A pair of swim shorts can make the difference between constantly adjusting your swimwear and getting on with the session. The best women's swim shorts should stay secure through push-offs, drills and turns, offer the coverage you want, and still feel light once you are out of the water. For regular swimmers, that means looking beyond a beach-style short and choosing swimwear designed to work in the pool.
Whether you are swimming lengths for fitness, heading to masters training, buying for a junior squad swimmer or packing for a family holiday, the right style depends on how and where it will be used. Fit, leg length and fabric matter more than a trend-led print when your kit is being worn week after week.
What makes the best women's swim shorts?
Swim shorts sit between a traditional swimsuit and loose board-style shorts. They are a useful option for swimmers who prefer more coverage around the upper thigh, want a practical layer for poolside, or simply feel more comfortable in a shorts silhouette.
For pool training, the priority is a close, secure fit. Shorts that are too loose can trap water, move around during kick sets and create unnecessary drag. A fitted leg with a comfortable waistband is usually the better choice for lane swimming, aqua fitness and lessons. For holidays or casual sessions, a slightly more relaxed cut may be perfectly suitable, particularly when the shorts are mainly being worn between the water and poolside.
The strongest options use chlorine-resistant fabrics with a supportive stretch. This helps the shorts retain their shape over repeated exposure to chlorinated water, rather than becoming baggy after a handful of sessions. Look for soft linings, flat seams and fabric that recovers well after stretching. These details are less glamorous than colour or pattern, but they are what make a pair dependable in a weekly kit bag.
Choose swim shorts for the way you swim
For regular pool training
Women who train several times a week need swim shorts that behave like training swimwear, not beachwear. A streamlined fit, drawcord waist where available and durable fabric should be at the top of the list. A close-fitting design is more likely to remain in place during breaststroke kick, tumble turns and repeated push-offs.
A shorter fitted style can be a good choice if freedom through the hip is your main priority. A longer leg offers more coverage, but check that the hem does not grip or ride up when you squat, kick or sit on poolside. It is worth trying the movement test at home: bend, stretch one leg forward and mimic a squat. If the waistband rolls or the leg feels restrictive before it reaches the pool, it is unlikely to improve once wet.
For serious training, pair swim shorts with a supportive bikini top, tankini top or a fitted swim top designed for swimming. The combination can offer the flexibility of a two-piece without compromising practicality. Swimmers who prefer a single garment may find a legsuit or short-leg swimsuit a better answer, especially when they do not want a separate waistband.
For fitness swimming and water-based exercise
Aqua aerobics, water walking and general fitness swims call for comfort as much as hydrodynamics. Swim shorts can provide confidence and coverage while allowing a full range of movement. Here, a wider waistband and soft-feel fabric may be more valuable than the tightest possible race-style fit.
Avoid treating all active shorts as swim shorts. Gym shorts and running shorts are not made for repeated chlorine exposure, can become heavy in the water and may take a long time to dry. Proper swim fabric is lighter, designed for immersion and far easier to manage in a changing-room routine.
If you alternate between the pool and a spa or leisure centre, choose a design with a secure fit rather than pockets, bulky hardware or a thick external drawstring. Simple construction is usually more comfortable against the skin and less likely to catch on changing benches or pool equipment.
For holidays, lessons and poolside confidence
For family swims and holidays, swim shorts are a practical extra layer to pull on over a swimsuit. They are especially useful when moving between the pool, café and sun lounger, or when a little more coverage helps you feel ready to join in.
That said, loose shorts are not always ideal for swimming laps. If you expect to spend most of the day in and out of the water rather than completing a structured session, a relaxed style is fine. If your holiday includes early-morning lane swimming or regular lengths, pack a fitted pair as well. One garment does not always need to do both jobs.
Fit details that are worth checking
The most flattering pair is usually the pair you stop thinking about once you are in the water. Start with the waist. It should feel secure without digging in, and it should not slide down when wet. Elasticated waists suit many swimmers, while an internal drawcord adds reassurance for more active sessions.
Next, consider rise. A higher rise can offer more coverage and a held-in feel, while a mid-rise fit may feel less restrictive around the waist. Neither is automatically better. It comes down to personal comfort, body shape and whether the shorts are being worn alone or over another piece of swimwear.
Leg length changes both coverage and performance. Very short swim shorts give maximum freedom of movement, while longer legs can reduce thigh chafing and offer more confidence. The trade-off is that longer, looser fabric may move more in the water. For lane swimming, a neat, fitted leg is normally the best balance.
Sizing should be based on the brand's own size guidance rather than the number on your everyday clothes. Performance swimwear often has a firmer fit, and fabric composition can vary across ranges. If you are between sizes, think about intended use: choose the more secure fit for training, but do not size down so far that the waistband or leg seams feel uncomfortable.
Fabric matters more than it first appears
Chlorine is tough on swimwear. A pair worn once a year on holiday can cope with a different fabric choice from one worn for three pool sessions every week. Regular swimmers should prioritise chlorine-resistant materials, particularly if they are buying kit for a squad swimmer or replacing a well-used training suit.
A quality performance fabric should keep its stretch, resist fading and dry reasonably quickly. It will not make swim shorts indestructible, but it can significantly extend their useful life. Rinse them in cool fresh water after every swim, avoid leaving them rolled up in a wet towel, and let them dry naturally away from radiators and direct heat. Those small habits protect the elastic fibres that give the shorts their shape.
Print and colour are personal, but they can be practical too. Darker shades often feel more versatile for frequent pool use, while bold prints are a popular choice for swimmers who want their training kit to stand out. Brands such as Speedo, Arena and Funkita are familiar names for swimmers because their ranges are built with pool use in mind, from straightforward training essentials to brighter squad-ready designs.
When swim shorts are not the best option
Swim shorts are a strong choice for comfort, coverage and training flexibility, but they are not the answer for every session. Competitive swimmers looking for the lowest possible drag will generally be better served by a racing suit selected for their event and competition regulations. A loose or layered shorts style is not designed for race-day speed.
Likewise, if you dislike any waistband pressure, a one-piece swimsuit or legsuit may feel more secure. Some swimmers also find that separate shorts and tops can shift independently during hard kick work. There is no right answer across the board - the best choice is the one that supports your stroke, your confidence and your normal pool routine.
Build a swim kit that works harder
Swim shorts earn their place when they suit the rest of your kit. For training, combine them with goggles that seal comfortably, a swim hat that stays put and a towel that can cope with regular use. A mesh bag is useful for keeping wet kit separate after a session, particularly for club swimmers travelling straight from pool to school, work or another activity.
It is also sensible to keep a second pair if you swim often. Rotating between two suits or shorts gives each one time to dry properly and means a forgotten kit wash does not derail training. For young swimmers in lessons or squads, a spare pair in the bag can save a rushed poolside change after a torn seam or an unexpectedly long session.
The best swim shorts are not the pair that look good only in the changing-room mirror. Choose a fit that lets you move, fabric that can take regular pool time and coverage that makes you feel ready to step onto the blocks, into the lane or straight into the next session.