A tech suit is a compressive, water-repellent race suit worn only for competition. Suits used in sanctioned meets must be on the World Aquatics approved list and carry its approval mark; men's suits may not extend above the navel or below the knee, and women's suits may not cover the neck, extend past the shoulders or go below the knee. USA Swimming bars tech suits for swimmers 12 and under at most age-group meets. Expect a tight fit and a life of a few dozen races.
Tech suits compress the body and repel water to reduce drag. They are built for racing, not training.
Coverage rules
| Allowed coverage | |
|---|---|
| Men | Not above the navel or below the knee (jammer shape) |
| Women | Not covering the neck, not past the shoulders, not below the knee |
Suits must be textile and appear on the World Aquatics list of approved swimwear, with its approval mark on the suit. National federations follow these rules, and age-group rules can be stricter.
Age-group rules
USA Swimming does not allow tech suits for swimmers 12 and under in most age-group competition. Check your federation’s current rule before buying for a young swimmer.
Types
- Knee-length kneeskin (women) and jammer (men): the standard tech suit shapes.
- Open-back and closed-back (women): closed backs add compression; open backs are easier to put on.
- Stiffer and softer fabrics: stiffer suits compress more; softer suits suit swimmers who want flexibility, such as breaststrokers.
Fit
Use the brand size chart, measured by height, weight and torso, not your training suit size. Putting a tech suit on takes time: pull up a little at a time with the fingertips, never the nails, and avoid pulling at seams.
Care
Rinse in cool fresh water, do not wring and dry flat. Each wear reduces compression, so save it for the meets that count. For training, use a chlorine-resistant suit. For open-water races, see wetsuit rules.
Browse tech suits.
Common questions
Can my 12-year-old wear a tech suit?
Not at most USA Swimming age-group competitions. Swimmers 12 and under are limited to non-tech suits except at certain senior-level meets.
How tight should a tech suit be?
Very tight. It should take several minutes to put on, and it should feel snug through the legs and torso without cutting off circulation or restricting the shoulders.
How long does a tech suit last?
Compression fades with each wear. Many swimmers save their suit for championship meets to keep it fast.
How do I know a suit is approved?
Look for the World Aquatics approval mark on the suit and check the federation's published list of approved swimwear.