Swimming is a great exercise, especially for beginners and those who want an easy-to-follow, low impact routine that will get them in shape fast.
Women’s swimsuits come in a wide variety of looks. Below we’ve looked at the top selling models and picked out the best available options for 2019.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent Open Back Kneeskin | Best Overall |  |
| Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Women's One Piece Open Back Racing Swimsuit | Budget Pick |  |
| Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent Open Back Kneeskin | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent Open Back Kneeskin
Pros:
- All Black Design
- No Nylon Construction
- Made Tougher Than Ever Before
- Fastskin Diamond Fabric
- Reduced Drag Durability
- Three Ply Fully seamless
- Water Resistant
- Anti Microbial
- Anti Chlorine
- Measures from 38 to 40 inches
Cons:
- No Speedo logo
- Not Usable During Competition
2. Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent Open Back Kneeskin
Pros:
- All Black Design
- No Nylon Construction
- Made Tougher Than Ever Before
- Fastskin Diamond Fabric
- Reduced Drag Durability
- Three Ply Fully seamless
- Water Resistant
- Anti Microbial
- Anti Chlorine
- Measures from 38 to 40 inches
Cons:
- No Speedo logo
- Not Usable During Competition
3. TYR Crystal
Pros:
- Great for triathlon and open water swimming
- More comfortable than other types of swim skirts
Cons:
- It can take some practice to get used to, but you'll get the hang of it.
- It might not be great for swimming instruction and for people with shorter legs.
The TYR Crystal Finis ladies’ racing swimsuit is an ideal choice for racing and training in open water. The skirt length is shorter than other swim skirts, so you don’t have to be as concerned about the water coming in. Since the contoured panel design tapers from your natural waist down toward the knees, it also won’t get in the way while you are swimming, and you can swim longer distances without becoming fatigued or cramped.
The top choice for any triathlete! The TYR Crystal Finis ladies’ swimsuit is an excellent choice for swimming in cool water and comes to you in sizes 4-18, plus sizes available.
4. Arena Women's Powerskin Carbon Flex Vx Fbsl Open Back Racing Swimsuit
28.
The Arena Powerskin Carbon Flex Vx FBsL Open Back racing swimsuit has a very feminine cut with a low back, low leg rise, and wide thigh and calf cut. The suit is made of Arena’s very fast and ultra-durable Powerskin II, offering superior power transfer and a sleek design. The suit is available in either black or red.
Other considerations when buying the best women’s racing swimsuit include the level of buoyancy that the suit provides. Think about the environment in which you will be swimming.
5. Arena Women's Powerskin Carbon Flex Vx Fbsl Open Back Racing Swimsuit
28.
The Arena Powerskin Carbon Flex Vx FBsL Open Back racing swimsuit has a very feminine cut with a low back, low leg rise, and wide thigh and calf cut. The suit is made of Arena’s very fast and ultra-durable Powerskin II, offering superior power transfer and a sleek design. The suit is available in either black or red.
Other considerations when buying the best women’s racing swimsuit include the level of buoyancy that the suit provides. Think about the environment in which you will be swimming.
6. Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Women's One Piece Open Back Racing Swimsuit
Pros:
- Premium Suit for Competitive Swimmers
- Great Coverage
- Smooth Comfort
If you are serious about your swimming, then this is the suit you need. It is great for competitive swimmers. However, if you're not competitive, you may want to look for a different option as this isn't the most fashionable thing in the world.
7. Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Women's One Piece Open Back Racing Swimsuit
Pros:
- Premium Suit for Competitive Swimmers
- Great Coverage
- Smooth Comfort
If you are serious about your swimming, then this is the suit you need. It is great for competitive swimmers. However, if you're not competitive, you may want to look for a different option as this isn't the most fashionable thing in the world.
8. blueseventy neroFIT Kneeskin Girls and Women's Competition Tech Suit
Pros:
- Very popular with many swimmers due to its comfort and durability
- Comes in larger sizing, ideal for women with larger chest measurements
The blueSeventy neroFIT Kneeskin Girl’s competition Tech Suit is a favorite with many women’s collegiate and masters level swimmers. It’s ideal for racing as the fabric is very slick making it fast. It is one of the best options for women looking for a tough swimsuit.
The women’s neroFIT Kneeskin is made with the patented neroFIT fabric which features new fibers that do not absorb water.
The suit includes two rear and two front pockets, especially appreciated by many users who like to bring their own indicators and other tap out equipment with them during races.
9. FINIS Vapor Pro Open Back Kneeskin Black 36
Pros:
- Colorful
- Very Durable
- Designed With a Whole Package in Mind
- Lightweight
- Easy to Wash
- Very Suitable For Pain in the Neck
- Snug Fit
Cons:
- Not Recommended for Competitive Swimmers
- Looks Like a Performance Kneeskin but Feels Like a Competitive Suit
- Shrinkage May Occur
I love the fit of the FINIS Vapor Pro open back ski, which is wider at the back than most comfortable body-hugging prosthetics. It fits like a suit should fit, which is great for saving a lot of hassle when getting in and out of the Wetsuit.
This is a great multisport Kneeskin for any level of competitive racers or recreational triathletes. The suit is a solid addition to any center and can be used for swimming, water skiing, kayaking, rope jumping, wakeboarding and more. Plus you can beat all your friends over in the transition area before the swim with this awesome piece of equipment!
10. Arena Women's Powerskin Carbon Flex Vx Fbsl Open Back Racing Swimsuit
28.
The Arena Powerskin Carbon Flex Vx FBsL Open Back racing swimsuit has a very feminine cut with a low back, low leg rise, and wide thigh and calf cut. The suit is made of Arena’s very fast and ultra-durable Powerskin II, offering superior power transfer and a sleek design. The suit is available in either black or red.
Other considerations when buying the best women’s racing swimsuit include the level of buoyancy that the suit provides. Think about the environment in which you will be swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What brand do Olympic swimmers wear?
Most of the most high-profile swimmers today wear LZR Racer suits by Speedo. This suit is electronically designed to reduce drag so that athletes can move through the water more quickly and efficiently. As an added bonus, the suits are also made with a form-fitting material that reduces water retention and weight.
But other than Speedo and some performance athletes who have their own line of suits, most Olympic athletes wear suits by Arena or Jaked. These high-quality, reliable suits are made with similar but more traditional fabric but offer a designer look.
What do female Olympic swimmers wear?
Female Olympic swimmers wear compression style suits, meaning they hug the body closely, prevent water from entering the suit via drag, and provide extra strength and support. The suit’s close fit doesn’t flatter a woman’s body like a bikini, but is designed to help push the swimmer through the water as efficiently as possible.
While some men wear knee-length swim trunks for racing, women typically wear a racing suit for racing. Kneeskins and racing swimsuits are made of a nylon/Lycra blend and are both wetsuit and swimsuit in one. They fit snug to the body and cling to the skin.
What is the best swimsuit for competition?
This is a high-tech two-piece unit with shorts and a top designed for swim competitions. The top and bottom are designed to be worn separately or together for a race suit, and the suit is designed to enhance the swimming experience with a special chamois in the crotch that is meant to be comfortable. The top encourages and enhances freedom of movement and is engineered to reduce drag.
Do swimming race suits make a difference?
It is important to realize that all swimsuits are not created equal. You might invest in an expensive designer suit, only to find that it doesn’t make much of a difference when you are actually in the water.
Whether you choose to purchase a swimsuit with the main purpose of racing or for training purposes, always make sure that the suit is designed specifically for swimming.
Conclusion
Athletic swimsuits are designed to give women freedom of motion, while being utilitarian and feminine at the same time. Picking the correct size is a careful balance of making sure the suit fits well and is comfortable without revealing too much, while still being able to optimize performance. While choosing an athletic swimsuit, women generally have to choose between comfort, fit, fashion, and function.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent Open Back Kneeskin | Best Overall | |
| Arena Powerskin ST 2.0 Women's One Piece Open Back Racing Swimsuit | Budget Pick | |
| Speedo Fastskin LZR Pure Intent Open Back Kneeskin | Upgrade Pick | |