These Swim Leggings Look Cool But Will Keep You Warm In The Water

What's your favorite water workout? Laps? SUP? Surfing? You know what could make all of them that much better? A pair of swim leggings. Seriously, swim leggings (or swim tights) are totally a thing, and they're the perfect addition to your water-sports wardrobe. They provide ample coverage during aquatic exercise and are designed to help you move through H2O like a pro. Most are also made with sun-protective fabric, so you don't need to worry about harmful rays while you're working out in the ocean, a lake, or an outdoor pool.

Rule number one when picking out a pair of swim tights is to avoid fabrics that absorb water, like cotton. Instead, stick to fabrics like are a blend of Spandex and either polyester or nylon. “Swim or surf leggings are basically leggings that are made of standard materials for swimwear,” explains Schatzi Brown, designer and founder of the swimwear brand NaluTribe. “By using the same material that you would use for a swimsuit or a rash guard, the leggings essentially become water-friendly, but you can also use them outside the water for activities like hot yoga or running.”

Another huge factor in swim leggings is UPF protection, otherwise known as Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This safeguards your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which is essential when you’re outdoors! “Essentially, a good swim legging is moisture-absorbing, quick-drying, has a UPF of 50+, and allows for a four-way stretch—meaning, the fabric stretches and recovers on both the cross and lengthwise grains,” Brown says.

The best swim legging or swim tights can do all of the above and look good while doing so. Amongst those that make the cut are the 12 pairs of swim leggings below.