If you’re a masters swimmer, you probably know the thrill of race day — the buzz on pool deck, the warm-up and race preparation. You also know that the right race suit can make a difference, improving your race performance, helping your buoyancy, and making you feel streamlined, supported, and confident.
Choosing one, however, can be a bit of a minefield. Here’s a few tips on how to find the right tech or race suit that suits your goals, body, and swimming style.
1. Be Clear About Why You’re Buying It
Masters swimmers race for many reasons — personal bests, podiums, qualifying times, team points, or simply the fun of competition. The frequency of your racing and the seriousness of your goals should guide your choice of race suit.
If you race a few times a year, one reliable, mid-range tech suit might be all you need. If you’re training and competing regularly at national or international masters meets, investing in a high-performance model could be worthwhile.
If you expect to be in medal contention and every tenth of a second counts, then the right tech suit might be what you need.
2. Fit Is Everything — But Comfort Matters Too
Tech suits are designed to be tight, sometimes very tight! However, there’s a fine balance between performance compression and comfort. As adults, we value a suit that feels supportive without cutting off circulation or requiring a 20 or 30-minute struggle to get on.
Look for a fit that:
- Offers firm compression but allows you to breathe normally.
- Feels snug around hips and thighs without digging in too much.
- For women, it gives full shoulder and hip mobility for your stroke.
If you’re between sizes, many masters swimmers prefer going up one size from what an elite junior might wear — the difference in performance is minimal, but the comfort and confidence are much higher. *It is worth getting guidance on sizing, because the sizing is different for a tech suit than your usual swimsuit.
3. Match the Suit to Your Stroke and Events
Not all suits are created equal. Some are built for explosive power; others for flexibility and comfort.
- Sprinters (50–100m events) often benefit from high-compression suits that provide muscle support and stability off the blocks and walls.
- Middle- and long-distance swimmers (200m+) might prefer a lighter, more flexible suit that allows more freedom of movement and sustained comfort.
- IM or breaststroke specialists should look for flexibility around hips and thighs to accommodate varied kick movement.
4. Don’t Be Fooled by the Hype
Arena, Speedo, TYR, Mizuno, Jaked — every brand has its loyal fans. But the best suit for you depends on your build and how you swim, not what the pros wear.
Masters swimmers come in all shapes and sizes, and different brands fit differently. Try before you buy if possible, and don’t be afraid to mix it up — many seasoned swimmers switch brands once they find a cut that fits their body comfortably and performs well.
Here is a website that offers advice on the best brands and models for your needs: https://www.theswimsuitguy.co.uk/which-tech-suit-should-i-buy
5. Consider Longevity and Value
Let’s face it — tech suits are expensive. In the UK, top-tier models can easily cost £300–£450, and they don’t last forever. Their compression and water-repellent coatings fade with use.
As a rule of thumb:
- Expect about 5–10 meets of peak performance.
- Rinse gently in cold water after racing.
- Air dry (never wring or tumble dry).
- Store flat, not folded or scrunched.
If you’re not racing every month, a mid-range suit may actually be a smarter investment — less expensive, longer-lasting, and still fast.
6. Prioritise Ease and Confidence
Masters swimming is as much about enjoyment as performance. Choose a suit that makes you feel fast, supported, and confident. If you’re comfortable in your suit, you’ll warm up and race better.
Remember: your suit should help you focus on your swim, not distract you from it.
7. Plan Ahead for Race Day
Don’t save your first wear for the championship final. Test your suit in training once or twice before your main event — just enough to know how it feels off the blocks and through turns. That way, you can avoid surprises on race day.
And give yourself plenty of time before your race to get it on. Tech suits take patience, especially if they’re dry!
In Summary
Buying a tech suit as a masters swimmer is about balancing performance with practicality. You want compression and hydrodynamics, but also comfort, durability, and confidence.
A great race suit won’t do the swimming for you, but it will help you feel sleek, supported, and ready to swim fast. Choose wisely, take care of it, and enjoy the feeling of being a pro!