How Tight Should Swimming Goggles Be?

The swimming goggles should be just tight enough to form a good seal or suction around the eyes to prevent water from getting into the goggles while still being comfortable. However, to ensure you do not deprive your eyes of oxygen for prolonged periods of time, you should remove the goggles at least once every hour

When someone goes shopping for a pair of swimming goggles, one of the most common questions is about the fit of the goggles. Many people are unsure of just how tight the swimming goggles should be. Of course, the swimming goggles need to be tight enough so that they do not fall off when someone dives in the water. Losing the goggles in the water could result in them sinking to the bottom, making them hard to retrieve. On the other hand, swimming goggles that are too tight can unnecessarily restrict the face and give someone a headache. There is a nice middle ground that will allow the swimming goggles to work effectively while still being comfortable for the user.

The Goggles Should Form a Good Seal

The easiest way to answer this question is that the swimming goggles should be tight enough to form a firm seal without giving someone a headache. While someone might be concerned about the "goggle rings" that form around the eyes, these will fade with time. The good news is that a fresh pair of swimming goggles does not need to be very tight to ensure that the seal is formed. Over time, the suction strength of the seal may start to wear off and people may need to tighten the goggles. Excessively tightening the swimming goggles could give someone a headache and might unnecessarily constrict the eyes. Make sure that the goggles have a tight seal and will stay on the head when someone dives in the water. Try to place the strap just below the crown on the back of the head to prevent them from flying off. It might also be helpful to place the swimming goggles underneath a swim cap so ensure that they stay in place.

The Importance of Finding the Correct Fit

There are several reasons why someone needs to make sure that the swimming goggles fit correctly. The first reason is for convenience. If the swimming goggles do not fit properly, someone may end up spending their entire swim trying to reapply the goggles. Water might also start to enter the swimming goggles, making it hard to see and burning the eyes. On the other hand, a pair of swimming goggles that is too tight can also be annoying. The constriction around the head could give someone a tension headache, aggravating their swim and making them uncomfortable. Swimming goggles that fit properly should be comfortable and allow someone to see well underwater without having to constantly adjust the strap or the lenses. Our buyers guide can help you to determine the right pair of swimming goggles and you can find a how to guide for finding/measuring your PD here.

Finding the Correct Fit for a Pair of Swimming Goggles

The first step in finding the right pair of swimming goggles is to think about what they are going to be used for. Goggles are made for all types of uses. This includes competitive swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and recreational swimming. This is one of the first ways to break down the various options. After this, the packaging on the goggles should make it easy to go from there. Goggles often have recommended age ranges on them that can help someone decide. After this, it is just a matter of deciding on the personal preference. If the goggles don't seem to fit quite right, replacing the plastic strap with a bungee cord can be a helpful solution.

Ensuring the Goggles Have the Right Fit

It is vital for everyone to make sure that the goggles fit well before making an investment. Fortunately, the strap on the swimming goggles is typically very easy to adjust and can be made to fit almost any face. Furthermore, many people will elect to replace the plastic strap on their pair of swimming goggles with a bungee cord. This bungee cord is often easier to adjust and will allow the goggles to work for almost anyone. Try to ensure that the goggles fit well before swimming and remember to vent them regularly to allow the eyes to breathe properly.

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