How to Fit a Race Suit
If you’re serious about competitive swimming, investing in a high-quality race suit can make a real difference. Designed for maximum efficiency, race suits use advanced technology to reduce drag, improve compression, and enhance performance in the water. But with so many options available, choosing the right suit – and making sure it fits properly – can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a race suit, how to find the perfect fit, and what to expect when wearing one for the first time.
Check out these videos on how to fit your Race Suit for women and men
Who is the Race Suit For?
Choosing the perfect race suit can feel overwhelming with so many options available, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a first-time racer or an experienced competitor, finding the right suit depends on your level, stroke, and personal preference. To make things easier, we’ve put together a handy comparison table to help you find the best race suit for your needs.
The Key Features of Each Race Suit
With such a range of race suits, each designed with unique features to enhance performance in the water, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. From flexibility and compression to water-repellent fabrics and seam construction, every suit has its own strengths. To help you decide which one suits your racing style best, we’ve put together a comparison table highlighting the key features of each race suit. Take a look and find your perfect match!
All You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Size Race Suit
A race suit, sometimes called a tech suit, is an advanced piece of swimwear designed for competition. Made from high-performance fabrics, these suits compress muscles, reduce drag, and enhance hydrodynamics in the water. Unlike standard swimsuits, race suits fit much tighter and often take some time to put on—so finding the right size and style is essential. Make sure you look at the sizing guide on each product to get the fit right for you. Here are some links to the guides
Arena Women
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/powerskin-st-next-open-back-navy
Arena Men
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/powerskin-st-next-jammer-black
Arena Girls
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/girls-powerskin-st-next-open-back-navy
Arena Boys
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/boys-powerskin-st-next-jammer-navy
Speedo Women
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/fastskin-lzr-ignite-kneeskin-blue-multi
Speedo Men
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/fastskin-lzr-ignite-swim-jammer-blue-multi
Speedo Girls
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/girls-fastskin-lzr-ignite-kneeskin-blue-multi
Tyr Women
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/avictor-2-0-luminis-open-back-electric-lime
Tyr Men
https://www.simplyswim.com/products/avictor-2-0-luminis-jammer-electric-lime
What are the five key differences between a normal practice swimsuit and a swimming race suit?
1. Fabric & Technology
- Race suits use advanced, water-repellent fabrics that reduce drag, while practice swimsuits are made from durable, chlorine-resistant materials designed for everyday use.
2. Fit & Compression
- A race suit fits much tighter to provide muscle compression, improving blood flow and reducing fatigue. Practice swimsuits have a more relaxed fit for comfort during long training sessions.
3. Construction & Seams
- Race suits have bonded or welded seams to create a smoother surface in the water, reducing resistance. Training suits typically have stitched seams, which are more durable but create slightly more drag.
4. Durability & Lifespan
- Practice swimsuits are built to last, handling hours in the pool each week. Race suits, on the other hand, are designed for a few competitions before they start losing their compression and water-repellent qualities.
5. Price & Purpose
- A race suit is a high-performance investment, often costing significantly more than a training suit. Training suits are budget-friendly and meant for daily wear, while race suits are reserved for big events when every millisecond counts!
How to Fit a Race Suit Like a Pro
Getting into a Race Suit isn’t like putting on a regular swimsuit—it’s a workout on its own! But don’t worry, with patience, the right technique, and a few clever tricks, you’ll get the perfect fit without unnecessary stress.
Extra Tips!
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Turn Fitting Into a Pre-Race Ritual
Arrive early and set aside time just to get into your suit. Treat it as a meditative warm-up—focus on the process and let it help you get into the zone before your race. -
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t wait until race day to learn your suit’s quirks. Practice putting it on during training sessions or on a relaxed day at the pool. The more familiar you are with it, the smoother your race-day routine will be. -
Use a Mirror for a Quick Check
If possible, use a mirror to check that your seams and alignments are even. It might seem a bit odd at first, but a quick glance can make all the difference in ensuring the suit fits as intended. -
Gently Pre-Stretch the Fabric
Before you step into the suit, give it a gentle stretch with your hands. This little trick can help the fabric become more pliable, making it easier to slide over your skin without compromising its compression. -
Alternate Your Approach
Sometimes it helps to change your technique slightly. Try alternating between one leg and then the other as you work the suit up. This can distribute the tension more evenly and prevent any areas from feeling overly tight. -
Consider a Buddy System
While it’s a very personal process, having a coach or a fellow swimmer nearby can be useful. They can help check that everything is lined up correctly and even offer moral support when the suit feels extra challenging to put on. -
Embrace the Tightness
Remember, a Race Suit is designed to be very snug. Rather than fighting the tight feeling, embrace it as a sign that the suit is doing its job—compressing muscles and minimising drag to give you that competitive edge. -
Stay Patient and Positive
Fitting a tech suit can sometimes test your patience, but keep a positive mindset. Think of it as one more challenge to overcome on your way to peak performance. A relaxed approach can make the entire process less stressful. -
Plan for Extra Time
Finally, always allow extra time for the fitting process in your race-day schedule. Rushing can lead to misalignments or a suit that doesn’t sit properly, so a little extra time in the locker room is well worth it.
These ideas will not only help ensure your race suit fits perfectly but also turn the process into an integral and even enjoyable part of your pre-race routine.
Good luck, and here’s to a fantastic race or training day!
