How to Choose Swimwear for Open Water Swimming: A Practical Buying Guide

Quick answer

For most open water swimmers, a lined brief with an internal drawcord and a secure, high-hip cut is the most reliable choice because it stays put through strokes and entries. If you want more coverage, a wide-cut brief works well; if you want minimal tan lines and maximum freedom, a micro or bikini cut is the trade-off. Match the cut to your distance and comfort, not to fashion alone.

Open water swimming puts different demands on swimwear than a pool lap session. You deal with waves, currents, sand, and longer time in the water, so the wrong brief can mean constant adjusting or chafing. This guide gives you concrete rules for choosing a cut, fabric, and fit that work in the ocean, a lake, or a river.

You do not need a wetsuit to swim open water, but you do need swimwear that stays in place and holds up. The good news is that the same features that make a brief secure also make it comfortable for long swims. Below are the decisions that matter, plus specific TEAMM8 styles that illustrate each trade-off.

Start with cut: how much coverage do you actually want?

Cut is the first decision because it affects drag, tan lines, and how often you adjust. A high-hip bikini brief gives you a sleek silhouette and minimal coverage, which many open water swimmers prefer for freedom of movement. A wide-cut brief offers more coverage across the hip and back, which can feel more secure in choppy water or if you are self-conscious on the beach.

A micro or sports brief cut sits between the two: it shows more skin but still delivers confident coverage front and back. There is no single best cut; the right one is the one you will not think about while swimming. If you are new to open water, start with a cut you already wear in a pool, then adjust as you learn what bothers you over longer distances.

• Choose a high-hip bikini cut for minimal tan lines and maximum leg drive.
• Choose a wide cut if you want more coverage and a secure feel in waves.
• Avoid any cut that rides up when you raise your arms; that will only get worse in open water.

Fit rules: how to tell if a brief will stay put

Fit matters more than brand or price in open water. A brief should feel snug but not restrictive around the waist and legs. The leg opening should sit flat against your skin without digging in. If you can pinch more than a centimeter of fabric at the hip, it is likely too loose and will balloon or shift when you push off or dive in.

An internal drawcord is a practical feature for open water because it lets you fine-tune the waist after you get wet. Look for a lined brief, which adds opacity and structure. If a product listing does not mention a drawcord or lining, treat that as a limitation and assume you may need to size down or choose a different style for serious swimming.

• Test fit by squatting and raising your arms; the brief should not move.
• If you are between sizes, size down for swimming and size up for lounging.
• A drawcord is worth prioritizing if you swim in surf or strong currents.

Fabric and water type: chlorine, salt, and sun

Open water can mean ocean, lake, or a chlorinated pool on travel days. Chlorine is the harshest on swimwear because it breaks down elasticity over time. If you split your time between a pool and open water, look for chlorine resistant swimwear or rinse your brief in fresh water immediately after every swim. Salt water is less damaging to fabric but leaves residue that can weaken fibers if left to dry.

Sun exposure also matters. Darker colors and tighter weaves hide wear better, while lighter colors show sand and sunscreen stains. No fabric lasts forever, but rinsing in cold water and drying in shade will extend the life of any brief. Avoid hot tubs and harsh detergents, which speed up breakdown.

• Rinse in cold fresh water after every ocean or pool swim.
• Dry in shade; direct sun fades colors and weakens elastic.
• If a listing does not state chlorine resistance, assume it is best for occasional pool use.

Style and practicality: when a swim thong makes sense

A swim thong for swimming is a valid choice if you want minimal tan lines and maximum freedom, but it comes with trade-offs. It offers less coverage, so it can feel exposed in cold water or strong currents. It also requires a very secure fit because there is less fabric to keep everything in place. If you choose a thong, prioritize a snug waistband and a cut that sits close to the body.

For most open water swimmers, a brief is the more practical default because it balances coverage and freedom. A thong works best for short swims, warm water, and swimmers who already know they are comfortable in one. If you are unsure, start with a brief and keep a thong for beach days rather than long-distance swims.

• Choose a thong for minimal tan lines and short, warm-water swims.
• Choose a brief for longer distances, colder water, and rougher conditions.
• Always test a new thong in a pool or calm water before taking it into the ocean.

Open water swim gear beyond the brief

Your brief is the foundation, but open water swim gear also includes goggles, a swim cap, and sometimes a tow float for visibility. A brightly colored cap makes you easier to spot, which matters in lakes and oceans with boat traffic. Goggles should seal without pressing too hard on your eye sockets; try them on before you buy if possible.

A tow float is not required everywhere, but it adds safety and storage for a phone or keys. If you swim in cold water, consider a wetsuit or swim-specific thermal top, but make sure your brief fits comfortably underneath without bunching. The goal is a system where nothing distracts you from swimming.

• Use a bright cap for visibility in open water.
• Test goggles for a gentle seal before long swims.
• A tow float adds safety and lets you carry small essentials.

Decision rules for open water swimwear

• If you swim more than 30 minutes: Choose a lined brief with an internal drawcord and a cut that does not ride up. Prioritize security over minimal coverage. Checkpoint: test the fit by raising your arms and squatting before you commit.
• If you swim in chlorinated pools between open water sessions: Look for chlorine resistant swimwear or rinse immediately after every pool swim. Chlorine breaks down elastic faster than salt water. Checkpoint: if the listing does not mention chlorine resistance, treat it as occasional pool use only.
• If you want minimal tan lines and maximum freedom: A micro or bikini cut works, but only if it fits snugly. A swim thong is an option for short, warm-water swims, not long distances. Checkpoint: never take a new minimal cut into the ocean without testing it in a pool first.
• If you are new to open water: Start with a wide or classic brief cut you already know fits. Add a bright cap and a tow float for visibility and safety. Checkpoint: comfort and security first, style second.

TEAMM8 styles that fit these rules

• TEAMM8 Arena Bikini Swim Brief - Aegean: High hip cut bikini style brief that is fully lined with an internal drawcord for a sleek yet high impact silhouette. The drawcord and full lining make it a strong choice for open water because it stays put and offers opacity where you need it.
• Statement Wide Swim Brief - White: Wide Cut Swim Brief designed with a super-flattering fit that delivers confident coverage paired with a clean, modestly sexy silhouette. If you want more coverage without losing a streamlined feel, this cut is a practical option for choppy water and longer beach days.
• Statement Micro Swim Brief - Gunmetal: Sports Brief cut swimwear with daring side cut-outs and a super-thin waistband that shows maximum skin while still delivering confident coverage front and back. This is the minimal-coverage option for swimmers who prioritize freedom and tan lines and are comfortable with a bolder cut.
• Romeo Sheer Bikini Brief - Dusk: Made for the man who knows the power of suggestion, this sexy bikini brief combines sheer fabric, a subtle inline stripe and a sculpted fit. Sheer fabric is best for beach and resort wear rather than serious open water swimming, where opacity and durability matter more.

Who this guidance is for

Best for

• Swimmers who want a secure brief for ocean, lake, or river swimming
• Travelers who need one pair that works in pools and open water
• Swimmers who prefer minimal coverage but still want a reliable fit

Not for

• Swimmers looking for a wetsuit or thermal swimwear for cold water
• Anyone who wants a loose, relaxed fit for lounging only
• Swimmers who need a full-coverage jammer or trunk for competition

Choose your cut based on coverage and comfort, then confirm the fit with a drawcord and lining if you swim seriously. Rinse your brief after every swim and keep a second style for beach days. With the right fit, you will stop thinking about your swimwear and focus on the water.