Speedo, Form and more tested

Pair your goggles with one of our tried and tested best wetsuits, or best sports swimming costumes so you can glide through the water with ease.

How do I choose the best swimming goggles?

A good fit is a key factor in choosing goggles. “You want to feel a slight suction on your face to ensure the lens shape fits,” says Kathleen Davis, global product senior director at Speedo. “Make sure the nose bridge provides enough room and feels comfortable on your nose.”

Though they may not be the most glamorous purchase, goggles are necessary if you want to get the laps or splashes in without getting sore eyes. Many boast different features and designs (and colourways, if you do want to add a bit of glam). These are the key factors to consider before buying.

Lens colour: This is particularly important if you’re swimming outdoors, as the glare from the sun on the water can impinge on the fun (read: torture) of plunging into the icy depths.

“In bright sunshine, it is best to have dark lenses or mirror lenses to reduce the glare,” advises Davis. “Polarised lenses are also a great solution for bright conditions, especially for swimming in open water.”

“In low light and indoor pools, it is better to have lighter lenses, such as clear or amber, which amplify the contrast in dark or murky water,” she adds.

Anti-fog protection: “It’s very beneficial to swim with goggles that are treated with anti-fog protection, so they stay clear of condensation, allowing greater visibility in the water,” says Davis.

Due to the temperature difference between the warm, moist air inside your goggles and the cold water outside, foggy lenses are common for swimmers. This is why most pairs come with an anti-fog layer, and it was one of the main things we asked our panel to look out for when testing.

Adjustable design: It’s important to make sure your goggles are adjustable, so you can find the best fit, stopping them letting in water or applying too much pressure across the eyes, bridge of the nose or forehead. Luckily, many pairs have adjustable nosepieces and straps to help you customise your fit.