What to Look for in Transgender Swimwear
Finding swimwear that looks good and makes you feel good can be hard enough if your body fits into straight sizes and designs, so you can only imagine how difficult it can be to try and do the same in an industry that doesn’t often cater to your diverse needs.
This is a problem faced by the trans and non-binary community every day, and with the warmer months on our doorstep, trans people all over the world are experiencing the swimwear dread.
At Gaff and Go, this isn’t just a problem that we recognise, it’s a problem that we’ve lived, which is why providing accessible, versatile and affordable transgender swimwear is so important to us.
In addition to providing fantastic swimwear options, we are passionate about providing swimsuit recommendations for transgender women and men, and sharing what we have learned with our followers.
Keep reading for our trans swimwear recommendations, and to learn more about picking out the perfect swimwear as a trans person.
How is Transgender Swimwear Different?
It’s no secret that transgender individuals may need additional support that can’t be offered by traditional swimwear. For example, if a trans woman is pre-surgery, they may need the space to accommodate tucking with additional support.
If a trans man is also pre-surgery, they may require a space for packing or additional support to smooth the look of their chest.
Transgender swimwear needs to satisfy various complex requirements to ensure a proper fit and comfort for the user. It is also important to remember that not everyone wants to strut around in short shorts and bikinis while experiencing body dysmorphia, so having the option to wear swimwear with more coverage can often be important to the trans community.
What is the Best Swimwear to Wear as a Trans Woman?
At Gaff and Go, we believe there are no rules when it comes to choosing the right swimsuit for you; the best swimwear for trans women is the swimwear that makes you feel comfortable.
Preferences, body type and what you feel comfortable showing all come into play when picking the perfect swimwear to wear as a trans woman, but so does your personal style. Luckily for you guys, style does not need to be compromised for comfort at Gaff and Go, so if you’re not sure what style resonates with you, take a look at our trans swimwear collection, or get in touch with our team for further information.
We understand the annoyance of MTF swimwear and the difficulty of finding garments that fit well and look good, which is why we have worked so hard to provide options that cater to our diverse clientele.
Transfemme Swimwear That Provides Comfort and Security
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or doing your laps, comfort and security should be a priority. When you’re at the beach, your only concern should be enjoying the water and embracing relaxation, so wearing swimwear that you can depend on is essential.
If you are transitioning from male to female but have not undergone bottom surgery or are still not comfortable with your pelvic area feeling exposed, you should be aware of a range of trans-femme swimwear options. There are plenty of options on the market for bikini tops, bikini bottoms, and bathing suits, all designed specifically with comfortable and compressive material.
You can find swimwear with tucking-friendly designs, which help create a smooth silhouette without the need for additional layers, such as an extra gaff. These smoothing panels should offer gentle compression while still being breathable and flexible.
After all, uncomfortable swimwear should not compromise having fun in the water. Another feature that you should consider is the waistband. Waistbands are used for much more than aesthetics, and quality trans swimwear should provide enough security to keep everything in place, whether you’re lounging or active.
Why Swimwear Material Matters
Material is incredibly important for ensuring comfort and flexibility in any kind of swimwear, whether you're trans or not. However, material is even more critical when you consider the tucking and concealment required by the trans community.
Choosing the right material can elevate your experience, making you feel secure, comfortable, and confident. It’s all about finding that perfect fit that enhances your sense of well-being.
The Best Materials for Tucking and Compression
If you are transfemme and looking for the right swimwear, we always suggest swimwear made with materials such as Lycra or spandex, as that material can help keep everything in place and provide the security that many people require to feel comfortable before surgery.
Spandex is also breathable, which means it is quick-drying and comfortable. This is great if you want to wear your swimwear under your clothes and avoid annoyances such as chafing.
How Sizing Makes a Difference
Unfortunately, the standard sizing model that you can find in most swimwear stores is not designed for trans and non-binary body shapes.
This is why it is important that you get to know your body; avoiding straight sizes and using a tape measure to get an accurate reading of your size is the best way to ensure that you are buying the right fit for your body.
It can be easy to just pick the label that has a size that you have worn before, but we recommend foregoing the label and heading straight to the sizing chart to get a more accurate size.
Remember, you might not be the same size on top as you are on the bottom, so following your measurements is the only way to get swimwear that really fits.
Understanding Your Body and Your Style
Trans swimwear comes in various styles, from high-waisted cuts to swim briefs. Every person is different, and even if a particular style of swimwear is popular with one person, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it works well for another.
Understanding your style and your comfort level is key to picking the right style of swimwear. When looking for swimwear, you should always prioritise your own comfort and what makes you feel confident in your body.
Good swimwear must combine functionality with style, allowing trans individuals to feel validated in their bodies and gender expressions.
If you do not feel confident in your body but would still like to wear swimwear, we suggest going for swimwear with bold patterns – such as our zebra print tucking swimwear, for instance – that draw attention away from areas that may impact your confidence.
If you're looking to feel more confident at the beach or pool, consider choosing swimwear that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Opting for darker colours can help create a sleek silhouette, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time rather than worrying about attention. Remember, it’s all about finding what makes you feel good in your own skin.
Features Designed With Your Comfort in Mind
We know that finding the right swimwear for you after transitioning can be difficult, but there are companies out there, such as ourselves, that are trying to make the process as easy and as comfortable as possible.
Designers add a lot of helpful features to trans swimwear that are designed to make the wearer feel confident and comfortable. These include:
Tucking Pockets
Tucking pockets help individuals securely tuck to create a more feminine silhouette that helps fight dysphoria. These pockets are intended to provide a flat figure, without bumps that may make the wearer uncomfortable.
These pockets tend to have a widened gusset, which leaves room to accommodate the tucked area and make movement more comfortable.
Compression Levels
When it comes to trans underwear, no two pieces are the same, and there are some differences in the compression between different swimwear that you should take into consideration. If you are pre-surgery and you want some extra support down there, you may want to use underwear with higher compression levels, or garments designed specifically with compressive material
You should never size down to try to get more compression out of the garment. Doing so could have the opposite effect on your confidence, leaving you uncomfortable and conscious about the garment’s appearance.
Picking the perfect-fitting trans lingerie and swimwear has a lot in common, so if you still feel lost and want some extra information or direction, we suggest reading our beginner’s guide to trans lingerie to further your knowledge.
High Waistlines and Sculpting Silhouettes
High-waisted swimwear might be the way forward if you want a boost in confidence, with the added support and security.
High-waisted swimwear works well with the silhouette, helping conceal any areas that may leave you feeling insecure, amplifying your natural curves, and creating a more defined figure.
If you're looking to enhance your silhouette and create the appearance of wider hips, high-waisted bottoms can be a wonderful option. They can really help you achieve that desired look, making you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Non-Binary Swimwear Options For Trans Men and Non-Binary People
Now, we would never forget to mention our trans kings and non-binary community. We understand the challenges that trans men and non-binary people can face when it comes to finding swimwear.
Some options for trans men and non-binary individuals include:
Chest Binders and Swim Tops
Chest binders are a staple of the trans and non-binary community and have been a popular solution used to conceal the chest area and boost confidence. You will be glad to know that binders with a thin, fast-drying material can be used when swimming, providing you with the support and coverage to feel confident.
You can also opt for a swim top either instead of or in conjunction with your binder. Swim tops are widely worn by all genders, so you don’t need to worry about drawing attention to yourself if that’s a concern for you.
Browse our chest binders collection to explore different non-binary lingerie options suitable for use while swimming.
Packing Swim Shorts
If you are someone who packs, and packing is important for you to express your male identity, you’ll be glad to know that there are ways for you to swim while still being able to pack, all thanks to packing swim shorts.
Packing swim shorts come in a range of styles and fits, making them incredibly versatile and accessible. If you do choose to pack while swimming, make sure that you allow your packer to dry out properly before storing it away. Also, be conscious of the material used when selecting a packer, as some may be impacted by chlorine water.
Overcoming Dysphoria
We understand that for FTM kings and non-binary individuals, the idea of feeling so exposed can be absolutely terrifying, and we are well aware that feeling gender euphoria can be a long road.
However, it is always important to remember that you’re part of a wide community that is experiencing the exact same anxiety and worry as you; you are not alone in your experience. If there are times when you feel insecure, there are always people there to offer you the support that you need.
Enjoy the warm weather; you deserve to feel the water on your skin and have fun. Although it’s easier said than done, try to set aside your insecurities and make the most of your time.
Confidence on Your Terms With Gaff and Go
Through this blog, we hope to provide some swimsuit help for transgender women, men, and non-binary individuals. We know it can be challenging to find swimwear that makes you feel confident, but with the growth of brands such as our own, we are optimistic that the landscape of trans swimwear is set to change.
Check out our swimwear range to see our options, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to discuss swimwear further.