Swimming Gear terms, explained

Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.

A

Adult learn-to-swim class: A structured swimming lesson for adult learners, typically led by an instructor; gear requirements vary by facility. Read the guide →
Aqua-jogging belt: A waist-worn buoyancy belt used to support upright movement during water exercise; fit and buoyancy vary by model. Read the guide →

B

Body loop: A Fastskin-specific size measurement from one shoulder down the front, through the crotch and up the back to that shoulder. Read the guide →

C

Center-mount swim snorkel: A swim-training snorkel positioned in front of the face to support pool drills without a side-to-side breathing turn. Read the guide →
Cold-water acclimation: Gradual exposure to cooler open water over repeated swims; it does not remove the risks of cold-water exposure. Read the guide →
Crossback: A swimsuit back style with straps that cross behind the shoulders; brand labels and layouts vary. Read the guide →
Custom-fitted swim mold: An ear insert made to an individual ear shape; care and use instructions depend on the provider and model. Read the guide →

D

Diopter: A unit used to describe the optical power of a prescription swim-goggle lens. Read the guide →
Dry-bag tow float: A tow float with an integrated gear compartment; capacity, dimensions and closure instructions vary by model. Read the guide →

F

Fin socks: Thin neoprene socks that prevent fins rubbing. Read the guide →
Flanged earplug: A pre-shaped earplug with one or more flexible flanges at the tip. Read the guide →
Full-face snorkel mask: A snorkeling mask design that joins the face covering and snorkel assembly; fit and use depend on its model instructions. Read the guide →
Full-foot fin: A fin with a foot pocket that covers the heel; fit depends on the model-specific size chart. Read the guide →
Full-sleeve wetsuit: An open-water wetsuit cut with arm coverage; thickness, fit and coverage vary by model. Read the guide →

G

Gasket: The soft seal around a goggle lens that sits against the face. Read the guide →

H

Hand paddle: A swim-training tool worn on the hand to increase its surface area against the water and provide resistance and movement feedback. Read the guide →

J

Jammer: A men's swimwear cut with longer legs than briefs and square-leg suits; coverage varies by model. Read the guide →

K

Kneeskin: A women's tech suit from the shoulders to the knee. Read the guide →

M

Malleable ear protector: A flexible protective insert fitted to a water polo cap; current World Aquatics rules require one on each cap. Read the guide →
Mesh swim bag: A swim-gear bag with mesh panels that let water drain and air circulate. Read the guide →
Moldable silicone earplug: A soft swim earplug that the wearer shapes to fit, following the product instructions. Read the guide →
Muscleback: A training swimsuit back style; exact strap layout and coverage depend on the brand and model. Read the guide →

O

Onboard MP3 playback: Audio played from files stored on the swim-headphone device instead of streamed over a wireless connection. Read the guide →
Open-heel fin: A fin with an open-backed foot pocket held by a heel strap; footwear compatibility and adjustment vary by model. Read the guide →
Open-water swim profile: A watch activity mode intended to record open-water swims; available features and GPS behavior vary by model. Read the guide →
Optical swim goggle: A swim goggle fitted with lenses in listed prescription powers. Read the guide →

P

PBT polyester: A polyester fiber with some stretch that resists chlorine, used in training suits. Read the guide →
Personal flotation device (PFD): A wearable flotation device whose approval and intended use should be checked on its label and against applicable rules. Read the guide →
Pool size: The length entered in a compatible swim watch so its pool-swim mode can convert counted lengths into distance. Read the guide →
Pull buoy: A float held between the thighs to support the legs while a swimmer focuses on the arm stroke. Read the guide →

R

Racerback: A swimsuit back style with straps that meet toward the center of the back; construction varies by model. Read the guide →

S

Sleeveless wetsuit: An open-water wetsuit cut with the arms uncovered; model fit and event rules still apply. Read the guide →
Spandex: A stretch fiber (also sold as Lycra or elastane) that chlorine breaks down. Read the guide →
Square-leg suit: A men's swimsuit cut with short legs, offering more thigh coverage than a brief. Read the guide →
Stationary swim tether: A belt and elastic cord connected to a purpose-built pool anchor so a swimmer can work against resistance in a limited area. Read the guide →
Swedish goggles: Gasketless racing goggles assembled by the swimmer, with a hard plastic eyecup. Read the guide →
Swim aid: A float that helps practice swimming but is not a lifesaving device. Read the guide →
Swim brief: A close-fitting men's swimsuit cut with minimal fabric over the thighs; coverage varies by model. Read the guide →
Swim cap: A fitted cap worn to contain hair and suit the swimmer’s training or racing routine; material changes fit and feel. Read the guide →
Swim nose clip: A bridge-shaped accessory worn across the nostrils during surface swimming. Read the guide →
Swim parachute: A drag canopy attached to a swimmer's belt to add water resistance during a moving lap. Read the guide →
Swimmer’s shampoo: A shampoo marketed for washing pool residue from hair after swimming; follow its label and choose for your hair and scalp. Read the guide →
Swimskin: A textile triathlon race layer worn over a trisuit for a swim where event rules permit it. Read the guide →

T

Tech suit: A compressive, water-repellent race suit approved for competition. Read the guide →
Tow float: An inflatable float towed behind an open-water swimmer by a leash; visibility features do not make it a wearable PFD. Read the guide →

W

Wetsuit-legal: Water cool enough that race rules allow wetsuits. Read the guide →
World Aquatics: The international swimming federation, formerly FINA, which approves competition swimwear. Read the guide →