π Best Sprint Suit
TYR Avictor β Extremely high compression and excellent drag reduction for short races.
Buy Nowπ° Best Value
Arena Carbon Air 2 β Lightweight, flexible, and budget-friendly while maintaining performance in freestyle events.
Buy NowπΈ Best for Breaststroke
Mizuno GX-Sonic V ST β Engineered for explosive kick power and hip mobility needed in breaststroke.
Buy Nowπ¦ Best for Butterfly
Speedo LZR Pure Valor β Lightweight and flexible design allows for full shoulder range of motion in butterfly.
Buy Nowπ Best for Backstroke
Arena Carbon Air 2 β Smooth hydrodynamics and mid-level compression offer great control for backstroke turns and alignment.
Buy Nowπ How to Choose a Tech Suit
πββοΈ Stroke & Event Specificity
- Freestyle & Backstroke: Lightweight suits with high flexibility, especially in the shoulders and hips, offer a full range of motion.
- Breaststroke: Choose suits with more stretch in the hips and glutes to enhance kick mobility and power.
- Butterfly: Look for suits with shoulder flexibility and core compression to support rhythm and propulsion.
- Sprint vs Distance: Sprinters benefit from higher compression and water repellency. Distance swimmers need comfort and sustained compression for long races.
π©± Compression Level
- Very High: Maximum muscle support and minimal drag. Best for elite-level sprints.
- High: Strong compression with enough mobility for most competitive swimmers.
- Medium: Balanced compression. Ideal for mid-distance events and swimmers who want both comfort and support.
- Low: Offers the most flexibility. Great for younger swimmers or those prioritizing comfort.
πΈ Price vs Performance
- $80β$150 (Entry-level): Good water repellency and basic compression. Ideal for age-group swimmers or first-time users.
- $150β$300 (Mid-range): Enhanced construction, better fabrics, and solid compression for competitive swimmers.
- $300+ (Elite): Top-tier materials, bonded seams, and cutting-edge design for serious competitors chasing PBs.
β FINA Approval
Make sure your suit is FINA-approved for sanctioned meets. All suits on our site clearly list their approval status.
π Fit & Sizing
- Tech suits should feel tight but not painful. Womenβs suits can take 20β30 minutes to put on correctly.
- Never size up for comfort. Tightness is essential for performance.
- Check each brandβs sizing chartβsizes vary by manufacturer and model.
π‘ Suit Lifespan & Care Tips
- Use tech suits only for racesβnot practices.
- Expect peak performance for 6β10 races.
- Rinse gently with cold water after use. Do not wring, machine wash, or expose to heat.
πΆ For Youth Swimmers
- Youth-approved suits offer a better balance of comfort and affordability.
- Compression should not be too extreme. Focus on fit, confidence, and legality.
ποΈ Find Your Perfect Tech Suit
π§΅ How Should a Tech Suit Fit?
Tech suits are designed to compress your muscles and reduce drag β they should feel very tight but not painful. Here's what to expect:
- Putting it on takes time: 10β20 minutes is normal, especially for womenβs suits.
- Breaking it in: A new suit may feel restrictive. It often loosens slightly after 1β2 wears.
- Snug, not painful: Suits should compress your core and legs, but you should still be able to breathe and move.
- Dry fit vs. water fit: Suits may feel tighter when dry. Donβt size up unless absolutely necessary.
π Brand Sizing Notes
- Arena: Runs small β especially the Carbon Core FX and Ultra.
- Speedo: Valor is more flexible, Intent is more compressive. True to size for most.
- TYR: Avictor and Venzo are compressive. Expect a snug feel even at your measured size.
- Mizuno: GX-Sonic V is ultra tight β many swimmers go up one size.
- FINIS / A3: Fit is generally snug but more forgiving. Follow charts closely.