Neoprene Swim Shorts

Neoprene swimwear are special swimsuits of neoprene that protect you against cooler water and offer you extra buoyancy. Does it get a little fresher outside and the water colder but do you still want to continue swimming and training outside? Then a neoprene swimsuit is ideal. You can also choose to wear a neoprene top over it so that your upper body is also better protected. Do you want a better position in the water? Then a neoprene jammer is ideal because of the extra buoyancy these swimsuits offer.

The range of neoprene swimwear can be divided into buoyancy shorts for those who want to improve their horizontal swimming position and neoprene jammers for those who want thermal protection without extra buoyancy. The main selection criteria are the type of use, the neoprene thickness, the leg length and the fit on your build. Also view our complete range of wetsuits for when the water temperature requires a complete suit.

When do you choose a neoprene swimsuit?

A neoprene swimsuit fills the gap between a regular swimsuit and a complete wetsuit. There are three situations where a neoprene swimsuit is the most logical choice.

Firstly at water temperatures where a wetsuit is too warm but only a regular swimsuit is too cold. In that intermediate zone a neoprene swimsuit gives just enough extra warmth without the insulation of a complete suit. Secondly as a technique training tool: the buoyancy shorts keep your hips and legs automatically higher in the water so you can fully focus on your swimming stroke technique without wasting energy on a horizontal position. Thirdly as UV protection: neoprene protects your legs against harmful UV radiation during long outdoor swimming.

Neoprene swimwear are also called buoyancy shorts or buoyancy swim shorts. They are popular with triathletes who want to improve their swimming technique, with open water swimmers who still want to swim outside in cooling autumn water and with recreational swimmers who are looking for extra support when floating. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about swimming equipment in triathlon.

Which neoprene swimsuit suits you?

The right choice depends on your training goal, the water temperature and whether you are looking for buoyancy or warmth as the main function. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You want to improve your horizontal swimming position and train your swimming stroke technique: Choose a buoyancy short of 5mm neoprene or with Nano Airdome technology. The thick neoprene panels in the lower body automatically lift your hips and legs upward so your body lies horizontally in the water. You can fully concentrate on arm stroke, breathing and technique without wasting energy on your position in the water.

The water is cooling down but a complete wetsuit is not yet necessary: Choose a neoprene jammer for thermal protection of your lower body. The jammer keeps your upper legs and hips warm while your upper body moves freely. Combine with a neoprene top for complete thermal protection at colder water temperatures without the restriction of a complete wetsuit.

You are a beginner triathlete and want more confidence in the water during open water training: A buoyancy short gives you as a beginner a direct improvement in your swimming efficiency. By lying higher and more horizontally in the water every metre costs less energy, which increases your confidence and makes your swimming strokes technically easier. Also read our triathlon distances blog to determine which swimming distances suit your goals.

You swim a lot outdoors and want to protect your legs against UV radiation: Neoprene completely protects your legs against direct UV radiation during long outdoor training sessions. Ideal for swimmers who swim hours outdoors in sunny weather without needing to apply sunscreen to their legs.

You already have your swimming technique well under control but the water is too cold for just a swimsuit: Choose a neoprene jammer. This gives you the warmth you need without the extra buoyancy of a short that would disturb your swimming technique. Ideal for advanced swimmers who also want to train outside in autumn and early winter.

Buoyancy shorts versus neoprene jammers

Neoprene swimwear comes in two fundamentally different versions each with its own purpose.

Buoyancy shorts are made with thick neoprene panels of 3/2mm, 5/3mm or 5mm for maximum buoyancy in the lower body. They automatically lift your hips and legs upward for a horizontal swimming position. Ideal as a technique training tool and for beginners who want to improve their swimming efficiency. The 5mm models with Nano Airdome technology have small gas bubbles injected into the neoprene for extra upward force.

Neoprene jammers reach to just above the knee and are made of thinner neoprene for thermal protection without significantly extra buoyancy. Ideal for advanced swimmers who want to swim outside in autumn and winter without the extra buoyancy disturbing their technique. The jammer keeps your upper legs and hips warm while the freedom of movement of your legs is largely maintained.

Short or long legs?

Neoprene shorts are available with short legs reaching halfway down the upper leg and with longer legs reaching to just above the knee. Short legs give slightly more freedom of movement at the knee movement. Longer legs keep more of your leg warm and also protect the knee zone at colder water temperatures. Choose based on the water temperature at which you swim most and your personal preference for freedom of movement versus warmth.

Neoprene thickness and buoyancy

The neoprene thickness determines both the buoyancy and the thermal insulation of the short.

3/2mm is a combination of thinner and thicker panels for a good balance between freedom of movement and buoyancy. Suitable for swimmers who already have some experience and are looking for a limited buoyancy improvement.

5/3mm gives more buoyancy and more warmth than 3/2mm. The most versatile choice for most open water swimmers and triathletes who are looking for technique improvement.

5mm is the maximum thickness for the highest buoyancy and insulation. Often combined with Nano Airdome technology where small gas bubbles are injected into the neoprene for extra upward force. The choice for beginners who seek maximum buoyancy and for swimmers at colder water temperatures.

Fit and maintenance

Neoprene shorts must fit closely to your body. Too large means water ingress and loss of warmth and buoyancy function through too much water exchange. Most models have a soft band around the waist with a cord for extra security.

The heat retention effect works because a thin layer of water between the short and your skin is trapped that is warmed by your body heat. GBS seams, Glued and Blind Stitched, prevent this warm layer from being lost through water ingress via the seams.

Neoprene shorts are mostly unisex and available in sizes S to XL. Always check the size chart of the specific brand. Rinse thoroughly after each use with clean, cold water and let dry away from direct sunlight.

Our advice: Doubting between a neoprene short and a complete wetsuit? Choose the neoprene short if the water is between 18 and 24 degrees and you primarily want to work on your technique. Choose a wetsuit if the water is colder than 18 degrees or if you need heat retention and buoyancy for your complete body. Combine the neoprene short with a neoprene top for a flexible alternative to the complete wetsuit at varying water temperatures. Also view our range of swimming goggles for a complete open water swimming kit.

Who are neoprene swimwear suitable for?

• Triathletes who want to improve their swimming technique with a buoyancy short as a training tool in the pool and open water.
• Open water swimmers who also want to continue swimming outside in cooling autumn and spring water without the restriction of a complete wetsuit.
• Beginning swimmers who benefit from extra buoyancy to adopt a better horizontal position in the water and swim more efficiently.
• Advanced swimmers who wear a neoprene jammer for thermal protection at colder water temperatures without extra buoyancy disturbing their technique.
• Swimmers who need UV protection for their legs during long outdoor sessions in the sun.

Combine your neoprene swimsuit with a swim buoy for extra safety during open water training and also view our complete range of triathlon clothing for all race equipment. Also read our blog about the advantages of a wetsuit for more information about neoprene equipment.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. 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 swimwear

What is the difference between a neoprene short and a neoprene jammer?

A neoprene short is made of thicker neoprene for significantly extra buoyancy and warmth. Ideal as a technique training tool and for beginners who want to lie higher in the water. A neoprene jammer is made of thinner neoprene for thermal protection without significantly extra buoyancy. Ideal for advanced swimmers at colder water temperatures where extra buoyancy would disturb their technique.

Can I also use a neoprene short in an indoor pool?

Yes. Buoyancy shorts are much used in indoor pools as a technique training tool. They help you experience and ingrain the correct horizontal swimming position. Check the rules of your pool: some indoor pools do not allow neoprene due to chlorine use or hygiene rules.

How tight should a neoprene short fit?

A neoprene short must fit closely to your body without pinching spots. Too large means too much water ingress and loss of the warm water layer that the short builds up. Too tight restricts freedom of movement and can affect blood circulation. The short may feel tight when putting it on but after a few minutes in the water the neoprene adapts to your body heat.

What is Nano Airdome technology?

Nano Airdome is a technology where small gas bubbles are injected into the neoprene for extra buoyancy without extra neoprene thickness. The neoprene is lighter than with traditional thick panels but still gives maximum buoyancy. Found in 5mm neoprene shorts of higher quality.

Can I combine a neoprene short with a wetsuit?

Not simultaneously. A neoprene short is intended as an alternative to a wetsuit at temperatures where a complete suit is too warm. At colder temperatures where you need a wetsuit you wear the wetsuit over your regular swimsuit, not over a neoprene short.