Wetsuits men

A men's triathlon wetsuit is indispensable for every male triathlete and open water swimmer who wants to swim faster, be better protected against the cold and maximally benefit from ideal buoyancy. Men's wetsuits are specially developed for the male anatomy, with wider shoulders, a longer back and extra buoyancy in the lower body to compensate for the typically deeper position of male legs in the water.

The category is suitable for beginning triathletes who benefit from extra buoyancy, advanced swimmers who are looking for maximum flexibility and recreational open water swimmers who want warmth retention and protection. The main selection criteria are the sleeve length, buoyancy, flexibility of the neoprene, fit and whether the suit is intended for front crawl or breaststroke. Also view our complete range of wetsuits for all variants including women's wetsuits.

Which men's wetsuit suits you?

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

You are a beginning triathlete and want to prevent sinking legs: Choose a men's wetsuit with maximum buoyancy in the lower body. Thicker neoprene panels of maximum 5mm on the legs and hips help you lie horizontally in the water. This is for beginning men the most direct improvement in swimming efficiency. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for a complete overview of everything you need as a starter.

You are advanced and already have your horizontal swimming position well under control: Choose a wetsuit with neutral buoyancy. This prevents your legs from coming too high in the water, which actually disrupts swimming technique and efficiency. The focus is then on maximum flexibility at the shoulders for a free and energy-efficient front crawl.

You are swimming a half or full triathlon and want to spare your legs as much as possible: Choose a wetsuit with maximum buoyancy. By giving more rest to your legs during the swim you conserve energy for the cycling and running sections. Read more about the different triathlon distances to determine which approach suits your race.

You swim in colder water and want maximum thermal protection: Choose a men's wetsuit with long sleeves. This type is the current standard and offers the best protection against heat loss via the arms. A special wrist sealing band prevents cold water from entering via the sleeves. The thin layer of water that enters via the neck is warmed up by your body heat.

You swim in warmer water or want maximum freedom of movement at the shoulders: A sleeveless men's wetsuit offers more freedom in arm movement and provides slightly more cooling. Note: if you have a narrower chest a sleeveless wetsuit fits less well, which can cause extra water ingress. In that case a long-sleeved wetsuit is a better choice.

You swim recreationally in open water with the breaststroke: Choose an open water wetsuit for breaststroke. This has more flexibility around hips and knees and a more evenly distributed buoyancy for a balanced swimming position. Less optimised for speed but more comfortable with the breaststroke movement.

Long sleeves or sleeveless?

Men's triathlon wetsuits are available with long sleeves or without sleeves. Both have their own advantages depending on the water temperature and personal preference.

A long-sleeved wetsuit is nowadays the standard. The arms cool down less quickly, which saves energy. The wrist sealing band prevents water ingress via the sleeves. Thanks to modern flexible neoprene panels the former stiffness around the shoulders has completely disappeared, making long sleeves no longer a disadvantage for swimming freedom.

A sleeveless wetsuit offers more freedom for arm rotation and is suitable for warmer water. The disadvantage is that heat loss via the arms is greater and the fit with a narrower chest may be less good, which causes extra water ingress. For men with a slimmer build, long sleeves are therefore generally the better choice.

Buoyancy in men's wetsuits

Due to the male anatomy, the legs of men naturally lie deeper in the water than with women. Men's wetsuits compensate for this with thicker neoprene panels on the lower body for more buoyancy. Buoyancy in men's wetsuits is available in three levels.

Neutral buoyancy is suitable for advanced swimmers who already have a good horizontal position in the water. Prevents the legs from coming too high and the swimming technique being disrupted.

Medium buoyancy is the most versatile choice for swimmers who have some experience but still benefit from extra support in the lower body.

Maximum buoyancy is ideal for beginners and for men who want to spare their legs at longer triathlon distances. Thicker panels of maximum 5mm or Nano Airdome technology provide the most upward force in the lower body.

Fit and size choice for men's wetsuits

Fit is the most determining factor in choosing a men's wetsuit. A perfectly fitting entry model always performs better than a high-end wetsuit with a poor fit. Men's wetsuits are longer on the back and legs, narrower around hips and buttocks and have wider shoulders and a wider neckline than women's wetsuits. Also view our range of women's wetsuits if you are looking for a suit for the female anatomy.

Men's wetsuits are available in standard sizes from XS to XXL. In addition there are special intermediate sizes for men with an atypical body build: SM (Small Medium) for narrower and less tall, ST (Small Tall) for slim and tall, MT (Medium Tall) for average and tall and ML (Medium Large) for average and broad. If you are taller and slimmer built, always check whether an ST size is available before choosing a regular S or M.

Every brand has its own size specifications. An M at one brand can be an L at another. Always check the size chart of the specific model and let yourself be advised in our triathlon store in Volkel if in doubt.

Front crawl or breaststroke wetsuit?

Men's wetsuits are available as front crawl wetsuits or as open water breaststroke wetsuits. The choice depends on the swimming strokes you use.

A front crawl wetsuit has maximum flexibility around the shoulders and arms and a buoyancy concentrated in the lower body for a horizontal position. The standard choice for triathlon competitions and open water swimmers who use front crawl as their primary technique.

A breaststroke wetsuit has more flexibility around hips and knees and a more evenly distributed buoyancy. Suitable for recreational open water swimmers who prefer or combine the breaststroke with other techniques.

Our advice: When in doubt between two sizes, always choose the smaller size. A wetsuit may feel tight when putting it on but must not pinch. After a few minutes in the water the neoprene adapts to your body heat and becomes more supple. A wetsuit that is too large loses its warmth-retaining and buoyancy function due to too much water ingress. Combine your wetsuit with the right men's trisuits for a complete and fast race kit.

Who is a men's triathlon wetsuit suitable for?

• Beginning triathletes who are looking for extra buoyancy to lie horizontally in the water and directly improve their swimming efficiency.
• Advanced triathletes who are looking for maximum flexibility at the shoulders for an energy-efficient front crawl and optimal swimming times.
• Open water swimmers who swim recreationally or competitively in lakes, rivers or the sea and are looking for warmth retention and protection.
• Long distance triathletes who want to spare their legs as much as possible during the swimming section at a half or full triathlon.

A men's triathlon wetsuit is less suitable for pool training and is not permitted at competitions above a certain water temperature. Always check the regulations of your race before you start. Also view our complete range of triathlon clothing for the rest of your race kit.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our wetsuit specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about men's triathlon wetsuits

What is the difference between a men's and women's wetsuit?

Men's wetsuits are designed for the male anatomy with wider shoulders, a longer back and narrower hips. Women's wetsuits have more room at chest and hips, a shorter torso and a higher waistline. The distribution of buoyancy also differs: men generally need more buoyancy in the lower body because the legs naturally lie deeper in the water. Always wear a wetsuit designed for your anatomy for optimal comfort and performance.

How do I prevent sinking legs while swimming?

Sinking legs are a common problem for beginning male triathletes. A wetsuit with maximum buoyancy in the lower body helps to directly improve this. Thicker neoprene panels of maximum 5mm or Nano Airdome technology provide extra upward force at the legs and hips, so you automatically lie more horizontally in the water.

What are the special intermediate sizes for men's wetsuits?

In addition to the standard sizes XS to XXL there are special intermediate sizes for men with an atypical body build. SM stands for Small Medium, ST for Small Tall, MT for Medium Tall and ML for Medium Large. If you are slim and tall built, always check whether an ST size is available. These special sizes provide a better fit than a regular size for an atypical body build.

Is a long-sleeved wetsuit always better than a sleeveless one?

For most men a long-sleeved wetsuit is nowadays the better choice. Modern flexible neoprene panels make the former stiffness around the shoulders unnecessary. Long sleeves offer more warmth retention and a better fit, especially for men with a slimmer build. A sleeveless wetsuit is a good choice in warmer water or if you have a strong preference for maximum arm freedom.

What buoyancy do I need as a male triathlete?

That depends on your swimming level and the distance you swim. Beginners choose maximum buoyancy to prevent sinking legs. Advanced swimmers with a good horizontal position choose neutral buoyancy to prevent the legs from coming too high. At long triathlon distances such as a half or full triathlon, even an advanced swimmer can benefit from maximum buoyancy to spare the legs for the cycling and running sections.

How do I maintain my men's triathlon wetsuit?

Rinse the wetsuit thoroughly after each use with clean, cold water to remove salt, chlorine and dirt. Let it dry completely on a wide hanger or laid flat, never in direct sunlight or on a narrow hanger that deforms the neoprene. Store the wetsuit rolled up or flat, never folded in the same spot, to prevent permanent creasing. Never use a washing machine or dryer.