Triathlon Wetsuits

A good triathlon wetsuit makes the difference between struggling and gliding through the water. The right suit gives you extra buoyancy, freedom of movement and warmth so you complete the swimming section more efficiently and enter the cycling part with more energy. Our triathlon wetsuits are designed for performance, comfort and fast transitions in the transition zone. Choose a wetsuit that matches your level, body and the water temperature of your race.

The range runs from entry models for beginners swimming their first sprint triathlon to advanced competition wetsuits for half ironman and Ironman distances. Available for both men and women in cut and fit tailored to the difference in body build. The main selection criteria are the fit, the neoprene thickness, the flexibility profile of the shoulders and the panels used for buoyancy. Also read our blog about the advantages of a wetsuit for more explanation about what a triathlon wetsuit does for your performance.

What does a triathlon wetsuit do for your performance?

A triathlon wetsuit has four direct effects on your swimming performance that together produce a considerably faster swim time compared to swimming without a suit.

Buoyancy: neoprene is naturally buoyant. A wetsuit lifts your body position upward in the water making you lie more horizontally and therefore more hydrodynamically. Hips and legs sink less which significantly reduces water resistance. Reinforced neoprene panels on the legs increase buoyancy further in the areas where the body sinks most.

Warmth: at water temperatures below 24 degrees the body cools during a prolonged open water swimming section. A wetsuit keeps a thin layer of water against the skin at body temperature and simultaneously insulates against the cold water. That preserves muscle strength and prevents the numbing of limbs that affects technique and speed.

Speed: the smooth outside of a triathlon wetsuit reduces friction with the water for better streamlining. Combined with the better body position from the extra buoyancy this results in lower water resistance per stroke and therefore in a measurably faster swim time.

Energy saving: due to the better body position and extra buoyancy you need to invest less energy in holding your hips and legs up. Energy you save in swimming you use in cycling and running. Also read our blog about the triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about the equipment you need at your first triathlon.

Which triathlon wetsuit suits you?

The right choice depends on your level, the triathlon distance you swim and the water temperature of your races. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You are swimming your first triathlon and want extra buoyancy and warmth for more confidence in open water: Choose an entry wetsuit with good buoyancy panels and sufficient flexibility in the shoulders. An entry model gives you all the advantages of a wetsuit without the higher investment of a competition model. Ideal for sprint and Olympic distances where you want to explore the sport without directly investing a large budget.

You train regularly and want maximum freedom of movement for an efficient crawl movement: Choose a mid-range or competition wetsuit with a thin, flexible shoulder zone of 1.5 to 2mm neoprene. The thinner the shoulder zone the less resistance with arm rotation and the smoother the windmill movement feels. The flexibility of the shoulders is the most critical feature for advanced swimmers who already master a technically good crawl.

You swim half or full Ironman distances and want maximum performance: Choose an advanced competition wetsuit with SCS coating for minimal friction, reinforced buoyancy panels on the legs and an ultra-flexible shoulder zone. At long swimming distances of 1.9 to 3.8km every technical advantage of the suit is directly visible in the final time. The investment in a top model pays back in lower swim times and more energy for the cycling and running section.

You swim in cold open water at temperatures below 18 degrees: Choose a wetsuit with a thicker neoprene layer of 4 to 5mm on the body for more warmth. At low water temperatures warmth retention takes priority over flexibility. Some triathletes combine a wetsuit with neoprene swim cap and neoprene shorts for extra warmth on the extremities.

You are a woman and are looking for a wetsuit with a fit tailored to female body proportions: Women's triathlon wetsuits have a different waist, shoulder width and hip size than men's models. View our complete range of women's wetsuits for all available models.

You are a man and are looking for a wetsuit with a male fit: Men's triathlon wetsuits have a wider shoulder zone and longer torso proportion tailored to male body proportions. View our complete range of men's wetsuits for all available models.

Neoprene thickness: how do you choose the right combination?

Triathlon wetsuits combine different neoprene thicknesses at different zones for the best balance between buoyancy, warmth and freedom of movement.

The trunk and legs typically have a thicker layer of 3 to 5mm for maximum buoyancy and warmth. The shoulders and armpits have a thinner layer of 1.5 to 2mm for maximum flexibility with arm movement. The higher the level of the wetsuit the more zones with different thicknesses are used for an optimal combination of properties per body part.

For water temperatures above 20 degrees a 3/2 wetsuit with 3mm on the body and 2mm on the shoulders suffices. At temperatures between 16 and 20 degrees a 4/3 wetsuit is indicated for extra warmth. At temperatures below 16 degrees consider a 5/4 wetsuit or use supplementary neoprene accessories. Also check the regulations of your race organisation: most triathlon federations apply a maximum water temperature of 24.6 degrees for mandatory wetsuit use and a minimum temperature for safe swimming without a wetsuit.

Putting on and taking off a triathlon wetsuit

A well-fitting triathlon wetsuit is close-fitting but not constricting. When putting it on it is important to gradually work the wetsuit upward via the legs and trunk to avoid damaging the fabric. Do not use your fingers as hooks but use the flat hand. Pull the wetsuit high enough so there is no excess material behind the knees or in the groin that limits freedom of movement.

At the transitions in a triathlon a fast exit is essential. Open the zip at the back and pull the wetsuit from the shoulders after which you step out of the legs with two steps. Practise taking off at home so you can do it fluently and quickly in the transition zone. Combine with the right men's trisuit or women's trisuit that you wear under the wetsuit for fast transitions.

Buying or renting a wetsuit: what is wiser?

For athletes who doubt whether triathlon is for them it can be tempting to rent a wetsuit for the first race. Yet buying has the preference for most athletes quite quickly. A wetsuit tailored exactly to your body gives significantly more comfort, better performance and faster transitions than a rental wetsuit of an average size. Already after two or three races an own wetsuit pays for itself compared to rental costs.

Triathlon wetsuit maintenance

Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly immediately after each use with cold water to remove chlorine and salt. Never let it dry in direct sunlight as UV radiation attacks neoprene. Hang it loosely over a wide hanger or lay it flat without folding to avoid damaging the neoprene. Store it in a dry, dark space outside direct contact with sharp objects. A well-maintained wetsuit lasts multiple seasons.

Who are triathlon wetsuits suitable for?

• Triathlon beginners swimming their first sprint or Olympic triathlon who seek extra buoyancy and confidence in open water.
• Advanced triathletes who want to improve their swim time via an advanced wetsuit with maximum flexibility and minimal resistance.
• Long distance triathletes who want maximum energy saving and performance from their wetsuit at half and full Ironman distances.
• Open water swimmers who want to swim in cold open water outside a triathlon with the warmth and safety of a wetsuit. Also view our range of swimskins as an alternative at higher water temperatures.

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 triathlon wetsuits

What is the difference between a triathlon wetsuit and a surf wetsuit?

A triathlon wetsuit is optimised for swimming: thin flexible shoulders for the crawl movement, buoyancy panels on the legs and a smooth exterior for minimal resistance. A surf wetsuit is designed for warmth and protection during seated and standing movements and has thicker, less flexible shoulders. Never use a surf wetsuit for triathlon swimming due to limited freedom of movement and higher resistance.

Am I always allowed to wear a wetsuit at a triathlon?

That depends on the water temperature and the regulations of the race organisation. Most international triathlon federations apply a maximum water temperature of 24.6 degrees for wearing a wetsuit in the competitive category. Above that temperature a wetsuit is prohibited or allowed but results in a separate non-rankable category. Always check the specific rules of your race before you start.

How do I know which size triathlon wetsuit I need?

Every brand has its own size chart based on weight and height. Use the size chart of the desired brand and not a general size comparison. A wetsuit must fit closely without constricting. There may be no excess material behind the knees or in the armpit. When in doubt between two sizes you generally choose the smaller size for a better fit and less water infiltration.

How long does a triathlon wetsuit last?

With correct use and maintenance a quality triathlon wetsuit lasts 3 to 7 seasons depending on use frequency and maintenance. Chlorine, UV radiation and incorrect storage attack neoprene fastest. Rinse after each use with cold water, dry outside direct sunlight and store outside direct light for the longest lifespan.

What is an SCS coating on a wetsuit?

SCS stands for Super Composite Skin, a smooth coating on the outside of the neoprene that minimises friction with the water. Wetsuits with SCS coating glide more smoothly through the water which directly contributes to lower water resistance and a faster swim time. SCS coating is standard on mid-range and top wetsuits and is one of the most important features when comparing wetsuits.