If you've spent any time shopping for quality swimwear, you've come across Arena and TYR. Both are trusted names in competitive and recreational swimming. Both are worn at Olympic level. And both have been putting serious swimmers in the water for decades.
Choosing between them isn't really a matter of one being better than the other. It's more like choosing between two elite sports brands that each have their own strengths, aesthetic, and loyal following. The right choice comes down to what you're looking for in a swimsuit and how you like to swim.
At Swim Safe, we stock both brands precisely because of that. Arena and TYR together cover every type of swimmer, from someone heading to the pool for the first time to an athlete competing at national level. Here's what sets them apart.
Arena: Traditional Performance, Extensive Range
Arena was founded in 1973 with a single focus: performance swimwear for competitive swimmers. That heritage still shows in how Arena approaches its range today.
Arena suits tend to follow a more traditional aesthetic, with clean lines and a performance-first design philosophy. The range is extensive, covering training suits, competition suits, and recreational swimwear across men's, women's, and juniors. If you want variety in cut, fabric, and price point, Arena delivers.
Fabric technology is one of Arena's standout features. Their training suits use chlorine-resistant materials designed to hold their shape and colour through hundreds of pool sessions. At the competitive end, the Powerskin range uses bonded construction and compression fabrics to reduce drag and support muscle groups during racing.
Arena is also one of the most globally recognised swimwear brands in the world, which reflects in how often you'll see it on swimmers at every level. From club squads to international championships, Arena is a consistent presence on pool decks worldwide.
For men, Arena's range includes everything from classic brief-style suits to longer jammers and shorts, with a wide selection of training and racing options at different price points.
Browse the full Arena range.
TYR: Technical Innovation with a Bolder Edge
TYR was founded in California in 1985 and has built its reputation on technical innovation, particularly in open water and triathlon swimming. That background gives TYR a slightly different design sensibility to Arena.
TYR suits hold up to Arena in terms of performance and fabric quality. The Durafast Elite range is built with durability as a priority, using a construction process designed to help the fabric retain its colour and shape through regular pool use.
Where TYR differentiates itself most noticeably is in its women's range. TYR has invested heavily in design, and the result is a collection that offers more visually distinctive options compared to a traditional performance brand. For recreational and fitness swimmers who want swimwear that performs well and looks great, TYR's women's range is worth exploring.
At the competitive end, TYR's racing suits offer the same level of technical construction you'd expect from a brand that sponsors elite athletes across swimming, triathlon, and open water events worldwide.
Browse the full TYR range.
Women's Swimwear: Understanding Back Styles
For women, one of the biggest practical decisions when choosing a swimsuit is the back style. This comes down to personal preference, body shape, and how you're using the suit. Here's a breakdown of the main options across both brands.
The racerback is the most popular back style for training swimmers. The straps form a Y-shape at the back, sitting close to the spine, which gives excellent shoulder mobility for freestyle and backstroke. It provides good coverage and suits most body types. Both Arena and TYR offer strong racerback options across their training ranges.
The crossback, sometimes called an X-back, features straps that cross over at the back. It offers slightly more support than a racerback and is a popular choice for swimmers with broader shoulders. The crossback sits securely during high-intensity sessions and is less likely to shift during flip turns.
Thin strap styles are closer to recreational or fitness swimwear. They look elegant and are comfortable for lower-intensity swimming, aqua fitness, or open water. TYR's women's range includes several thin strap designs that sit at the intersection of performance and style.
Open back suits prioritise aesthetics and are better suited to recreational swimming, beach use, or aqua fitness where pure performance isn't the priority. They offer less support during competitive training but are a comfortable and stylish option for casual swimmers.
High neck suits are popular with open water and outdoor swimmers who want additional sun protection. They provide more coverage across the chest and shoulders without compromising on mobility. Worth considering if you spend significant time swimming outdoors in the New Zealand sun.
It's important to note that both Arena and TYR have their own takes on these traditional back styles, so you may see slightly different naming variations, strap designs, or cut-outs. However, in general terms: if you're training regularly and doing laps, a racerback or crossback will serve you best. If you're doing aqua fitness, recreational swimming, or swimming outdoors, there's more flexibility to choose based on what you feel comfortable and confident in.
Browse our full women's swimwear range.
Men's Swimwear: Briefs, Jammers, and Shorts
For men, the choice is primarily about cut.
Briefs are the traditional competitive swimwear choice. They offer full freedom of movement and minimal drag. Both Arena and TYR have strong brief options in their training and racing ranges.
Jammers sit at mid-thigh to just below the knee and have become the standard for competitive training and racing. They offer compression and a streamlined profile without the full body coverage of a racing suit. Most serious lap swimmers train in jammers.
Board shorts and swim shorts are for recreational swimming, beach use, and general water activities. They're not designed for performance swimming but are a practical option for casual use.
Both Arena and TYR produce high quality options across all three cuts, with the main differences being fit preference and aesthetic rather than any significant performance gap.
Browse our full men's swimwear range.
Training Suits vs Competition Suits
It's worth understanding the difference between a training suit and a competition suit before you buy, because they serve very different purposes.
Training suits are built to last. They use durable, chlorine-resistant fabrics designed to hold their shape through regular use in chlorinated pools. Both Arena and TYR training suits will comfortably handle multiple sessions a week for a full season. This is what most swimmers, from beginners through to regular club swimmers, will want.
Competition suits are optimised for speed rather than longevity. They use technical fabrics and construction methods designed to reduce drag during racing, and are generally not intended for daily training use. For regular pool sessions, a dedicated training suit will serve you better and last longer.
Why Swim Safe Stocks Both
Both Arena and TYR earn their place in our range because they genuinely serve swimmers at every level. Whether you're joining a squad for the first time, training for a club competition, or preparing for a national event, there's a suit from each brand that fits where you are.
The best way to choose between them is to try both if you can, and pay attention to how each brand's fit works for your body shape. Arena's range offers more options for swimmers who want variety in cut and price point. TYR's range, particularly for women, is worth exploring if design and visual appeal matter alongside performance.
Either way, you're getting swimwear that's been trusted by the world's best swimmers for decades.
Browse our full collection of adults' and kids' swimwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arena or TYR better for competitive swimming?
Both brands are used at the highest levels of competitive swimming, including the Olympics. Neither is objectively better. Arena has a longer history in European competitive swimming, while TYR has a strong presence in American and open water competition. For most competitive swimmers, the choice comes down to fit preference and which suit works best for your body shape and budget.
Are Arena and TYR swimsuits chlorine resistant?
Yes. Both brands use chlorine-resistant fabrics in their training ranges. TYR's Durafast Elite range is particularly well regarded for its durability in regular pool use. Arena's training suits use similar technology across their training lines. Competition suits from both brands use different fabrics optimised for speed rather than everyday durability and are generally better suited to race day use rather than regular training sessions.
What is the most popular back style for women's training swimwear?
The racerback is the most popular choice for training swimmers. It provides excellent shoulder mobility, good coverage, and stays securely in place during laps and flip turns. The crossback is a close second for swimmers who want additional support through the shoulders. Each back style from Arena and TYR is a personal preference of the level of support, mobility and aesthetic you require.
How long should a training swimsuit last?
A good quality training suit from Arena or TYR, with proper care, should last a full season of regular use. Rinsing in fresh water after every swim, hand washing with a gentle detergent, and avoiding wringing or machine washing will extend the life of your suit significantly. Chlorine breaks down fabric over time, so even the most durable training suits will eventually need replacing.
What is the difference between a training suit and a racing suit?
Training suits are made from durable, chlorine-resistant fabrics designed for regular pool use. Racing suits use technical compression fabrics and bonded construction designed to reduce drag and improve performance during competition. Racing suits are generally not intended for daily training use. A dedicated training suit will be more practical and cost-effective for regular pool sessions.
Can beginners wear Arena or TYR swimwear?
Absolutely. Both brands produce swimwear at a range of price points that suits beginners through to elite athletes. You don't need to be a competitive swimmer to benefit from a well-made, properly fitting swimsuit. A good training suit from either brand will be more comfortable, more durable, and perform better in the water than a fashion swimsuit.
Which brand has better swimwear for women?
Both brands have excellent women's ranges. Arena offers a wider variety of cuts and styles across its training and competitive lines. TYR's women's range leans into bolder, more distinctive designs that appeal to swimmers who want performance and visual appeal. The best choice comes down to fit and personal preference.
Browse our full range of Arena and TYR swimwear and training equipment at Swim Safe, including women's swimwear and men's swimwear.