Do Wetsuits Make You Faster? The Triathlete’s Guide to Speed, Warmth, and Efficiency
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Wetsuits have long been associated with warmth and buoyancy in open water, but if you're racing a triathlon or tackling a long-distance swim, there's another key question to ask: Can a wetsuit actually make you faster?
The short answer? Yes - if you choose the right one for your body, the water temperature, and the rules of your event. In this article, we’ll break down the science of wetsuit performance, compare wetsuit styles, help you choose between a wetsuitst, and even guide you on what to wear under your wetsuit for comfort and speed.
Why Wetsuits Matter for Speed and Efficiency
If you’ve ever felt your legs sink in open water or struggled to hold a good body position, you already know how much drag affects your swim. Wetsuits help solve this problem in three key ways:
Increased Buoyancy – Neoprene lifts your body higher in the water, especially your legs, reducing drag.
Improved Streamline – With better body alignment and buoyancy, you hold speed with less effort using less oxygen and energy at the same or faster paces..
Reduced Friction – Neoprene glides through water more efficiently than bare skin or textile suits.
But how much of a difference does it make?
According to a recent study by Lim et al. (2024), swimmers wearing wetsuits used significantly less oxygen and swam more efficiently across all wetsuit types. Here's what the researchers found:
Speed Gains by Wetsuit Type
| Wetsuit Type | Oxygen Cost ↓ | Swimming Economy ↑ |
|---|---|---|
| Buoyancy Shorts | 9% reduction | — |
| Sleeveless Wetsuit | 16% reduction | 13.4% improvement |
| Full-Sleeve Wetsuit | 14% reduction | 12% improvement |
So if you're asking, "Do wetsuits make you faster?"—the data speaks for itself. The more coverage you get (within comfort and rule limits), the more efficient you’ll swim.
Full Wetsuit vs Sleeveless: Which Is Better for You?
Both styles offer performance gains, but the best wetsuit depends on water conditions, your comfort preferences, and race regulations.
Full-Sleeve Wetsuits
Best choice for cold water
Maximizes buoyancy and speed
Ideal when full mobility is not restricted (modern suits offer shoulder flexibility)
Sleeveless Wetsuits
Great for moderately cool water
Offers good buoyancy with better shoulder freedom
Preferred by swimmers who feel restricted in the arms
Rule of thumb: Go with the most wetsuit coverage the conditions and race rules allow.
Wetsuit Thickness Guide: How Thick Should It Be?
Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and often written as two numbers—like 3/2mm. The first number refers to torso thickness for warmth, and the second is for arms and legs (allowing mobility).
Here’s a quick wetsuit thickness guide:
| Water Temp (°F) | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
| 72°F+ | Sleeveless or none |
| 65–72°F | 2–3mm sleeveless |
| 60–65°F | 3–4mm sleeveless or full-sleeve |
| Below 60°F | 4–5mm full-sleeve |
Keep in mind: Thicker wetsuits are warmer but can reduce mobility. Modern suits balance this by using thinner panels around shoulders and thicker ones on the torso and legs.
What to Wear Under a Wetsuit?
Let’s talk about a surprisingly common question: Do I wear anything under my wetsuit?
You have a few good options:
Tri Shorts / Tri Suit – Ideal for races. You can swim, bike, and run in them without changing.
Swim Briefs or Compression Shorts – Minimal drag, good for training.
Nothing at All – Some athletes prefer this for maximum mobility, but it depends on comfort and chafing risk.
Avoid cotton or anything bulky. Look for snug-fitting, synthetic, or triathlon-specific gear that won’t bunch or absorb water.
Wetsuit Temperature Guide: Know When to Wear One
Here’s when you should (and shouldn’t) wear a wetsuit for triathlon:
USA Triathlon Rules:
Wetsuit legal: Up to 78°F
Wetsuit optional (non-competitive): 78–84°F
Wetsuits not allowed: Above 84°F
Most triathletes wear wetsuits when water is below 76°F. You’ll get not just warmth - but a competitive edge.
Read Also: 3 Pool Skills Every Triathlete Needs to Master
How to Choose the Right Swimming Wetsuit
So, do wetsuits make you faster? Yes—and here’s how to make the most of yours:
✅ Choose full-sleeve wetsuits if permitted and the water is cool.
✅ Match wetsuit thickness to water temperature for ideal warmth and mobility.
✅ Go with sleeveless only if overheating or shoulder mobility is a concern.
✅ Stick to tri-specific base layers under your wetsuit.
✅ Train in your wetsuit occasionally so race day feels familiar.
Modern wetsuits aren’t just warm - they’re engineered for performance. Whether you’re racing in your first sprint triathlon or aiming for a PR in open water, the right wetsuit can help you swim faster, more efficiently, and with less fatigue.
Join Us in Open Water
Ready to make 2025 your strongest swim season yet? Whether you're racing around Manhattan or crossing to the Statue of Liberty, these events are more than just swim meets - they’re milestones.
Check out the list of open water events and start planning your next big swim: