Don't wear a bikini for open water swimming.

You want a triathlon-style suit or a wetsuit, not something from a fashion brand.

Regular bikinis or loose board shorts are a nightmare in open water. They flap around, create drag, chafe your skin, and can even slip off in chop or surf. Open water swimming is about efficiency and comfort—not looking cute on the beach.

For warm water (above 70°F), get a one-piece or two-piece made from nylon-spandex like a Speedo or TYR. Snug fit, chlorine-resistant, no pockets or straps that dangle. If the water’s cold, a wetsuit is non-negotiable. Look for one designed for swimming (not surfing) with flexible shoulders and a zipper.

Do not wear anything with cotton, mesh, or decorative strings. You’ll be miserable, and you’ll swim slower.

Future you will thank you for not having to stop mid-lake to tie a string back on.