What To Look For
Swim goggles for women should keep water out of the eyes, stay fog-free and be comfortable to wear. Generally speaking, goggles should also be durable, easy to adjust and simple to put on and take off. Women often need to search a bit harder for a well-fitting pair of goggles, but the right fit is worth the effort.
Common Pitfalls
Goggles fit everyone differently, and women need to take care when looking for a new pair. Many adult goggles are designed for men, so they may not fit a woman correctly. Look for lots of adjustable parts to the goggles, from the nose piece to the straps. The more places they can be adjusted, the more custom the fit. Women also need to determine if they need to wear a goggle with a padded eye piece or hard plastic. If there is padding, make sure it does not irritate the eyes.
Where To Buy
Stores such as Walmart and Target carry a selection of swim goggles, especially during the summer months. A sporting goods store, such as Dick's or Sports Authority, will usually offer more choices, but perhaps at a higher price. Swimming specialty shops also carry a good selection of goggles. Online sources such as Swimoutlet.com offer even more.
Cost
The price of swim goggles for women varies widely. Goggles can cost as little as $8 per pair (2010 prices) to upwards of $50, depending on the brand and features. Some goggles can even have prescription lenses put into them. The least expensive goggles are Swedish-style goggles, which are simply plastic eye pieces with a rubber strap. Goggles worn by triathlon swimmers are larger in size and cost a bit more than a standard goggle.
Comparison Shopping
The Speedo Women's Vanquisher is a low-profile goggle that is latex-free, with soft lens gaskets. This anti-fog goggle has three interchangeable nose pieces for a more custom fit and offers 95 percent UV protection. TYR makes the Femme T-72 goggle in both a regular and petite size for smaller faces and youths. It has a split headstrap for a secure fit, a multi-position nose piece and side clips that are easy to adjust. The lenses are mirror-coated and shatter-resistant.
Accessories
To keep goggles in pristine condition, purchase a case. Eyeglass cleaner is also a good accessory, as goggles get clouded over from chemicals and oils found in pools if they are not wiped down after each use. An extra headstrap is another good option in case the one on the goggles breaks.
Insider Tips
Lenses on goggles can be either clear or tinted. Outdoor swimming often calls for tinted lens, but it can be difficult to see in an indoor pool with a heavily tinted lens.
If you are still having trouble finding a pair of goggles that fit well, try youth goggles. A woman with a smaller face may have better luck with the slightly smaller size of youth goggles.
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