What Is Water Aerobics Swimwear?
Water aerobics swimwear refers to bathing suits designed specifically for participating in water-based exercise classes and routines, they are typically made of quick-drying, chlorine-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon-spandex blends. These fabrics allow for elastic stretch and flexibility while resisting deterioration from chemicals used to treat pool water over time. The material composition also enables water aerobics participants to move vigorously through the water during routines without restriction or drag from a heavier swimsuit fabric weighing them down.
Many water aerobics suits utilize athletic-inspired styles like tankinis, shorts, and contrast color-blocking that flatter a wider range of body types. Some include tummy control panels, bra cups/shelves, and higher necklines for bounce control and comfort during rapid water movements. Gripper strips, drawcords, and adjustable straps also help achieve optimal secure coverage no matter the intensity of the aquatic workout.
Choosing Swimwear for Water Aerobics
Participating in water aerobics requires special aquatic fitness apparel with specific attributes to enhance performance. The ideal water aerobics bathing suit should check the following boxes:
- Quick-drying – Wet swimwear inhibits movement. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics that dry rapidly after exiting the pool.
- Chlorine-resistant – Chlorinated water degrades most fabrics. Select chlorine-proof swimsuits with reinforced stitching.
- Sun protective – Water reflects sunlight magnifying UV exposure. Look for UPF 50+ UV-blocking suits or wear sunscreen underneath.
- Odor/bacteria resistant – Wet suits trap sweat leading to odors and bacterial buildup. Antimicrobial treatments inhibit contamination.
- Abrasion-resistant – Frequent friction against pool surfaces increases wear and tear. Opt for snag-resistant fabric blends containing extra spandex or nylon.
On top of technical performance, the swimsuit should provide adequate body coverage for the vigorous jumping and kicking of water aerobics without shifting, riding up, gaping open, or tugging in awkward areas.
Types of Water Aerobics Swimwear
Certain bathing suit silhouettes accommodate the dynamic moves of aquatic exercise better than everyday leisure swimwear. Below are top styles to consider:
Athletic One-Piece Swimsuits
One-piece athletic swimsuits, frequently called competition or performance suits, reign supreme for unrestricted mobility. Characteristics include:
- Streamlined silhouette hugs body closely
- High neckline for bounce control
- Sturdy straps stay put on shoulders
- Full seat coverage in back
- Liner briefs for security
- Fitted leg openings to prevent riding up
- Chlorine-proof fabrics with compression
- Bold colors and graphic prints
These performance-engineered suits allow jumping jacks, scissor kicks, and treading water without distraction. Their athletic cut flatters strong bodies.
Active Tankinis
For two-piece versatility, tankinis function well for water exercises. Tankini tops take the form of:
- Supportive crop top with bra cups
- Athletic racerback tank
- Halter neck tank
- Sturdy straps stay in place
These pair with a matching bottoms in shorts, boy shorts, or skirted cuts. The mix-and-match flexibility allows customizing coverage preferences.
Swim Leggings and Shorts
Swim leggings provide the ease of stretch pants with aquatic versatility. Characteristics include:
- Ankle length for full leg coverage
- Stretchy waistband lies flat
- Non-constricting through hips and thighs
- Matching solid color tops
For more breathability in warm pools, swim bike shorts hitting mid-thigh suffice. The shorts should minimally cover rear and offer stretchy compression.
Modest Swim Dresses
For Muslim women seeking fuller coverage, waterproof swim dresses allow active pool participation with modesty. These feature:
- Ankle-length gown silhouette
- Long sleeves or sleeveless with high neckline
- Snug-fitting for mobility
- Inherent UPF sun protection
- Mix of sporty and feminine aesthetics
The gowns should utilize quick-dry, chlorine-resistant fabrics to withstand hours submerged while exercising.
Maternity Water Aerobics Swimwear
Pregnant women can safely perform water aerobics to stay active through all trimesters. Supportive maternity swimwear specific to water activities feature:
- Adjustable features to accommodate growing baby bumps
- Wider straps and bands reducing pressure points
- Built-in tummy control lining for comfort
- Ruched, layered, twisted styles flatter changing figures
- Bright colors and bold patterns for confidence
Rash Guards
While less common, versatile swim shirts aka rash guards present viable options for water aerobics classes in some conservative cultures discouraging standard swimsuits. Typical characteristics include:
- Loose fit for unrestricted arm mobility
- Quick drying polyester and spandex blends
- Flatlock stitching to prevent chafing
- UPF 50 protection against sun exposure
- Matching swim bottoms or shorts
Looser fitting Muslim burqini ensembles integrating hijabs, long sleeve tunics, and leggings also accommodate aquatic exercisingMinus skin exposure. Taller individuals may also opt to layer looser rash guard tops over conventional one-piece swimsuits to ensure stomach coverage when arms are raised overhead.
Popular Brands for Water Aerobics Swimwear
Many mainstream swimwear labels now design special collections catering to water aerobics enthusiasts. Below are top brands worth considering:
TYR Sport
This American athletic swimwear company focuses extensively on technical performance suits. Their TYR Crossfit line works beautifully for the demands of water aerobics. The one-piece and two-piece suits utilize lightweight Italian fabrics offering 360° stretch and UPF 50 sun protection. The material composition incorporates spandex and nylon for shape retention and durability against chlorine. Other features include compression bust support, stay-put crossback straps, and abrasion reinforcement on areas prone to friction.
Speedo
Global aquatic sports specialist Speedo produces new collections annually specifically for water aerobics aficionados focused on endurance training. The ultra-stretchy Speedo Endurance+ fabric utilizes Creora HighClo spun nylon to retain shape even after thousands of hours submerged in water. The material offers four-way stretch, quick drying capacity, and resistance to sunscreen breakdown. The athletic one-piece and two-piece suits provide generous bust support via padded removable cups, tummy control panels, and wide no-slip straps.
Arena
This Italian swimming company is synonymous with cutting edge fabric technology catering to competitive aquatic athletes. Their Arena Powerskin line fuses powerful compression with intelligent textile engineering offering 50+ UV protection, water repellency, and resistance to chlorine and chemicals. One-piece suit features include bonded seams to avoid friction and integrated bust support minimizing bounce during jumps and kicks.
Dolfin
American brand Dolfin focuses exclusively on versatile swimwear for training, lap swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming, and of course, water aerobics. Their Uglies Flutterfly Collection designed specifically for water exercise features cheerful allover prints, wider straps, and their signature lightweight Duratex fabric blend which resists sagging while providing UPF 50 protection. The two-piece suits offer adjustable ties at the neck, back, and sides plus removable bust cups to customize fits during pregnancy and fluctuations in weight.
TYR Sport
This American athletic swimwear company focuses extensively on technical performance suits. Their TYR Crossfit line works beautifully for the demands of water aerobics. The one-piece and two-piece suits utilize lightweight Italian fabrics offering 360° stretch and UPF 50 sun protection. The material composition incorporates spandex and nylon for shape retention and durability against chlorine. Other features include compression bust support, stay-put crossback straps, and abrasion reinforcement on areas prone to friction.
What Should I Look for When Selecting Water Aerobics Swimwear?
Keep these key performance factors in mind when shopping:
Fabric Composition
See spandex blends with at least 10% elastic fibers to retain shape. Nylon adds strength and longevity plus quick drying capacity. Polyester holds color well and resists bacterial buildup.
Compression Fit
Snug compression hugs the body to reduce water friction lagging down jumps and kicks. But avoid constriction limiting mobility.
Bust Support
Look for fixed foam cups, side stays, underwires or removable pads to secure breasts during rigorous upper body motions.
Adjustability
Ties at neck, shoulders back, and sides allow customizing secure fits to accommodating weight fluctuations.
Strap Width
Minimum 3⁄4” width straps evenly distribute weight without digging painfully. Consider crossback straps staying centered on shoulders.
Torso Length
Longer torsos prevent exposure when arms and legs are fully extended during jumps or kicks.
Gussets
Inner gussets lined at the crotch reinforce high friction areas prone to wear over time in chlorinated water.
Caring for Water Aerobics Swimwear
Investing in quality water aerobics bathing suits means properly maintaining them for longevity over years. Here are crucial care tips:
Rinse Thoroughly After Use
Rinse suits immediately after exiting the pool to wash away chemical residue and sweat contributing to bacteria and odors. Water alone suffices no detergents yet.
Machine Wash Occasionally
Every 5-10 wears machine wash suits in cold water on a delicate cycle using mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners coating technical fibers.
Air Dry Only
Lay flat or hang to drip dry. Avoid direct heat damaging elasticity. Dry indoors avoiding sunlight.
Use Swimsuit Cleaners
Between machine washes, use non-bleach swimsuit cleaners to deep clean fibers and restore elasticity. Or try diluted white vinegar solutions.
Avoid Chlorine Overexposure
Rotate multiple suits over the week. Wash immediately after wearing. This limits chlorine saturation degrading fabrics.
Check Fit Over Time
Ensure straps, legs, and liners maintain snug fits over months avoiding inadequate coverage due to stretching.
Travel Carefully
Avoid cramming wet suits in bags allowing bacteria to build up. Place in mesh wash bags until home.
