How to Choose Swimming Goggles

Good swimming goggles will make every swim more enjoyable. They’ll help you see clearly underwater, reduce eye irritation from chlorine and water, and—when fitted properly—won’t pinch or leak.

The ACRA lineup includes simple children’s models for everyday swimming as well as adult goggles with anti-fog coating, UV protection, and a comfortable double-layer seal.

What should you look for when shopping?

Seal (faceplate)

This is the most important part of the goggles. The silicone seal is hypoallergenic, soft, and will last for years—ideal for both children and adults. Properly sealed goggles won’t let water in, even when you turn your head. Here’s a simple test: place the goggles over your eyes without the strap. If they stay in place for at least 2 seconds, they fit perfectly.

Anti-fog coating

Foggy goggles in the middle of the pool are a nightmare. Premium models feature eco-friendly anti-fog technology on the inside of the lenses, which significantly reduces fogging. Don’t rub the coating with your finger—it will wear off. After swimming, simply rinse the goggles with clean water and let them air dry.
The AEONE Antifog goggles from ACRA’s lineup feature this anti-fog technology.

Lens Color

Clear or light-colored lenses are ideal for indoor pools—they let in the maximum amount of light. Darker, tinted, or mirrored lenses, on the other hand, are suitable for outdoor swimming, where they reduce glare from the sun. So don’t base your choice of color solely on aesthetics—it also serves a practical purpose.

UV Protection

When swimming outdoors, your eyes are exposed to UV radiation reflected off the water’s surface, which is stronger than direct sunlight. Look for goggles with 100% UV protection (UVA + UVB)—especially if you’re swimming between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the radiation is most intense.

Beam and Adjustment

A good nose bridge adjusts the distance between the temples so that the glasses fit your face perfectly. An adjustable or interchangeable nose bridge increases the likelihood that the glasses will fit well. For children, it’s especially important that the nose bridge doesn’t press against their delicate noses.

Belt

The single strap is quick to put on—ideal for children. A double or split strap fits more securely on the head and can be adjusted more precisely—regular swimmers and women with their hair in a bun will appreciate it. Never tighten the strap too much—the goggles will then press against your face and leave marks.

Age and Size

Children's glasses are smaller and designed to fit a child's delicate face. For children under 6, choose models specifically designed for the youngest children—ideally with wider temples, which make them easier to put on. For children 6 and older, junior or small adult models usually fit best.

How do you properly use and care for swimming goggles?

✔ Do not touch the inside of the lenses
The anti-fog coating is sensitive to oil from your fingers. If you touch the inside, you’ll damage the coating and the goggles will start to fog up much sooner. Always hold the goggles by the frame or strap.

✔ Rinse with clean water after every swim
Chlorine, salt, and dirt gradually damage the silicone gasket. Simply rinse the goggles under running water after swimming and let them air dry—never wipe them with a towel.

✔ Store them in a case
Without protection, goggles will get scratched or warped in your bag. A case is essential—with ACRA goggles, you’ll find one included right in the package.

✔ Put on your goggles with wet hands
Moist skin prevents the seal from rubbing against your face and extends the life of the silicone. Plus, wet goggles on a wet face provide a better seal and fog up less.

✔ Don’t tighten the strap more than necessary
An over-tightened strap causes pressure marks, pain, and, paradoxically, doesn’t work any better—the goggles seal primarily thanks to the silicone gasket, not the force of the strap. A proper seal keeps the goggles in place against your face even without the strap.

✔ Do not leave the goggles in the sun
UV rays and heat degrade both the silicone seal and the plastic frames. After swimming outdoors, do not dry them while resting on a sun lounger—leave them in the shade or put them directly into their case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At what age can I buy swimming goggles for a child?
Swimming goggles are suitable for children around 3 years of age. The Acra lineup includes the KIDS G6200 and KIDS AEONE models, which are specially designed for small faces. For such young children, it’s important to choose a model with wider nose pads—children can put them on by themselves, and the goggles fit better on a variety of children’s face shapes.

Why do my goggles fog up even though they’re new?
The anti-fog coating works best when you don’t touch the inside of the lenses with your fingers. Oil from your skin quickly breaks it down. Before putting them on, dip the glasses in water for a moment—this creates a water film that prevents fogging. If the coating has worn off, you can restore it with an anti-fog spray available at sporting goods stores.

How can I tell if my goggles fit properly?
Hold the goggles up to your eyes without the strap. If they stay in place on their own for at least 2 seconds—creating a vacuum—they fit perfectly. Then put on the strap and check for comfort: the goggles shouldn’t pinch, leave marks, or leak. Adjust the nose bridge if the goggles allow it.

Are women’s and men’s glasses different?
Yes, the difference is in size. Women’s glasses have smaller lenses and a narrower nose bridge because women generally have smaller faces. Unisex glasses fit best for men and women with larger faces. If unisex glasses don’t fit you, try looking for a women’s or junior model—it will have smaller proportions.

What kind of glasses are suitable for swimming in the ocean or an outdoor pool?
For outdoor swimming, choose glasses with darker lenses—smoked, mirrored, or silver. These lenses reduce the glare from the sun reflecting off the water’s surface. Don’t forget UV protection (UVA + UVB) either. The AEONE Antifog series, with an external UV coating, is the ideal choice for outdoor use.

How long do swimming goggles last?
With proper care, high-quality swimming goggles will last 1–3 years of regular use. The silicone gasket gradually degrades due to chlorine and UV radiation—once the goggles start to leak even after being properly adjusted, it’s time to replace them. The anti-fog coating wears out more quickly and can be temporarily restored with a spray.

Can I swim in goggles with prescription lenses?
There are special prescription swimming goggles with corrective lenses. The selection is smaller than for standard goggles, but this option is available. Standard swimming goggles do not offer prescription correction—they are designed for swimmers without vision problems or who wear contact lenses.