WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SWIM CLASS
Still wondering what to take to a swimming lesson? Here’s your adidas guide to dive deep into it!
1. WATERPROOF BAG
Feel fully prepared for the pool with a practical bag to hold all your swimming gear. Opt for a durable and water-resistant fabric that protects your items against wet surfaces in the changing room.
Duffle bags and rucksacks with sturdy handles also mean you can hang up your bag and keep items close while you’re showering or changing. For solid and stylish choices, check out adidas’ 3-Stripe Power Backpack or Essential Logo Duffel Bag.
Aside from your main bag, it helps to bring a smaller waterproof case or bag for your wet, post-pool swimming gear. Some venues have drying machines for swimwear, but they may not be completely effective. An additional bag will help ensure the rest of your items stay dry after your lesson, while doubling up as a handy bag to bring poolside.
Once you’ve picked your pool bag, it’s time to pack it. First order of business? What to wear in the pool.
2. THE PERFECT SUIT
Finding the right swimwear can be difficult. The good news is that whether you’re a man or a woman, want little coverage or maximum, there are now more styles than ever to suit your unique needs.
Ultimately, you should be comfortable in your swimming gear. Feeling confident in what you wear will help you ease into the swimming lesson or focus on your laps.
There are options for every shape and preference, so you’re sure to find your perfect fit:
Swimwear for All: choose your style
○ Bikinis and tankinis: the ultimate way to mix and match a range of tops and bottoms. Buying a bikini for your body type is important to really focus on your swimming class and feel confident. Although shopping for a bikini is sometimes a struggle, many swimmers find tops akin to sports bras more comfortable for training and lap swimming as it’s often more supportive on the chest.
○ One-piece swimsuits: elegant and versatile, one-piece swimsuits are a common choice for swimming laps. The adidas Classic 3-Stripes Swimsuits are a great place to start your swimming journey. Great coverage, from cheeky to full, to make you feel comfortable in the water.
○ Full-cover swimwear: you don’t have to compromise on comfort or style when it comes to modest swimming gear. The adidas multi-piece collection offers coverage from neck to ankle. Fully-lined tops and matching leggings allow you to have complete freedom in the water.
○ Swim shorts: with varying lengths and coverage, swim shorts are a solid choice for your first trip to the pool.
○ Swim trunks and boxers: designed for fitness swimming, swim trunks or boxers will keep you comfortable throughout your first lesson and future swimming sessions. For a sleek and sporty look, adidas’ boxers are a stylish choice.
If you’re always planning to use your swimwear in the pool, it’s worth considering the harsh effect of chlorine on fabrics. Check out adidas’ range of chlorine-resistant swimwear to ensure that your purchases endure the pool’s chemicals.
3. SWIM CAPS AND HEADWEAR
Some pools require you to wear a swim cap, but that’s not the only reason they come in handy. Hair can easily get tangled on rubber goggle straps or get in your face, especially when it’s long. Swim caps give goggles an easy surface to stick to, and limit the exposure of chlorine on your hair.
If you don’t wear a swim cap and have long hair, ensure that it’s tied up and secure. If your hair moves around, your goggles probably will too.
For women looking for more coverage, adidas’ range of lightweight swim hijabs come with an adjustable inner cap to keep hair tucked away.
4. GOGGLES
If you start swimming regularly, goggles will become one of your most important pieces of kit. Swimming goggles may feel uncomfortable at first, but adjusting the nose piece and strap length can make a big difference.
Not sure what to look for? adidas’ Swim Goggles are a great choice with a double strap which allows for quick and easy one-handed adjustment.
Top tip: test out your googles when you first get in the pool so you’re fully comfortable when you get stuck into your lesson.
5. DON’T FORGET YOUR FLIP FLOPS AND SLIDE
Pool shoes are both a helpful and hygienic addition. Swimming flip flops will give you a good grip along the slippery pool sides and are handy if you don’t want to go barefoot in the changing room or shower. For a tried and tested classic, try the Adilette Slides.
WHAT ELSE DOES A BEGINNER SWIMMER NEED?
Every swimmer is different, and what to pack for swimming comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Explore the list below to help decide the things you need for swimming.
Water bottle (and water)
Exercising in water can make it easy to lose track of sweating, but it’s important to stay hydrated. Many pools have water fountains pool-side, but not all. Keep a water bottle close by and remember to have a drink before and after your swim, too.
Towel or robe
Most venues with pools provide towels, but it’s best to check in advance. Some people prefer to use a towelling robe as an alternative or addition to towels. The adidas post-swim dressing gown is a great option for people who want to stay cosy after their swim or dry off while walking around. Made of lightweight cotton that’s durable and quick-drying, the robe comes with a belted waist and roomy front pockets.
Lock
Whether locks are provided for lockers depends on the facility, but it’s worth bringing your own just in case. Some lockers use coins or have waterproof keys that you can wear around your wrist, so it helps to check with the venue ahead of time.
Toiletries
The cleaning chemicals used in pools (such as chlorine) can leave hair and skin feeling dry, so bring a set of toiletries for your post-swim shower. Shampoo, conditioner and soap are essential but don’t forget moisturiser, lotion, and hair serum to restore skin and hair after a swim.
Post swimming items
It can be easy to get carried away with what you’ll need during your lesson, but remember that you’ll need things for after your swim, too. Are your clothes easy to get into in a potentially humid environment? If you’re going straight home, a loose tracksuit is a great option to feel comfy and cosy post-pool.
Do you have a snack in case you are hungry after your lesson? If you have long hair, do you need an additional towel? Things can get wet very quickly without a little bit of planning.
REAP THE REWARDS
Deciding what to wear for swimming – and what you need to bring to the pool – might feel daunting ahead of your first swimming lesson. But once in the water in your favourite swimming kit, you’ll see why swimming is such a wonderful sport to pick up as an adult.
Pat yourself on the back for taking the plunge and remember that your teacher and the lifeguards are there to answer questions and keep you safe. Swimming is for everyone and many people find a weekly session in the pool a vigorous, empowering, and even therapeutic way to exercise. Get pool-ready!