For many swim clubs, team swimwear decisions are made season by season. While this approach may seem flexible, it often leads to inconsistency in fit, rising replacement costs, and unnecessary administrative work. Increasingly, clubs are shifting toward a long-term mindset—treating team swimwear as part of their program infrastructure rather than a short-term purchase.
Below are the key considerations that help clubs build a team swimwear program designed to last.
Start With a Locked Design Philosophy
A locked design does not mean a lack of creativity. It means establishing a core visual identity—colors, patterns, and logo placement—that remains consistent over multiple seasons.
This approach allows clubs to:
- Reorder suits without redesign costs
- Maintain visual consistency across age groups
- Support returning athletes and alumni reorders
Designs can still evolve gradually, but a stable foundation creates clarity and efficiency.
*TheSwim offers custom design work with our in-house designer.
Prioritize Fabric Performance Over Trends
Competitive swimwear must withstand daily exposure to chlorine, stretching, and repeated washing. Trend-driven fabrics may look appealing initially, but they often sacrifice durability.
High-performance polyester fabrics are preferred for long-term programs because they:
- Resist chlorine damage
- Maintain shape and compression
- Preserve color integrity over time
Selecting fabric based on performance rather than aesthetics reduces replacement frequency and improves overall value.
*TheSwim manufactures all our suits at our dedicated manufacturing facility with out own staff. We do not contract out our work to others to ensure we have tight grip on our Quality Control.
Consistent Fit Is as Important as Design
Inconsistent sizing from season to season can undermine athlete confidence and create frustration for families. Long-term programs benefit from standardized patterns that are tested and refined over time.
Consistent fit ensures:
- Predictable sizing for reorders
- Reduced returns and exchanges
- Athlete comfort during training and competition
Fit reliability becomes especially important as swimmers progress through age groups within the same club.
Build Flexibility Into the Ordering Process
Even with long-term planning, swim clubs remain dynamic. New athletes join mid-season, teams grow, and unexpected reorders are common.
An effective team swimwear program should support:
- No minimum order quantities
- Clear and reliable production timelines
- Straightforward reordering processes
Flexibility at the operational level prevents small changes from becoming major disruptions.
Think Beyond One Season
When clubs approach team swimwear with a multi-year perspective, the benefits compound. Athletes gain confidence in consistent gear, administrators save time, and families experience fewer unexpected costs.
At TheSwim Canada, we help clubs build team swimwear programs designed for repeatability, durability, and long-term use—supported by in-house manufacturing / design and direct collaboration from design to delivery.
Swim Beyond. Push Your Limits. TheSwim.