Women's Racing Suits

For high-end racing suits, ideally you should size down by two sizes from your training suit. For entry-level racing suits, due to their more forgiving fabric, you can size down by two to three sizes. Please refer to the SwimExpert Advice section on the product page for further details.

Racing suits should feel like a second skin. It may take you about 10 minutes to put on a kneeskin racing suit and should feel quite snug. Wearing an ill-fitting racing suit can impede performance, as both oversized and overly tight suits can affect compression and drag. If possible, we recommend visiting one of our retail locations where our Swim Experts can provide fitting assistance.

Arena suits are best suited for swimmers with narrow hips, whereas Speedo suits accommodate those with wider hips. Please refer to the SwimExpert Advice section on the product page for further details.

An entry-level racing suit features more forgiving fabric while still offering compression. This tech suit is ideal for beginners who are not yet comfortable with high compression. It can also be used by experienced competitive swimmers seeking a mid-season suit, reserving their high-end suit for more important events. We advise sizing down by 2 if you are new to racing suits and by 3 if you are accustomed to compression.

A high-end racing suit is made from hydrophobic fabric that repels water, reducing drag and allowing the swimmer to move more efficiently. The suit provides varying levels of compression to enhance muscle performance and reduce fatigue. Factors such as body type, race specialty, and experience determine the best suit for you. Suits with high compression are ideal for sprinters, while those with less compression offer more flexibility and are suited for long-distance, breaststroke, and I.M. swimmers. We recommend tech suits for swimmers aged 14 and up, once their skills, technique, and race experience have matured.

Open back kneeskins provide greater flexibility, comfort, and ventilation, making them easier to put on and better suited for longer events. However, they offer less back support and may create more drag. Closed back kneeskins offer superior support, compression, and a more hydrodynamic profile, enhancing stability and reducing drag, which benefits sprinters. They can feel restrictive and are harder to put on, potentially retaining more heat. Choosing between them depends on your preference for comfort versus support and the specific demands of your swimming events.

Race suits need to be worn tight, like a second skin. If you have the right size, it will be difficult to put on due to the delicate material, so extra caution is necessary. It's common for girls to need help putting on their suits. Racing suits are designed for maximum body-shaping, compression, and water repellence, meaning they fit quite snug. A tech suit that restricts movement or breathing, or is too loose, is ineffective. Allow plenty of time, about 10 minutes, to put on the suit to avoid rushing and potential damage. Work the suit up slowly from the bottom, using the pads of your fingers, especially at the waistline, and avoid pulling at any seams. Ensure the suit sections are correctly positioned on your body to free up additional slack for easier adjustment.

High-performance suits are not designed for durability and extended use like practice suits, so extra care is essential. There is no fixed number of races or guaranteed lifespan for these suits. Following the recommended care steps, such as promptly removing chlorine, can help extend their life. Racing suits should be reserved for special meets, as each wear causes gradual stretching and loss of compression. After each use, clean the suit with gentle detergent to remove chlorine. Dry the suit flat or hang it upside down from the legs to prevent water from gathering at the crotch and damaging the bonding. Never use a washer, dryer, or suit spinning/drying machines, and avoid wringing the suit by hand.