Swimwear & Equipment
Having the right gear ensures swimmers can train safely, effectively, and with confidence. Below you’ll find the required equipment by age group, along with guidance on what to purchase and how it’s used.
Tip for Parents: Buying quality, durable gear up front often saves money in the long run. SwimOutlet.com is a great source for affordable, team-ready equipment.
Here’s a quick overview of the equipment needed for each group.
| Equipment | Beginner / Developmental | Technique | Challenge | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive Swimsuit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Goggles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Swim Cap (long hair recommended) | Optional | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kickboard | Optional | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pull Buoy | Optional | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fins | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hand Paddles | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Equipment Bag | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water Bottle | Optional | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |
Swimsuits (All Groups)
All swimmers are required to come to every practice in competition swimsuits only. Practice suits should fit snugly but not uncomfortably tight.
MIST Team Suits: Available for order year-round. We recommend only wearing team suits at meets so they last longer.
**Online store closes Thursday, 5/21/2026 at 2:00am.
Girls’ PRACTICE Swimsuits
One-piece training swimsuits are required for practice.
No two-pieces.
No street clothes.
Boys’ PRACTICE swimsuits
Jammers or briefs are required for practice.
No swim trunks or shirts.
No street clothes.
Goggles (All Groups)
All swimmers should come to each practice with a pair of competition swim goggles. These provide a snug fit and clear vision underwater.
Swim Caps (All Groups)
Required for swimmers with long hair (boys & girls). Caps reduce drag, keep hair out of the face, and protect hair from chlorine.
Material Options:
Silicone caps – more durable, comfortable, and better for longer hair.
Latex caps – thinner, less expensive, but can tear more easily.
Sizing Options:
Junior/kids caps for younger swimmers.
Long-hair caps for those who need extra room.
Additional Equipment (Challenge & Elite Groups)
Swimmers in Challenge & Elite should bring the following gear to every practice. All items should be labeled.
Equipment Bags - Mesh bags allow wet gear to dry quickly and keep equipment organized.
Kickboards - Used to isolate the legs and strengthen the kick.
Pull Buoys - Placed between the thighs to isolate the arms and improve upper body strength.
Paddles - Hand paddles increase resistance and help develop stroke technique and power.
Fins - Training fins improve ankle flexibility, kicking technique, and overall speed.
Water Bottle - Swimmers need to stay hydrated throughout practice and keeping a water bottle nearby is ideal. Any water bottle works, but squeeze water bottles or water bottles with a quick-access pour spout are best for swimmers to quickly sip water between sets.