I've been wearing waterpro swimsuits for a few years now, mostly because they just don't quit after a few months in a heavily chlorinated pool. If you've ever spent any serious amount of time training, you know the heartbreak of a suit that starts to go see-through or loses its stretch right when you're starting to hit your stride. It's annoying, it's expensive to keep replacing them, and frankly, it's just a waste of time.
When I first started swimming laps consistently, I didn't think much about the brand. I grabbed whatever was on sale at the local sporting goods store. Big mistake. Within six weeks, that suit was sagging in places it definitely shouldn't be. That's when a coach pointed me toward Waterpro. They're known for being the workhorses of the swimming world, especially for people who are in the water four or five days a week.
Why the Fabric Actually Matters
The main reason waterpro swimsuits hold up so well is the material they use. Most of their high-performance lines are made from a blend that's heavy on polyester or PBT. If you aren't a fabric nerd, all you really need to know is that PBT is basically the "superhero" of swimwear materials. It doesn't react to chlorine the way Lycra or Spandex does.
Chlorine is incredibly harsh. It eats away at the elastic fibers in regular swimwear, which is why your favorite bikini or cheap trunks end up feeling like a wet paper bag after a few trips to the gym pool. With these suits, the fabric stays tight. It keeps its shape, and more importantly, it keeps its color. I've had a navy blue suit for a year that still looks navy blue, not some weird, mottled gray-purple.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Strokes
One thing I noticed early on is that waterpro swimsuits aren't designed for lounging poolside with a drink—though you totally could if you wanted to. They're designed for movement. The cuts are functional. For women, the straps are usually positioned to stay put during a flip turn or a vigorous butterfly stroke. There's nothing worse than having to adjust your suit every time you push off the wall.
For the guys, their briefs and jammers are cut in a way that provides compression without feeling like you're being squeezed into a sausage casing. It's a fine line to walk. You want the suit to be tight enough to reduce drag, but you also need to be able to breathe and move your legs freely. These suits seem to hit that sweet spot.
The Cost vs. Value Equation
Let's be real for a second: you can find cheaper suits. You can go to a big-box store and get a swimsuit for twenty bucks. But if you're swimming three times a week, that twenty-dollar suit is going to last you maybe two months. If you do the math, you're spending way more over the course of a year than if you just invested in a solid pair of waterpro swimsuits from the jump.
I tend to look at my swim gear as an investment in my workout. If my goggles leak, I'm frustrated. If my suit is falling off, I'm not focusing on my form. Spending a little bit more upfront for a brand that specializes in competitive and fitness swimming saves a lot of headache down the road. Plus, they often have pretty cool patterns that don't look like the generic stuff everyone else is wearing.
Dealing with Sizing Quirks
If you're new to buying "real" swim gear, the sizing can be a bit of a shock. Competitive swimwear brands, including this one, tend to run smaller than "fashion" swimwear. Don't let the numbers bruise your ego. A size 32 in a training suit is not the same as a size 32 in a pair of casual jeans.
When you first put on one of these waterpro swimsuits, it might feel too tight. That's actually usually a good sign. The fabric will give just a tiny bit once it hits the water, and you want it to stay snug. If it feels "comfortable" and easy to put on while you're standing in your bedroom, it's probably going to be too big once you're halfway through a 500-yard set. You want it to feel like a second skin.
Training vs. Competition Styles
It's also worth noting that they offer different styles depending on what you're doing. If you're just doing some light water aerobics or casual laps, you might want a suit with a bit more coverage or a "conservative" leg cut. But if you're training for a triathlon or a master's meet, you'll probably want something with thinner straps and a higher cut to allow for a maximum range of motion.
I personally prefer the thin strap styles because I feel less restricted around my shoulders. When you're doing hundreds of yards of freestyle, even a little bit of friction from a thick strap can lead to some nasty chafing. The design of these suits usually accounts for that, keeping the seams away from the high-rub areas.
Caring for Your Suit (The Lazy Way)
I'll admit, I'm not the best at "hand washing in cold water with mild detergent" as the labels always suggest. Most of us just want to get out of the locker room and get on with our day. However, if you want your waterpro swimsuits to last even longer, there are a few "lazy" tips that actually work.
First, always rinse the suit in fresh water immediately after you get out of the pool. Most locker rooms have a shower—just wear the suit in there for a minute before you take it off. This gets the bulk of the chlorine out. Second, never, ever put it in the dryer. The heat will kill the fibers faster than the chlorine will. I usually just roll mine in a towel to soak up the extra moisture and then hang it over the back of a chair when I get home. It's easy, and it adds months to the life of the suit.
Why Variety Matters
Another thing I appreciate is that they don't just stick to boring solid colors. Don't get me wrong, a classic black suit is a staple, but sometimes you want something a bit more vibrant to help you get motivated on a cold Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM.
The patterns on waterpro swimsuits are usually pretty fun without being "too much." They have everything from subtle geometric designs to bright, colorful prints. And because the fabric is high quality, the prints don't get all distorted or white when the fabric stretches over your hips. They stay looking crisp.
Final Thoughts on Making the Switch
At the end of the day, swimming is a gear-minimalist sport. You need goggles, a cap, and a suit. Because you don't need much, it makes sense to make sure what you do have is actually good. Switching to waterpro swimsuits was one of the better decisions I made when I started taking my time in the water seriously.
You stop worrying about whether your suit is going to last the season and start focusing on your stroke count and your breathing. It's one less thing to think about, and in a sport that's as much about mental endurance as physical strength, that's a huge win. Whether you're a total beginner or someone who's been hitting the lanes for decades, having a suit that can keep up with you is a total game-changer.