How Long Does a Race Suit Last? Care, Lifespan and Repair
Race suits are an investment, so it's no surprise this is one of the questions we're asked most. We won't give you a race count, because it varies too much from swimmer to swimmer. What we can do is explain what shortens a suit's life, how to protect it and when a repair is worth it. This post is part of our racing and competition guides.
What affects how long a race suit lasts?
What Shortens a Race Suit's Life?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Training in it | Daily chlorine and repetitive stretching wear out thin racing fabric fast. |
| Rushing it on | Overstretching and nails cause tears and ladders. |
| Rough surfaces | Benches, blocks and poolside edges snag the fabric. |
| Poor drying | Heat and sun break down the fibres and compression. |
| Frequency of racing | Every race and every time it goes on adds wear. |
| Fit | A suit that's too small is under constant strain. |
How do you make a race suit last longer?
- Race only: warm up and swim down in a training suit.
- Put it on slowly: allow around 15 minutes, use the pads of your fingers, keep nails short.
- Cover up: wear shorts and a top between races to protect it from poolside.
- Rinse and dry: cool fresh water after every use, then dry flat in the shade.
- Store it flat: never screwed up in a wet bag.
Our step-by-step guide on putting on a race suit without damaging it covers the technique.
The mistake: Leaving a race suit in a wet bag after a gala and forgetting about it until the next meet.
What happens: Chlorine sits in the fabric, the suit starts to smell and the compression and bonded seams degrade faster.
How to avoid it: Rinse it in cool fresh water as soon as you can, and dry it flat in the shade the moment you get home.
How do you know a race suit is past its best?
The main sign is lost compression: the suit goes on more easily than it used to and feels looser, especially around the hips and thighs. Other signs include visible thinning, a dull or fuzzy surface where the water-repellent finish has worn, stretched leg grippers and lifting seams. A suit in that state no longer gives the support it was designed for.
When is a race suit worth repairing?
Often, when the damage is a small tear, a ladder or a lifting seam on an otherwise healthy suit. Stop wearing it as soon as you spot damage so it doesn't spread. Our race suit repair service is one of the few in the UK, and can often save a suit that would otherwise be retired.
Repair isn't worth it when the compression has gone or the fabric is thin all over. At that point, a suit can be retired to training or warm-ups, and it's time for a new one. Our racing swimwear includes suits at every level.
THREE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SUIT
THREE WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SUITRace only
Race onlyTraining suit for warm-up, race suit for races.
Slow on
Slow onAround 15 minutes, fingertips only, no rushing.
Rinse and flat-dry
Rinse and flat-dryCool fresh water, then dry flat in the shade.
Should serious swimmers have more than one race suit?
Swimmers racing often, or across several days, sometimes keep one suit for heats and another for finals, so the best suit is fresh when it matters. Our post on kneesuit vs racing kneesuit explains how training and racing suits differ. For general kit care, see our swim kit care guide. Our swimwear experts are happy to look at any suit you're unsure about.
Why Buy Race Suits From Allens Swimwear
We fit race suits, and we repair them too.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 9 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tech suit last?
There's no single answer, because it depends on how often you race in it and how well you look after it. Wearing it only for racing, putting it on slowly and rinsing it after use all help.
How do I know when my race suit needs replacing?
When it goes on more easily, feels looser around the hips and thighs, looks thin or dull, or the seams are lifting. Those are signs the compression has faded.
Can you train in a tech suit to get used to it?
A short swim to get used to the feel before a big meet is fine, but regular training will wear it out quickly. Keep it for racing.
Can a ripped tech suit be repaired?
Often, yes. Small tears and seam damage can frequently be repaired, and we offer a race suit repair service. Stop wearing the suit as soon as you notice damage.
Should I wash my race suit after every use?
Rinse it in cool fresh water after every use and dry it flat in the shade. Avoid detergents, washing machines and tumble dryers.