Neoprene Shirts

A neoprene shirt, also called wetsuit top or neoprene top, is a thin neoprene upper garment that gives you extra warmth in colder water without the limitations of a full wetsuit. It is the solution for when it is too cold for ordinary swimwear but too warm or too impractical for a full neoprene suit.

There are two clearly different types in the range. A sleeveless neoprene shirt is intended as an extra insulating layer under your wetsuit in cold water. A neoprene shirt with long sleeves is a standalone garment for open water swimming, gives warmth around the trunk and arms and also offers protection against UV radiation. Both types are available for men and women. The most important selection criteria are whether you wear the shirt standalone or as a base layer under a wetsuit, the water temperature at which you swim and the desired thickness of the neoprene.

Which neoprene shirt suits you?

The right choice depends on how and when you use the shirt. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You already wear a wetsuit but want extra warmth in cold water: Choose a sleeveless neoprene shirt as a base layer. This model is specifically intended to be worn under a wetsuit. It adds an extra insulating layer around your trunk and core, without sleeves rolling up or disturbing the fit of the wetsuit. Ideal for early morning training sessions or swimming in spring and autumn.

You want to swim independently in open water without a full wetsuit: Choose a neoprene shirt with long sleeves. You wear this model directly on the skin, it keeps your trunk and arms warm and also protects your skin against UV radiation. Suitable at water temperatures where a full wetsuit is too warm but you still want more protection than just a swimming trunk or swimsuit.

You want a neoprene shirt that is easy to put on and take off: Choose a model of smooth-skin neoprene. The fabric inner layer of this type slides more smoothly over the skin than open-cell neoprene, which makes putting on and taking off considerably easier. Handy if you regularly combine the shirt with other neoprene garments.

You want to combine the shirt with a separate neoprene swimming trunk: That is possible. A neoprene shirt combines well with a neoprene swimming trunk if you want a fully protective layer without the limitations of a one-piece suit. This way you easily adjust your warmth protection to the conditions.

What to look for when purchasing?

With or without sleeves

The sleeve length largely determines the use. A sleeveless model is the right choice if you wear the shirt as a base layer under a wetsuit, since sleeves would roll up and disturb the fit of the wetsuit. A model with long sleeves is the better choice if you wear the shirt standalone in open water and also want to keep your arms warm.

Material type: open-cell or smooth-skin

Neoprene shirts are available in two material variants. Open-cell neoprene has a soft rubber inner structure that sits directly on the skin, retains warmth well and is often provided with stitched seams. Smooth-skin neoprene has a smooth outer layer that closes watertight and a fabric inner layer that slides more easily over the skin. Smooth-skin models are slightly easier to put on and strip off, open-cell models feel slightly warmer with direct skin contact.

Thickness of the neoprene

The common thickness for neoprene shirts is between 1.5 and 3 mm. A thickness of 2 mm is the most used: sufficient warmth without limiting the freedom of movement in the shoulders too much. Thicker neoprene of 2.5 to 3 mm gives more warmth but asks slightly more of your shoulders while swimming. Thinner than 1.5 mm gives little insulation and is only suitable as a light windbreaker or UV protection.

Size and fit

A neoprene shirt must fit closely on your skin. Only then does the insulation principle work: a thin layer of water is warmed up by your body and keeps you warm. A shirt that is too loose lets too much water flow through and loses its insulating effect. Neoprene shirts are often unisex and available in the sizes S, M, L and XL. Use the brand's size chart and look specifically at the chest circumference and the torso.

Higher collar

Most neoprene shirts have a higher collar that protects the throat and neck extra against cold water. That is a noticeable difference in comfort with cold open water swimming, certainly during longer sessions or with waves that regularly wash over the shoulders.

Our advice: Always put on the shirt once and move in it before you take it into the water. Check whether your shoulder movement in a front crawl stroke is not limited and whether the collar feels comfortable around your throat. A neoprene shirt that constricts in the shoulders costs you energy with every stroke that you could better save for swimming.

Neoprene shirt, wetsuit top or neoprene top: what is the difference?

In practice, neoprene shirt, wetsuit shirt, wetsuit top and neoprene top are used interchangeably. They all refer to the same product: a neoprene upper part without the legs. There is no functional difference between the terms, only the naming differs per brand and sales channel.

The only relevant distinction is not in the name but in the type: sleeveless for use under a wetsuit, long sleeves for standalone use in open water. Once you know which type you need, the remaining choices, thickness, material, size, are easy to make.

Who are neoprene shirts suitable for?

• Open water swimmers who continue training in spring and autumn and want extra warmth without a full wetsuit.
• Triathletes and swimmers who want an extra insulating layer under their wetsuit in cold water for more heat retention around the core.
• Athletes who are sensitive to cold with open water swimming and benefit from extra protection even at milder water temperatures.
• Swimmers who want to protect their skin against UV radiation during prolonged swimming in the sun.
• Athletes who combine a neoprene shirt with a separate neoprene swimming trunk as an alternative to a full suit.

A neoprene shirt is less suitable if you are looking for active buoyancy or full warmth protection in cold water. In that case a full triathlon wetsuit is the better choice. Do you only want to protect your legs? Then also view our neoprene swimming trunks.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a neoprene shirt but are not sure which model suits your wishes and needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about neoprene shirts

What is the difference between a neoprene shirt with and without sleeves?

A sleeveless neoprene shirt is intended as a base layer under a wetsuit. Sleeves would roll up when putting on the wetsuit and disturb the fit, which is why this type is always sleeveless. A neoprene shirt with long sleeves is intended for standalone use in open water and gives extra warmth around arms and shoulders. Choose the type based on how you use the shirt, not on preference alone.

At what water temperature do you use a neoprene shirt?

A neoprene shirt is most useful at water temperatures between 14 and 20 degrees, depending on how quickly you get cold yourself and whether you wear the shirt standalone or as an extra layer under a wetsuit. At water temperatures below 14 degrees a full neoprene suit gives more warmth and buoyancy. With water above 22 degrees a neoprene shirt is not necessary for most athletes.

Can I wear a neoprene shirt under my wetsuit?

Yes, but then choose exclusively a sleeveless model. A model without sleeves adds warmth to your trunk and core without affecting the fit or freedom of movement of the wetsuit. A model with long sleeves is not suitable for this: the sleeves can roll up and bunch under the wetsuit, which feels uncomfortable and limits the freedom of movement in the shoulders.

What is the difference between open-cell and smooth-skin neoprene with a shirt?

Open-cell neoprene has a soft rubber inner structure that sits directly on the skin and retains warmth well. Smooth-skin neoprene has a smooth watertight outer layer and a fabric inner layer. Smooth-skin is easier to put on and take off because the fabric slides more smoothly over the skin. Open-cell feels slightly warmer for many athletes with direct skin contact. For use as a base layer under a wetsuit, open-cell is the most common; for standalone use in open water both types are suitable.

How do I choose the right size for a neoprene shirt?

Use the brand's size chart and look specifically at chest circumference and torso length. The shirt must fit closely on your skin, because only then does the insulation work: a thin layer of water is warmed up by your body and keeps you warm. A shirt that is too loose lets too much water flow through and loses its insulating effect. If in doubt between two sizes, choose the smaller size in most cases.

Does a neoprene shirt also protect against the sun?

Yes. Neoprene shirts offer protection against UV radiation. That also makes them usable with open water swimming in warmer weather where the water temperature does not require neoprene but protection of the skin during prolonged exposure to the sun is desired.