The goggles protect the eyes and allow you to see underwater, so it is important to know how to wear them correctly. Start by pressing the eyepieces to your face until you feel a slight suction effect, then pull the elastic strap behind your head and adjust it to the right length to secure the goggles without tightening too much. They should ensure a comfortable hermetic seal, able to keep water outside without pinching the skin.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Put on and Take Off the Goggles
Step 1. Grab the goggles by the rim of the eyepieces
Hold them so that the inside of the lenses are facing you, then place your thumbs on the bottom of the eyepieces. Wrap your index fingers around the top of the frame: each thumb should be positioned on the corresponding eyepiece.
- Move the strap on the front of the goggles so that it does not get in the way while you are wearing them.
- Conversely, you can place the strap around your neck and let the goggles dangle in front of you.
Step 2. Press the goggles to your eyes
Place them at face level, bringing the eyepieces towards the eyes and gently pressing your fingers on the edge of the frame. You should feel a slight suction effect as they sit tightly around your eyes.
- Only the soft rubber along the inner edge of the eyepieces should come into contact with the face.
- Make sure the eyepieces do not pinch or pull on the skin. If this happens, it may be best to remove the goggles and try to reposition them until you feel comfortable.
- Avoid touching the lenses directly, otherwise you risk leaving fingerprints thus compromising your vision underwater.
Step 3. Bring the strap up and around your head
With one hand, hold the goggles pressed to the face and with the other place the strap on the back of the head at eye level. When viewed from the side, the strap and eyepieces should be on the same horizontal line.
In case the strap bothers you, pull it slightly upwards rather than downwards: the lower it is, the more chances the goggles have to slip off while you swim
Step 4. Adjust the strap to be as comfortable as possible
To tighten them, pull the free end through the buckle towards the frame. If, on the other hand, you want to loosen them, lift the buckle lever and remove the strap to give them some play: the goggles should be snug but not too tight.
Before diving, double check that the goggles adhere all around the eyepieces and that you are able to see clearly from both lenses
Step 5. To remove them, lift the strap above your head
When it's time to take them off, simply do the opposite motion to the one you made to slip them on. Put your hands behind your ears and slide your thumbs under the band, then lift it above your head to take them off.
Do not try to remove the goggles by pulling on the eyepieces - if you are not careful they could bounce back and hit you in the face
Method 2 of 3: Try the goggles to see if they fit you
Step 1. Choose a pair that fits comfortably around your eyes
When you buy them, try a few to compare the shape of the lenses and the feel of the eyepieces. The ideal pair is able to conform to the face to the point of being barely noticeable. If the earbuds pinch, pull, or constrict your field of vision, it's best to try a different pair.
- For example, if the shape of your eye sockets is round, you will probably be more comfortable with round, smooth eyepiece loupes. If you have almond-shaped eyes, look for a pair with the rubber molded around the eyepieces.
- Taking the time to choose a pair of goggles that fit you well is essential to be able to swim freely without experiencing constant discomfort.
Step 2. Press the eyepieces on your face to test the suction cup effect
Place the eyepieces over your eyes, then apply light pressure on the edge: if they are the right size they should remain attached to the skin for a few seconds before detaching.
- You don't need to put the strap over your head right now - you're just trying to see how your eyepieces fit.
- If they come off immediately it probably means that they are not the right size.
- If only one eyepiece is attached, it doesn't necessarily mean they're not your size - try other models and see the difference before making a decision.
Step 3. Pull the strap to see how it fits you overall
If you are satisfied with the eyepieces, complete the operation wearing the goggles as you normally would. Bring the strap over your head so that it is level with the eyepieces: with a few adjustments it should be snug but not too tight.
- If you start to feel a bit of a headache or have blurred vision after wearing the goggles for a few minutes, put them aside and look for a more suitable pair.
- The rubber strap may pull your hair as you try it on - while it may feel unpleasant, it doesn't necessarily mean the goggles aren't right. You shouldn't have this problem once you're in the pool or wearing a swimming cap.
Step 4. Adjust the nose bridge by changing the distance between the eyepieces
The more expensive models have an adjustable nose bridge that can be tightened by unhooking it at the point where it attaches to the eyepiece and reattaching it by passing it over the nose for better comfort. If, on the other hand, you want to loosen it, move the eyepieces further away.
- As with the eyepieces, it is equally important that the nose bridge is the right size if you intend to wear the goggles for a long time.
- Not all models have an adjustable nose bridge. As long as the model you are wearing fits well around your eyes, the latter is not necessary.
Step 5. Look for a pair with deep eyepieces, in case your lashes touch the lenses:
they could be a distraction while you are focused on swimming. To make sure you don't have this problem, try blinking your lashes a couple of times after wearing the goggles: if you feel them touch the inside of the lenses, consider buying a larger pair.
Loupes that have larger eyepieces are further away from the eyes and leave more room for the lashes to move when you blink
Method 3 of 3: Find the Right Pair of Goggles
Step 1. Choose a pair of Swedish goggles for affordable comfort
This is an older model that is still popular with swimmers: it features hard plastic eyepieces with lenses that offer sun protection for outdoor swimmers. Most of these also have a nose bridge that joins the two eyepieces.
- A pack of two pairs costs around € 10: they are therefore the cheapest option if you do not intend to use high quality equipment.
- These goggles must be assembled before first use, so they may be a bit too complicated for children.
- A negative aspect of Swedish goggles is that the hard plastic they are made of makes them a little less comfortable to use for an extended period.
Step 2. Invest money in a pair of racing goggles for more comfort and better performance
They are made of light and hydrodynamic materials and offer a perfect watertight seal on any occasion. The increased comfort will allow you to focus only on swimming; They also come in a wide variety of shapes and designs, so you'll be able to find the right pair for your face.
- A good pair of racing goggles can cost as much as € 50, but remember that when it comes to specialized sports equipment, quality pays off.
- Because they are smaller than normal goggles, racing goggles may put more pressure on the eye sockets in case of prolonged swimming sessions.
Step 3. Use tinted lenses to decrease glare
Goggles with darkened lenses are the equivalent of sunglasses. They usually offer sun protection and an anti-fog coating so they are useful as a protective screen on sunny days. If you usually swim outdoors in the morning or afternoon, this type of lens could be a smart choice.
- You should be able to find them at any store that sells swimming gear and accessories.
- As with sunglasses, tinted goggles are not designed to be used indoors: they could make it more difficult to see landmarks, the lane divider or other swimmers.
Step 4. Try a pair with colored lenses to improve visibility inside
This type of lenses let in a variable amount of light, which makes them suitable for different conditions. For example, yellow or amber lenses make the pool appear lighter underwater; in the same way the blue lenses guarantee greater clarity in open waters.
- This type of lens is available in a wide range of colors: the one that suits you best will depend above all on the depth, color and chemical composition of the pool in which you usually swim.
- If you swim in a dimly lit environment, it is best to opt for normal clear lenses, to avoid further distortions that could prevent proper vision.
Step 5. Order prescription goggles if you have special vision needs
Consult your eye doctor to find the right pair for you. The prescription goggles use the same corrective lenses as prescription glasses and contact lenses, so you can enjoy clear vision underwater and save space in your training bag.
- In some swimming shops you may also find some models already available in the most common fixes.
- In general, it would be best to avoid wearing contact lenses in water due to the risk of bacterial contamination. However, if you can't find prescription goggles, you can put on a disposable pair of lenses and throw them away at the end of your swimming session.
Advice
- Buying goggles is a very personal process, so don't be afraid to be too demanding: try different models and sizes until you find the one that best suits your face.
- Before making a purchase, be sure to check the return policy of the store in question. It is best to make sure that returns are allowed in case you find that the goggles do not fit after a couple of swims.
