Triathlon Wetsuit Guide: Selection and Swimming Tips

A triathlon wetsuit adds buoyancy and warmth while reducing drag—typically saving 1-2 minutes per kilometer and making open water swimming significantly easier.

For most triathletes, a wetsuit is a worthwhile investment. This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, fitting, and swimming in a wetsuit.

Why Wear a Wetsuit?

Benefits

Buoyancy:

• Lifts hips and legs
• More horizontal position
• Easier swimming
• Less kick needed

Speed:

• Reduced drag
• Typically 5-10% faster
• 1-2 min/km improvement common

Warmth:

• Maintains body temperature
• Essential in cold water
• More comfortable swimming

Confidence:

• Easier to float
• Less anxiety in open water
• Peace of mind

When You Can't Wear One

Wetsuit-illegal conditions:

• Water above 24-25°C (varies by race/governing body)
• Some specific events
• Above temperature threshold

Check race rules for exact cutoffs

Wetsuit Types

Full Sleeve

Features:

• Covers entire body
• Maximum buoyancy
• Maximum warmth
• Most common for triathlon

Best for:

• Cold water (<18°C)
• Weaker swimmers
• Those who want maximum help

Sleeveless

Features:

• No arm coverage
• More shoulder freedom
• Cooler
• Slightly less buoyancy

Best for:

• Warm water
• Strong swimmers
• Those with shoulder flexibility issues
• Warmer racing conditions

Short Sleeve/Short Leg

Features:

• Partial coverage
• Compromise option
• Less common

How to Choose

Fit Is Everything

Proper fit characteristics:

• Snug everywhere (no gaps)
• Not restricting breathing
• No excess material
• Can move arms freely
• Neck comfortable

Common fit issues:

• Too loose: Water flushing, drag
• Too tight: Restricted breathing, discomfort
• Wrong length: Bunching or pulling

Size Charts

General guidance:

Note: Size charts vary by brand—always check specific brand sizing

Price Points

What to Look For

Key features:

• Quality neoprene thickness (varies by panel)
• Flexible shoulders
• Good leg buoyancy
• Comfortable neck seal
• Durable construction

Panel thickness:

• Arms: 1-2mm (flexibility)
• Core: 3-5mm (buoyancy)
• Legs: 4-5mm (lift)

Trying On and Fitting

The Fitting Process

Steps:

1. Put on completely dry
2. Pull up legs first
3. Work material up gradually
4. Arms last
5. Adjust for comfort
6. Check all areas

Checking the Fit

Check:

• No gaps under arms
• Crotch sits properly
• Neck not too tight
• Can breathe deeply
• Arms move freely
• No excess material anywhere

Breaking In

New wetsuits:

• May feel tight initially
• Do loosen slightly over time
• Swim in it before racing
• Body heat helps molding

Swimming in a Wetsuit

Technique Adjustments

Key changes:

• Higher body position
• Less kick needed
• Shoulders may feel restricted
• Different feel in catch

Tips:

• Focus on rotation
• Don't fight the buoyancy
• Adjust to reduced kick
• Practice before racing

More details: Triathlon Wetsuit Swimming

Practice Sessions

Before your race:

• Multiple OWS sessions in wetsuit
• Practice putting on/taking off
• Practice starts and exits
• Get comfortable

Putting On the Wetsuit

Before the Race

Preparation:

• Apply lubricant to neck, arms, ankles
• Body Glide or similar
• Helps with chafing and removal

Step-by-step:

1. Step into legs one at a time
2. Pull up gradually (inch by inch)
3. Eliminate air pockets
4. Get crotch positioned correctly
5. Pull up torso
6. Insert arms one at a time
7. Work material into place
8. Zip up (may need help)
9. Final adjustments

Race Morning Timing

Put on:

• 15-30 minutes before start
• Not too early (overheating)
• Not too late (rushing)
• Allow time for adjustments

Taking Off the Wetsuit

The Stripping Process

Fast removal technique:

1. Unzip while running to T1
2. Pull suit off shoulders
3. Push down to waist
4. Pull down off hips
5. Step on suit at ankle
6. Pull foot out
7. Repeat other foot
8. Done!

Tips for Faster Removal

• Lubricant on ankles helps
• Pull from inside of suit
• Don't panic if stuck
• Step on suit to remove feet
• Practice in training

Wetsuit Care

After Each Use

Immediate care:

1. Rinse with fresh water
2. Hang to dry (inside out first)
3. Away from direct sun
4. Fully dry before storing

Storage

Long-term storage:

• Hang on wide hanger
• Cool, dark place
• Don't fold (creates creases)
• Away from heat sources

Maintenance

Regular care:

• Check for tears/damage
• Repair small tears promptly
• Professional repair for major damage
• Zipper lubrication occasionally

Lifespan

Typical lifespan:

• 4-7 years with care
• Depends on usage
• Neoprene degrades over time
• Watch for compression loss

Rental vs. Purchase

Renting

Good for:

• First triathlon
• Uncertain about triathlon
• Testing sizes
• Occasional cold water racing

Typical cost: $50-100 per event

Buying

Good for:

• Regular racing
• Committed to triathlon
• Know your size
• Multiple events per year

Break-even: Usually 3-5 rentals

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Neck chafing:

• More lubricant
• Neck cover product
• Different wetsuit fit

Water entry:

• Check fit (too loose?)
• Check zipper fully up
• May need different size

Restricted shoulders:

• May need sleeveless
• May need different brand
• May need more flexible suit

Leg cramps:

• Don't kick as hard
• May be too tight
• Hydration check

Related Resources

• Open Water Swimming Guide - OWS skills
• Triathlon Wetsuit Swimming - Technique
• Triathlon Gear Guide - All equipment
• Triathlon Swim Technique Guide - Swimming
• Triathlon T1 Setup - Transition
• Fear of Open Water Swimming - Anxiety