Powerskins

With a powerskin you take your performance in the water to a higher level. These advanced competition swimsuits are designed for speed, compression and maximum hydrodynamics. Thanks to water-repellent fabrics, a close-fitting cut and smart compression technology you move more smoothly and efficiently through the water with less fatigue and less resistance. For competitive swimmers and triathletes who want to get the maximum out of every swim training or race.

The range of powerskins runs from kneeskins and jammer suits for men to swimsuits and kneeskins for women, each with their own compression profile and hydrodynamic properties. The main selection criteria are the type of suit, the coverage height, the degree of compression and the race rules of the organisation where you want to start. Also view our complete range of swimskins if you are looking for a hydrodynamic suit for triathlon where a wetsuit is not permitted.

What is a powerskin?

A powerskin is a race-oriented swimsuit made of technically high-quality fabrics that repel water, provide compression and optimise movement through the water. Unlike a regular swimsuit or swim shorts, a powerskin is designed with one goal: to let you move through the water as fast and efficiently as possible.

The water-repellent fabric absorbs as little water as possible, keeping the suit light during the race. The compression supports your muscles, improves blood circulation and reduces muscle vibrations that cost energy. The close-fitting, anatomical cut reduces resistance by creating as smooth a surface as possible. The result is a suit that supports your biomechanics and costs you less energy per metre.

Powerskins are also called tech suits, fastskins or racing suits. They are intended for competition and intensive training, not for daily lap swimming. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about swimming equipment in triathlon.

Which powerskin suits you?

The right choice depends on your discipline, the race distance, your level and the regulations of your swimming organisation. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You are a competitive swimmer and want maximum speed at sprint and middle-distance events: Choose a powerskin with maximum compression and as smooth a surface as possible. A kneeskin or jammer for men or a kneeskin or swimsuit for women with the highest available FINA approval for your discipline gives you the most advantage. Always check which suits are approved for your race format.

You are a triathlete and also want hydrodynamic advantage during the swimming section: A powerskin is suitable for the swimming section of a triathlon but is worn under or as a replacement for your trisuit. Check the race rules of your organisation: not all triathlon organisations allow powerskins as an alternative to a trisuit. Also view our range of men's trisuits and women's trisuits if you are looking for a suit for all three disciplines.

You want to train more intensively and also benefit from compression and water repellence during training: Choose a training-oriented powerskin with slightly less compression than a race model. Suitable for weekly use without the higher wear of a race suit with intensive training use.

You are looking for a women's powerskin with maximum freedom of movement at the shoulders: Choose a women's kneeskin or a swimsuit with a racerback or open-back cut. This cut gives maximum freedom during shoulder rotation in front crawl. Check whether the model provides sufficient back support when using an open-back design.

What types of powerskins are there?

Kneeskins

A kneeskin covers the torso to just below the knee. Available for both women and men. The largest coverage area of powerskins gives maximum compression on torso, hips, glutes and upper legs. The standard choice for competitive swimmers at long-course and short-course events where maximum performance is the priority.

Jammer suits (men)

A jammer covers the torso from waist to knee. More compact than a kneeskin but with more coverage than swim shorts. Provides compression on hips, glutes and upper legs with more freedom of movement than a kneeskin. Popular with men who seek a balance between compression and freedom of movement.

Swimsuits and racesuits (women)

Women's competition swimsuits are cut close with a racerback or open-back design for maximum shoulder rotation. Compression on torso, waist and hips supports the muscles and reduces resistance. Available in full-body cut or kneelength variants with varying compression profiles per model.

What to look for when buying?

FINA approval and race rules

For official competitions your powerskin must comply with FINA regulations. FINA sets requirements for the material, coverage area and construction of competition suits. Always check the current FINA regulations and the specific rules of your race organisation before purchasing a powerskin for race use.

Fit and size

A powerskin must fit extremely tightly. Tighter than you find comfortable when putting it on. In the water the material adapts to your body and the tightness decreases slightly. A too-loose powerskin completely loses its compression and hydrodynamic advantages. Always check the size chart of the specific model and get advice in our store if in doubt.

Material and water repellence

The material type determines the water-repellent properties and durability. High-quality powerskins use polyester-elastane composite fabrics with a special coating for maximum water repellence and minimum water absorption. Check the care recommendations: powerskins are vulnerable to chlorine and mechanical damage and require specific maintenance to preserve their properties.

Degree of compression

Race powerskins have a higher degree of compression than training models. High compression supports the muscles, improves blood flow and reduces muscle vibrations. Too high compression for the wrong size can restrict breathing and freedom of movement. Choose the degree of compression that suits your level and the use for which you are purchasing the suit.

Maintenance and lifespan

Powerskins are vulnerable with incorrect maintenance. Always hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Never use a washing machine or dryer. Rinse thoroughly immediately after use with cold, clean water to remove chlorine. Let dry on a flat surface away from direct sunlight. A well-maintained powerskin lasts multiple seasons with race use.

Our advice: Use your powerskin exclusively for races and important training sessions, not for daily lap swimming. The material and coating wear quickly with intensive chlorine use. Invest in a separate training swimsuit for your regular training sessions and save your powerskin for the moments when performance matters most. Combine with good swimming goggles for a complete and fast race kit.

Who are powerskins suitable for?

• Competitive swimmers who seek maximum hydrodynamics and compression at official swimming competitions for better times.
• Triathletes who also want to get the maximum out of their swim time during the swimming section of a triathlon with a technical race suit.
• Advanced athletes who train intensively and also want to benefit from compression and water-repellent properties during heavy training sessions.
• Competitive swimmers who want to improve personal records and want to utilise every marginal advantage that technology can offer.

A powerskin is less suitable for recreational lap swimming, beginning swimmers or daily use. The high compression and delicate materials make it a specialised race product. Also view our range of wetsuits for when the water temperature allows, and triathlon clothing for all race equipment.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about powerskins

What is the difference between a powerskin and a regular swimsuit?

A powerskin is made of technically high-quality water-repellent fabrics with compression specifically designed for race performance. A regular swimsuit is made for comfort and durability in regular swimming. The difference in material, cut and compression is directly noticeable in hydrodynamics and energy expenditure per metre.

What is the difference between a powerskin and a swimskin?

You wear a swimskin over your trisuit during triathlon races where a wetsuit is not permitted. A powerskin is a standalone race swimsuit that you wear instead of a swimsuit or swim shorts. Powerskins are primarily intended for swimming competitions. Swimskins are intended for triathlon where after swimming you also still cycle and run in the same suit underneath.

Does a powerskin need to be FINA-approved?

For official swimming competitions that fall under FINA regulations a FINA-approved suit is required. FINA sets requirements for material, coverage area and construction. Always check the current FINA regulations and the specific requirements of your race organisation before purchasing a powerskin for race use.

How tight should a powerskin fit?

Tighter than you find comfortable when putting it on dry. In the water the material adapts to your body and the tightness decreases slightly. Count on 15 to 20 minutes to properly put on a powerskin. A too-loose powerskin completely loses its compression and hydrodynamic advantages. When in doubt between two sizes always choose the smaller.

How long does a powerskin last?

With correct maintenance and use exclusively for races a powerskin lasts one to two seasons. Intensive chlorine use during daily training wears the coating quickly. Use your powerskin only for races and save it for those moments. For daily training invest in a separate training suit.