Arena Swimwear: The Complete Guide for Icelandic Conditions

Guide to Swimsuits in Iceland – Lagoon-Ready Bathing Suits by Arena - Reykjavik Swimwear Store

🏊 Guide for Swimsuits in Iceland – Lagoon-Ready Bathing Suits: Arena Swimwear

Planning to swim in Iceland? If you're looking for swimsuits in Iceland — whether for relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, relaxing in Reykjadalur’s natural hot springs, or doing laps at Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík  - having the right swimwear is essential. If you plan on visting Iceland's swimming pools  it's essential to choose bathing suits that can handle Iceland’s unique conditions, with a mix of geothormal water and chlorine. Beacuse from intense chlorine exposure to geothermal heat and saltwater, not all swimwear is created equal.

Arena offers a wide range of high-quality, chlorine-resistant swimsuits ideal for Iceland’s unique mix of geothermal pools, icy seas, and cozy hot tubs.
At Ludus.is, we specialize in
Arena swimwear — a brand trusted by Olympic swimmers and Icelandic locals alike. In this guide, you’ll learn how different swimsuit materials perform, which Arena collections fit your needs, and where to buy the best lagoon-ready swimsuits in Reykjavík or online.
This guide breaks down Arena’s collections to help you choose the best materials and styles for Icelandic pools, spas, and adventures — from thermal lagoons to the local sundlaugar (swimming pools) found in every town.


📌 Jump to Section:


🧵 Fabric Basics: What You Need to Know

Swimwear in Iceland needs to stand up to more than just wear and tear — it must handle frequent dips in warm, chlorinated pools, natural hot springs, and the salty sea. Chlorine, especially in public pools like Laugardalslaug, Vesturbæjarlaug, and Sundlaug Kópavogs, can quickly break down fibers like elastane, causing swimsuits to fade, stretch, and wear out.

Swimwear materials vary significantly in how well they tolerate chlorine — and the trade-off often lies between comfort and durability. Chlorine aggressively breaks down fibers like elastane and nylon, leading to sagging, fading, and a shortened lifespan.

👉 According to Coral Reef Swim, it’s essential to choose fabrics that resist chlorine and hold up to long-term pool use.

Here’s a breakdown of common materials — ranked from most to least chlorine-resistant:

Material Chlorine Resistance Saltwater Resistance Elasticity
Polyester ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆
PBT ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
Nylon + Lycra Xtra Life ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★
Polyamide ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆
Elastane (Spandex) ★☆☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★★★★★


Key takeaways:

  • Polyester & PBT are ideal for Icelandic swimming pools — long-lasting and chlorine-proof.

  • Nylon blends are softer and stretchier but break down faster - better for occasional lagoon or hot spring visits.

  • Lycra Xtra Life improves the chlorine resistance of elastane significantly and suits multi-use travelers who’ll dip into both pools and spas.

  • Avoid suits with high elastane content for regular use in hot or chlorinated water — they break down faster, especially in Iceland’s naturally warm hot pots.


👙 Arena Swimwear Lines: Explained

Arena’s swimwear lines combine different materials, designs, and technologies. Here’s a quick comparison to help you find the right match for your routine — whether you’re at a geothermal pool, lagoon, or the sea.

Product Line Material For Whom Features
Arena Shapewear Sensitive® FIT (68% nylon, 32% elastane) Women 25+ Shaping, soft, Lycra Xtra Life chlorine resistance, UV protection (UPF 50+), Power Mesh. Great for hot springs, spa visits, aqua fitness. Less durable than polyester but more comfortable.
Arena Performance MaxLife Eco (100% polyester, ≥50% recycled) Women, Men, Children Maximum chlorine resistance, quick-drying, UV protection. Best for daily swimming, sports training, school pools. Lower elasticity.
Arena Feel MaxFit Eco (80% nylon, 20% elastane) Women, Men, Children Soft, 4-way stretch, UV protection (UPF 50+). Medium chlorine resistance. Great for beach holidays, hot springs, and casual swimming.
Sensitive Classic (74% nylon, 26% elastane) Women Lightweight, flattering fit. Features Lycra Xtra Life and UV protection.
Repreve Fiber (82% polyester, 18% elastane) Women, Men, Children Chlorine-resistant, soft, quick-drying, UV protection. More durable than nylon/elastane blends.
Arena Beachwear Peach Touch (100% polyester) Men, Boys Chlorine-resistant, soft suede-like feel, quick-drying, UV protection. Less stretch.
EVO (90% polyester, 10% elastane) Men Quick-drying, chlorine-resistant with 4-way stretch and mesh lining.
Taslan (100% recycled polyamide) Men, Boys Lightweight, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying. Lower chlorine resistance.
Swim&Fun Repreve Fiber (82% polyester, 18% elastane) Young Children Soft, chlorine-resistant, UV protection. Ideal for kids in lessons or casual pool play.

👥 Who Should Choose What?

All Arena collections are suitable if your swimsuit is not regularly exposed to chlorinated or saltwater conditions.


🌊 Bonus: What About Sea Swimming?

Yes — many Arena suits perform well in saltwater. Top choices include:

Tips:

  • Rinse with cold, fresh water after use

  • Lined suits add warmth in colder sea water

  • Bright colors improve visibility


🧼 Care Tips: Make Your Suit Last Longer

  • ✅ Rinse with cold water after every swim

  • ✅ Avoid wringing — press gently in a towel

  • ✅ Lay flat to dry (no dryer or radiator)

  • ✅ Avoid rough surfaces like pool edges

  • ✅ Rotate suits if you swim often


🛍️ Where to Buy Arena Swimwear in Iceland

You can shop Arena swimwear directly from Ludus.is — Iceland’s trusted Arena retailer.

Visit Us in Downtown Reykjavík
Find us at Hverfisgata 34, 101 Reykjavík — right in the city center.
Shop in-store, try on products, or order online and pick up in store.

Affordable Yet Durable Options
Whether you're searching for cheap swimwear in Reykjavik Iceland or looking for high-quality suits that withstand hot springs and pool conditions — Ludus offers a range of affordable yet durable options.

Check Our Reviews
Find us on Google Maps and read what tourists and locals are saying.

Popular lagoon & hot spring destinations:
Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvík Hot Springs, Forest Lagoon, Secret Lagoon — all worth visiting with the right swimsuit.


🛒 Popular Arena Swimwear Picks

🩳 Arena Beachwear: Swim Trunks – Fundamentals Black
👙 Arena Shapewear: One Piece – Jewel Black-White or Vertigo Black
🏊‍♀️ Arena Performance: One Piece Women's Team Swim Pro – Black or Swim Short Men's Team Solid - Black


🛍️ Popular Lagoon & Hot Spring Destinations in Iceland

The Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvík Hot Springs, Reykjadalur, Forest Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. What about other hot springs, lagoons and hidden gems?

The Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvík Hot Springs, Reykjadalur, Forest Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are all popular destinations for tourists in Iceland and are all worth visiting with the right swimsuit. However, there are also plenty of options for natural hot springs that are (some) free of charge. We might give you a tip for some hidden gems if you mention it to use in store - mention you read our guide.

Less-Known Options:

There are other less known options like:

  •  Krauma, Giljaböð near Húsafell,
  • Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, 
  • Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir in East-Iceland,
  • Myvatn Nature Baths in North-East Iceland,
  • Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths in Húsavík also in North-East Iceland
  • Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Highland Baths, yes you read that right, geotermal baths in the middle of the highlands of Iceland. 

Currently there are plans for 16 new Lagoons in Iceland including the Laugarás Lagoon and Mermaid Geothermal Seaweed Spa.

If you are a hot spring seeker we recommend checking out Hrunalaug, Landbrotalaug, Landmannalaugar Hot Springs, Grettislaug, Guðrúnarlaug and many more. For a hidden gem check out Krosslaug in Western Iceland

Checkout Sundlaugar.is (Swimmingpools.is) for an overview of all swimming pools in Iceland. 

Hopefully this short guide can help you with planning your lagoon, pool and spa visits in Iceland.


❓ FAQ

Is Arena swimwear good for hot springs like Blue Lagoon?
→ Yes, especially collections like Arena Beachwear, Shapewear, and Feel. Pick polyester options for saltwater or chlorinated water.

Where can I buy swimwear in Reykjavík?
→ Ludus.is offers online shopping and a walk-in store in downtown Reykjavík.

Can I rent swimwear at Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?
→ Yes, but many visitors prefer to bring their own — Arena suits offer better comfort, fit, and hygiene.

Is Arena swimwear FINA approved?
→ Yes, Arena’s competitive lines are approved by FINA (the international swimming federation), used by Olympic athletes worldwide.


✍️ Authorship Note

This article was written by the staff of Ludus.is — swimwear specialists with expert knowledge of Arena’s technologies, performance lines, and what works best in Icelandic conditions.

For more on Arena’s global swimwear innovation, visit arenasport.com.

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