What Parents Should Know About Swim Gear: A Team Shopping Guide

This guide is here to simplify the process and walk you through what you really need to buy, how swim team stores work, and what to expect throughout the season. 

Why the Right Swim Gear Matters 

Swimming is a sport of precision. The right gear not only helps your child perform better in the water but also ensures they’re comfortable and confident during long training sessions and fast-paced meets. Well-fitting swimsuits, reliable goggles, and organized gear bags can eliminate unnecessary distractions and reduce stress for both swimmers and parents. 

Buying swim gear may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics and how team orders work, it becomes much easier — and even a little fun. 

Must-Have Swim Gear for Your Child 

Let’s start with the essentials. While gear can vary slightly depending on the team and level of competition, here’s a breakdown of the swim equipment most swimmers will need. 

1. Team Swimsuits 

Your swimmer will likely need two types of suits: 

• Practice Suits: These are built for durability. Look for chlorine-resistant materials like polyester. Many swimmers rotate between two or more suits during the week to extend their lifespan.
• Team Suits for Meets: These often include a logo or team colors. Your coach may require a specific brand, color, or cut. Tech suits — designed for higher-level competition — are typically used by older swimmers or at championship meets.

Tip: Team swimsuits are usually available through the team’s online store, which ensures uniformity across the group. 

2. Goggles 

Goggles are a must. They protect your child’s eyes from chlorine and allow for clear vision in the water. Every swimmer should have: 

• A reliable pair for daily practice
• A backup pair (Life happens where straps snap, lenses fog, and goggles get lost)

Goggles come in different shapes and fits, so your child may need to try a few styles before settling on their favorite. Many brands offer options with anti-fog lenses and mirrored coatings for outdoor or competition use. 

3. Swim Cap 

Most teams require swimmers to wear a cap during meets and practices. Caps keep hair out of the face, reduce drag, and help identify team members. There are different materials to choose from: 

• Silicone caps: durable, comfortable, and a top choice for most swimmers

• Latex caps: thinner, stretchier, and more affordable
• Custom team caps: usually branded with team logos and available through the team store

4. Gear Bag or Backpack 

Swimmers carry more than you might expect with gear like towels, water bottles, dry clothes, caps, goggles, and training gear. A swim-specific backpack with multiple compartments helps keep everything organized and dry. Many bags come with ventilated compartments for wet gear and designated pockets for goggles or electronics. 

Look for a size appropriate to your child’s age — younger swimmers don’t need the largest bag on the market. 

5. Training Gear 

For daily workouts, your swimmer may need specific equipment, including: 

• Kickboard
• Fins
• Pull buoy
• Hand paddles
• Snorkel

Your coach will let you know what’s required, but many teams include this information when setting up their team store. These tools help swimmers isolate parts of their stroke and build strength and technique during practice. 

Extras That Come in Handy 

• Towel(s): Fast-drying microfiber towels are compact and absorbent. Bring two — one for the pool deck, one for afterward.
• Slides or flip-flops: Useful for walking around the locker room or deck.
• Water bottle: Hydration is important, even in the water.
• Snacks: Meets can last hours. Granola bars, fruit, and electrolyte drinks are popular choices.
• Extra cap and goggles: Always pack backups — something will get lost or break at the worst time.

How Do Team Stores Work? 

Most swim teams' partner with a swim retailer to offer a custom team page where families can order all required gear in one place. These team stores are typically hosted online and open for a limited window at the beginning of each season or during key periods. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

• Email or website link from your team directing you to your personalized team store
• Pre-selected items like suits, caps, parkas, and apparel that meet team guidelines
• Custom logos and swimmer name personalization for some items
• Shipping options to your home or group delivery to a coach or team manager
• Deadline reminders to ensure your gear arrives before meets begin

Buying from the team store ensures your swimmer matches the rest of the team and avoids confusion during swim meets. It also supports consistency and branding across the program. 

How to Save Time and Money on Swim Gear 

Swimming can be an investment, but there are ways to be smart about it: 

• Buy quality for essentials like goggles, caps, and suits — they’ll last longer
• Label everything — especially if you’re part of a large team
• Check team stores first before buying gear elsewhere — some items are exclusive or required
• Start with the basics and only add specialty gear as your swimmer progresses
• Ask your coach or other parents what’s optional vs. mandatory

Take the Guesswork Out of Swim Gear 

As a swim parent, you don’t need to know everything about the sport — but having a solid grasp on gear helps your swimmer stay prepared and focused. With a simple checklist and a supportive team store, you’ll eliminate the stress of last-minute shopping and set your child up for success from the first practice to the final race of the season. 

Whether you’re buying your first pair of goggles or placing a team order for the third year in a row, knowing what your swimmer needs, and where to get it makes all the difference. 

Where to Shop with Confidence