Tech Suit Buying Guide: For Selecting the Right One

In competitive swimming, the important swim gear you can choose is your tech suit. For instance, when swimmers are new to the sport and are about to participate in their first championship meet, discovering the ideal tech suit can bring the desired result to the performance of the swimmer. However, with so many types of suits, styles, brands, and features, buying a tech suit is not only about what color or logo you like the most, but it is about knowing your body, your events, and the special qualities of each suit. 

This guide was created to give you step-by-step instructions on how to choose the right tech suit. No guesswork, no wasted money, no race-day regrets. 

What Is a Tech Suit? 

Let’s start at the beginning. A tech suit is a high-performance swimsuit that is created specifically to reduce drag, enhance compression, and improve hydrodynamics in the water. It is not just for practice swims, but tech suits are also different from standard competition suits in the materials used and the way they are made.  

Tech suits are made of light-woven fabrics that are water-repellent, and compression zones are placed on purpose. Swimmers wear them very tightly, they support muscles, and they reduce the drag thus, they encourage swimmers to use less energy and to go faster. 

Why Do Swimmers Wear Tech Suits? 

Swimmers are wearing tech suits for the same reason that runners use spikes or cyclists wear aerodynamic helmets—competitive advantage. Although faster times by themselves are not a guarantee, tech suits are not just a fashion statement: they are, in effect, a bonus for every hour that goes into training when it matters most. Below are the advantages of a properly fitted tech suit: 

• Drag is reduced by smooth, bonded seams and hydrophobic materials
• Body position is enhanced in the water
• Muscle groups are supported, and fatigue is minimized
• Blood flow is improved with targeted compression
• Confidence is boosted on the day of the race

However, the tech suits are not the same, so the swimmers are not all going to need the same level of compression or features. That's where personalization comes in. 

Understand Your Competition Level 

The first step in buying the right tech suit is to know your level of competition. 

• Beginner/Youth Swimmers: Swimmers who are participating in their first big meet or racing at a local level are more likely to benefit from comfort and durability than elite-level compression. Look for suits that have moderate compression and are easy to put on and take off.
• Intermediate/High School Athletes: These swimmers gain more from advanced suits with a higher level of hydrophobic coating and a better compression, especially if they compete at the state or regional level.
• Advanced/National-Level Swimmers: For the best athletes, everything is essential. These swimmers choose top-tier suits that have maximum compression, the least drag, and the specific support they need for the stroke they typically use.

Know Compression Levels 

Another dimension of a tech suit you should be aware of is the compression. It is one of the things that make it stand out. It reduces muscle vibrations, slows the onset of fatigue, and helps you to stay in the water properly. However, not all swimmers need to have the same amount. 

• Low-to-Medium Compression: Suits of this kind are ideal for long races for instance (distance freestyle, IM) or for first-time tech suit buyers who prefer comfort and the ability to move freely.
• High Compression: These are mostly for the sprints (50s and 100s) when every second is crucial. They are tight, less forgiving, and consequently the most efficient.

The compressions may also differ according to body types. Swimmers who are more muscular might feel the high-compression suit restrict them more than if they wear styles that are more flexible in the areas that are stretched. 

Get the Right Fit 

It is an essential detail to have the proper fit for a tech suit. A good fit will not only be tight but will also not cause any pain. You should strive to get the suit on (it is normal for it to take 10-20 minutes) but you should also be able to move your body, breathe and swim without any restrictions. 

Here are the signs of a good fit: 

• No air pockets or wrinkles
• Tight fit around the legs, hips, and core
• Seams that are smooth and don't dig into the skin
• Fastened without the need of adjustments during the races

Do not buy a tech suit according to the size of your practice suit. Rely on the brand size chart and measure yourself carefully or use the fitted person option available at a swim shop like Elsmore Swim Shop that specializes in competitive swimwear, and which offers the guidance of an expert. 

Pick the Right Brand and Model 

Though brands like Arena, TYR, and Speedo have excellent suits, they differ in fits and fabric technologies. Some give more stretch, while others focus on durability or higher compression. It is a great idea to shop at a retailer like Elsmore Swim Shop—their stock covers all brands as well as knowledgeable staff who can solve the problem of choosing the right one. 

Some of the features to be on the lookout for: 

• Bonded seams to reduce drag
• Silicone grippers at the legs for a secure fit
• Hydrophobic coatings to repel water
• Multi-panel construction for anatomical compression

Some suits are designed for long distances while others are built for sprinters. An expert with hands-on experience, especially one who knows the actual performance of various suits in races, can be of great help in making the right decision. Read more about the differences in brand here. 

Think About Longevity and Care 

Tech suits are not made to last a lifetime. To be specific, a high-end suit will perform well at approximately 6 to 12 races depending on the frequency of use and how well they are cared for. 

In order to get the most benefit from your suit you should: 

• Only wear it for racing purposes, never for practice or warm-up
• Rinse it with cold water right after use
• Let it lay flat to dry, never wring it out or machine dry
• Store it in a cool, dry place and keep it away from sunlight

Competitive swimmers sometimes buy a main suit that is used for the most important races and a back-up suit that is used for prelims or mid-season meets to elongate the lifespan of their top-seed suits. 

The Benefits of Ordering from A Specialized Swim Store Like Elsmore 

When switching brands or to completely new to tech suits, it is best to fit it on first before making the purchase. This is where a reliable swim shop like Elsmore can be a great asset. Their staff is versed with all the available tech suits and will be able to determine which one aligns with your goals. 

The key Advantages of Elsmore Swim Shop Are: 

• Professional staff with competitive swimwear knowledge 
• Range of suits in stock for all levels
• Team ordering options for high schools and clubs

They also run an online store that provides detailed sizing charts and tech suit comparisons, which is a great avenue should you not access their physical store. 

Choose Your Suit Like You Choose Your Race Strategy 

Acquiring a tech suit entails more than just the price or popularity you have to consider the things that are going to help you swim better. Reflect on your objectives, stroke, body type, and experience. The correct tech suit should only feel like a second skin—tight, sleek, and ready for speed. 

Whether you are preparing for your first swim meet or attending the Nationals, the money you spend on a quality tech suit will be paid back with more self-confidence and a smoother ride through the water.