Swim leggings, also known as swim tights or swim pants, serve several purposes:
1. For the most part sun protection: Swim leggings are designed to provide additional sun protection for the legs. They are often made from materials with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to shield the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.
2. Modest reasons: They offer more coverage than traditional swimwear, making them a popular choice for individuals who prefer not to expose too much skin.
3. Warmth: In cooler water temperatures, swim leggings can provide an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the legs warm. This can be especially beneficial in situations where the water is colder than the air, such as in certain open-water swimming environments.
4. Skin Protection: Swim leggings can also offer protection against irritants in the water, such as bluebottles, jellyfish stings, rough surfaces, or certain chemicals. The fabric can act as a barrier, reducing the risk of skin irritation or injury.
5. Medical Reasons: Some individuals with certain skin conditions or medical concerns may use swim leggings for added coverage and protection while swimming.
6. Water Activities: Swim leggings are not limited to swimming itself alone. They are worn for various water activities, such as paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, snorkeling, or water aerobics; providing both sun protection and coverage.
What is the difference between swim leggings and regular leggings?
Depending on the fabric used for 'regular' leggings, they are usually not suitable for swimming, surfing or other water activities. There are several key differences between the two:
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Material: Swim leggings are made from UPF 50 materials specifically designed for use in water. They are often constructed from quick-drying and chlorine-resistant fabrics, such as spandex, nylon, or polyester. Regular leggings, on the other hand, are typically made from materials like cotton, spandex, or a blend of various fabrics that may not be suitable for prolonged exposure to water.
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Chlorine Resistance: Swim leggings are usually treated or constructed to be more resistant to the effects of chlorine found in pools. Chlorine resistance helps prolong the life of swimwear when used in chlorinated water. Regular leggings may not have this resistance and can deteriorate more quickly when exposed to chlorine.
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UV Protection: Many swim leggings are designed with built-in UV protection to shield the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. This feature is especially important for outdoor water activities. Regular leggings may not provide the same level of UV protection.
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Quick Drying: Swim leggings are designed to dry quickly, which is important for comfort and preventing skin irritation. Regular leggings may absorb water and take longer to dry, potentially causing discomfort and making them less suitable for water activities.
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Design and Style: Swim leggings often come in designs and styles suitable for swimwear, with features like color patterns, drawstrings, and other elements that complement their intended use. Regular leggings, while available in various styles, may lack the specific design elements needed for water activities.
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Intended Use: Swim leggings are specifically designed for water-related activities, such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding or water aerobics. They are engineered to provide comfort and functionality in aquatic environments. Regular leggings are generally designed for everyday wear and may not hold up well to prolonged exposure to water.
It's advisable to choose the right type of leggings based on the intended use. If you plan to engage in water activities, swim leggings are a more suitable choice due to their specialized design and materials. For everyday wear or non-water-related activities, regular leggings are more appropriate.
We have a range of swim leggings for both Women, Tweens and Kids, and some for Men coming soon. They come in a variety of designs, with solid colors to match so that you can mix & match as you feel.
