If you're training five days a week, your swimsuit is basically a piece of sporting equipment. It gets more chlorine exposure in a month than most casual swimmers see in a year. So choosing the right one isn't just about how it looks, it's about how long it lasts, how it holds up mid-set, and whether it actually supports you when you're pushing through your fifth kilometre.
Here's what the JAYD community knows (and what most brands won't tell you).
Fabric is everything, especially if you're a pool swimmer
Chlorine is brutal on standard swimwear. Most fashion-grade suits are made with standard Lycra or elastane blends that break down quickly when exposed to pool chemicals, you'll notice fading, bagging, and that dreaded see-through moment sooner than you'd like.
For training, you need chlorine-resistant fabric as a non-negotiable. JAYD suits are made with, a high-performance, premium Italian fabric specifically engineered to hold its shape, colour, and compression session after session. It's the difference between a suit that lasts a season and one that's done by week six.
Not sure why chlorine resistance matters so much? Our blog on why chlorine-resistant swimwear saves you money (and the planet) breaks it all down.
The lining is the part most swimmers overlook
Here's something that separates a good training suit from a great one: the lining.
Most swimwear uses a standard nylon lining that degrades almost as fast as the outer fabric. JAYD uses a 100% PBT lining, a material that is genuinely chlorine-proof. It won't sag, pill, or go transparent. It maintains compression even after hundreds of washes and swims. For competitive swimmers who are in the pool daily, this is the detail that actually matters most.
Back style and security for your stroke
When you're doing flip turns, underwater dolphin kicks, or streamlining off the wall, the last thing you want is a suit that moves in the wrong way. For competitive training, the back style of your suit matters more than people realise.
Fixed back vs. tie back for training
Fixed-back one pieces, give you the most security. They stay put, they don't shift during your stroke, and there's no risk of them coming undone mid-session. If you're training competitively, this is almost always the right call.
Tie-back styles have their place (and they're stunning), but they're better suited to ocean swims, squad sessions where you're mixing training with socialising, or when you're after a bit more flexibility in fit. Check out our guide to choosing your perfect one piece to compare styles across the full JAYD range.
Fit: it should feel snug, and that's the point
A lot of swimmers try on a training suit and think it's too tight. Nine times out of ten, that's exactly how it's supposed to feel.
Performance swimwear is designed to be compressive. In the water, that compression translates to less drag and better body position. On land, it can feel firm, and that's a sign it's doing its job. JAYD suits are designed with an athlete-first fit: supportive in the water, flattering out of it.
That said, fit is personal. Athletes who prefer a very firm, competitive feel tend to stay true to size. If you want slightly more room, sizing up one is totally fine, plenty of the JAYD community do exactly that. Take a look at our size and style guide if you're unsure where to start.
How many training suits do you actually need?
If you're training four or more times a week, one suit won't last the season, no matter how good the fabric is. Rotating between two or three suits is the single best thing you can do to extend their lifespan. Giving each suit 24 hours to fully dry between uses allows the fibres to recover and maintains compression longer.
For more on making your suits last, our swimwear care guide is worth a read, it covers rinsing, drying, and storage the right way.
The JAYD take: built by the community, for the community
Every JAYD design is shaped by feedback from real swimmers, surf lifesavers, and water athletes. We're not guessing what you need in the water, we're part of the same community that's up at 5am for training, grinding through long sets, and racing on weekends.
If you're ready to find your next training suit, browse the full JAYD one piece range or join the JAYD Swim Club and train with the community.
Swim strong.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best swimwear for competitive swimming training?
The best training swimwear combines chlorine-resistant outer fabric (JAYD use an Italian fabric) with a 100% PBT lining for durability. A fixed-back one piece with a secure, compressive fit is ideal for pool training, it minimises drag and stays in place during turns and underwater kicks.
How often should competitive swimmers replace their training suit?
With daily training, a standard suit may only last 6-12 weeks. High-quality chlorine-resistant suits, especially those with a PBT lining can last a full season or longer, particularly if you rotate between two or three suits and rinse thoroughly after every swim.
Should a training swimsuit feel tight?
Yes, performance swimwear is intentionally compressive. That snug feeling on land translates to reduced drag and better body position in the water. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, sizing up one is a common choice among swimmers who aren't racing competitively.
What is a PBT lining and why does it matter for swimmers?
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a highly chlorine-resistant fibre used in swimwear linings. Unlike standard nylon linings, PBT won't sag, fade, or go transparent with repeated chlorine exposure, making it the gold standard for competitive and high-volume training swimmers.
Fixed back vs tie back: which is better for training?
Fixed-back styles are generally better for competitive training because they provide more security during high-intensity movement. Tie-back styles are well-suited to ocean swimming, casual squad sessions, or situations where fit flexibility is preferred over maximum security.