Training Swimwear vs Fashion Swimwear: What's the Difference?
When shopping for swimwear, you'll often come across two distinct categories: training swimwear and fashion swimwear. While both serve the purpose of keeping you covered in the water, they're designed with very different priorities in mind. Understanding these differences can help you make the right choice for your swimming needs.
What is Training Swimwear?
Training swimwear, also known as performance swimwear, is specifically designed for serious swimmers, athletes, and anyone who spends significant time in chlorinated pools. These suits prioritise function over fashion, though modern training swimwear can look great too.
Key Features of Training Swimwear:
Chlorine Resistance: Training suits use specialised fabrics that resist chlorine damage, maintaining their colour and elasticity even after hundreds of pool sessions.
Superior Shape Retention: These suits are engineered to maintain their fit and support, preventing sagging or stretching that can occur with regular use.
Compression and Support: Training swimwear provides muscular compression and enhanced support, particularly important for competitive swimmers and regular pool users. Our LAGUNA Elite Bind One Piece is a perfect example of performance-focused design with maximum support.
Durability: Built to withstand daily training sessions, these suits use reinforced seams and high-quality materials that last significantly longer than fashion swimwear.
UV Protection: Many training suits offer UPF 50+ sun protection, essential for outdoor swimming and training.
What is Fashion Swimwear?
Fashion swimwear focuses primarily on style, trends, and aesthetic appeal. These pieces are perfect for beach holidays, poolside lounging, and occasional swimming where performance isn't the primary concern.
Key Features of Fashion Swimwear:
Trendy Designs: Fashion swimwear follows seasonal trends with bold prints, unique cuts, and eye-catching details.
Variety of Styles: From high-cut bikinis to vintage-inspired one-pieces, fashion swimwear offers endless style options.
Comfort for Casual Use: Designed for relaxation and light swimming rather than intensive training.
Affordable Options: Generally more budget-friendly, though premium fashion swimwear can be quite expensive.
The Key Differences
Fabric and Construction
Training swimwear typically uses polyester blends with spandex or specialised fibres like Xtra Life Lycra, which resist chlorine breakdown. Fashion swimwear often uses nylon-spandex blends that may not withstand regular chlorine exposure.
Fit and Coverage
Performance suits prioritise secure fit and full coverage to reduce drag and provide support during movement. Our PIXII Xover One Piece exemplifies this with its cross-over straps that provide exceptional security and support. Fashion swimwear may prioritise aesthetic appeal over secure fit, with styles that might not be suitable for active swimming.
Longevity
A quality training suit can last 12 months or more of regular pool use, while fashion swimwear might show wear after just a few chlorinated pool sessions.
Price Point
Training swimwear typically costs more upfront but offers better value over time due to superior durability. Fashion swimwear varies widely in price but may need frequent replacement if used for regular swimming.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Training Swimwear If You:
- Swim regularly (3+ times per week)
- Train in chlorinated pools
- Participate in competitive swimming
- Want maximum durability and value
- Need reliable support and coverage
- Swim outdoors frequently
For serious training, consider our ALOHA Elite Bind One Piece , CABARITA Elite-X One Piece or out Chlorine Tough Range for maximum performance and durability.
Choose Fashion Swimwear If You:
- Swim occasionally for leisure
- Primarily use it for beach or resort wear
- Want to follow current trends
The Best of Both Worlds
At Kozii, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between performance and style. Our swimwear combines the durability and technical features of training suits with the aesthetic appeal of fashion swimwear. Using GRS recycled polyester and advanced fabric technology, our suits offer chlorine resistance, shape retention, and UV protection while maintaining contemporary Australian style.
Our versatile LAGUNA Xover One Piece bridges the gap perfectly – offering the performance features serious swimmers need with the style appeal for any occasion.
Popular Training Styles to Consider
If you're looking for high-performance training swimwear, these Kozii styles offer the perfect combination of function and style:
• PIXII Elite Bind One Piece - Maximum support with elite-level performance
• CABARITA Xover Top - Perfect for training sessions and beach days
• CT TANGO Elite-X One Piece - Competition-ready performance wear
Making the Right Investment
Consider your swimming habits, budget, and priorities when choosing between training and fashion swimwear. If you're serious about swimming or spend significant time in pools, investing in quality training swimwear will save money and provide better performance in the long run. For occasional swimmers and beach-goers, fashion swimwear might be perfectly adequate.
Remember, the best swimwear is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable, whether you're training for your next competition or enjoying a relaxing day by the pool.