I tried the season's top sporty swimsuits — here are the 10 winners that didn't budge in the lido or the surf

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Love to swim for fitness?

Whether you’re heading to the lido for a few laps, trying open-water swimming on the coast or mixing beach days with water sports, you’ll need swimwear that can keep up with you as you move.

Sporty swimwear is all about balancing function with flattering design — and making sure you don’t flash anyone!

Whether you’re swimming, diving or paddling, a good sport-appropriate swimsuit will support your body without feeling restrictive and look good while it’s doing it.

The right women’s sporty swimsuits offer comfort, coverage and confidence without compromising on style.

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What to look for in sporty swimsuits for women
Comfort is key in the water, but performance matters just as much.

Well-made sporty swimsuits should feel secure without restricting movement and offer enough stretch for a full range of motion while still holding their shape over time.

Look for chlorine-resistant fabrics, which help prevent fading and maintain elasticity, as well as UV protection and more coverage for outdoor swimming.

Support is equally important: features like built-in shelf bras, double linings and cross-back straps help keep your suit in place, however you move.

A snug fit will prevent drag and prevent slipping and gaping, while quick-drying, breathable materials will keep you comfortable between swims.

Where to find stylish sporty swimsuits
Sporty swim style is all about clean lines and practical design, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Some brands, such as Speedo , specialise in suits for swimming, and others, such as Finisterre , are all about surfing, but both have stylish suits that you’ll be happy to wear on holiday.

I tried my selection of swimsuits and bikinis during swimming sessions at my local lido as well as on wild swims on the Cornish coast, assessing each one for comfort, performance, and a close yet flexible fit.

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Speedo’s suits are always reliable classics at good prices, and the Jetstream easily earned its “best on test” badge as a great all-rounder.

We liked its retro aesthetic, clean lines and a confident, no-nonsense fit that you can swim, jump and dive in.

It stands up to chlorine and washing and should last you for years.

Women with bigger busts may need more support, but if you want something sleek and fuss-free (and that might make you look a bit like you’re on Baywatch ), this is a well-priced pick.

An easy-going all-rounder that deserves its place in your holiday suitcase, the Maggie strikes a pleasing balance between style and practicality, with a design you can happily lounge in before heading into the sea.

This suit feels secure enough for a spontaneous swim yet relaxed enough for poolside reading and has decent bottom coverage and a stay-put strap across your shoulders.

The colourway is fresh and flattering too.

This suit isn’t overly technical and is better suited to smaller busts, but if you want a sporty suit that still gets style points, this is our pick.

Designed with the ocean in mind, this long-sleeved suit from Cornish brand Finisterre is perfect for wild swimmers and surfers.

The Yulex fabric — a more sustainable alternative to neoprene - adds warmth without bulk, while the sleeves offer protection against wind and sun.

The Kaia is also rather flattering, with a streamlined silhouette that feels secure in rougher water and a beautiful sea-inspired colourway.

This suit is too warm for balmy beach holidays and comes with a premium price tag, so it’s best as an eco-conscious investment if you’re serious about open water adventuring.

Women of all shapes and sizes love to swim and work out - but you might not think so after a quick glance at the sporty swimsuits on the market.

Thankfully, there’s Curvy Kate’s range of lovely suits and bikinis for women from 30D to 40KK cup.

This simple Deep Dive suit looks sleek and simple, but offers reassuring structure.

It holds everything comfortably in place, whether you’re swimming lengths or simply enjoying the water.

The chlorine-resistant fabric adds longevity, making this a practical choice for regular swimmers.

Built with movement in mind, the Halo is a strong contender for serious swimmers.

The high-leg cut and Y-shaped back allow for a full range of motion, making this eye-catching design ideal for clocking up lengths and for packing in your gym bag for regular training sessions.

The Halo is sleek and minimal in appearance and feel, and the recycled chlorine-resistant fabric is a practical bonus for frequent pool trips.

The Halo does sit high on your rear, which won’t appeal to everyone, but overall, it’s a streamlined, performance-focused piece with sustainability credentials to match.

Zone3 is best known for their high-performing swimming wetsuits, but this lighter long-sleeved swimsuit is just as good quality.

This suit is pleasingly light and flexible, offering a liberating feel in the water while still providing an extra layer of protection against chill and sun.

The fit is supportive without being restrictive, helped along by a subtle shelf bra.

Ideal for open water swimmers and snorkellers, it bridges the gap between performance and comfort.

It may not replace a wetsuit, but for milder conditions, it’s a sleek, confidence-boosting alternative.

Good size range, too.

This rather gorgeous one-piece leans more to fashion than sport, but holds its own in the water if you fancy a dip.

The lace-up front of the Ibiza suit adds a subtly sultry edge, while the cup-sized fit ensures proper stay-put support and a bra-like feel.

Boux Avenue’s suit will stay in place during light activity, though it’s not one for high-impact dives or cartwheels on the beach.

Perfect for beach clubs or packing for active holidays, if you’ve already got a sportier suit, it transitions easily from swimwear to an outfit if you stick a pair of shorts on top.

A confident, flattering option if you don’t like sporty looks.

If you fancy a bikini top but don’t want to sacrifice coverage and freedom of movement, pair this long-sleeve Halle crop top with high-waisted shorts.

This comfy coverup doubles up as athleisure for workouts and yoga when you’re back on land, and you can also stick it over a bikini top for extra support for swimming, or wear it over a swimsuit for sun protection if you’re off paddleboarding or swimming in the sea.

The recycled nylon fabric adds a sustainable edge, and the design feels contemporary yet classic.

Want to swim without restrictions?

The Heva’s shorty-style design offers reassuring coverage, particularly around the hips and bottom, while wide straps and a U-shaped back keep everything secure up top.

The front zip makes it easy to slip this suit on and off, and the Heva feels unfussy and functional, yet still cute enough for beach days thanks to the contrast white piping.

Doubling up as a casual playsuit, this is a versatile addition to your holiday wardrobe — and frankly, at under £20 it’s a total bargain.

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I’ve tested out a few options, and my favourite are Wuka’s bikini shorts, which are crafted from recycled nylon and are designed for use on light-to-medium flow days.

They’re easy to wear, will go with whatever bikini top you like and offer good coverage for swimming, surfing and other active adventures.

This high-neck swimsuit from Jets Australia is rather elegant and has been designed with both style and a secure fit in mind.

The boat neckline and higher back offer good coverage, reducing the risk of any mid-swim mishaps while also providing some added sun protection if you’re outdoors.

This smart one-piece doubles up neatly as a top, making it a versatile suit for travel.

Removable cups and a supportive shelf bra make it easy to get good support up top, too.

This suit is undeniably expensive, but the refined design and premium feel make it a worthwhile investment if you want to pack just one suit for a holiday.

There’s a suit here to suit every way you feel like working out, but our top all-rounder is Speedo’s retro-inspired Jetstream .

Wild swimmers should try Zone3 and Finisterre’s protective suits, while Decathlon and Jets Australia offer great coverage too.