Your Child's First Swimming Club: The Kit They Need
Joining a club is a big step up from lessons: more sessions, more swimming and a lot more kit. Parents often arrive in our shop with a club letter in one hand and a puzzled look on their face. This guide explains what's on a typical club kit list and why. It sits within our kids swimwear guide for parents.
What kit does a child need for a swimming club?
The Club Kit List
| Item | Why it's needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Training swimsuit or jammers | Several sessions a week need a durable, chlorine-resistant suit | Two suits in rotation last longer. |
| Goggles | Clear vision for longer sets and following the lane | Keep a spare pair in the bag. |
| Silicone swim cap | Many clubs ask for caps, often in club colours | Silicone lasts longer than latex. |
| Kickboard and pull buoy | Used in most club sessions | Junior sizes are easier to control. |
| Fins | Used for kick sets and drills | Short-blade fins are the club standard. |
| Mesh bag or backpack | Carries kit and lets wet items breathe | Big enough for a kickboard. |
| Water bottle | Hydration during sessions | Clubs often expect one on poolside. |
What swimwear do club swimmers need?
Training swimwear in chlorine-resistant fabric. Club swimmers train far more than lesson swimmers, so a soft fashion swimsuit will go baggy within weeks. Girls usually wear a training swimsuit or kneesuit; boys wear training jammers. Our girls swimsuits include chlorine-resistant training styles. For boys, our boys jammers do the same job.
Measure your child rather than buying by age, and buy the size that fits now. Our guide on measuring your child for swimwear shows how.
Which goggles and caps should club swimmers use?
Comfortable training goggles that seal without being strapped tight, plus a spare pair. Club sessions are long, so comfort matters. Our junior swimming goggles are designed for school-age swimmers.
For caps, silicone is the best choice for club swimmers: it lasts longer than latex and is more comfortable. Many clubs sell their own caps; if not, our guide to silicone, latex and fabric caps explains the options.
The mistake: Sending a child to club sessions in their lesson swimsuit and an old pair of goggles.
What happens: The suit goes baggy and see-through within weeks of extra sessions, the goggles leak through long sets, and your child spends training adjusting kit instead of swimming.
How to avoid it: Invest in one or two chlorine-resistant training suits and a comfortable pair of goggles from the start. It saves money and frustration.
Which training aids does a club swimmer need?
Most clubs use a kickboard, pull buoy and fins in sessions, and some add paddles and a snorkel for older swimmers. Check the kit list before buying, as some clubs provide boards and buoys. Our post on pull buoys, kickboards and fins explains what each one does.
What bag does a club swimmer need?
One that fits everything, including a kickboard, and keeps wet kit separate from dry clothes. Mesh bags let kit dry and are easy to carry onto poolside; backpacks with wet compartments are better for the journey. Our swimming bags include both.
THREE THINGS CLUBS COMMONLY EXPECT
THREE THINGS CLUBS COMMONLY EXPECTPunctuality
PunctualityArriving in time to change and be poolside ready, cap and goggles on.
Labelled kit
Labelled kitNames on everything. Club poolsides are full of identical kickboards.
The right suit
The right suitA proper training swimsuit or jammers, not loose shorts or bikinis.
What about galas?
Once your child starts racing, they'll need a junior racing suit for galas. Our guide to World Aquatics (WA) approved swimwear explains what to check before buying. Our swimwear experts are always happy to help club families get the right kit.
Why Buy Club Kit From Allens Swimwear
We've been kitting out club swimmers since 1976, and many clubs work with us through our Swim Club Scheme.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 5 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my child need for swimming club?
Usually a chlorine-resistant training swimsuit or jammers, goggles, a silicone cap, a kickboard, pull buoy and fins, a bag and a water bottle. Always check your club's own kit list first.
Do swimming clubs provide kickboards?
Some do, some don't. Check your club's kit list; many expect swimmers to bring their own kickboard, pull buoy and fins.
What swimsuit is best for club training?
A chlorine-resistant training swimsuit or kneesuit for girls, and training jammers for boys. They last far longer than lesson or fashion swimwear.
Silicone or latex cap for swimming club?
Silicone. It lasts longer, is more comfortable and is less likely to pull hair. Many clubs sell their own silicone caps in club colours.
How many swimsuits does a club swimmer need?
Two is ideal, so one can dry properly between sessions. Rotating suits also helps each one last longer.