Women’s Triathlon Wetsuits

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Competing in a triathlon is a real test of your endurance, and regardless of your experience level, you need to be comfortable to deliver the best performance. Wetsuits are designed to keep triathletes comfortable in the water and allow them to swim faster. Yet, women, in particular, might struggle to find practical wetsuits that fit. 

Women’s Triathlon Wetsuit

Our buying guide will suggest 6 of the best women’s triathlon wetsuits you can consider for your next triathlon race. We’ll also list the specific features that set them apart to help you pick the most suitable one. So, let’s dive in. 

Best Women’s Triathlon Wetsuits For Your Next Competition

  1. ROKA Maverick Wetsuit
  2. Blueseventy Helix Wetsuit
  3. Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit
  4. TYR Hurricane Wetsuit Cat 3
  5. 2XU Propel:2 Wetsuit
  6. Synergy Adrenaline Wetsuit

You’ll have to deal with many challenges as you train for your triathlon, including changing your lifestyle to become healthier, managing your calorie intake, dealing with pain and aches, and deciding on the right gear to wear. 

Wetsuits help retain the body’s temperature, so they’ll make you more comfortable and allow you to boost your performance. Moreover, they can reduce friction in the water. 

However, women might struggle to find good wetsuits that actually fit. Male wetsuits might not suit them because women need some extra protection at different parts of their bodies. For example, they need more fabric across the chest and thighs as their bodies tend to be wider in those areas. 

We know the struggle is real, so we decided to bring you 6 of the best wetsuits you can wear while practicing and competing in a triathlon. 

1. ROKA Maverick Wetsuit

ROKA Women’s Maverick Wetsuit

Made of reliable Yamamoto Neoprene, this wetsuit feels like a second skin, allowing you to live up to your potential and unlock new challenges. The material keeps you warm in the water, thanks to the #38 limestone-based neoprene. This differs from the commonly used petroleum-based neoprene as it’s more flexible and stretchier. 

The ARMS-UP™ shoulder technology provides zero shoulder restriction, so you can move your arms freely and enjoy increased mobility with every stroke. This way, you can swim faster with less fatigue and save energy. 

The Maverick Wetsuit also excels with the RS™ Centerline Buoyancy Technology, which increases buoyancy towards the center of your body and eliminates dead spots, providing better rotation. In addition, this technology prevents sinky legs as it moves your center of buoyancy towards the lower part of your body, putting you in the perfect horizontal swimming position. 

ROKA Women Maverick Wetsuit

In addition to its innovative technology, this wetsuit is designed to be comfortable, stylish, and flexible. The inner liners are designed for better stretch, support, and comfort, so you can feel your best while swimming. 

The low-absorption feature will keep you comfortable throughout your race, while the hydrophobic coating reduces surface drag to improve your speed. Moreover, the neck panel reduces chafing by eliminating seams, while the rear ankle panel allows you to change the wetsuit quickly after your race. 

Overall, the wetsuit’s design and fit make it an excellent choice for beginner and experienced triathletes, and it comes in different sizes to fit everyone. Moreover, it comes with a 2-year warranty. 

It’s a great bargain for the price, but you need to be careful with the fit. Neoprene tends to stretch slightly when it warms up, so you must size down if you’re between sizes. 

What We Like

  • Innovative design to reduce drag and provide maximum mobility and flexibility. 
  • Low-absorption lining for more comfort.
  • Moves your center of buoyancy towards the lower part of the body. 
  • Easy to put on and take off. 
  • A 2-year warranty. 

What We Don’t Like

  • Might feel a little restrictive on land. 

2. Blueseventy Helix Wetsuit

Blueseventy Helix Women’s Wetsuit

This is the 7th generation of the famous Helix wetsuit with the same great fit and improved paneling to boost your performance. In addition, the wetsuit’s design facilitates rotation and boosts the output of every stroke without increasing your effort. 

Made of Yamamoto Neoprene and high-quality liner material, this full suit decreases friction in the water. By reducing drag, you will likely experience less fatigue throughout your swim. As a result, you’ll have more energy to finish your triathlon. 

Thanks to the Torsion Stretch Technology in the shoulders and back, you’ll have a bigger range of motion with more flexibility. In addition, the Layered Insulation Foam Technology features buoyant foam inserted between the outer and inner layers of fabric on the legs and back to elevate your position in the water. Moreover, the hydrophobic fabric repels water, catches, and releases it to reduce drag. 

Getting in and out of this suit is easy because the reverse zipper is easy to use and prevents chafing with a comfortable collar design. The improved design of the legs allows for fast transition, and the wetsuit comes in nine sizes. 

This wetsuit is quite expensive, so it won’t work for you if you’re a beginner. Also, the reverse zipper design can be a little confusing if you’re used to a traditional one, so you should practice getting in and out of the suit several times before your triathlon. 

What We Like

  • High-quality material for improved rotation. 
  • Reduces drag to boost your performance with every stroke. 
  • Special technology to increase your range of motion and improve your buoyancy. 
  • Improved neck design to eliminate chafing. 

What We Don’t Like

  • Too expensive compared to other models. 
  • The reverse zipper design can be confusing. 

3. Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit

Orca Athlex Float Triathlon Wetsuit

If you’ve been struggling with correcting your position in the water, the Athlex Wetsuit will be the right choice. The material is designed to provide warmth and comfort inside and outside the water, so you can boost your performance and swim confidently. 

This wetsuit is designed with less fabric in the upper part and thick material in the legs’ area for better insulation. This difference is designed to elevate your buoyancy and help you maintain a horizontal position while you’re swimming. 

Your wetsuit’s manufacturer uses SCS technology to treat the material used to make this wetsuit. As a result, you can enjoy better hydrodynamics and speed, as you won’t feel that the wetsuit is dragging or slowing you down. 

The back, shoulders, and arms material is more stretchy and flexible to improve your mobility. This way, you’ll gain more movement with every stroke, so you can finish a longer swimming race with less fatigue. 

When you buy this wetsuit, you know it will last for a long time, thanks to the durable, high-performance YKK zippers. The Hydrolite inner lining provides better insulation without chafing or discomfort. It also seals the wetsuit so the water doesn’t get inside. 

In addition to proper care instructions, you should be careful about the fit, as the maximum size is XL. Also, it’s a little bit expensive, so it might not work for you if you’re looking for an affordable wetsuit for triathlon training sessions. 

What We Like

  • Different fabric thicknesses to improve buoyancy and speed. 
  • Better hydrodynamics and less drag. 
  • Stretchy material in the back and shoulders for better mobility. 
  • High-performance zippers. 

What We Don’t Like

  • More expensive for beginners. 
  • Might not suit you if you’re a bit overweight. 

4. TYR Hurricane Wetsuit Cat 3

TYR Hurricane Wetsuit Cat 3

Specifically designed for elite triathlon swimmers, the TYR Hurricane® Wetsuit Cat 3 is made of Yamamoto neoprene to reduce restriction on the body and provide better flexibility in the water. In addition, the material offers the best balance between speed and control while creating a second-skin feel. 

The designers strategically placed five elevation panels in this suit to help you maintain an elevated horizontal position in the water by targeting different muscle groups. This will allow you to direct all your force to move forward while maintaining the most comfortable position. Moreover, the speed wrap paneling reduces chafing and holds your body while elevating your core and legs. 

It features the Super Composite Skin Nano Coating to enhance movement and provide more speed and freedom. This is how you get the best of every stroke to reduce fatigue while training or competing. 

The SCS provides better insulation to keep you warm and repels water for maximum comfort, while the wrist cuffs prevent the water from getting into the suit to improve your strokes and maximize energy output. Thanks to the quick-release tapered legs and ankle cuffs, you can also enjoy an easy transition. 

Yet, if you’re on a tight budget, this wetsuit won’t work, so it’s more suitable for experienced users. You also need to size up because it tends to run small. 

What We Like

  • Second skin material for maximum speed and control. 
  • Elevation panels for better buoyancy. 
  • SCS for improved insulation and comfort. 
  • Keeps the body warm and dry. 

What We Don’t Like

  • More expensive than other models. 
  • Tends to run small. 

5. 2XU Propel:2 Wetsuit

2XU Propel:2 Wetsuit

The Propel:2 Wetsuit is an excellent choice if you struggle to find a wetsuit that fits comfortably, especially if you’re a bit heavier. The design is packed with world-class technology to give every swimmer the needed power and flexibility. 

This wetsuit is made of Yamamoto Neoprene with different material thicknesses throughout the wetsuit’s body to move your center of buoyancy lower. This will keep your body in a better-elevated position, allowing you to enjoy more power and movement with every stroke. 

The SCS hydrodynamic coating eliminates drag to reduce fatigue as you approach the finish line. At the same time, the embossed concave water entrapment zone on the wetsuit’s arms improves the feel of water while you’re swimming. 

Swimmers can definitely feel the improved rotation while wearing this wetsuit, thanks to the roller bar technology. In addition, with the wetsuit’s material, you can easily slice through the water with less drag by extending your arms. 

As you spend more time in the water, you won’t feel any discomfort, thanks to the flexible internal lining. The stretchy lining is 520% more flexible to ensure more comfort and less water absorption to keep your body dry. At the same time, the neck panel eliminates seams for a reduced risk of painful chafing, while the floating zipper panel moves as you stretch your back. 

Despite being more expensive, this wetsuit comes with a 2-year warranty. Yet, you should be careful with the size as this wetsuit can be uncomfortable if you choose the wrong size. Also, be careful not to pull a tight wetsuit too hard, as the material might break, especially in the thinner areas. 

What We Like

  • Suitable for heavier swimmers. 
  • Different material thicknesses to improve your buoyancy. 
  • Hydrodynamic coating and roller bar technology reduce fatigue and provide more power. 
  • The stretchy inner lining keeps your body comfortable. 
  • A 2-year warranty. 

What We Don’t Like

  • More expensive than other models. 
  • Can get damaged if it’s too tight. 

6. Synergy Adrenaline Wetsuit

Synergy Adrenaline Triathlon Wetsuit

After injuring her shoulder, World Champion Emma Comerford needed a flexible wetsuit to allow for better mobility. The Adrenaline Full-Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is designed to be 670% more flexible than other wetsuits on the market, with 2mm hi-flex #40 neoprene in the torso and upper legs and thinner material in the back, shoulders, and arms to provide better movement. 

It’s designed to provide the comfort of a sleeveless wetsuit and the support of a full-sleeve one. In addition, the Yamamoto Neoprene features an SCS coating to help you move efficiently in the water, and the 5mm aqualift improves buoyancy in the water. 

The wetsuit has powermax panels to propel your body in the water and a super soft lining to keep you comfortable. At the same time, the bio-align panels provide maximum support and keep your body elevated in the water, while the anti-chafing material won’t harm your skin. 

Wearing this wetsuit won’t feel restrictive or uncomfortable, thanks to the adjustable Velcro closure. It’s also available in 16 sizes, so you’ll find the best fit. Moreover, it comes with an anti-theft name tag and non-corrosive zippers. 

When you buy this wetsuit, you’ll enjoy a 2-year warranty and a lifetime replacement with a 40% discount. Finding the right size can be a little bit challenging, so you need to check the size chart and follow the guide to get a suitable fit. It’s more expensive than other wetsuits. 

What We Like

  • Designed for maximum flexibility and mobility. 
  • Different thicknesses to improve buoyancy. 
  • Comfortable fit with Velcro closure. 
  • Bio-align panels for maximum support. 

What We Don’t Like

  • The size chart can be confusing. 
  • Not suitable if you want an affordable wetsuit. 

How to Choose the Women’s Triathlon Wetsuit

How to Choose the Women’s Triathlon Wetsuit

Choosing the perfect women’s triathlon wetsuit requires careful attention to fit, buoyancy, warmth, and hydrodynamics. The perfect wetsuit should feel like a second skin, ensuring it is not too loose or too tight, while also offering full range of motion, particularly in the shoulder area. The fit is a paramount factor to consider, as a poor fit can negatively impact both comfort and performance. A triathlon wetsuit should be snug but not tight, with no excess material or folds. It should offer a full range of motion through the shoulders, and the neckline, arm, and leg holes should be comfortable and snug enough to prevent water intrusion.

Women’s triathlon wetsuits are designed with specific considerations in mind. For instance, they usually have extra room in the chest area and a wider hip area compared to men’s wetsuits. When looking for a women’s wetsuit, one should also consider the neoprene thickness, which provides both buoyancy and flexibility. This thickness varies across different parts of the suit, with thicker areas promoting buoyancy and thinner areas offering flexibility. Ideally, the arm and shoulder areas should have thinner neoprene for unrestricted movement, while thicker neoprene should be present in the chest and leg areas.

The choice between full-sleeved and sleeveless wetsuits depends heavily on personal preference and the conditions in which you’ll be swimming. Full-sleeved wetsuits provide more buoyancy and warmth, making them ideal for colder swims. On the other hand, sleeveless suits, while offering less buoyancy and warmth, provide a greater range of motion for your arms and are easier to remove. Some athletes might prefer the latter, even in colder waters, for the enhanced flexibility they offer.

Paying attention to hydrodynamics can improve your performance. Some triathlon wetsuits feature a silicone surface that makes them more slippery in the water, facilitating faster swimming. While this feature is not a necessity, it can provide an advantage and is commonly foundend wetsuits. However, the addition of such features often increases the cost, so one should weigh the benefits against the investment.

When deciding on the thickness of the neoprene, you should consider the water temperature you’ll be swimming in. The warmth offered by a triathlon wetsuit comes from a thin layer of water held inside the suit, which your body warms to create a thermal barrier. Thicker neoprene in the chest and leg areas provides better insulation and buoyancy but reduces flexibility. Thinner neoprene is more expensive, but it offers better flexibility, particularly important in the shoulder and arm areas for efficient swimming.

The most crucial advice in choosing the perfect women’s triathlon wetsuit is to prioritize comfort. Even the most high-end, technologically advanced wetsuit won’t serve its purpose if you don’t feel comfortable in it. When trying on wetsuits, move around to assess the suit’s comfort and flexibility. Make sure there is no painful restriction anywhere, and you have a full range of motion, especially for swimming.

To conclude, choosing the perfect women’s triathlon wetsuit involves a careful consideration of fit, flexibility, buoyancy, warmth, and hydrodynamics, and above all, your comfort. Remember, the best wetsuit is the one that fits you well and makes you feel confident in the water.

Questions You May Have

Can you wear a regular wetsuit in a triathlon?

You can, but triathlon wetsuits are designed specifically for the sport. They offer a mix of flexibility and buoyancy, crucial for open water swimming. Tri wetsuits also have a quicker removal design for faster transitions. While a regular wetsuit will provide warmth and buoyancy, it may restrict movement and slow you down in transitions.

Do you wear anything under a triathlon wetsuit?

Yes, under a triathlon wetsuit, female athletes usually wear a triathlon suit, a swimsuit, or even triathlon shorts and a sports bra. The choice depends on your comfort and the length of your race. For longer events, the triathlon suit, designed for all three disciplines, is the most practical.

What do female triathletes wear under a wetsuit?

As a triathlon coach, I always recommend wearing a triathlon suit under your wetsuit. This suit includes a thin pad for bike comfort but is streamlined enough to swim and run in. However, you could also opt to wear a swimsuit, a sports bra, or even triathlon shorts beneath your wetsuit, depending on your comfort and personal preference.

What size wetsuit for triathlon?

Wetsuit sizing varies between manufacturers, so always consult their specific size guide. The fit should be snug, almost like a second skin, but should allow full range of motion in your shoulders. Women’s wetsuits often accommodate a narrower hip area and extra room in the chest compared to men’s.

Do you wear a bra under a wetsuit?

Some female triathletes choose to wear a sports bra under their wetsuit for added support. However, a well-fitted triathlon suit worn underneath your wetsuit should provide enough support for most athletes. Remember, it’s all about your comfort during the race.

Can you wear a triathlon wetsuit in a pool?

Yes, technically you can, but it’s generally not recommended. Pools are typically chlorinated, and this chemical can degrade the neoprene material of your wetsuit over time. Moreover, pool water is usually warmer than open water, so wearing a wetsuit may cause you to overheat. Save your triathlon wetsuit for open-water training and races to preserve its longevity and functionality.

How tight should a triathlon wetsuit be?

Your triathlon wetsuit should fit snugly, but not so tight that it restricts your movement or breathing. When trying it on, make sure you can freely move your arms and legs. A well-fitting wetsuit will also have minimal excess material or bunching. It should feel like a second skin that enhances buoyancy and reduces drag in the water, not a constraining suit of armor.

Photo of author

Lauren Wilson

Lauren, an adept triathlete and a passionate writer, has been a cornerstone of Trigearlab.com since its inception. She brings an in-depth, personal understanding of the triathlon world, having competed in numerous prestigious races including the Ironman Worlds and Challenge Roth.

1 thought on “Women’s Triathlon Wetsuits”

  1. Hi Lauren, I bought a women’s BlueSeventy Helix (M) wetsuit for triathlons but I tried wearing it twice & both times I got panic attacks about 50m out to sean& had to come back to shore. It feels so restrictive particularly on the neck & especially because the zip is the other way around so I can’t release it just a little. I was sure I’d be fine with a medium. I brought it to a wetsuit repair person to see if they could change the zip or cut the neck lower but he said that he’d ruin it if he tried. Have you any advice? I need to buy another one I guess but am worried about getting it wrong again. I need a wetsuit that is not high in the neck, that doesn’t feel restrictive & that has very good buoyancy to build my confidence in the water again. I have fear of getting a panic attack in OW again. Can you recommend any wetsuit that would be suitable? I’m a pretty average shaped UK size 10. My shoulders & biceps are a little muscular than average. Thank you.

    Reply

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