Wetsuits kids

A children's wetsuit gives your child extra warmth, buoyancy and protection when swimming in cold(er) open water. Children cool down faster than adults and therefore benefit extra from the insulating effect of neoprene. Whether it concerns open water swimming in spring and autumn or a first introduction to triathlon for youth: a well-fitting children's wetsuit ensures that your child can stay comfortably and safely in the water for longer.

Children's wetsuits are available for boys and girls in sizes that match body length and weight. The most important selection criteria are the right size based on your child's current body measurements, the water temperature at which swimming takes place and whether the wetsuit is suitable for front crawl or breaststroke.

Which children's wetsuit suits your child?

The right choice depends on the use, the water temperature and your child's swimming style. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

Your child swims in cold open water and you want extra warmth and buoyancy: A children's wetsuit with long sleeves and long legs gives the most warmth and the most buoyancy. This is the standard choice for open water swimming in the Netherlands and Belgium, where lakes and ponds cool down quickly in spring and autumn. The striking colours that many children's wetsuits have are also a practical safety advantage: your child is more visible in the water.

Your child wants to participate in a youth triathlon or junior open water event: Children's wetsuits are suitable for use at triathlons and open water competitions for youth. Always check the specific competition rules of the event, because the permitted water temperature and wetsuit rules can differ per organisation and age category.

Your child swims mainly breaststroke: Not all children's wetsuits are equally suitable for breaststroke. Choose specifically a model designed for breaststroke or recreational open water swimming. Wetsuits that are strongly focused on front crawl and triathlon have more buoyancy around the hips which can impede the breaststroke movement. Check with the model whether it is suitable for both swimming styles.

What to look for when purchasing?

The right size: always measure, don't estimate

The size of a children's wetsuit is based on three measurements: body length, weight and chest circumference. Because children can vary strongly in proportion between height and weight, the age indication on the packaging is only a rough indication. Always measure your child accurately and compare the result with the size chart of the specific model. A wetsuit that is too large lets too much water flow around and loses its insulating effect. A wetsuit that is too tight hampers breathing. The right size fits closely but comfortably, especially around the shoulders and trunk.

Growth and period of use

Children grow quickly, which raises the question of whether you should buy a slightly larger size for more usage time. That is not recommended: a wetsuit that is too large does not work well. Always choose the size that matches your child's current body measurements. A wetsuit that fits well this season gives considerably more comfort and performance than a suit purchased for future growth.

Swimming style: breaststroke or front crawl

Many children swim breaststroke, especially in younger age groups. Children's wetsuits designed for recreational open water swimming are in most cases suitable for both swimming styles. Wetsuits strongly focused on triathlon and front crawl have a different panel layout and more buoyancy around the hips, which can impede the breaststroke movement. Check in the product description whether the model is suitable for breaststroke if that is your child's primary swimming style.

Warmth and neoprene thickness

Children's wetsuits are typically 3 to 4 mm thick around the trunk, with thinner neoprene around the shoulders and arms for better freedom of movement. That thickness gives sufficient warmth for open water swimming at the water temperatures common in the Netherlands and Belgium. Children cool down faster than adults, so heat retention weighs more heavily in the choice of a children's wetsuit than with a wetsuit for adults.

Visibility in open water

Many children's wetsuits are provided with striking colours or hi-vis panels. For children who swim in open water, visibility is a serious safety aspect: a child that is clearly visible in the water is easier to follow for supervisors and other water users. For open water use, preferably choose a model with striking colour accents.

Our advice: Always measure your child again before purchasing a wetsuit, even if you have already bought a wetsuit before. Children grow quickly and a size from last season may already be too tight this season. Five minutes of measuring prevents a suit that does not fit. When in doubt, contact our specialists — we are happy to help you determine the right size.

Children's wetsuit or wetsuit for adults?

A children's wetsuit is not the same as a small size adult wetsuit. Children's wetsuits are specifically designed on the proportions of a child's body: shorter torso, different shoulder and hip ratio and a different proportion between height and weight than with adults. An adult wetsuit in the smallest size fits a child differently than a model specifically developed for children.

In addition, children's wetsuits are often less tight in construction than triathlon wetsuits for adults, which gives more room for the mobility that children need with both swimming and playing in the water. Always choose a wetsuit specifically designed as a children's or youth model.

Who are children's wetsuits suitable for?

• Children who swim in cold open water and need extra warmth, buoyancy and protection.
• Young triathletes who participate in youth triathlons or junior open water events.
• Children who want to keep swimming in open water in autumn or early spring when the water is already cooling down.

A children's wetsuit is less suitable for use in heated indoor pools. In warm swimming water the neoprene causes overheating problems. Also view our neoprene shirts and neoprene swim gloves if your child also gets cold in the hands or trunk.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a children's wetsuit but are not sure which model and size suits your child 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 children's wetsuits

How do I choose the right size children's wetsuit?

Measure your child's body length, weight and chest circumference and compare them with the size chart of the specific model. The age indication on the packaging is a rough indication but not a reliable measure, because children can vary strongly in proportion between height and weight. A wetsuit must fit closely but comfortably around trunk and shoulders. Sitting too loosely reduces the insulating effect; too tight hampers breathing. Measure every season again, because children grow quickly.

Is a children's wetsuit suitable for breaststroke?

Not all children's wetsuits are equally suitable for breaststroke. Children's wetsuits designed for recreational open water swimming are generally suitable for both swimming styles. Wetsuits strongly focused on triathlon and front crawl have more buoyancy around the hips, which can impede the breaststroke movement. Check in the product description whether the model is suitable for breaststroke if that is your child's primary swimming style.

May my child wear a wetsuit at a youth triathlon?

That differs per competition and organisation. At youth triathlons, specific rules apply for wetsuit use based on water temperature and age category. Always check the specific competition rules of the event before purchasing a wetsuit for your child for competition use.

Should I take growth into account when choosing a size?

It is tempting to buy a size larger so that your child can wear it for longer, but that is not recommended. A wetsuit that is too large lets too much water flow around and thereby loses its insulating effect. Always choose the size that matches your child's current body measurements. A well-fitting wetsuit this season always performs better than a suit purchased for future growth.

What is the difference between a children's wetsuit and a small size adult wetsuit?

A children's wetsuit is specifically designed on the body proportions of a child: shorter torso, different shoulder and hip ratio and a different proportion between height and weight than with adults. An adult wetsuit in the smallest available size fits a child differently than a model specifically developed for children. Always choose a wetsuit designed as a children's or youth model for the best fit and most comfort.