Your First Tech Suit

Your First Tech Suit

Getting your first tech suit is a huge moment for any swimmer. It marks a transition - from simply swimming, to racing. From practice to performance. It’s exciting and often a overwhelming due to technical jargon and different fit requirements.

If you're about to buy your first tech suit (or you're a parent shopping for your young swimmer), here’s some help from our years of expirence.

What Is a Tech Suit?

A tech suit is a high-performance racing swimsuit designed to help swimmers glide faster through the water. They’re engineered with 2 key principals:

  • Compression
    • Fabrics and shape that support your muscles, reduce drag
  • Hydrophobic material
    • Some suits repel the water giving a thin layer of bubbles that give boyency and reduce drag 

Unlike training costumes, tech suits are all about performance — and you can feel the difference from the moment you put one on.

When Should You Get Your First Tech Suit?

Most swimmers get their first tech suit when they start competing more seriously - often around the ages of 10 to 13. Some competitions required swimmers to wear a World Aquatics or FINA approved suit to prevent disqualification. All approved tech suits have a small sticker o the back of the costume.

If you're racing at county or regional, it might be time. But remember: tech suits are not magic. They work best when combined with good training, solid technique, and race-day focus.

What to Expect: The Fit

Your tech suit will feel tight.
Like really tight. That’s normal — it’s meant to compress your muscles and create a streamlined shape in the water.

Here’s what you should know:

  • It takes time to put on. (Sometimes 10–20 minutes!)

  • It shouldn’t be painful. Snug is good. Pain is not.

  • Expect reduced flexibility. Tech suits are made for racing, not for stretching around on poolside.

Common First-Time Mistakes

1. Buying the wrong size.
Tech suits don’t fit like regular swimwear. Always follow the brand’s size guide carefully - and when in doubt, ask for advice.

2. Wearing it too soon, too often.
Save your tech suit for important races. Wearing it in training can stretch it out faster as they are not fucused on chlorine resistance.

3. Rushing to put it on.
Plan ahead. Don’t leave yourself panicking before your race because you’re struggling to get into your suit! Tech suits are not indestructable and can be torn and split if care is not taken.

4. Not looking after it properly.
Rinse it gently after racing in cold or luke warm water. Never put through the washing machine, wring it out or leave it rolled up in your swim bag.

Tips for Choosing Your First Tech Suit

  • Confidence is key. Especially for younger swimmers, confidence matters. A slightly less compressive suit might be a better first step.
  • Set a budget. Tech suits can be pricey. Luckily, there are fantastic entry-level options that balance performance with affordability.

Our Favourite Tech Suits for First-Time Racers

 

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