If you’re an avid cyclist, you’ve probably wondered whether you can use your trusty bike shorts for swimming as well. After all, they’re designed to provide comfort and flexibility during long rides, so it’s only natural to consider their utility in the water. However, can cycling shorts be used for swimming? Let’s find out.
You may see some products here which has either been used by us or independently selected by (obsessive) editors. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Can You Swim in Cycling Shorts?
Yes, you can swim in bike shorts. While you can wear them in the water, it’s worth considering their limitations. Bike shorts may absorb water, lack the streamlined design of swimwear, have limited chlorine resistance, and can potentially cause chafing. Now, let’s talk about the downside of swimming in bike shorts.
The Downsides of Swimming in Bike Shorts
While bike shorts excel in the world of cycling, they may not offer the same benefits when it comes to swimming. Here are some considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about swimming in bike shorts:
1. Water absorption
Unlike swimwear made from hydrophobic materials, bike shorts can absorb and retain water. This can make them feel heavy and cause drag in the water, hindering your swimming performance. Additionally, the excess water trapped in the fabric may take longer to dry, potentially leading to discomfort after your swim.
2. Lack of streamlined design
Swimwear is designed with hydrodynamics in mind, featuring a streamlined design that reduces drag and resistance in the water. Bike shorts, on the other hand, have a more relaxed fit, which may increase resistance and impact your swimming efficiency.
3. Limited chlorine resistance
Chlorine is commonly found in swimming pools as a disinfectant. While swimwear is often made with chlorine-resistant materials to withstand regular exposure, bike shorts may not have the same level of chlorine resistance. Prolonged exposure to chlorine can cause the fabric to deteriorate more quickly, affecting the longevity of your bike shorts.
4. Chafing and discomfort
Unlike swimwear that is specifically designed for swimming, bike shorts may not have the same level of comfort and chafe-free design in the water. The seams, fabric, and padding that provide comfort during cycling may become sources of irritation and chafing when swimming.
How to Use Bike Shorts for Swimming
1. Choose the right material
Most bike shorts are made from a mix of cotton, spandex, and polyester. If you’re going to swim, shorts made mostly of rayon are better because they dry faster and are less likely to get damaged by chlorine or salt water.
2. Choose the one that fits most
Make sure the bike shorts are just right, not too tight. Too tight of shorts can make it hard to move around while swimming, and too open shorts can drag in the water and make it hard to swim.
3. Check the Padding
For added comfort, many bike shorts have padding in the hip area. This padding can soak up water, making it heavy or uncomfortable to swim in. If you can, pick bike shorts with little or no padding that you can take off.
4. Try them out
Put the shorts in the water before going for a long run to make sure they feel good and don’t get too heavy or saggy.
5. Always rinse after swimming
After swimming, wash your bike shorts in clean water to get rid of chlorine or salt, which can damage the material over time. In addition, let the shorts dry completely in the air before putting them away to stop mold and mildew from growing.
Conclusion
While bike shorts are fantastic for cycling, swimming in them comes with limitations and potential drawbacks. The water absorption, lack of streamlined design, limited chlorine resistance, and potential for chafing make swim-specific alternatives a preferable choice for swimming activities. Swim trunks, swim briefs, swim jammers, and wetsuits are all designed to provide comfort, hydrodynamics, and functionality in the water.
