When you’re heading into open water, your gear choices directly affect your swim performance, comfort, and even warmth. Knowing what to wear under your swim wetsuit is critical for enjoying the experience. From technical gear to thermal layers, we’ll explore the best options to suit every swimmer and scenario.
What Do You Wear Under a Swim Wetsuit?
The key to choosing what to wear under your swim wetsuit lies in balancing comfort, flexibility, and in the colder months, thermal protection.
Unlike surf wetsuits, swim wetsuits are thinner and tighter for improved hydrodynamics, making base layers an essential consideration.
We do not recommend going commando!
Below, we’ll discuss the best choices for open-water swimmers and triathletes whether for a training swim, on race day or just swimming for fun.
Swimming Costume
A swimming costume, also known as a swimsuit, is a tried-and-tested option. It’s simple, functional, and familiar, making it a go-to for many swimmers.
Why It Works:
The snug fit of a swimming costume prevents it from bunching or creating discomfort under the wetsuit.
It’s versatile for both training sessions and leisure swims, seamlessly transitioning to pool or beach activities after your open-water adventure.
Swimming costumes are lightweight and non-restrictive, allowing full freedom of movement.
We recommend choosing a swimsuit designed with durable materials, as these costumes resist chlorine and saltwater, ensuring longevity for frequent swimmers.
Swimming Jammers / Swim Shorts
For men, swimming jammers or snug swim shorts provide a sleek and supportive option under a wetsuit. These are particularly popular among triathletes and endurance swimmers for their comfort and performance benefits.
What Makes Them Ideal:
Jammers offer more coverage than standard trunks, helping to prevent skin irritation from the wetsuit.
Their compression fit reduces drag in the water, which can boost efficiency during training or racing.
They’re easy to wear under a wetsuit without adding bulk.
ZONE3's’s jammers are engineered to stay secure during vigorous activity, ensuring a distraction-free swim.
Tri-Suit / Tri-Wear
If you’re preparing for a triathlon, investing in a tri-suit is a no-brainer. These all-in-one garments allow for smooth transitions between swim, bike, and run, making them indispensable for competitive athletes.
Key Features:
Tri-suits are crafted from quick-drying materials, ensuring you won’t feel weighed down after exiting the water.
They include light padding for cycling comfort, which doesn’t interfere with your swim performance.
Their close-fit design eliminates the risk of chafing, even during long-distance events.
We highly recommend practicing you swim with your trisuit underneath your wetsuit in training, not just wearing it for the first time on race day.
Training in your trisuit will elimiate any possible problems and you'll understand what it feels like to swim in.
Trisuits are designed with ergonomic construction and cutting-edge fabrics, to fit comfortably under you wetsuit and allow for maximum aerodynamics and comfort.
Thermal Layers
For cold-water swimming, thermal layers can provide an extra layer to protect your body from the cold. Neoprene vests and neoprene swimming costumes are especially effective in retaining heat while maintaining flexibility.
Why Thermal Layers Matter:
Neoprene vests provide targeted insulation for your core, which is critical for staying warm in icy conditions.
Neoprene swimsuits cover more of your body, offering all-around warmth without compromising mobility.
These layers are thin enough to fit comfortably under most wetsuits, enhancing thermal protection without restricting movement.
Yulex Base Layers
For swimmers looking to make eco-friendly choices, Yulex is an excellent alternative to traditional neoprene. Yulex is a plant-based rubber that offers similar insulation and stretch, but with a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
Advantages of Yulex:
Sustainable production processes reduce environmental harm.
Yulex base layers provide excellent thermal protection, making them ideal for cold-water swims.
Their lightweight and flexible design ensures comfort during long sessions.
Pairing Yulex as a base layer with a swim wetsuit lets you stay warm while swimming responsibly.
Why You Shouldn’t Go Commando Under a Swim Wetsuit
Although it’s common for surfers to go commando under their wetsuits, this approach doesn’t translate well to open-water swimming. Swim wetsuits are designed to fit tightly against your skin, meaning that skipping a base layer can lead to discomfort.
Potential Issues:
Direct skin contact with the wetsuit increases the risk of chafing, particularly in areas with high friction, like the neck and underarms.
Without a base layer, you lose a valuable barrier that helps wick moisture and regulate body temperature.
When it is cold, it is important to take wet layers off quickly and get dried off. Wearing swimwear under your swim wetsuit means you can take your wetsuit off straight after your swim and put a cosy robe on!
Tips for a Better Swim Experience
Get the Fit Right: Ensure both your wetsuit and swimwear or base layers fit snugly but comfortably. Loose materials can cause drag, chafe and discomfort.
Use Anti-Chafing Products: Apply lubricants like Anti-chafe Balm to prevent irritation during long swims.
Adapt to Conditions: For colder water, layer up with neoprene or Yulex. For warmer conditions, stick with lightweight options like a swimming costume, tri-suit or jammers.
By understanding what to wear under your swim wetsuit, you can elevate your performance and stay comfortable in any water conditions.
Ready to upgrade your kit? Explore ZONE3’s collection today and prepare for your best open-water swim yet!
