Swimskins

Do you regularly participate in triathlon and is it too warm for a wetsuit? Then a swimskin or speedsuit is the solution. You wear it over your trisuit and thereby improve your hydrodynamics without the insulation of a wetsuit. A swimskin prevents your trisuit from absorbing water, reduces drag and lets you glide more smoothly through the water. The result: a faster swim time and less energy loss for the cycling and running sections.

The range of swimskins runs from entry models with stitched seams for recreational triathletes to high-end speedsuits with taped seams for competitive triathletes who want to gain every second of advantage. The main selection criteria are the fit, the type of seams, the size and whether you choose a model with or without sleeves. Also view our complete range of wetsuits for when the water temperature allows or requires a wetsuit.

When do you choose a swimskin?

At triathlon races strict temperature rules apply for the use of a wetsuit. Above a certain water temperature a wetsuit is prohibited. Below a certain temperature it is compulsory. In the middle zone where it is too warm for a wetsuit but you still want hydrodynamic advantage, a swimskin is the appropriate choice.

A swimskin offers no thermal insulation like a wetsuit but gives you a tight, streamlined outer layer over your trisuit. Your trisuit cannot absorb water so you do not carry extra weight during swimming. In combination with light compression you glide more smoothly through the water than in a loose trisuit without swimskin. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about clothing rules in triathlon.

Which swimskin suits you?

The right choice depends on your level, the race distance and how important maximum hydrodynamics is to you. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You participate in a triathlon where a wetsuit is not permitted and still want hydrodynamic advantage: A swimskin is the direct solution. Even in warm conditions you are almost always faster with a swimskin than in just a trisuit. The close fit and smooth outer layer reduce water resistance in a directly noticeable way.

You want the best fit and minimum water penetration: Choose a swimskin with taped seams. Taped seams are waterproof sealed, give less stretch and therefore provide a tighter and smoother surface with less resistance. The preference of competitive triathletes who want to gain every advantage.

You are looking for a good swimskin at an affordable price: Choose a swimskin with stitched seams. These offer slightly more flexibility and are more comfortable with a less exact fit. The water resistance is slightly less than with taped seams but for recreational triathletes the difference in practice is small.

You race a half or full triathlon and want your legs and arms as free as possible: Check when purchasing whether the swimskin is sleeveless or has sleeves. Sleeveless swimskins give more freedom in arm rotation during front crawl. Some models also offer a shorter leg for more leg freedom. Also read our triathlon distances blog to determine which approach best suits your race format.

Swimskin or wetsuit: when which?

A wetsuit gives more advantage than a swimskin thanks to the buoyancy and thermal insulation. If a wetsuit is permitted, always choose a wetsuit. If a wetsuit is prohibited due to too high water temperature, then a swimskin is the best alternative choice above a loose trisuit.

A swimskin offers no buoyancy but does offer hydrodynamic advantage through the close fit and prevention of water absorption by your trisuit. Always combine with a well-fitting men's trisuit or women's trisuit underneath for the best combination of comfort and performance.

What to look for when buying?

Fit and size

The fit is the most critical factor with a swimskin. The suit must feel like a second skin without pinching spots or excess space. Too large means water ingress at every spot where the swimskin does not seal, which directly negates your hydrodynamic advantage. Too small restricts your freedom of movement and breathing.

Swimskins are available in standard sizes from S to XL. There are no special intermediate sizes as with triathlon wetsuits. Always check the size chart of the specific model. In doubt between two sizes? Choose the smaller one. A swimskin may feel tight when putting it on but must not pinch during the swimming movement.

Type of seams: taped or stitched

Taped seams are waterproof sealed with an elastic tape over the seam. They do not let water through, give less stretch and provide a smoother surface with less resistance. The best choice for competitive triathletes seeking maximum performance.

Stitched seams are sewn through both panels. Slightly more flexible and more comfortable but less waterproof than taped seams. Suitable for recreational triathletes where maximum hydrodynamics is less critical than for race use.

Zip fastening

Swimskins are standardly fitted with a back zip. This is the only zip placement used in swimskins. The zip has a long cord for quick self-service at the transition. Check that the zip runs smoothly and seals well before purchasing the swimskin.

Sleeve length and leg length

Swimskins are available sleeveless or with short or long sleeves. Sleeveless gives the most arm freedom during the front crawl movement. Models with sleeves offer slightly more hydrodynamic advantage on the arms. Check the race rules of your organisation: at some races there are maximum coverage requirements for the swimskin.

Race rules

Always check the clothing regulations of your race before purchasing a swimskin. The rules for swimskins vary per organisation and per race format. At some races swimskins with certain features are not permitted or there are specific rules about sleeve length and coverage area.

Our advice: Always try your swimskin before using it in a race. A swimskin that fits perfectly in the shop can still pinch or not seal optimally after ten minutes in the water. Train with it before taking it to a race. Combine with a good swimming goggle for a complete and fast swimming kit.

Who is a swimskin suitable for?

• Triathletes who participate in races where the water temperature is too high for a wetsuit but still want to achieve hydrodynamic advantage.
• Competitive triathletes who want to gain every second of advantage and choose a speedsuit with taped seams for maximum performance.
• Recreational triathletes who are swimming with a swimskin for the first time and are looking for a comfortable and affordable entry model.
• Open water swimmers who want a tight hydrodynamic outer layer during warm races or training sessions without the warmth of a wetsuit.

A swimskin is not suitable for swimming in cold water where heat retention is necessary. In that case a wetsuit is always the better choice. Also view our complete range of triathlon clothing for all race equipment you need as a triathlete.

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 swimskins

What is the difference between a swimskin and a wetsuit?

A wetsuit is made of neoprene and offers buoyancy, thermal insulation and hydrodynamic advantage. A swimskin is a thin, tight suit of lycra or polyester that you wear over your trisuit. A swimskin offers no buoyancy or warmth but does offer hydrodynamic advantage by preventing your trisuit from absorbing water. A wetsuit is always the better choice if it is permitted.

Do I wear a swimskin over or under my trisuit?

You always wear a swimskin over your trisuit. The whole purpose is precisely to prevent your trisuit from absorbing water. By wearing the swimskin over it the trisuit stays dry and you add no extra weight during swimming.

What is the difference between taped and stitched seams in a swimskin?

Taped seams are waterproof sealed with elastic tape. They let no water through and provide a smoother surface with less resistance. Stitched seams are sewn through both panels, slightly more flexible but less waterproof. For race use taped seams are the better choice. For recreational use stitched seams are sufficient and more comfortable.

How do I choose the right swimskin size?

Always check the size chart of the specific brand. Swimskins have no special intermediate sizes. The swimskin must feel like a second skin without pinching spots. In doubt between two sizes, choose the smaller. A swimskin that is too loose lets water in and no longer provides hydrodynamic advantage.

May I wear a swimskin at every triathlon race?

Always check the clothing regulations of your race organisation. The rules for swimskins vary per race format and per organisation. At some races specific requirements apply for sleeve length, coverage area and seam type. Check this before purchasing and before starting.

How do I maintain my swimskin?

Rinse the swimskin thoroughly after each use with clean, cold water to remove chlorine, salt and dirt. Let it dry flat or on a wide hanger, never in direct sunlight. Hand wash or on a delicate programme with mild detergent. Never use a dryer. Store the swimskin flat or rolled up, never folded in the same spot to prevent permanent creasing.