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Tips for Choosing the Best Triathlon Wetsuit

Tips for Choosing the Best Triathlon Wetsuit

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on January 23, 2019
triathletes running towards the water for the first swimming leg
TAGS: wetsuit

How you finish in the first swimming leg can affect the rest of your performance in a triathlon. So if you’re aiming for a good first record or to beat your old record, you’ll need to invest in a quality wetsuit that not only fits you well but would also help you swim faster and more efficiently.

If you need any more convincing as to why you need to splurge on a wetsuit that’s specifically designed for triathlon swimming—aside from the fact that racing organizations usually require you to wear one—here’s a brief yet detailed explanation on the benefits that wetsuits offer to triathletes.

What Do Wetsuits Do for Triathletes?

row of triathletes racing against each other in the water

Wetsuits are not just worn to keep swimmers dry (they’re not drysuits after all) nor are they forced upon triathletes to give them a more “uniformed” look. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner of the sport, triathlon wetsuits are primarily designed to enhance your performance in the water by enhancing the following factors:

Warmth

While wetsuits can’t keep you completely dry, they are often made of insulating materials that help keep you warm in the water, which tends to be pretty cold even under the right conditions. They also offer different thicknesses to suit the temperature of the water, which makes selecting the right wetsuit crucial. You don’t want to feel chilly while swimming but you also don’t want to feel too warm in a wetsuit that’s a bit restrictive.

Speed

Contrary to popular belief, swimming with less clothing on is not going to make you swim much quicker. Wardrobe malfunctions (like clothes slipping off while you run and jump into the water) will obviously cause delays, and just the natural drag from your body will slow you down. A good triathlon wetsuit streamlines your body and makes you more hydrodynamic. There’s also no worry about body parts getting exposed!

Buoyancy

Most wetsuits provide buoyancy, so you get that extra lift and won’t have to make such big movements to stay afloat. Buoyancy allows you to bring your heart rate down and focus on swimming as fast and efficiently as you were trained to do.

Energy

Believe it or not, triathlon wetsuits help give you more energy. How? You spend much less energy fighting the cold, the drag, and your weight, so you end up conserving energy that you can use for later. Remember, there’s still the bike ride and the long run, so you’ll need as much leftover energy as possible.

Tips for Choosing a Triathlon Wetsuit

male triathlete getting out of the water

The best triathlon wetsuit in the market will only work for you if it fits properly. All its technological advancements won’t matter and your swimming could even get worse if you don’t look for the right size for you. This is why you’ll need to consider buying only from a reliable and reputable brand. Here are a few other things to keep in mind when shopping for a suit:

Don’t rely on sizing charts

There will always be certain sizing nuances if you consider the wetsuit brand and the wearer’s needs. That said, the same exact suit won’t work for beginners and elite-level triathletes—even if they have the same body size and weight. Be particular about the brand that you decide to work with and make sure you try them on before purchasing (such as in our NYC store).

Compare

Don’t hesitate to compare several lines of wetsuits. But first, also watch out for dealers and manufacturers with size charts that are only 99% accurate. Don’t purchase from a line of wetsuits that was created to fit everybody—you’re not looking for an OK-fitting triathlon wetsuit but one that fits you best. Look for a shop that carries more lines of wetsuits to increase your chances of finding the perfect wetsuit.

Put it on correctly

Choosing a wetsuit is not the end of the challenge. Believe it or not, it’s not easy to put on a wetsuit correctly the first time. You’ll need guidance, but you can also find instructions online.

Find a professional, preferably from the store of a trusted brand of wetsuits, with experience in dressing up clients and is not afraid to get personal when making sure that the suit fits well on every part of your body. This is something that you need to go through if you want to reap the advantages of the “best wetsuit” for you.

Shop smart

While it’s always a good idea to save a couple of bucks whenever you can get the chance, you should always be cautious. If you find a new model of wetsuit being sold at a dangerously low price, it could mean two things: the suit could be flawed or the original MSRP was purposely set too high so this “discount” would catch your attention. In the case of the latter, it would be a good idea to proceed as you would actually be getting what you pay for.

Consider longevity

As biased as it may sound, it may be a better idea to stick to not necessarily popular but reputable brands that have been around for years. If you’re going to take advantage of a more affordable suit from a newer or lesser-known company, it would help to inquire about their return policy—just in case.

Bonus Tip: Veterans will tell you not to try anything new on race day, so always choose a wetsuit that you would want to wear to training and several races after that.

Recommended Triathlon Wetsuits for Men and Women

male and female wearing wetsuit by the beach

The right triathlon wetsuit does not only fit well—it should be made of the right materials that will stay in good shape while allowing great flexibility and providing comfort (depending on the water temperature) so you can swim faster and more efficiently.

TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Sleeveless

TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Sleeveless best triathlon wetsuits

This wetsuit from the well-known brand TYR is made of slick skin neoprene, which adds quite a lot of value considering it’s being sold as an entry-level triathlon wetsuit. Its two best features are the full shoulder mobility and quick release ankle cuffs.

Many triathletes find the sleeveless design to be more comfortable and, especially when the water temperature is closer to 78°F (USA Triathlon). It is ideal for warmer temperatures but only until 84°F to avoid overheating.

Key Features:

  • Yamamoto Nano SCS Coated Neoprene
  • 5mm Legs, Chest, and Core Panels
  • Neck Hook & Loop Fastener
  • Free Range of Motion Zones
  • Rolled & Sewn Arm Hole Edges
  • Quick Release Ankle Cuffs
  • Tapered Legs for Quick, Effortless Transition
  • Back Zipper Entry with Pull Tab Leash

De Soto Men’s T1 Espresso Triathlon Shorty Wetsuit

De Soto T1 Espresso Triathlon Shorty best triathlon wetsuits

In case you haven’t heard of De Soto Sports, this CA-based company is one of the world’s finest brands for your triathlon needs. Although they are known for making revolutionary gear that helps both male and female triathletes save precious time during leg transitions, they also make high-quality entry-level suits like the T1 Espresso Triathlon Shorty for warmer waters.

This affordable one-piece suit is highly functional yet simple enough for those who are just getting into triathlons. And when you’re not training for the triathlon, it also makes a great wetsuit for surfing and other watersports. Featuring GreenGoma rubber technology, it offers better stretch, buoyancy, and insulation while remaining lightweight, quick-drying, and durable.

Key Features:

  • Yamamoto SCS Coated Neoprene
  • 2mm GreenGoma #8 Limestone Rubber
  • Glued & Blind-Stitched Seams
  • 5-Panel Contour Design
  • YKK Custom Floating Back Zipper
  • Water Impermeable & Environmentally Friendly

2XU Women’s A:1S Active Sleeveless Wetsuit

2XU Women's A:1S best triathlon wetsuits

Like 2XU’s other triathlon wetsuits, the A:1S Active Sleeveless women’s triathlon wetsuit is made of world-leading Japanese Yamamoto neoprene and is designed to provide optimal flotation and flexibility, resulting in improved body positioning and decreased fatigue.

Proprietary 2XU features also enhance streamlined tracking through the water, plus the floating back zipper panel provides an extended reach so you can easily wear and quickly remove the suit. The A1:S is definitely worth checking out if you’re a beginner triathlete looking for top end wetsuit technology minus the expense.

Key Features:

  • 100% Japanese Yamamoto Neoprene
  • Hydrodynamic Silicone Coating
  • Sewn & Glued Seams
  • Extra DPS 520% Stretch Lining
  • 39 Cell Front Buoyancy Panel
  • Velocity Strakes & Roll Bar

TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Full Wetsuit

TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Full wetsuit best triathlon wetsuits

If you fancy the TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Sleeveless Triathlon Suit, there’s no need to look further for a matching cold water suit. The TYR Hurricane Cat 1 comes in a full sleeve model, which is also made of high-performance engineered slick skin neoprene but with multi-stretch formfitting wrist cuffs that keep water out of the suit no matter how powerful your strokes are. There’s also a variant for lady triathletes—the TYR Women’s Hurricane Category 1 Full Triathlon Wetsuit.

Key Features:

  • Yamamoto Nano SCS Coated Neoprene
  • 5mm Legs, Chest, and Core Panels
  • Neck Hook & Loop Fastener
  • Free Range of Motion Zones
  • Formfitting, Water-Resistant Wrist Cuffs
  • Quick Release Ankle Cuffs
  • Tapered Legs for Quick, Effortless Transition
  • Back Zipper Entry with Pull Tab Leash