Zone3 Swimwear Guide
Zone3 makes swimwear in four groups: performance training swimwear, World Aquatics approved race swimwear, buoyancy shorts for technique work, and thermal swimwear for cold water. This guide explains what each group does and how the styles inside it differ, so you can choose on coverage, warmth and how you plan to use it.
Women's performance swimwear runs UK 6 to 22 and men's jammers 28 to 38. Race swimwear is cut closer and sized separately.
BUOYANCY SHORTS
Buoyancy shorts are a natural alternative to a pull buoy. They lift the hips and upper legs into a flatter, more streamlined position while you keep full kick and rotation, so the technique you build in training transfers to race day. Zone3 invented the category in 2007.
All three pairs are unisex with a drawstring waist. They are training kit rather than race kit: neoprene is banned in declared non-wetsuit swims.
Active-Flex (3:2mm). The accessible starting point. Balanced lift from the 3mm and 2mm build, smoothskin front panels to reduce drag, nylon-lined side and back panels for durability, and core support through the waist and hips. Sizes S to XXL.
The Originals (5:3mm). The heritage staple, and the first buoyancy shorts ever made. 3mm Yamamoto Smoothskin through the centre lifts the hips, and 5mm Smoothskin side panels promote hip rotation through each stroke. Stitched and bonded the same way as a triathlon wetsuit. Sizes XS to XXL.
The Premium Option (5:3mm). The most buoyant, lowest-drag pair Zone3 makes. 5mm Aerodome side panels, an SCS nano-coating, and 3mm Yamamoto #39 front and back panels over a high-stretch inner lining. Worth knowing before you buy: the very high buoyancy can arch the back and feel uncomfortable, and that is more common for women. If you do not need that much lift, choose one of the others. Sizes XS to XXL.
Best for: technique sessions and body position work.
Swim caps
Silicone Swim Cap. 48g silicone with comfortable tension, easy on and off.
Long Hair Swim Cap. 75g silicone with extra room for longer hair, protecting it from chlorine and saltwater.
Best for: pool and open water training.
