In swimming, fitness matters, but efficiency is what sets strong swimmers apart. For both triathletes and open-water swimmers, body position, drag, and saving energy are critical.
And there's one tool that could really help you to improve your technique and get more out of your pool sessions - buoyancy shorts.
Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and why swimmers are adding them to their training kit.
What Are Buoyancy Shorts and How Do They Work?
Buoyancy shorts are swim training aids made of neoprene - the same material used in wetsuits. They're designed to lift the hips and upper legs in the water, to maintain a streamlined body position and reduce drag.
The idea is simple: improve body alignment and simulate the experience of wearing a wetsuit - without needing the full suit.
They're ideal for those who's legs tend to sink (especially when tired) and for those who want to work of specific parts of their swim technique.
Key Features of Buoyancy Shorts:
Made of high-quality neoprene for lift and flexibility
Promote optimal horizontal swim position
Replicate wetsuit body positioning in pool training
Increase core engagement and improve form
By giving your lower body just the right amount of lift, buoyancy shorts allow you to focus on stroke technique, breathing rhythm, and efficiency instead of just staying afloat.
Are Buoyancy Shorts Good for Swim Training?
Buoyancy shorts are one of the most effective tools for focused swim training, especially if you're looking to improve technique, build endurance, or simulate race-day conditions without wearing a full wetsuit.
Better Body Position
Most swimmers, especially triathletes and those who didn't start swimming until later in life, struggle with a low hip position in the water. Buoyancy shorts correct this by lifting the hips and legs, promoting a flatter, more streamlined posture. This not only reduces drag but also helps develop a more natural and efficient swim stroke.
By reducing the need to constantly kick or fight sinking legs, you can focus more on your upper body technique like your arm entry, catch, and pull. It creates a “wetsuit feel” in the pool, which helps you develop consistent muscle memory ahead of open-water races.
Unlike pull buoys, which lock your legs in place, buoyancy shorts let you move freely in the water. You can still kick, rotate through your hips, and stay connected through your whole body - just with a bit of extra lift. It feels more like how you actually swim in a race, which makes your training more realistic and effective.
Saving energy
So because buoyancy shorts help you hold a better position in the water, you're not wasting energy fighting to stay level. You’ll swim longer, move smoother, and finish sets feeling stronger.
Best buoyancy shorts for triathlon training
Zone3’s buoyancy shorts are designed to be unisex, offering a performance-focused fit that works for all body types. Made from high-quality neoprene with carefully placed buoyancy panels, they support a natural swim position.
If you're not sure which pair to go for, check out our Buoyancy Shorts guide.
How Are Buoyancy Shorts Different from Pull Buoys?
Buoyancy shorts and pull buoys both help your legs float higher in the water, but they do it in very different ways. A pull buoy sits between your upper legs and keeps them still, which can be useful for focusing on your arm stroke but it also means you’re not using your legs or core at all.
Buoyancy shorts give you that same lift, but without locking anything in place. You can still kick, move naturally, and swim just like you would in a race. It feels more like a normal swim, just with a bit of extra support to help you stay in the right position and build better technique over time.
Are Buoyancy Shorts Race Legal in Triathlons?
In most cases, no, buoyancy shorts aren’t legal to race in during official triathlon events. That’s because they’re made from neoprene (like wetsuits).
During the majority of triathlon events when the swim is open water based (not pool based), the rules state that you have to wear a wetsuit.
If the race is declared a non-wetsuit swim most governing bodies (including IRONMAN and British Triathlon) ban all neoprene in the swim.
For more info on what to wear for a triathlon swim, check out our blog 'Skins vs. Wetsuits vs. Swimskins'.
Can You Use Buoyancy Shorts in Open Water?
If the water’s warm and you don’t need (or want) to wear a full wetsuit, buoyancy shorts give you a great middle ground. They provide enough lift to help your hips and legs stay higher in the water without the full coverage of a wetsuit.
They’re also a solid choice for more casual outdoor sessions like lake swims, sea dips, or technique-focused drills in open water, when you want some extra support but still want to feel free in the water. You'll reduce drag, build good habits and conserve a bit of energy too.
For new open-water swimmers, buoyancy shorts can also offer a mental boost. That little bit of added float helps you feel safer, more confident, and less fatigued -especially during longer sessions or when you’re just getting used to swimming without the lane lines.
Just keep in mind: buoyancy shorts won’t offer the same warmth as a full wetsuit. So if you're planning to swim in colder water, you may want to add a top layer or opt for a full suit instead.
