Why Do My Goggles Leak? Fixing the Seal
Leaky goggles ruin sessions. Stopping every two lengths to empty them is frustrating, and stinging eyes don't help. The good news is that most leaks have a simple cause. This post sits within our guide to choosing swimming goggles.
What are the main causes of leaking goggles?
Leak Causes and Fixes
| Cause | How to spot it | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong size or shape | Leaks even with the strap tight | Try a different shape or female-fit goggles |
| Strap too low or too tight | Goggles lift at the top or dig in | Move the strap higher on the back of your head; loosen it |
| Nose bridge wrong size | Leaks at the inner corners | Try a different bridge size, or a goggle with adjustable bridges |
| Worn seals | Seals feel hard, cracked or sticky | Replace the goggles |
| Hair or cap under the seal | Leaks on one side only | Make sure the seal sits on skin, not hair or cap |
How do you check if goggles fit your face?
Use the press test. Without the strap, press the goggles gently onto your eye sockets. If they stay on through suction for a couple of seconds, the shape suits your face. If they fall straight off, no strap adjustment will fix it; you need a different shape.
The mistake: Tightening the strap more and more to stop a leak.
What happens: The seal distorts, the leak often gets worse, and you end up with headaches and deep marks.
How to avoid it: Loosen the strap, move it higher on the back of your head, and do the press test. If the goggles don't hold on their own, try a different shape.
Where should the goggle strap sit?
Slightly above the widest part of the back of your head, not around your neck or ears. A low strap pulls the bottom of the goggles tight and lets the top lift away. Split straps grip more securely. If you wear a cap, the strap can go over it, or between two caps for racing.
What if you have a narrow or small face?
Standard goggles can be too wide, leaving gaps at the outer edges. Female-fit goggles have smaller frames and narrower bridges and suit many women, teens and anyone with a narrower face. Our female-fit goggles are a good place to start.
QUICK LEAK FIXES
QUICK LEAK FIXESMove the strap
Move the strapHigher on the back of the head, and looser.
Check the seal
Check the sealSkin only, no hair or cap edge underneath.
Try a new shape
Try a new shapeIf the press test fails, the goggles don't suit your face.
When should you replace leaking goggles?
When the seals have hardened, cracked or gone sticky, or the goggles fail the press test. Seals don't recover once they've perished. Rinsing goggles after every swim and storing them in a case helps them last; our tips on stopping goggles fogging include more care advice.
Our full range of swimming goggles covers every face shape, and our swimwear experts can help you find a pair that fits. If you wear glasses, see our guide to prescription swimming goggles. For children, our kids swimwear guide covers goggles for small faces.
Why Buy Goggles From Allens Swimwear
We've matched goggles to faces for 50 years.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 12 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my goggles leak at the top?
Usually the strap is sitting too low on the back of your head, which pulls the bottom of the goggles tight and lets the top lift. Move the strap higher.
Why do my goggles leak at the nose?
The nose bridge may be too wide or too narrow for your face. Try a different bridge size or goggles with interchangeable bridges.
Should goggles be tight to stop leaking?
No. Goggles should seal through suction, not strap tension. Over-tightening distorts the seal and often makes leaks worse.
Can old goggles start leaking?
Yes. Seals harden and crack over time, especially with chlorine and heat. Once that happens, it's time for a new pair.
What goggles are best for a narrow face?
Female-fit goggles, which have smaller frames and narrower nose bridges. They suit many women, teenagers and anyone with a narrow face.