How To Put On A Tech Suit Without Damaging It
Rushing is the number one cause of race suit damage we see, and nails are the number one weapon. Race suits are made from thin, compressive fabric that's designed to be tight, which is exactly why they need patience. This step-by-step guide is part of our racing and competition guides.
What should you do before putting on a race suit?
- Allow time: around 15 minutes for most people, longer the first few times.
- Trim your nails: short, smooth nails, no sharp edges. Remove rings and bracelets.
- Start dry: damp skin grips the fabric and makes everything harder.
- Find space: somewhere you can sit, stand and take your time.
Some swimmers wear thin cotton gloves to protect the fabric, and a plastic bag over each foot helps the suit slide over the heel. Both are worth trying if you're new to race suits.
How do you put on a racing kneesuit or jammers?
- Turn the suit the right way out and check the front from the back. Make sure the legs aren't twisted.
- Sit down and step into one leg. Ease the fabric over your foot and ankle.
- Work the leg up a few centimetres at a time, pinching small amounts of fabric with the pads of your fingers. Don't grab handfuls.
- Repeat with the other leg until both leg grippers sit just above the knee and lie flat.
- Stand up and work the fabric up your thighs evenly, side by side, so neither leg sits higher than the other.
- Ease the suit over your hips in small movements. For jammers, settle the waistband and tie the drawcord.
- For kneesuits, work the body up over the torso, then ease one arm through a strap at a time, keeping your elbow bent.
- Smooth out any wrinkles by gently moving fabric upwards. A wrinkle-free suit compresses properly.
The mistake: Grabbing the top edge of the suit and yanking it up because you're late for warm-up.
What happens: The fabric overstretches, seams pop and nails catch, leaving tears or ladders that can ruin a suit in seconds.
How to avoid it: Give yourself the full 15 minutes, work the suit up in small pinches and never pull on the seams. If damage does happen, stop wearing the suit and talk to us about our race suit repair service.
How do you know it's on properly?
The leg grippers should sit flat just above the knee, with no rolling. There should be no wrinkles or loose fabric, and the seams should run straight. You should be able to breathe deeply and lift your arms overhead. If it feels impossible to get on at all, it may be a size too small; if it goes on easily, it's probably too big.
Too Big, Too Small or Just Right?
| Sign | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Goes on easily, loose fabric | Too big | Try a smaller size; compression is lost. |
| Can't breathe deeply or lift arms | Too small | Try a larger size. |
| Firm everywhere, takes time, breathing fine | Just right | Practise putting it on before race day. |
How do you take a race suit off?
Gently, in reverse. Peel it down from the top a little at a time, turning it inside out as you go, and ease the legs off without pulling on the grippers. Rinse it in cool fresh water and dry it flat in the shade.
How do you plan race suit timing at a gala?
Do your warm-up in a training suit, then change into your race suit with plenty of time before your first event. Cover up with shorts and a top between races so the suit doesn't snag on benches and poolside. Our gala packing checklist helps you plan the day.
THREE GOLDEN RULES
THREE GOLDEN RULESTime
TimeAllow around 15 minutes. No lie-ins on gala day.
Fingertips
FingertipsPads of the fingers only, small pinches, never handfuls.
Seams
SeamsNever pull on the seams or the top edge.
How do you make a race suit last?
Wear it only for racing, rinse after every use and dry it flat. Our post on race suit care, lifespan and repair covers the details. If you're still choosing a suit, our racing swimwear includes every level, and our swimwear experts can help with sizing. Young swimmers should also check our post on kids swimwear for parents.
Why Buy Race Suits From Allens Swimwear
We've been fitting race suits since they first appeared, and we repair them too.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 5 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to put on a tech suit?
Around 15 minutes for most swimmers, and longer the first few times. Allow plenty of time on gala day so you're not rushing, which is when damage happens.
Should you put on a race suit wet or dry?
Dry. Damp skin grips the fabric and makes it much harder to ease the suit into place.
Why do race suits rip?
Usually because of nails, rushing or pulling on the seams. Working the suit up slowly with the pads of your fingers prevents most damage.
Can you wear gloves to put on a race suit?
Yes. Thin cotton gloves help protect the fabric from nails and give a better grip, which is useful if you're new to race suits.
What should I do if my race suit tears?
Stop wearing it so the damage doesn't spread, and talk to us about our race suit repair service. Small tears and seam damage can often be repaired.