Goggles are essential for swimmers, ensuring their eyes are safe and their vision is clear underwater.Women’s swimming goggles come in various designs tailored for different activities, whether you’re swimming in a pool, participating in open-water swims, or training for competitive events.
Choosing the right pair requires considering factors like comfort, lens quality, durability, and design. This article will explore some of the top features to look for, available brands, and other considerations for buying women’s swimming goggles in the UK.
Features to Look for in Women’s Swimming Goggles
Comfort and Fit
A key feature to consider when choosing swimming goggles is comfort. The right pair should fit snugly but not too tight. The silicone seals around the eyes play a crucial role in ensuring a leak-free experience without putting too much pressure on the eye sockets. Look for adjustable straps and interchangeable nose bridges for a more customized fit, which can make a significant difference during long swims.
Lens Type and UV Protection
Women’s swimming goggles are available with different lens types, each serving a unique purpose.
Clear lenses are perfect for indoor swimming or in low-light conditions.
Mirrored lenses provide a reflective surface, ideal for outdoor swimming as they reduce glare from the sun.
Tinted lenses are suitable for bright conditions or outdoor swims, but they can also work in well-lit indoor pools.
Additionally, many goggles now come with UV protection, which is vital for outdoor swimmers to safeguard their eyes from harmful rays.
Anti-Fog and Scratch Resistance
Fogging is a common issue with swimming goggles. Opt for goggles with anti-fog coating, which helps maintain clear vision. Though no anti-fog coating lasts forever, some brands offer treatments that extend the durability of this feature. Additionally, scratch-resistant lenses are a must if you plan to use the goggles regularly, ensuring they last longer and maintain clarity.
Peripheral Vision
Competitive swimmers or those training in busy pools may benefit from goggles with a wide field of vision. Some models come with curved lenses to enhance peripheral vision, allowing swimmers to see their surroundings better without moving their heads too much.
Popular Swimming Goggles for Women in the UK
Speedo V-Class Mirror Goggles
These goggles are among the best for fitness swimming, providing a comfortable fit and clear, wide vision. They come with mirrored lenses, ideal for bright conditions, and offer a snug fit without leaving marks around the eyes. The anti-fog coating on these goggles is also reported to last longer than many competitors.
Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Goggles
Arena’s Cobra Ultra range is popular for its excellent fit and wide peripheral vision. These goggles come with interchangeable nose bridges and a double silicone strap, ensuring a secure fit. The mirrored lenses make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor swims, though some lens colors might be too dark for poorly lit environments.
Zoggs Predator Flex Titanium Goggles
Zoggs is a trusted brand known for its high-performance goggles. The Predator Flex range offers women-specific designs, with flexible frames and polarised lenses that reduce glare and enhance vision clarity. These goggles are also equipped with UV protection, making them a great option for outdoor swimmers.
Aquasphere Kayenne Goggles
Known for their low-profile design and superior hydrodynamics, Aquasphere Kayenne goggles are a popular choice for triathletes and fitness swimmers. They provide a wide field of vision, which is especially beneficial during open-water swimming. The quick-adjust buckle and soft silicone seal make them comfortable for extended use.
Considerations for Competitive Swimmers
For competitive swimmers, the focus often shifts to goggles that offer minimal drag and a secure fit even during dives and turns.
Swedish goggles, while more basic in design, remain a favorite among many elite swimmers due to their customizable fit.
These goggles come unassembled and allow users to adjust the nosepiece and strap tension to achieve a perfect fit. Additionally, Swedish goggles tend to sit closer to the eyes, reducing drag and enhancing hydrodynamics.
Caring for Your Swimming Goggles
By caring for your swimming goggles properly, you can make them last longer.Rinse them with fresh water after each use to remove chlorine or saltwater that can degrade the lenses and seals.
Avoid wiping the inside of the lenses, as this can damage the anti-fog coating. Instead, let them air dry to preserve their quality.
For those who swim regularly, investing in a storage case can protect the goggles from scratches and other damage when not in use.
FAQs
Q: Can I wear makeup while swimming with goggles?
A: It is generally not recommended to wear makeup while swimming with goggles. Makeup can clog the lenses and make them difficult to see through. If you must wear makeup, opt for waterproof products and clean your goggles thoroughly after swimming.
Q: Are there any swimming goggles specifically designed for women?
A: While there are no goggles specifically marketed for women, many brands offer a variety of styles and colors that cater to female preferences. It’s essential to choose goggles based on fit, comfort, and your specific needs rather than gender
Q: What is the best type of swimming goggles for people with sensitive eyes?
A: If you have sensitive eyes, look for goggles with soft silicone gaskets and adjustable nose bridges to ensure a comfortable fit. Some goggles may also have UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
Q: Can I wear contact lenses while swimming with goggles?
A: It’s generally not recommended to wear contact lenses while swimming, as chlorine and other chemicals can irritate your eyes. If you must wear contacts, ensure they are properly fitted and use a contact lens solution designed for swimmers.
Q: What is the difference between mirrored and polarized lenses in swimming goggles?
A: Mirrored lenses reflect sunlight, reducing glare and improving visibility in bright conditions. Polarized lenses filter out glare from horizontal surfaces like water, making them ideal for outdoor swimming.
Conclusion
Swimming goggles are a critical piece of gear for anyone who spends time in the water, whether for fitness, competition, or recreational purposes.
With many brands and designs available in the UK, women can find a pair that suits their specific needs, from casual swims to high-performance training.
Brands like Speedo, Arena, and Zoggs provide a variety of options that cater to different preferences, ensuring that every swimmer can enjoy a comfortable, leak-free experience.
Always consider factors such as lens type, fit, and durability when making your choice, and don’t forget to take proper care of your goggles to keep them in top condition for longer.
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