Chlorine-resistant swimwear is the smarter buy.

Yes, there’s a difference, and the answer is simpler than the marketing makes it seem.

Chlorine-resistant swimwear is made from polyester or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). These fabrics hold up to the harsh chemicals in pools. Saltwater-resistant swimwear is usually nylon/spandex with a coating to resist fading from salt and UV. The problem? Saltwater is gentler than chlorine, but UV and general wear still kill nylon/spandex fast.

Here’s the thing: chlorine-resistant suits work fine in saltwater too. They don’t stretch out or get brittle the way regular swimwear does. “Saltwater-resistant” is mostly a label to sell you the same nylon suit you already own, but with a $10 markup.

Unless you only swim in the ocean and never set foot in a pool, get the chlorine-resistant suit. Your swimsuit will live longer, and you won’t have to think