What are the best clothes to wear over swimsuit?

When you go to the swimming pool, one of the first things you do is change. Swimming attire is very important in the sport as it reflects how efficiently you can begin swimming. It is important to wear the right attire to swimming pools and have clothes that work well when worn over a swimsuit.

If you are a non-competitive swimmer, there are different clothes you could wear compared to competitive swimmers. There are different clothes depending on the weather. 

When it comes to what you should wear to the pool, its important to choose clothes that ensure comfort, function, and fit with pool regulations. The right swimwear allows you to move with ease, and promotes hygiene and safety.

Here is a list of some things you should consider when deciding what to wear to the pool.

1. Comfort
2. Warmth
3. Ease of Change
4. Ease of movement
5. Ability to dry 
6. Sun protection
7. Versatility
8. Personal Style
9. Breathability
10. Size 

These points will be further explained further in the article. First, let’s discuss why you should wear your swimsuit under your clothes to the swimming pool, and how this will impact the clothes you wear over your swimsuit. 

Why do swimmers prefer to wear swimsuit to the pool?

Many swimmers wear their swimsuit inside their clothes before coming to the pool. This is mostly done to save time, but there are other reasons why swimmers do this. Here are some reasons why

Too many swimmers in the changing room

You may not get a changing room to use, making it difficult to change outside. By wearing your swimsuit under your do not need the privacy of a changing room. 

Changing rooms may be dirty

Many competitions have hundreds of swimmers using it. This means that the changing room will get dirty quickly. In order to avoid the dirty changing room, changing outside will be much more efficient. 

You can start the warm-up fast

Warm up is the most chaotic time for swimmers. There are many people in the pool doing multiple workouts. To secure your spot in the pool for warmup, you need to speed in changing. This can be done by wearing the swimsuit inside.

What to consider when you wear clothes over your swimsuit?

Ease of Changing

Choose clothes that you can change into and out of quickly. Jeans are a big no-no, as are synthetic materials that can stick to your skin. Wear loose fitting clothes, sweatpants, or items with zippers. This can allow you to change quickly without much hassle. Consider wearing skirts or dresses as well if you are a non-competitive swimmer because this is very easy to pull on and off. 

Quick-Drying Materials

Choose materials that can quickly dry, since they will inevitably get wet in the swimming pool. Nylon and polyester do not take much time to dry, so they are ideal for jackets. However, do not use cotton t-shirts or sweatshirts because they will retain any water still on your body. 

Breathability

Look for clothes that are breathable, especially if you are a competitive swimmer. You will have to do exercise in these clothes, and having clothes you can move around in is very important. Look for clothes that offer good breathability, allowing air circulation to keep you cool and comfortable. It will also make sure you don’t feel constricted after swimming. 

Sun Protection

If you swim outdoors, make sure to wear clothes that protect your arms and legs. The chlorine will already damage your skin, so having sun damage on top of that is not ideal. This is important especially for competitions, where you will spend long hours in the sun. You can even try clothes with UPF. (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings for added sun protection.

Layering Options

Swimming is a cold sport. Whether you swim indoors or outdoors, you will feel cold both before and after. Choose clothes that you can layer, such as sweatshirts, jackets, and cardigans. This means that you can easily take it off in case you get sweaty, but can still keep warm later in the workout. 

Personal Style and Comfort

Select clothes that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident. This will help you enjoy your pre-swim activities and feel relaxed before entering the water.

Shoes

When it comes to shoes, you should always wear sneakers and socks to go swimming in case you need to workout. This is not the case for after swimming, when your feet are wet and it is difficult to operate in sneakers. Carry a pair of swimming slippers for this.

Size

Bring clothes that are thin. Having bulky clothes like hoodies and bomber jackets will take up a lot of space and not fit well into your swimming bag. Smaller items that can be layered are best so that you have enough space for your other swimming gear. 

Some suggestions for swimming

If this list seems a bit daunting to you, consider the following options when it comes to clothes before swimming. This way, you can make sure to buy or use the right things without worrying about whether it adheres to the factors. Make sure to adhere to any guidelines your swimming pool has set for you. However, these suggestions are solely for non-competitive swimmers. If you are a competitive swimmer, do not use these options. 

1. Swim Cover-Up: Consider a swim cover-up specifically designed for children. These lightweight, loose-fitting garments made of quick-drying materials can be easily worn over swimwear to provide modesty and protection from the sun.
2. Swim Shorts or Board Shorts: Kids can wear swim shorts or board shorts as an additional layer over their swimwear. These longer shorts provide coverage for the upper legs and can be worn by both boys and girls.
3. Swim Skirt or Swim Dress: For girls, a swim skirt or swim dress is a cute option that offers coverage for the lower body. These garments are typically made of quick-drying materials and provide a comfortable and modest alternative to traditional swim bottoms.
4. T-shirt and Shorts: You can wear a loose-fitting T-shirt made of quick-drying fabric and a pair of shorts over your swimwear. This combination offers coverage and can be easily taken on and off.
5. Rash Guard: A rash guard is a great choice for kids as it provides additional sun protection and coverage for the upper body. Look for a rash guard made of a quick-drying, stretchy fabric that offers UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to shield their skin from harmful UV rays.

Now that we have discussed all the ways you can wear your swimming equipment, let’s finally discuss how you should carry it. Carry a small plastic bag that is waterproof to separate your dry and wet clothes. I also try to wrap my swimsuit in my swim towel so that the towel absorbs the water and doesn’t wet anything else in my bag.

Keeping these in mind, you are sure to have a pleasant experience before and after the swim.