Kneesuit Vs Racing Kneesuit: What's the difference?
The word kneesuit covers two very different suits, and mixing them up is an expensive mistake in either direction. Train in a racing kneesuit and it wears out fast; race in a training kneesuit at a championship and you're giving away the support a race suit provides. This post is part of our racing and competition guides.
What is the difference between a training and racing kneesuit?
Training vs Racing Kneesuit
| Training kneesuit | Racing kneesuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Durable, chlorine-resistant textile | Thin, compressive, water-repellent textile |
| Seams | Sewn | Bonded or taped |
| Compression | Light or none | Moderate to very high |
| WA approval | Usually not | Usually yes |
| Getting it on | Easy, like any swimsuit | Slow and careful |
| Best for | Daily training, fitness swimming | Galas and championships |
The fabric is the heart of it. Training kneesuits are built to survive daily chlorine and hold their shape for months of sessions. Racing kneesuits are built to compress the muscles, hold a streamlined position and shed water, which means thinner, more delicate fabric.
Who should wear a training kneesuit?
Almost every swimmer who likes the kneesuit cut for training. Club swimmers wear them for sessions because the coverage feels secure and stops riding up, and plenty of fitness swimmers have switched to them for the same reason. Our women's training kneesuits come in chlorine-resistant fabrics for exactly this kind of use.
Who needs a racing kneesuit?
Swimmers who race at county level and above, and whose coach agrees the time is right. Racing kneesuits come in tiers, from entry-level suits with lighter compression to top-tier suits with maximum support. Our women's racing kneesuits are grouped by range so you can compare them.
The mistake: Wearing a racing kneesuit for training because it feels fast.
What happens: The thin fabric and bonded seams wear out quickly in daily chlorine, the compression fades, and the suit is past its best by the time the big meet arrives.
How to avoid it: Train in a training kneesuit and save the racing suit for competition. If a race suit is damaged, our race suit repair service can often help.
Do kneesuits come in different back styles?
Yes. Training kneesuits come in a variety of back styles, from open thin-strap designs to more supportive closed backs. Racing kneesuits are usually either open back or closed back. Our post on open back vs closed back racing suits compares the two.
What about junior kneesuits?
Girls moving into galas usually start with a junior racing kneesuit, which is easier to get on and more durable than an adult race suit. Our junior racing kneesuits are designed for this stage. Before buying, read our guide to World Aquatics (WA) approved swimwear.
WHICH KNEESUIT FOR WHICH SWIMMER?
WHICH KNEESUIT FOR WHICH SWIMMER?Fitness swimmer
Fitness swimmerA training kneesuit in chlorine-resistant fabric. All the coverage, none of the fuss.
Club swimmer
Club swimmerTraining kneesuit for sessions, junior or entry-level racing kneesuit for galas.
County and above
County and aboveTraining kneesuit for sessions, a fitted racing kneesuit for the meets that matter.
How should each kneesuit fit?
A training kneesuit should feel snug and secure, like any training swimsuit, with no gaping at the back. A racing kneesuit should feel much tighter, take time to get on and hold firmly everywhere, while still letting you breathe deeply and raise your arms. Our swimwear experts can help you find the right size in either. Read our guide on putting on a race suit before your first gala.
Why Buy Kneesuits From Allens Swimwear
We've been fitting training and racing kneesuits for club swimmers for as long as kneesuits have existed.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 5 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you race in a training kneesuit?
Yes, many younger and club swimmers race in training or junior kneesuits at club galas. At higher-level meets, swimmers usually move to racing kneesuits, which give more compression and are WA approved.
Can you train in a racing kneesuit?
We don't recommend it. Racing kneesuits use thin, delicate fabric that wears out quickly in daily chlorine. Keep them for competition.
Why is a racing kneesuit so tight?
The tightness is the compression, which holds the body in a streamlined position and supports the muscles. A racing kneesuit that feels loose won't deliver that support.
Is a kneesuit good for fitness swimming?
Yes. Training kneesuits are popular with fitness swimmers because the extra coverage feels secure and doesn't ride up.
How do I know if a kneesuit is for racing or training?
Check the fabric and seams: racing kneesuits use thin, compressive fabric with bonded seams and usually carry the World Aquatics approval mark. Training kneesuits use thicker, chlorine-resistant fabric with sewn seams.