Summer has arrived, and it's time to jump into the water! Whether you're riding waves at the beach or swimming in the pool, having the right women's swimming shorts can really help you enjoy your time in the water. With all the choices available, it can be tough to decide between surf shorts and swim shorts. But don't worry – we have a simple guide to help you!
What's the Difference: Surf Shorts vs. Swim Shorts?
Before we dive deep, let's clear up the confusion. Many people think all water shorts are the same, but surf shorts women love and regular swim shorts serve different purposes.
Surf shorts are made for fun activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and playing beach volleyball. They are strong and can take on waves, sand, and a lot of movement.
Swim shorts , however, are great for swimming, doing water exercises, or relaxing by the pool. They are designed to be comfortable in pool water and help you swim easily.
Material Matters: What Your Shorts Are Made Of
Quick-Dry Technology
The best women's swimming shorts feature quick-dry materials. These special fabrics pull moisture away from your skin and dry fast when you're out of the water. Look for materials like:
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Polyester blends
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Nylon with spandex
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Recycled plastic fibers
Quick-dry shorts mean you won't stay soggy all day at the beach or pool party!
Chlorine Resistance
If you swim in a pool a lot, it's really important to have chlorine-resistant swim shorts. Chlorine can make colors dull and damage cheaper materials as time goes by. Good swim shorts are made with special fabrics that resist chlorine, helping them keep their shape and color, even after many swims.
Pro tip : Rinse your shorts with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated pools to make them last longer.
UV Protection
Many modern surf shorts women choose come with built-in UV protection. It's like sunscreen is built into the fabric! Choose clothes with UPF ratings of 30 or higher to keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Surf Shorts: Built for Action
When choosing surf shorts for women, look for these features:
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Loose-fitting around the hips and thighs for easy movement
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Longer length (about 5-9 inches) so they don’t ride up while you surf
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Secure waistbands with drawstrings or velcro to keep them in place in rough waves
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Flat seams to avoid chafing during long surfing sessions
Swim Shorts: Streamlined for Swimming
Swim shorts are designed to:
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Fit closer to your body to reduce drag in the water
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Be made of stretchy materials that move easily
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Be shorter (about 3-5 inches) for better leg movement
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Have compression features for muscle support when you work out
Womens Long Swim Shorts : The Best of Both Worlds
Women’s long swim shorts are really popular because they give you great coverage and can be used for many activities. These longer styles (usually 7-11 inches) are great if you:
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Want to protect your thighs from the sun
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Feel more comfortable with extra coverage
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Plan to switch from swimming to other beach sports
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Need shorts that work for both swimming and surfing
Key Features to Look For
Pockets (Yes, Really!)
Many water shorts now come with secure pockets. Look for:
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Zippered pockets for your keys or small things
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Mesh drainage so that water can escape easily
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Velcro closures that still work when they’re wet
Comfort Details
Small details make a big difference:
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Gusseted crotch for better movement
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Flatlock seams to avoid irritation
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Soft waistbands that are comfy and don’t dig in
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Quick-release drawstrings that are easy to adjust
Styling Tips: Look Good, Feel Great
Color Choices
Dark colors like navy, black, and deep purple are great for regular swimmers because they hide chlorine stains better. Bright colors and fun patterns are perfect for surf shorts and beach days.
Mix and Match
Your women's swimming shorts should work with different tops. Choose versatile colors that match multiple swimsuit tops or rash guards in your collection.
Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your water shorts is simple:
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Rinse them right after you use them with fresh water.
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Wash them gently with a mild soap (don’t use fabric softener).
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Let them dry in the air, but keep them out of direct sunlight.
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Store them flat to help them keep their shape.
Making the Right Choice for You
Still not sure which type is right for you? Ask yourself:
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What activities will you do most? Surfing and beach sports = surf shorts. Pool swimming and water fitness = swim shorts.
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How much coverage do you want? More coverage = longer styles.
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What's your budget? Quality materials cost more but last longer.
Final Thoughts
The perfect swimming shorts for women are just waiting for you! You can pick surf shorts that are strong and last a long time, or you might like long swim shorts because they can be used for different things. What really matters is that you find shorts that make you feel good and comfy in the water.
Remember, the best shorts are the ones you will actually wear. Don’t be shy to try on different styles until you find the ones you love. Your fun summer in the water is about to start – now you can join in with style!
Ready to find your favorite pair? First, think about what water activities you’ll be doing, and then use this guide to help you choose. Happy swimming!
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