Frequently Asked Questions

The lens colour for the 'off the shelf' goggles will depend upon the model and colour chosen. They generally come in either grey, blue or clear. Where there is more than one colour option for a model, a blue goggle will come with blue lenses and a black/grey goggle with grey lenses. We include an indication of the lens colour in the product description/specification.

All diving masks come with clear lenses.

As standard, all custom-made swimming goggles are supplied with clear plastic lenses, but we can add a tint if required.

The lens colour is dictated by the model you choose. Some only come in one colour, some have a choice.

If the goggles are tinted the level of tint is designed to be dark enough to help reduce the brightness if used outside, but pale enough that they are suitable for indoor use as well.

The mirrored finish on some goggles is partly for style, but it also cuts out a little more light and glare from the sun outdoors so tends to be darker.

Please see our delivery section for full details.

All our 'off the shelf' swimming goggles come with an anti-fog treatment. The custom made ones and diving masks do not.

The anti-fog treatment works by helping stop condensation from forming on the inside of the lenses. Over time the anti-fog treatment can break down and if you perspire more, even from day one, the standard anti-fog treatment may not be enough.  In these situations, supplementing with an anti-fog solution can prolong the effects.

Our custom made swimming goggles and diving masks do not come with any anti-fog treatment so a supplementary anti-fog solution may be needed.

If you have a broken or damaged swimming goggle then we may be able to help.

Some of the goggles and masks we sell are supplied as kits so we can supply spares.

If the goggle is supplied in kit form we can often get spare parts and new lenses.

For most diving masks we can supply replacement lenses.

We specialise in optical/prescription goggles, but we do have a couple of non-prescription models which can be viewed online.

The diving masks do not have specific depth rating as with equalisation they can be used to most depths.

The majority of our goggles and diving masks are latex-free. We highlight this in the product description of each product.

The majority of our 'off the shelf' swimming goggles offer UV protection. We highlight this in the product description of each product.

The diving masks do not have UV protection although, as they are all made with toughened glass lenses, some protection is offered.

All of the swimming goggles are made with plastic lenses (usually polycarbonate).

All of the diving masks are made with toughened glass lenses.

We certainly can.

We have a section dedicated to helping you choose the right prescription.

Or contact us with your full spectacle prescription and we will be able to help advise you.

All of the prescription goggles and masks on this site are designed for people aged 16 and over. Anyone interested in prescription goggles/masks for under 16s should visit their own optometrist as these devices have to be supplied under the direct supervision (face to face) of a qualified professional.

Some swimmers with smaller faces find the 'small' models fit better, the Gator Small and Aquasee Small. Both come in a wide range of +/- powers for long or short sight.

The Gator has a wide colour range, tinted or clear lenses and can be fitted with different power lenses in each eye.

The Aquasee Small has blue tinted lenses and is fitted with the same power in each eye.

The Shark, Speedo Hydropure and Stingray are black goggles with minus powers. The Stingray has a low profile, inner eye fit with mirrored lenses.

Then, depending upon your face shape some models may fit better than others. 

We have a fitting guide and video to help, we always advise to try on a goggle for comfort, a good fit and seal around the eyes before
swimming.

We are always happy to refund or exchange any goggles that are not worn in water. So please try on your new goggles/mask BEFORE use as once they have been used in the water, we can NO LONGER refund/replace (see our FITTING GUIDE). If you are unhappy with the fit, or have ordered the wrong power, please contact us to arrange a refund/replacement. All you will need to pay for is the return postage.

Use the product options filter 'smaller sized eye pieces' to help narrow down your options.

No, anyone interested should visit their own optometrist as these devices have to be supplied under the direct supervision (face to face) of a qualified professional.

There are several things that you can do to help prolong the life of your goggles and masks.

For diving masks: Rinse with tap water after use and store in the storage case supplied.

For swimming goggles: Rinse with tap water after use and leave to air dry. Never rub the inside of the lenses as this can damage the anti-fog treatment. Use an anti-fog solution regularly. Do not use or leave in hot conditions e.g steam room, jacuzzi, bath.

Generally the more expensive goggles are either more specialist, have special features, are branded or made of higher quality materials.

However, this is not always the case, some of the cheaper products are still of excellent quality, it is just the suppliers sell them at a better price.

This is especially true for the Sutton Swimwear brand. As this is our own brand, we are able to offer a better price even though they are an equivalent quality to much more expensive goggles.

All the goggles and masks have an adjustable head-strap so can be loosened or tightened to fit most swimmers.

As a guide we have included an estimate of the unstretched ircumference in the Product Information section of each product page under ‘Approximate goggle dimensions’.

If you do have a larger head, then one option is to order a Swans SRX with a spare component kit - this will then allow you to add an extra section to the head-strap.

Depending on the supplier, goggles are supplied with either a moulded non-adjustable nose bridge or interchangeable/adjustable ones. Each has pros and cons depending on your face shape.

The moulded mounts tend to be softer so if they do sit on the nose they are more comfortable. However, it does mean that the width at the nose can't be adjusted for optimum the fit. Good examples are the SHARK, SURF, EAGLE or SWIMMI2.

The interchangeable nose bridges offer more adjustment for the perfect fit. However, they are typically a hard plastic strap that goes straight across so, if they do sit on the nose, can be less comfortable. Some models have a contoured bridge which helps. Good examples are the VIEW or WAVE and of ones with a more contoured nose bridge the MARINER or CORAL.

The adjustable nose bridges again offer more adjustment for the perfect fit. They too are typically made of a hard plastic strap so if they do sit on the nose can uncomfortable. However, they tend stand proud so this can be less likely. A good example is the GATOR.

Occasional, especially if you have a higher prescription or very narrow face, the position of the lenses in a goggle or mask (the optical centre) does not closely enough match the distance between the centre of your eyes (your PD).

This means that you end up with some induced prism and as a result, double vision.

This is why it is important to try on your new goggles/mask BEFORE use as once they have been used in the water, we can NO LONGER refund/replace (see our FITTING GUIDE).

Diving masks: The optical centres can’t be adjusted for an off-the-shelf diving mask. This means the only option will be full custom-made mask. This can not only be made to your exact prescription, but also with optical centres to match your PD.

Swimming goggles: In swimming goggles there are a few more options. If you have ordered a goggle with a moulded mount, so there is no possible adjustment across the nose, it might be best to consider swapping for a model that has an adjustable/interchangeable bridge. If you already have a model with an adjustable/interchangeable bridge, try adjusting to be narrower to see if this helps. If not, please contact us and we might be able to suggest an alternative.

Depending on the goggles yes, or no!!!

Water has a different refractive index to air, so if the front surface of the lens is not flat, the effective power under the water will be slightly different than it is over.

For most people this does not matter as the purpose of the goggles is to generally see better, find the right changing rooms and family or friends at the pool or beach. However, for those that need to see well under water, for spot turns etc., this can matter.

Some swimming goggles have flat fronted lenses, some a slight or moderate curvature. This varies by brand and model. If you wish to double check we have listed the approximate base curve for each model (e.g. Flat lenses (base curve ≈0) or Curved lenses (base curve ≥4) in the ‘Product Information’ section.

All diving masks have flat fronted lenses so the vision will be very similar under and over the water.

For all products (except custom made ones), we are always happy to exchange or refund any goggles that are not worn in water.

So please try on your new goggles/mask BEFORE use as once they have been used in the water, we can NO LONGER refund/replace (see our FITTING GUIDE). If you are unhappy with the fit, or have ordered the wrong power, please contact us to arrange a refund/replacement. All you will need to pay for is the return postage.

Please see our section on returns for more information.

Depending on the brand, goggles are either supplied completely pre-assembled and ready to wear or as a parts kit.

For those that come as a kit, this usually just involves clicking the few parts together. The SRX, SWIMMI2 and SHELL require a little more work to attach the strap and/or eye seals.

The advantages of those supplied as a parts kit are that different power lenses can be fitted for each eye and spare parts are typically available.

Many products have useful videos in the extra product information to help explain how to build or change lenses.

All diving masks are supplied completely pre-assembled and ready to wear.

This will depend on the brand.

Models like the WAVE, MARINER, HYDROPURE, SRX, VIEW and EAGLE all come with little or no case, most others are supplied in a clear, rigid plastic case for protection that can be used as a case.

You might like to consider adding as extra swimming goggle case when you place an order.

All diving masks are supplied in a hard plastic case that can be used for storage.