Types of Swim Goggles

Swedish Goggles

• Swedish goggles are the simplest, most traditional style of swim goggles. They consist of two plastic eye cups, a string or piece of rubber that connects them across the bridge of the nose and an elastic headband.

  Swedish goggles come unassembled. The wearer usually sizes and fits them using the nose string and eye cups, though some people choose to cut a piece of the headband elastic to replace the string.

  These goggles are generally inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. They can also be found in mirrored or metallic versions.

Foam Gasket Goggles

• Typically, goggles with a foam gasket (as opposed to a silicone gasket) around the eye cup are intended for recreational rather than competitive use. They often have larger, higher-profile lenses and tend to be more decorative.

  These goggles are less streamlined but often more comfortable, with the larger surface area around the eye.

Silicone Gasket Goggles

• Most competition-style goggles have silicone gasket around the eye cups. The silicone creates a very solid seal around the eye, keeping water out and creating a streamlined effect.

  The downside of silicone gasket goggles is that sometimes the eye seal is so tight that it can create a "squeeze" on the area around the eye. This can be uncomfortable and can cause these goggles to fit a smaller number of people.

  Both silicone and foam gasket goggles come in smaller sizes designed for women or children. If you find wearing regular sized goggles uncomfortable because your face is smaller, look for these other options.

Tinted Lenses

• Swim goggles are available in a variety of tints. These can enhance your ability to see in the water as you swim. Lighter colored lenses, such as yellow or rose, can improve visibility for you when swimming in interior pools. Goggles with sunglass-style tints of grey or green can make outdoor swimming more comfortable by reducing the glare of the sun on the water.

Snorkeling or Diving Masks

• Masks designed for snorkeling, scuba diving or free diving tend to be quite different than swim goggles, with larger, more high profile faceplates replacing the individual eye cups, and a space for the nose. This is important because it's necessary to blow out through the nose to relieve the pressure caused by atmospheric changes as you dip beneath the surface of the water. Swim goggles should not be worn for these activities, because the suction that creates a water tight seal on swim goggles can cause blood vessels in the eyes to rupture with even a small change of depth.

  While you are primarily on the surface while snorkeling, you might sometimes go deep enough to experience this problem, or you might wish to dive below the surface to look at something particularly interesting. In addition, snorkeling masks have larger, thicker straps onto which you can attach your snorkels.