Summer means sun, water, and the eternal quest for swimwear that doesn’t feel like a hassle. If you’ve ever stood in a dressing room, tugging at a swimsuit that rides up, digs in, or offers zero support during a casual dip—or worse, a game of water volleyball—you’re not alone. This year, I ditched the traditional bikini top for something I already owned and loved: my sports bra. And spoiler: it’s been a game-changer. Let’s break down why swimming in a sports bra works, what to watch out for, and how to make it work for you.
The Case for Ditching Bikini Tops (At Least Sometimes)
Let’s start with the obvious: sports bras are designed for movement. Unlike many bikini tops— which prioritize style over function, with flimsy straps, minimal lining, or cuts that shift when wet—sports bras are built to stay put. Whether you’re doing laps in the pool, chasing kids through the lake, or playing a round of Marco Polo at the beach, a good sports bra won’t slide down, gap, or leave you adjusting yourself every five minutes.
Support is another non-negotiable. For anyone with a larger bust, finding a bikini top that doesn’t cause discomfort after 30 minutes in the water is a miracle. Sports bras, though? They’re engineered to reduce bounce and distribute weight evenly, even when wet. I’m a 34C, and after years of dealing with bikini tops that felt like they were holding on by a thread, my high-support sports bra keeps everything secure—no soreness, no constant readjusting, just freedom to move.
Then there’s versatility. A bikini top is a one-trick pony: it’s for swimming, and that’s about it. A sports bra? I wear mine to the gym, for yoga, on walks, and yes, now swimming. That means less clutter in my beach bag, fewer items to pack for a weekend trip, and getting more value out of a piece I already invest in. Why buy a separate swimsuit top when something you own already checks all the boxes?
What to Look for in a Sports Bra for Swimming
Not all sports bras are created equal—especially when it comes to water. Before you grab the first one from your drawer and head to the pool, here’s what to prioritize:
1. Fabric Matters (A Lot)
Regular sports bras are often made with cotton blends or basic spandex, which absorb water like a sponge. Wet cotton gets heavy, stretches out, and takes forever to dry—none of which are ideal for swimming. Instead, opt for sports bras made with quick-drying, water-resistant fabrics. Look for labels like “nylon-spandex blend,” “polyester-elastane,” or fabrics treated with anti-chlorine coatings (important if you’re swimming in a pool, since chlorine can break down fibers over time).
My go-to is a Lululemon Energy Bra made with their Nulu fabric—it’s lightweight, dries in under an hour, and hasn’t faded or stretched after months of pool and lake swims. Brands like Athleta, Nike, and Under Armour also make sports bras with swim-friendly fabrics, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for function.
2. Support Level Should Match Your Activity
Just like with land workouts, the support level of your sports bra should align with what you’re doing in the water. If you’re just lounging by the pool and occasionally dipping your toes in, a low-to-medium support bra (think: lightly padded, racerback straps) will work. But if you’re swimming laps, playing water sports, or running around with kids, go for high support. Look for features like wide, adjustable straps, a band under the bust with elastic that doesn’t roll, and molded cups (removable or not) for extra structure.
I made the mistake of wearing a low-support bra for a game of water frisbee once—never again. The bouncing was real, and I spent more time holding the bra in place than having fun. A high-support style fixed that entirely.
3. Fit Is Non-Negotiable (Even When Wet)
Sports bras stretch a little when wet, so you want a fit that’s snug but not tight on dry land. If it’s already too tight when you put it on, it’ll feel restrictive in water. If it’s too loose, it’ll slide around once it’s damp. To test the fit: put the bra on, lift your arms above your head, and jump up and down. If it stays in place and doesn’t dig into your shoulders or ribcage, it’s a winner.
Pro tip: Avoid sports bras with too many decorative elements—like lace, mesh, or bulky logos. These can absorb water, add weight, or even chafe when wet. Simple, streamlined designs work best for swimming.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Is It “Appropriate”?
Let’s be real—when I first told my friend I was swimming in a sports bra, her first question was, “Is that okay to wear in public?” It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re used to thinking of swimwear as a separate category. But here’s the thing: appropriateness is subjective, and more importantly, it should be about your comfort first.
Most public pools and beaches don’t have rules against sports bras—they’re just clothing, after all. That said, it’s worth checking if a specific spot has dress codes (some private clubs or resorts might have stricter rules). But for public lakes, community pools, or most beaches? You’re good to go.
I also think it’s time to challenge the idea that swimwear has to look a certain way. Why do we accept that bikini tops can be skimpy or ill-fitting, but a sports bra— which is often more covered and functional—gets side-eyed? I’ve gotten a few glances at the pool, but never anything negative. In fact, I’ve had two women ask where I got my bra because they loved how it looked and sounded more comfortable than their bikinis.
At the end of the day, if you feel confident and comfortable, that’s all that matters. A sports bra isn’t “less than” a swimsuit top—it’s just a different (and often better) option.
My Personal Experience: From Skeptic to Convert
I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. I’d always thought of sports bras as “gym clothes,” not swimwear. But last summer, I forgot my bikini top on a trip to my parents’ lake house. The only thing I had that even remotely worked was a black high-support sports bra. I hesitated for 10 minutes before putting it on—worried about what people would think, worried it would be uncomfortable, worried it would look weird.
But once I jumped in the lake? All those worries vanished. The bra stayed in place as I swam to the dock. It didn’t ride up when I sat on the shore. It dried quickly when I laid out in the sun. By the end of the day, I was wondering why I’d never tried this before.
Since then, I’ve built a small “swim sports bra” collection: a neutral black one for everyday, a bright blue one for beach days, and a striped one that’s lightweight for hot afternoons. I still own bikinis, but they’re now reserved for special occasions. For regular summer days—pool trips, lake weekends, even just splashing around in the sprinkler with my niece—the sports bra is my go-to.
The best part? No more stressing about swimwear shopping. I don’t have to spend hours trying on tops that don’t fit or paying $50 for something I’ll only wear a handful of times. I just grab a sports bra I already love, throw on some swim trunks or a skirt, and go.
Tips for Making the Most of Swimming in a Sports Bra
If you’re ready to give it a try, here are a few tips to make the experience even better:
• Pair it with the right bottoms: Sports bras look great with high-waisted swim trunks, board shorts, or a flowy swim skirt. I love wearing mine with black board shorts—they’re casual, functional, and keep me covered when I’m walking around the pool.
• Wash it properly: Chlorine and saltwater can damage fabrics over time, so rinse your sports bra with cold water immediately after swimming. Avoid using fabric softener (it breaks down elastic) and hang it to dry instead of putting it in the dryer.
• Layer if you want: If you’re feeling self-conscious or want extra coverage, throw on a lightweight rash guard over your sports bra. Rash guards are also great for sun protection, which is a bonus.
• Don’t forget sunscreen: Sports bras often have thicker straps or higher necklines, but make sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin—like your shoulders, back, or chest if the bra has a low neckline.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Over Conformity
Swimming in a sports bra isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. But if you’ve ever felt frustrated with traditional swimwear, it’s worth giving it a shot. It’s comfortable, supportive, versatile, and best of all, it’s something you might already have in your closet.
This summer, I’m choosing to prioritize my comfort over what “swimwear” is supposed to look like. I’m not worrying about adjusting my top every five minutes or feeling self-conscious about how I look. I’m just enjoying the water—like summer is meant to be.
So the next time you’re packing for a day at the pool or beach, grab that sports bra. You might be surprised at how much you love it. And if anyone gives you a funny look? Just smile and tell them you’re wearing the most comfortable swimwear you’ve ever owned. They might just ask for your secret.