There are now more different kinds of swimwear than ever.
PHOTO: NIKE, KNIX
New types of swimwear are breaking ground by blending technology and fashion, and we’re now more spoiled for choice than ever. Depending on your needs, the swimwear you choose can help you to feel more comfortable, which may also improve your performance in the pool. We take a look at different types of swimwear and their unique benefits.
UV swimwear
You already know to put on sunblock of at least SPF 30 whenever you go out into the hot sun, but did you know that your choice of swimwear can offer you protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays too? Some can even offer protection of up to SPF 50, on par with that of sunscreens in the market.
According to experts, you only need to be in the sun for 15-20 minutes a day to absorb the necessary amount of vitamin D, and prolonged hours of sun exposure can leave you at risk of skin cancer and other skin issues, so protection is key.
Besides helping to block the sun’s harmful rays, UV swimwear can also help to reduce the amount of sunblock you have to slather on. Usually made of nylon and lycra, UV swimwear has a tight weave that allows less UV radiation to reach your skin as opposed to something like cotton, and it’s important in Singapore’s endless hot weather. There are also different types of UV protective swimwear, from long-sleeved suits to hats and tights that you can wear in the pool.
Modest swimwear
Speaking of UV protection, modest swimwear is another option for those looking for more coverage than traditional suits. The modest fashion industry is growing steadily, and is projected to be worth US$361 billion by 2023. Brands like Nike and Adidas have released modest swimsuits targeted at Muslim women, which come with the option of covering one’s hair with a waterproof hijab. Garments of this category work to conceal the body instead of accentuating it like traditional swimwear does, with more loosely-draped fabric that does not cling to the body.
Period swimwear
That time of the month can be hard to deal with, but it doesn’t have to put a damper on a beach day. After all, Olympic swimmers don’t stop training if they get their period, and this might be thanks to period swimwear. It works the same way period underwear does, and comes with an additional lining that absorbs menstrual blood — only now it lets you step into the pool without worrying that it’ll look like a scene straight out of Jaws.
Like regular swimwear, period swimwear comes in many different designs, from one-piece and two-piece swimsuits to even swimdresses. It offers wearers leak-proof protection while in the water, which means you can go swimming at any time of the month — period.
In fact, there are many health benefits from staying active while on your period, and swimming is one way to help with the dreaded cramps and bloating. Besides being useful for that time of the month though, it’s also been a godsend for those suffering from urinary incontinence, which affects one in three women.
Choosing the right swimwear can be key to feeling comfortable in public, and the extra confidence that comes with it is a bonus!
