Whether you're swimming lengths at your local pool, heading off on holiday or enjoying an aqua aerobics class, finding swimwear that makes you feel comfortable and confident can make all the difference. That's why swimming costumes with shorts have become such a popular choice for ladies of all ages, and that’s why we offer such a great range.
Swimming Costumes With Shorts
Offering a little more coverage than a traditional swimsuit, these versatile styles combine the support of a one-piece costume with the comfort and practicality of built-in shorts. They stay securely in place while you swim, help reduce chafing and provide you with that bit extra body confidence when you are in and out of the water.
At Halocline, we know that every woman wants something slightly different from her swimwear. Some of us are looking for a little more coverage around our hips and thighs, while others simply prefer the sporty look and comfortable feel of a swimsuit with shorts. Whatever your reason, we have a swimsuit with shorts to suit every swimmer.
Why Choose a Swimming Costume With Shorts?
Traditional swimsuits remain a fantastic option for many women, but they're certainly not the only choice these days. Swimwear, and in particular, our swimwear has evolved significantly over the years, giving women more options than ever before.
A swimming costume with shorts offers the best of both worlds. You still enjoy the streamlined fit and support of a one-piece swimsuit, but with additional coverage that many women find more comfortable and flattering.
There are plenty of reasons why our ladies choose this style of swimwear, including:
- Greater confidence around the hips and upper thighs
- Extra coverage without sacrificing freedom of movement
- Reduced chafing during longer swims
- A sporty, contemporary look
- Comfort for swimming, holidays and water sports
- Less need to adjust your swimsuit while swimming
- Added warmth for outdoor swimming
Perhaps most importantly, swimming costumes with shorts allow you to focus on enjoying your time in the water rather than worrying about your swimwear.
What Is a Swimming Costume With Shorts?
Although the name is fairly self-explanatory, there are actually several different types of swimming costumes with shorts available. The most common styles are:
Legsuits
A legsuit looks similar to a traditional one-piece swimsuit but features short legs that extend to the upper thigh. This style will give you a bit more leg coverage while still allowing your complete freedom of movement in the water.
Legsuits have become increasingly popular with recreational swimmers, fitness swimmers and anyone who prefers a little more modesty without compromising on performance.
Kneesuits
You’ll find that kneesuits give you even more coverage, with legs extending to just above the knee. They were originally made popular by competitive swimmers, but kneesuits are now also chosen by women who prefer a little extra coverage. A kneesuit swimsuit can be used for lane swimming, aqua classes and outdoor swimming – basically anywhere that involves water.
Swimsuits With Separate Swim Shorts
Some women choose to pair a traditional swimsuit with separate swim shorts. This can be a great option if you like to mix and match colours or want the flexibility of wearing different combinations. However, our swimmers often comment that a swimsuit with built-in shorts offers a smoother fit and stays in place more securely during their swim.
Are Swimming Costumes With Shorts Flattering?
Yes, they really are. One of the biggest misconceptions is that adding shorts somehow makes a swimsuit less flattering. In reality, many women find exactly the opposite.
The longer line created by the shorts can help create a beautifully balanced silhouette while providing extra confidence around the tops of the legs. Rather than drawing attention to areas you might feel self-conscious about, a well-fitting legsuit creates clean, flattering lines that move naturally with your body.
At Halocline, we believe confidence comes from wearing swimwear that makes you feel comfortable. Every body is different, and the right swimming costume should support you, fit beautifully and allow you to enjoy every moment in the water.
Whether you're petite, tall, curvy or athletic, there's a swimming costume with shorts designed to complement your shape.
Who Are Swimming Costumes With Shorts Best For?
One of the reasons these styles have become so popular is their versatility. They're suitable for almost every type of swimmer and every stage of life. Many of our customers choose swimming costumes with shorts because they offer a little more reassurance when swimming with family, relaxing on holiday or attending fitness classes.
They're particularly popular with:
Women Who Prefer More Coverage
Some women simply feel happier wearing a swimsuit that offers a little more coverage around the hips and thighs. Whether it's for confidence, modesty or personal preference, there's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing swimwear that helps you feel your best.
Lane Swimmers
If you're swimming several times a week, comfort quickly becomes a priority. You’ll find that built-in shorts stay comfortably in place, helping reduce friction while allowing complete freedom of movement. Many of our regular swimmers find they spend less time adjusting their swimwear and more time focusing on their technique.
Aqua Aerobics
Swimming costumes with shorts are especially popular for those taking aqua classes. The additional leg coverage helps many women feel more comfortable performing a wide range of movements in the water, while the secure fit means your swimsuit stays exactly where it should throughout your workout.
Outdoor Swimmers
Whether you're swimming in the sea, a lake or an outdoor lido, a little extra coverage can provide additional warmth and comfort, particularly during cooler months. We often see our swimsuits with shorts on outdoor swimmers all over the UK. Quick-drying fabrics with in-built UV protection mean that our swimming costumes with shorts are an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.
Swimming Costume With Shorts or Traditional Swimsuit?
There's no right or wrong answer. The best swimsuit is simply the one that makes you feel confident, supported and comfortable. A traditional one-piece swimsuit may be perfect if you prefer a classic silhouette or spend most of your time sunbathing on holiday.
A swimming costume with shorts, however, offers several additional features if you're planning to swim regularly, enjoy water fitness classes or simply appreciate the confidence that comes with a little more coverage.
For many women, once they've tried a legsuit, they never go back.
The secure fit, flattering shape and practical design make it an incredibly versatile piece of swimwear that's equally at home in the swimming pool, on the beach or at the spa.
How to Choose the Right Swimming Costume With Shorts
With so many different styles available, choosing the right swimming costume with shorts can feel a little overwhelming. The good news is that there's no single "best" option – it's all about finding a swimsuit that suits your body shape, swimming habits and personal style. Let us help you and talk through some of our favourites.
When shopping for a swimsuit with built-in shorts, we'd recommend thinking about the following:
Consider How You'll Be Wearing It
The first question to ask yourself is where you'll be wearing your swimsuit most often. If you're planning regular visits to your local pool, you'll probably want a style that's supportive, comfortable and made from chlorine-resistant fabric. If you're shopping for a holiday, you might be looking for something that's equally at home around the pool, on the beach and enjoying lunch at a beachfront café.
For aqua aerobics or water fitness classes, secure straps and a supportive fit become even more important, helping your swimsuit stay comfortably in place throughout every movement. Fortunately, swimming costumes with shorts are incredibly versatile and work brilliantly for all of these activities.
Choose a Style That Gives You Confidence
Every woman has different priorities when choosing swimwear. Some prefer extra coverage around the tops of their legs, while others love the sporty appearance of a legsuit. Some want a little more support around the bust, while taller swimmers may be searching for a swimsuit that offers a little extra length through the body.
Rather than focusing on fashion trends, choose the style that makes you feel your most confident. When you feel comfortable in your swimwear, it shows.
Look for Quality Fabrics
A swimsuit works much harder than most items in your wardrobe. It's exposed to chlorine, salt water, sunshine, sunscreen and repeated stretching, so investing in high-quality swimwear really does pay off. You’ll also find that choosing chlorine-resistant fabrics helps your swimsuit keep its shape, maintain its colour and last much longer, even if you swim several times a week.
At Halocline, all of our swimming costumes with shorts are made using durable, high-performance fabrics designed to cope with regular swimming while remaining comfortable wear after wear.
Finding the Right Leg Length
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a swimming costume with shorts is that you have different leg lengths to choose from. Each offers its own fit, so it's worth thinking about which style suits you best.
Short Legsuits
A classic legsuit extends slightly below the swimsuit line, offering additional coverage around the upper thigh without feeling restrictive. This is often the ideal choice if you're looking for a little more confidence while still maintaining a traditional swimsuit silhouette.
Longer Legsuits
Longer legsuits provide additional coverage further down the thigh, making them particularly popular with women who enjoy lane swimming, outdoor swimming and aqua classes. The longer leg can also help minimise rubbing between the thighs, making longer swims much more comfortable.
Our Janice Longer Length Legsuit is a fantastic example of this style, combining a flattering fit with practical performance features. Available in several colourways including Midnight Sea and rich Deep Teal, these swimsuits offer additional leg coverage while maintaining a beautifully feminine shape.
The front-lined design provides extra comfort and gentle shaping, while the longer leg creates a sleek silhouette that's perfect whether you're swimming lengths or enjoying a relaxing holiday.
Kneesuits
If you'd like even greater coverage, a kneesuit could be the perfect option. Extending to just above the knee, our kneesuits are particularly popular with regular swimmers, outdoor swimmers and anyone looking for maximum confidence in and around the water.
Although they provide more coverage, modern kneesuits are carefully designed to move naturally with your body, so they never feel bulky or restrictive.
Which Swimming Costume With Shorts Is Best for Your Body Shape?
One of the questions we're asked most often is whether certain styles suit particular body shapes. The truth is that confidence is far more important than following rigid fashion "rules". However, some designs do naturally offer features that many women find especially flattering.
If You'd Like More Coverage Around Your Hips and Thighs
Swimming costumes with shorts are an excellent choice if you'd simply like a little more coverage. The built-in shorts create clean, balanced lines while helping many women feel more comfortable both in and out of the water.
Rather than clinging to the tops of the legs like some traditional swimsuit cuts, legsuits provide smooth coverage that moves naturally with you.
If You're Tall
We know that finding swimwear that's long enough through the body can sometimes be challenging. A swimsuit that feels too short can pull uncomfortably on the shoulders and affect the overall fit.
Our Molly Longer Length Legsuit in Ocean Blue & Jade has been designed with additional body length, making it an excellent choice for taller women or anyone who appreciates a little extra room through the torso. We actually have a great range of tall swimsuits, so it’s worth having a look at the whole range.
Molly’s contemporary colour combination gives it a fresh, modern feel, while the longer-length design helps ensure lasting comfort whether you're swimming for ten minutes or spending the whole afternoon at the pool.
If You Enjoy Water Fitness
For aqua aerobics, water circuits or regular swimming sessions, support and security become just as important as style. Swimming costumes with built-in shorts stay comfortably in place throughout every movement, allowing you to focus on your workout rather than adjusting your swimwear.
Our swimmers say they appreciate the extra confidence that comes from knowing they're fully covered during stretches, jumps and energetic exercises.
Swimming Costumes With Shorts for Holidays
Although many people associate legsuits with fitness swimming, they're equally at home on holiday. In fact, they're becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional one-piece swimsuits. You’ll find that a swimming costume with shorts makes it easy to move between swimming, paddleboarding, beach walks and family activities without feeling overly exposed.
Our customers have also said they feel more comfortable relaxing by the pool or walking to the beach café before changing into their holiday clothes when wearing a swimsuit with extra coverage.
If your holiday is likely to involve lots of swimming, sightseeing and active days, a legsuit can quickly become one of the hardest-working pieces in your suitcase.
Swimming Costumes With Shorts for Pool Swimming
If you're a regular swimmer, durability matters just as much as appearance. Repeated exposure to chlorine can quickly affect lower-quality swimwear, causing colours to fade and fabrics to lose their shape. That's why investing in a well-made swimsuit designed for regular swimming is such a worthwhile decision – and we offer a great selection of these.
Our Janice Longer Length Legsuit in Deep Teal is one of our newer colours, but the style has become a favourite with women who swim several times each week. Combining elegant styling with chlorine-resistant performance fabric, Janice has been designed to provide lasting comfort and support, swim after swim. It's the kind of swimsuit you can rely on whether you're fitting in an early morning swim before work, enjoying an afternoon at your local leisure centre or heading away for a well-earned holiday.
When a Kneesuit Is the Perfect Choice
If you're looking for even greater leg coverage, a kneesuit offers all the benefits of a legsuit with a little extra confidence.
Our Abstract Kneesuit in Night Tropics is ideal for women who enjoy regular swimming but prefer a longer-length design. The vibrant print brings a stylish touch to a practical swimsuit, while the streamlined fit makes it equally suitable for fitness swimming, leisure swimming and outdoor adventures. This style was so popular that it sold out quickly, and we had to order more stock, so if you are thinking of buying one, you’d better snap one up.
We see many people choosing our kneesuits for cooler open water swims, where the additional coverage can provide a little extra warmth without restricting movement. Just have a look at our Instagram photos.
If you do buy a legsuit or kneesuit, you'll still enjoy the freedom to swim naturally while benefiting from a swimsuit that feels secure, supportive and comfortable from the moment you put it on.
Built-In Shorts or Separate Swim Shorts: Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer really depends on how you like to swim. Both options have their advantages, but for many women, a swimming costume with built-in shorts offers a more comfortable and streamlined experience.
The Benefits of Built-In Shorts
A swimsuit with built-in shorts has been designed as one complete garment, so everything works together. Because the shorts are integrated into the swimsuit, they stay securely in place as you move through the water. There's no waistband to adjust and no risk of the shorts riding up or shifting while you swim. Ladies also find they create a smoother silhouette than layering separate swim shorts over a traditional swimsuit.
Built-in shorts are particularly popular for:
- Lane swimming
- Aqua aerobics
- Family swimming sessions
- Outdoor swimming
- Water sports
- Active holidays
When Separate Swim Shorts Can Be a Good Choice
Separate swim shorts still have their place and can be a great option if you enjoy mixing and matching different tops and bottoms. They're also handy if you'd like to add a little extra coverage over an existing swimsuit.
However, if swimming is your main priority, we find that a one-piece swimsuit with built-in shorts simply feels more secure and comfortable in the water.
What Features Should You Look For?
Not all swimming costumes with shorts are created equal. When you're investing in quality swimwear, it's worth paying attention to the details that can make a real difference to comfort, fit and durability.
A Supportive Bust
Whether you have a smaller or fuller bust, good support helps your swimsuit feel secure throughout your swim. Features such as shelf bras, soft cups and supportive linings can all improve comfort without compromising on style.
Comfortable Straps
Wide straps help distribute weight more evenly across your shoulders, making them particularly comfortable for longer swimming sessions. Adjustable straps are another useful feature, allowing you to personalise the fit to your own body.
Chlorine-Resistant Fabrics
If you swim regularly in a chlorinated pool, perhaps at your local leisure centre or gym, chlorine resistance should be high on your list. Quality chlorine-resistant fabrics help your swimsuit retain its shape, elasticity and colour, even after regular visits to the pool. It means your favourite swimsuit not only looks better for longer but continues to fit you beautifully too.
Front Lining
Front-lined swimsuits offer an extra layer of comfort and confidence. They provide gentle shaping, improve opacity and help create a smooth silhouette without feeling restrictive. Our swimming costumes with shorts include front lining for exactly this reason.
Finding the Right Fit
One of the biggest factors in how flattering a swimsuit looks is getting the fit right. A swimsuit that's too small can feel restrictive, while one that's too large may not provide the support you need. When trying on a swimming costume with shorts, look out for these signs of a good fit:
- The straps sit comfortably without digging in.
- The shorts lie smoothly against your legs.
- The swimsuit feels supportive but not restrictive.
- You can lift your arms comfortably.
- There's no excessive pulling across the shoulders.
- The leg openings stay comfortably in place.
Remember, swimwear should feel slightly firmer when it's dry than it will once you're in the water.
Caring for Your Swimming Costume
Looking after your swimsuit properly can make a significant difference to how long it lasts. Fortunately, caring for your swimming costume with shorts is quick and simple. After every swim, we recommend rinsing your swimsuit thoroughly in cool, fresh water. This helps remove chlorine, salt and sunscreen, all of which can gradually affect the fabric over time.
Whenever possible:
- Rinse immediately after swimming.
- Hand wash using a gentle detergent.
- Avoid fabric conditioners.
- Never wring your swimsuit dry.
- Allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat and sunlight.
Taking just a few extra minutes to care for your swimwear can help preserve its colour, stretch and shape for many seasons to come.
Common Mistakes When Buying Swimwear
Choosing a new swimsuit isn't something we do every day, so it's easy to make a few common mistakes.
Choosing Style Over Comfort
It's natural to be drawn to a particular colour or print, but comfort should always come first. A swimsuit that feels wonderful to wear will almost always become your favourite.
Buying the Wrong Size
Many women assume they should size down for extra support. In reality, this often makes a swimsuit less flattering and less comfortable. Choosing the correct size allows the fabric to work as it was designed while giving you the freedom to move naturally.
Forgetting About How You'll Use It
Think about how you'll actually spend your time in the water. If you're swimming lengths several times a week, your priorities may be very different from someone buying a swimsuit primarily for a two-week holiday. Matching your swimwear to your lifestyle will help ensure you're delighted with your choice.
Swimming Costumes With Shorts for Every Stage of Life
One of the things we love most about this style of swimwear is that it appeals to women of every age. Whether you're introducing your children to swimming, rediscovering fitness through aqua classes, or simply looking for swimwear that helps you feel comfortable on holiday, a swimsuit with shorts is a wonderfully versatile choice.
Our customers tell us they appreciate having a swimsuit that offers a little more coverage without compromising on style. Our legsuits and kneesuits are a long way from the plain, sporty designs of years gone by. Our styles feature beautiful prints, flattering panel details and feminine silhouettes that prove practical swimwear can still look stylish.
Ultimately, confidence isn't about wearing the smallest swimsuit possible; it's about wearing the one that allows you to relax, enjoy yourself and make the most of every moment in the water.
Why We Love Swimming Costumes With Shorts
At Halocline, we've seen first-hand how the right swimsuit can transform someone's confidence. Many of our customers tell us they hadn't been swimming for years because they struggled to find swimwear they felt comfortable wearing.
Then they discovered a legsuit.
The additional coverage, supportive fit and flattering design helped them feel confident enough to get back into the pool, join an aqua class or enjoy a family holiday without worrying about their swimwear.
Those are exactly the reasons why we continue to expand our collection of swimming costumes with shorts. We believe every woman deserves swimwear that fits beautifully, performs brilliantly and helps her enjoy everything the water has to offer. So, whether you're looking for a classic longer-length legsuit, a supportive everyday swimsuit or a stylish kneesuit for regular swimming, there's a swimsuit that's ready to help support your swim goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming Costumes With Shorts
What is a swimming costume with shorts called?
There are a few different names used to describe this style of swimwear. The most common are legsuits, longer-leg swimsuits and kneesuits, depending on how long the legs are.
A legsuit usually finishes at the upper thigh, while a kneesuit extends to just above the knee. Both offer more coverage than a traditional one-piece swimsuit while remaining comfortable and easy to swim in.
Are swimming costumes with shorts suitable for swimming lengths?
Yes, they really are! Swimming costumes with built-in shorts are designed to move naturally with your body, making them ideal for lane swimming, fitness sessions and regular visits to the pool. Just read our reviews. Because the shorts are built into the swimsuit, they stay securely in place as you swim, helping you focus on your technique rather than adjusting your swimwear.
Are swimming costumes with shorts flattering?
Yes, and that's probably one of the reasons they've become so popular. The additional leg coverage creates a smooth, balanced silhouette while helping many women feel more confident around their hips and thighs.
Rather than focusing on following trends, we always recommend choosing swimwear that makes you feel comfortable, supported and ready to enjoy your time in the water.
What's the difference between a legsuit and a kneesuit?
The main difference is the length of the legs.
A legsuit has shorts that finish around the upper thigh, providing a little extra coverage while maintaining a classic swimsuit shape.
A kneesuit extends to just above the knee, offering even greater coverage and making it a popular choice for pool swimmers, aqua aerobics and outdoor swimming.
Do swimming costumes with shorts help prevent chafing?
We find that our customers say they do. Because the shorts provide a layer of fabric between the tops of your legs, they can help reduce rubbing during longer swims, water fitness classes and active holidays. If you've experienced thigh chafing in the past, a legsuit or kneesuit could be a much more comfortable option.
Can I wear a swimming costume with shorts on holiday?
Of course. Swimming costumes with shorts are just as suitable for holidays as they are for regular swimming. They're ideal if your holiday includes swimming, paddleboarding, beach walks, waterparks or simply relaxing by the pool. Many women also enjoy the extra confidence they provide when walking around the resort before changing into their clothes. Just throw over a kaftan or beach shirt, and you’ll transform from beach to bar in no time.
Are swimming costumes with shorts suitable for aqua aerobics?
Yes. In fact, they're one of the most popular choices for aqua classes. The secure fit, additional coverage and freedom of movement make them ideal for energetic workouts in the water, allowing you to move comfortably without worrying about your swimwear shifting during exercise.
How should a swimming costume with shorts fit?
A well-fitting swimsuit should feel supportive without being restrictive. The straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders, the fabric should lie smoothly against your body, and the shorts should stay comfortably in place without digging into your legs. If your swimsuit feels comfortable when dry, it will usually feel even better once you're in the water.
Find Your Perfect Swimming Costume With Shorts
If you're looking for a swimsuit that gives you a little more confidence, a swimming costume with shorts is a fantastic choice. With extra coverage, supportive designs and flattering fits, it's easy to see why so many women are choosing legsuits and kneesuits over traditional one-piece swimsuits. We here at Halocline have carefully developed our collection to combine comfort, performance and style, so you never have to compromise.
If you're looking for a classic all-rounder, our Molly Longer Length Legsuit offers a beautifully balanced fit that's ideal for both regular swimming and holidays.
For timeless elegance and dependable comfort, our Janice Longer Length Legsuit continues to be one of our most popular choices, while our Abstract Kneesuit is perfect if you'd like even greater leg coverage without sacrificing freedom of movement.
Whichever swimsuit you choose, the most important thing is finding swimwear that helps you feel comfortable, confident and ready to enjoy every swim. Please just drop us a line if you have any questions.