Neopren & Wetsuits

Origin and Purpose of Wetsuits

Wetsuits originally evolved as thermal protection suits. In triathlon and open water swimming, a thin layer of water between the skin and the suit warms up, reducing energy loss caused by cold water temperatures. Over time, swimming wetsuits have developed into highly flexible and buoyant models, featuring technologies such as Nano SCS coatings, which can also contribute to faster swimming speeds.
In competitions, wetsuits are not permitted above certain water temperatures, while in colder conditions they may be mandatory.

Fit and Wearing Comfort

A test swim is strongly recommended to find the right size and model. Ordering online without prior fitting can often lead to unpleasant surprises, especially for athletes wearing a wetsuit for the first time.
The suit should fit like a second skin, allowing only a minimal amount of water between the body and the neoprene. It should not restrict movement, pinch, chafe, or create excessive folds. The goal is to find a wetsuit that feels comfortable in the water and supports the swimmer’s individual swimming style. It is also advisable to define a budget in advance and compare only models within that price range.

Intended Use

Many manufacturers produce wetsuits designed to suit a broad range of users. When choosing a wetsuit, it is important to consider how much buoyancy is needed and how flexible the suit should be in the shoulder and arm areas. Women generally require less buoyancy than men.
The intended use is also key: Am I a beginner? Am I starting with sprint or Olympic distances? Or am I an ambitious athlete competing in middle or long-distance events?
A suitable wetsuit for triathlon competitions or open water swimming for fitness purposes is available from approximately €350. There is no upper price limit, with wetsuits available across a wide price range from €350 to €1,200. As a general rule of thumb: the higher the price, the greater the flexibility, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic performance, largely due to higher-quality surface coatings.