gives good shape retention as well as two-way stretch and resistance to chlorine and sunscreen, while also feeling lightweight and being really quick to dry. Overall, a sporty, comfortable and affordable costume for regular training sessions. JT
ORCA Core Thin Strap Swimsuit
£39
Pro: Durable, reliable and a great price for the quality
Con: Small sizing, size up!
I’ve got this in black and it’s become a real workhorse for pool training sessions, although I also love Orca’s ocean-inspired prints (like the one pictured). The compressive fabric provides great support, while a high leg and sprint back allows for remarkable shoulder mobility in the water and an unhindered kick. The material has high durability against chlorine, meaning it should last a long time, especially if it’s well cared for. Orca sizing can run small so I would recommending sizing up (the XL fit me as a size 12 at 5’10”). A well-priced swimsuit for pool training and open water. JT
SHARK REBELLION Ashley
89 CHF
Pro: Highly compressive fabric feels supportive and streamlined
Con: Runs small
The Ashley swimsuit by Shark Rebellion was developed in collaboration with elite swimmers in Switzerland, and you can really feel the attention to detail. The fabric (made from recycled plastic, including fishing net sourced from the ocean) is highly compressive, completely lined and has a high elasticity, meaning it’s a wrestle to get on but then feels like a second skin in the water. The fixed laced back and medium bum coverage strikes a good balance, and is the least skimpy of their styles. It’s also durable, highly resistant to chlorine and sea salt and “battle tested” by athletes for over 900km swimming distance. The style runs small, however, so size up and bear in mind their largest size (XL) fits a 12. Delivery to the UK was quick and easy. JT
WALLIEN Liberty Racer Back
£79
Pro: Slim racer back for maximum shoulder mobility
Con: Low sides and sporty fit might not be for everyone
For swimmers after a sporty performance fit, this new style from Dutch open water brand Wallien features an ultra-slim racerback design to maximise shoulder mobility, making it ideal for intensive pool sessions. The low cut at the front and sides might not work for everyone and it runs small (which isn’t the case with other Wallien styles), so consider sizing up if you have a long torso or are between sizes. It’s made from a durable technical fabric engineered explicitly for chlorine resistance, and lined so it’s not see-through and feels soft against your skin. JT
ZOGGS Fever Strikeback
£36
Pro: Durable and made with environmentally friendly material
Con: None
I loved the eye-catching design of the Zoggs Fever Strikeback swimsuit, which could easily be inspired by wave lines or map contours, with accents of vivid apricot. The open back design (Zoggs Support Level One) and medium leg provide a good balance between neutral support, modest coverage and good flexibility in the water. It’s also lined at the front, which feels smooth and supportive, and the fabric apparently has four times greater compression than traditional swimwear fabrics. It’s made with highly chlorine-resistant, environmentally friendly Ecolast™ material (made using recycled plastic bottles). It’s also machine washes well, retains its shape and should be durable for regular pool use. JT
COOTS SG One Piece
£170
Pro: Exceptional quality and fits like a second skin
Con: The most expensive suit on test
I love the story behind this COOTS swimsuit: made in East London and inspired by the sturgeon fish that wrap around the lampposts on the banks of the Thames, the contrast panel represents the fish’s lighter underbelly with the contrast top-stitch a nod to their unique markings. In the water, the SG One Piece strikes an ideal balance between supportive fit and freedom of movement, the high neck and front zip providing an exceptionally supportive feel while the slim and curved racer back allows for unhindered front crawl. The fabric feels smooth and premium, promising to retain its shape and wear well. Sure this suit is pricy, but it’s exceptionally well-made and in terms of cost per wear, it makes a good investment. JT
RYZON Afire Series Swimsuit
£110
Pro: Compressive fit with a barely there feel
Con: The side cut might not be for everyone
If you’re after a performance swimsuit with a sporty cut for pool training sessions, this premium German sportswear brand is definitely one to consider. With a high leg, slim straps and a low back, the Afire Series Swimsuit offers exception freedom of movement in the water. The compressive material feels supportive yet hydrodynamic with a barely-there feel; it literally glides through the water. It’s also chlorine-resistant, UV-protective, and quick-drying, so great for regular pool sessions. We also love the new ‘turquoise shallow’, ‘purple bloom’ and ‘coral serenity’ colours. JT
REEBOK Adelia
£29.99
Pro: A well priced pool training staple
Con: A little short in the body
This classic design, in navy or a bold royal blue, has a real retro appeal, tapping into the current popularity of vintage-inspired sportswear. In terms of its functionality, the timeless shape, with a crew neckline, supportive racer back and medium high leg, gives ample flexibility and movement in the water. It’s not generous in terms of body length, however, so on a 5”10 body it felt a touch short, but it eased up in the water and stays in place when training. While the Reebok Adelia might not have the technical fabrics and aesthetics of the more sporty and bespoke suits tested, for the price it was hard to fault. JT
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
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.
