What's your favorite water workout? Laps? SUP? Surfing? You know what could make all of them that much better? A pair of swim leggings. Seriously, swim leggings (or swim tights) are totally a thing, and they're the perfect addition to your water-sports wardrobe.
Swim leggings provide ample coverage during aquatic exercise and are designed to help you move through H2O like a pro. Most are also made with sun-protective fabric, so you don't need to worry about harmful rays while you're working out in the ocean, a lake, or an outdoor pool.
Rule number one when picking out a pair of swim tights is to avoid fabrics that absorb water, like cotton. Instead, stick to fabrics like are a blend of Spandex and either polyester or nylon. “Swim or surf leggings are basically leggings that are made of standard materials for swimwear,” explains Schatzi Brown, designer and founder of the swimwear brand NaluTribe. “By using the same material that you would use for a swimsuit or a rash guard, the leggings essentially become water-friendly, but you can also use them outside the water for activities like hot yoga or running.”
Another huge factor in swim leggings is UPF protection, otherwise known as Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This safeguards your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which is essential when you’re outdoors! “Essentially, a good swim legging is moisture-absorbing, quick-drying, has a UPF of 50+, and allows for a four-way stretch—meaning, the fabric stretches and recovers on both the cross and lengthwise grains,” Brown says.
The best swim leggings or swim tights do all of the above and look good doing it. Here are 12 top-selling pairs to try out for yourself.
The yoga brand Prana is killing it with these pretty swim tights. They're made from recycled nylon and have a super cute patterned waistband. The best part, though? They also feature a zippered pocket with a key loop to store your stuff in.
These lightweight leggings can do it all. Not only can you wear them to tackle all your aquatic activities, but they'll also serve you well during your yoga and Pilates sessions too. And ICYMI, tie-dye is definitely back in.
If you want a super smooth, snug fit, these high-rise swim tights are a must. Their just compressive enough without being suffocating, so you can comfortably move through the big blue sea (or little blue pool) at top speeds.
Talk about made for H20. The blue hue of these swim leggings is perfect for any water sport. They offer UPF 50+ protection, have an elastic drawcord waistband, and are chlorine and salt water-resistant.
Ideal for swimming, paddling, and all other water sports, these 7/8 length leggings are a unique combination of lycra and spandex, allowing for a snug fit so you won’t have to keep adjusting anything in the water.
If you prefer capris, these leggings will serve you well in all your aquatic and land sports, from running to surfing. They’re made of a four-way stretch fabric that offers UPF 50+ sun protection and is breathable enough to keep you cool and comfy.
These basic leggings are available in extended sizes (from 8 to 26) and go with practically everything, bothon land and in the water. What's more, the mesh lining on these swim tights won't absorb water, so that you never feel weighed down.
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Best Chlorine-Resistant Leggings
Land's End Women's Chlorine Resistant High-Waisted Leggings
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Best Chlorine-Resistant Leggings
Land's End Women's Chlorine Resistant High-Waisted Leggings
If you're looking for leggings that have it all, look no further. This tights-skirt combo is both cute and made with UPF 50 sun protection. The tights are also made with stretch fabric that resists breakdown from chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat (which is pretty important).
These leggings offer full-coverage sun protection in a trendy, flattering color-blocked style. Should you choose, you can also buy the Sun Shield Tunic to complete your look. (The leggings have secret internal ties that attach to the tunic to keep it secure and in place.)
The muted color-blocking on this pair totally gives off laid-back beach chic vibes. The stretchy, high-rise waist makes for a super comfy fit while quick-dry fabric means you can transition from water to land without any discomfort or chafing.
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Best High-Waisted Swim Leggings
Arctic Flamingo Yellow and Black Wild Yoga Leggings
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Best High-Waisted Swim Leggings
Arctic Flamingo Yellow and Black Wild Yoga Leggings
Bring out your inner animal in your water workout! These 'flying tiger' printed swim leggings have a high waistband that feels secure and won't roll down mid-swim. Plus, the eco-friendly fabric is also resistant to sunscreen and chlorine.
Whether you're ready to hit the waves or zen out with your favorite yoga moves, these snakeskin printed leggings will keep you comfy and dry through. They are made with a blend of 82 percent nylon and 18 percent spandex, so they dry fast and maintain their shape.
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Nikhita Mahtani is an NYC-based freelance journalist covering primarily health and design. She graduated with an M.A in Magazine Journalism from New York University and loves to debunk popular health myths. Her idea of wellness includes a sweaty spin class, wine with loved ones, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.