Race Suit Buying Guide Race Suit Buying Guide Race Suit Buying Guide

Race Suit Buying Guide

Race Suit Buying Guide

Find the perfect competition suit for your next big swim.

Whether you're racing for the first time or chasing new PBs, choosing the right race suit can make a real difference to performance, comfort and confidence. This guide explains everything you need to know,  from different suit types to fit tips, care advice and when to upgrade.

What Is a Race Suit?

Race suits, sometimes called tech suits, are high-performance swimsuits designed specifically for competition.
They use advanced fabrics that:

  • Reduce drag
  • Provide muscle compression for stability
  • Improve body position in the water
  • Increase glide and speed

A race suit won’t replace technique or training, but it can give swimmers the edge they need when every fraction of a second counts.

Types of Race Suits

At Allens Swimwear, we stock race suits for men, women, and junior swimmers, covering all levels from entry-level to elite.

Men’s Racing Jammers
Designed for speed and efficiency, jammers offer a compressive, hydrodynamic fit from the waist to the knee. Ideal for pool racing at all distances.

Women’s Kneeskins / Kneesuits
A longer, more structured race suit offering targeted compression and body shaping. Popular for all strokes and widely used at club, regional and national competition levels.

Junior Race Suits (Boys & Girls)
Perfect for young swimmers entering competitive swimming. Junior-specific designs offer the right balance of compression, comfort and fit as they learn to race.

Elite-Level Performance Suits
Our top-tier suits use the latest fabric technologies, bonded seams, and strategically placed compression zones. Built for experienced swimmers who want maximum performance.

How to Choose the Right Race Suit

Picking the perfect suit depends on several important factors:

✔️ 1. Fit & Comfort
Race suits are designed to be tight, but not painful. A correct fit should feel compressive, supportive and streamlined without restricting breathing or movement. If you’re unsure, check our brand-specific sizing guides or contact our team for help.

 

✔️ 2. Your Age & Experience Level
Newer or younger swimmers may benefit from a mid-level suit offering comfort and durability. Developing competitors can step up to more compressive, performance-focused suits. Advanced swimmers often choose elite suits for maximum speed gains.

 

✔️ 3. Event Type & Stroke
Different suits excel in different race styles. Sprinters often prefer highly compressive suits for power; distance swimmers may prefer lighter suits with more flexibility. Some suits favour breaststroke mobility, others streamline better for freestyle and butterfly.

 

✔️ 4. Budget vs Performance
Race suits vary in price depending on materials, seams, design and technology. Ask yourself how often you’ll race, and how much benefit you’ll get from an elite suit versus a mid-range option.

When Should You Wear Your Race Suit?

Race suits are designed for competition, not daily training. Overuse reduces fabric compression and lifespan.

We recommend wearing your race suit for:

  • Competitions
  • Galas and time trials
  • County, regional or national championships
  • Personal best attempts

For training, use regular performance swimwear to protect your race suit’s integrity.

Caring for Your Race Suit

Proper care makes a big difference in how long your suit lasts. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Rinse in cold water immediately after use
  2. Gently squeeze out water, never wring or twist
  3. Dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat
  4. Avoid harsh detergents or soaking
  5. Store flat or hung carefully to prevent stretching

With the right care, your suit will maintain its compression and speed for as long as possible.

Race Suit Repair Services

If your suit’s seams or fabric become damaged, we offer professional race suit repair on selected brands and models. This can extend the life of your suit and save money versus replacing it.


Take a look at our Race Suit Repair Service.

Don’t Forget Your Race Day Essentials

Maximise performance by pairing your race suit with the right accessories:

  • Racing goggles – low-profile, secure fit
  • Caps – silicone for racing; dome caps for elite swimmers
  • Competition swimwear bags – keep your suit safe and dry
  • Warm-up suits, towels & pre-race essentials

Small upgrades can have a big impact on confidence and comfort on race day.

When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Race Suit?

You might benefit from a new suit if:

  • You’re improving quickly and racing more often
  • Your old suit feels loose or lacks compression
  • You’re moving up competition levels
  • Your times are close, and you need that extra performance boost

Upgrading to a higher-tier suit can help advanced swimmers squeeze out those final milliseconds.

Race Suit FAQs

How tight should a race suit be?

Very snug! It should take time to put on, but it should not cause pain or restrict breathing.

How long does a race suit last?

With correct care and competition-only use, a suit can last a season or longer, depending on frequency.

Can younger swimmers wear adult race suits?

Yes, but sizing is crucial. Junior-specific designs often fit better for developing swimmers.

Do I need an elite suit?

Elite suits offer the highest performance, but mid-range suits are perfect for many club swimmers and often represent the best value.