What’s New in Swim Style? A Look at Suits and More!
Although fashion might not be at the forefront of one’s mind when thinking about swimming, the trends and styles used by swimmers often play a large role in the day-to-day routines of many athletes. New styles, technology, partnerships, and pushes for environmentally friendly gear are a few factors that have shaped fashion for the aquatic community in recent years.
Training Suit Styles
Courtesy: TYR
Training suits are where swimmers can express the most creativity and personal style. In recent years, options for training suit styles, patterns and materials have expanded dramatically, with hundreds of choices across brands from Jolyn to TYR. Strap designs have become more diverse, moving beyond the standard racerback to include tie-backs – such as TYR’s Pacific Tieback Top – double and triple straps, like Jolyn’s “Murray” or “Michele,” and hip cutouts.
Bright colors and intricate patterns remain a staple, with new collections released monthly by brands throughout the swimming world. As summer peaks, two-piece training suits are especially popular. While worn year-round by some athletes, they tend to trend more heavily in warmer months.
Overall, training suits are more varied and accessible than ever. Swimmers can choose from high to low coverage, snug or looser fits, and everything from basic black to vibrant rainbow prints.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology continues to evolve, offering increasingly advanced tools for swimmers and fitness enthusiasts. Brands like Apple, Garmin and Fitbit have remained dominant in the fitness watch market, with most newer models now featuring waterproof capabilities and swim-specific tracking functions, including lap count, distance and pace.
As the technology improves, so does the style. Many athletes are seeking sleeker, more fashionable options. One example is the Garmin Lily 2 Active, a fitness watch designed with a minimalist aesthetic that resembles a classic wristwatch more than a traditional sport tracker.
In addition to watches, smart goggles have continued to occupy the swim tech space. Since their launch in 2019, FORM Smart Swim Goggles have gained traction by offering real-time data such as split times, distance and pace displayed directly in the swimmers’ line of vision. The company recently debuted its latest model, the FORM Smart Swim 2 Pro, which incorporated augmented reality features. According to Swimming World, FORM has announced several initial plans for future tech innovations designed to enhance swim training even further.
New Partnerships
Courtesy: deboer
New partnerships between large brands and professional swimmers seem to pop up almost weekly, but one of the most notable in recent months came from swimwear brand deboer, which signed Olympians Caeleb Dressel, Torri Huske, Hunter Armstrong, and Brooks Curry. These partnerships have brought significant attention to the high-performance brand, long known for its presence in the triathlon world.
Deboer has made it clear that its sights are set on the 2028 Olympics. Its latest innovation, the patented 3DIUM tech suit line, has been described as a step toward “podium success this season.” Deboer markets itself as a brand driven by science, a message reinforced throughout its website, where it highlights the research and technology behind its suits. With its recent high-profile partnerships, the brand appears poised to become a contender in the competitive swimwear industry.
Sustainability
In recent years, growing environmental awareness has driven demand for sustainable, eco-friendly products. This is also true for competitive swimwear. In response, many major swim brands have pledged to adopt more sustainable practices, incorporating recycled fabrics, eco-conscious production methods and water conservation strategies.
Jolyn, a popular brand among competitive and recreational swimmers, outlines its sustainability efforts on its website, including a detailed two-year sustainability plan. The company emphasizes responsible sourcing, reduced packaging waste and a long-term commitment to lowering its environmental impact. Jolyn’s public efforts reflect a broader industry shift toward greener practices, contributing to a standard that many other swimwear brands have aligned with.
As swimwear brands continue to innovate, training styles have evolved into a blend of function and fashion. With more styles and fits available than ever before, swimmers at every level can find suits and gear that meet their individual swim style preferences.
