Why a triathlon wetsuit?
 

It’s important to know why and how a triathlon wetsuit (wet suit) will help you. Here are some benefits a triathlon wetsuit has over a diving, surfing, or no wetsuit at all. (The word wetsuit/wet suit can be spelled two different ways, for the sake of consistency we choose to use the one word version wetsuit for the rest of the guide.)

The buoyant properties of a wetsuit help lift your body out of the water so you expend less energy.
A tri wetsuit is also designed to assists in better swimming form and technique for beginners. This doesn’t mean you don’t need to train anymore
Wetsuits are designed to reduce drag in the water helping you to swim faster. This is typically found in all triathlon wetsuits to some degree or another.
Typically in the mid to high end wetsuits you receive more benefits.
A wetsuit can provide warmth in cold water swimming. However wetsuit makers generally design for performance and buoyancy.
A well designed triathlon wetsuit will help you through a transition faster than a diving or surfing wetsuit.
Tri wetsuits are designed with increased flexibility for dexterity and speed of movement.
Higher quality rubbers will allow for a more comfortable fit and better buoyancy relative to range of mobility.
What category wetsuit are you considering?

There are many triathlon wetsuits to choose from. This year the top triathlon brands pulled out all the stops and are offering more selection and options than in any previous years.

To help narrow your search we divided the wetsuits into 4 categories based upon the variety of options and selection of wetsuits offered by the top brands. It is worth noting here that more expensive suits generally have more flexibility and buoyancy. This usually equates to more comfort. It is not uncommon for beginners to get a higher end suit for added benefits and comfort.

Category 1:

Generally beginners and the budget minded fall into this category. If you’re just getting started in swimming you’ll need a solid suit that will get you through training and races.

Luckily you won’t need to spend much to satisfy these needs. A general rule is that more expensive suits are designed for speed, comfort, and fuller range of motion. So if you're just looking for a basic functional suit then you can save some money. These suits help you "get your feet wet". The following wetsuits are great considerations for this category:

Category 2:

If you are training more regularly or planning on doing more than a few wetsuit legal races you'll more than likely fall in this category. You may also be considered an intermediate swimmer looking for a comfortable fit with fuller range of motion.

Also, if you swam a couple triathlons in the past or you have a swimming background you’d most likely consider Category 2 or 3 wetsuits. Triathlete swimmers looking for a wetsuit that will enhance their speed without breaking the bank will typically consider Category 2 wetsuits.

Category 3:

If you’re looking for a fast and comfortable wetsuit with proven technology then you should consider Category 3 triathlon wetsuits. These wetsuits generally have great quality and buoyant rubber.

They aren't the most expensive suits but they are great options for people looking for high performance without paying the highest price. As well they are designed with efficiency, flexibility, and performance in mind. In some cases the makers of these triathlon wetsuits have implemented innovative features and unique materials to create high performance triathlon wetsuits.

Category 4:

If you’re looking for the most comfortable and fastest wetsuit with the newest technology then you should consider Category 3 triathlon wetsuits. If you’re looking for every little edge and don’t mind spending more for the top of the line wetsuit then these are the ones for you.

These wetsuits generally have the best quality and most buoyant rubber. As well they are designed with efficiency, flexibility, and performance in mind. In almost every case below the makers of these triathlon wetsuits have taken extra effort to utilize innovative features and unique materials to create high performance triathlon wetsuits.

Determining the right wetsuit for you.

At this point you’ve narrowed down your price point but which wetsuit should you purchase? The best way to find the right suit for you is to try on all the wetsuits that you are considering.

However, if you don’t have this option; then try to stick to the manufacturer’s sizing suggestions as closely as possible. Here are some things to consider when trying on or selecting the right wetsuit:

Proper Fit:

When selecting a wetsuit you’ll want to make sure that it is not loose and fits you well between your crotch and shoulders. Arm and leg lengths will vary and it is ok if they are shorter. In fact a shorter leg will allow for quicker removal of the suit.

Also, look out for a good neck and wrist seal so water doesn’t flow into the suit. To increase speed you don’t want your triathlon wetsuit to take in water and slow you down. Be sure to note the arm and shoulder reach for a wetsuit. This area is most important to make sure you have an unrestricted swim stroke.

Material and thickness:

Most wetsuits will vary in thickness (1.5mm-5mm) and "stretchability" throughout. You’ll want thinner and generally more flexible material around your shoulder and arms where you will be moving most. You’ll want thicker material in the chest and leg area’s to help with float. The various brands will for the most part offer the same type of rubber/neoprene for the price ranges.

Other considerations:

Comfort:

Most methodologies for fitting are taken from the perspective of performance. In our experience many people find performance fitting to be tight and uncomfortable. If you are looking to just "make it through" a short course swim you may feel more comfortable in a less restrictive suit.

In this case consider a size up if you are on the fence. Here are a couple concerns people may have when considering leaning towards a more relaxed fit.

Gaps and loose fitting areas may cause chaffing. In my experience if you find the right suit regardless of a loose or tight fit you can avoid chaffing.
A looser suit is more prone to carrying water which will cause you to pull more weight or create drag. A slightly looser fit may cause you to suffer in performance. However in my humble opinion your mental state, directly correlated to you comfort and confidence, will make more of a difference than the minute physical lose in speed due to weight and drag. If your goal is to finish a short course race I recommend leaning towards a looser fit however if you are considering a long course race a tighter fit might be the better way to go.

Sleeved or Sleeveless:

This is mostly up to personal preference but some would argue that sleeveless arms allow for freer arm movement thus a faster suit. A bigger consideration for sleeved versus sleeveless would be temperature. You’ll see more sleeveless suits in warmer waters. Some people prefer the unrestricted range of motion that they get from a sleeveless suit as as an issue of personal comfort.

Special Features:

Specially coated rubber, break away zippers, reverse zippers, special panels, etc... There are a lot of features to consider and again these are personal preference. Special coatings are found on almost all triathlon wetsuits and will cause for less friction through the water. Once you’ve determined that a fit is good the rest is up to you.

Looks:

This has nothing to do with function but I mention it because the appearance of your wetsuit is a legitimate consideration. If you look fast and feel fast who's to say you won't be fast?