When it comes to distance freestyle, every advantage counts. Unlike sprinters, who rely on explosive power and quick bursts of speed, distance swimmers need a suit that prioritizes endurance, efficiency, and sustained comfort. The right tech suit can reduce drag, enhance body positioning, and provide just the right level of compression to maintain muscle efficiency over long races. But with so many options on the market in 2025, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming.

• General Info: The GX-Sonic V ST (Sprinter Type) has a stiff fabric designed for maximum muscle support and buoyancy, which can also be beneficial for distance swimmers who need to maintain good body positioning.
• Stroke & Distance Specificity: While primarily marketed for mid-distance and sprint events, some long-distance swimmers appreciate its compression and water resistance for maintaining efficiency.
• Fit & Sizing: Runs very small and has one of the tightest fits on the market, requiring significant effort to put on. Swimmers often need to size up.
• Price & Value: A high-end suit that offers excellent durability and performance, making it worth considering for those who prefer maximum compression.
• Performance: Provides outstanding compression and drag reduction, though some distance swimmers might find it too restrictive for longer races​

• General Info: The Valor 2.0 focuses on comfort and flexibility while still offering moderate compression, making it a favorite among distance swimmers.
• Stroke & Distance Specificity: Ideal for distance events (800m-1500m freestyle) due to its balance of compression and comfort.
• Fit & Sizing: Easier to put on than most high-compression suits, making it a good choice for younger or less experienced swimmers. It fits true to size but may require slight downsizing for a snug race fit.
• Price & Value: A more affordable option compared to some high-end tech suits, offering great value for distance swimmers who prioritize endurance over extreme compression.
• Performance: Provides a good balance of comfort and speed, though some sprinters may prefer a tighter, more compressive suit​

• General Info: This suit emphasizes glide efficiency and muscle support, using ultra-light Hydroglide fabric to reduce drag.
• Stroke & Distance Specificity: Best for distance freestyle swimmers who prefer a high-compression suit that enhances streamlining and reduces fatigue over long races.
• Fit & Sizing: Fits tight and requires patience to put on, but provides a secure feel in the water. Sizing up may be necessary for those in between sizes.
• Price & Value: A premium suit with one of the best drag reduction technologies available, making it worth the investment for elite swimmers.
• Performance: Provides excellent compression and body positioning, though some swimmers may find the compression intense for extended wear​

• General Info: The Venzo is built with the Endo Max Compression Cage, offering structured support while maintaining flexibility. It features innovative seam placements to enhance mobility.
• Stroke & Distance Specificity: Ideal for mid-to-long-distance races (400m-1500m) due to its mix of compression and flexibility.
• Fit & Sizing: Comes in both standard and high-waist versions. Some swimmers found the high-waist model to be more comfortable, while others noted the standard cut was too low. Straps can be difficult to put on alone.
• Price & Value: On the pricier side but offers a solid mix of compression and comfort, making it a worthy investment for competitive distance swimmers.
• Performance: Swimmers appreciated the mobility and flexibility, though some found the leg length slightly awkward for flip turns​

• General Info: The HydroX features MemoryFlex fabric, designed to mimic muscle movement and provide consistent compression without stretching out. It has a unique 3D weave structure, enhancing mobility and durability.
• Stroke & Distance Specificity: Best suited for middle to long-distance freestyle events (400m+), as it offers moderate compression without restricting movement.
• Fit & Sizing: This suit runs large, so swimmers should consider downsizing significantly. Some testers found that they needed to size down by two sizes for the best fit.
• Price & Value: This is a well-rounded suit with good hydrophobic properties, but the thin material may feel fragile. It’s a solid choice for those who want a balance between compression and comfort.
• Performance: Reviewers noted good overall comfort and hydrodynamics, though it lacks strong buoyancy. It’s a great pick for those who prefer a softer compression level​

Understanding Tech Suits

Tech suits are engineered marvels designed to reduce drag, support muscle compression, and enhance swimmer’s speed through water. Unlike regular swimwear, these suits incorporate advanced fabrics and technologies to offer a competitive edge. The high compression, water-repellent fabrics, and streamlined designs differentiate tech suits from their training counterparts, making them a critical investment for competitive swimmers.

Factors Influencing Tech Suit Sizing

Material and Compression Level: The high compression fabric of tech suits is intended to provide a tight fit, reducing muscle oscillation and drag. However, the level of compression and the material’s stretch can vary significantly between brands and models.

Manufacturer Sizing Differences: Each brand has its unique sizing chart, often resulting in a swimmer wearing different sizes in different brands. Understanding these variances is key to selecting the right tech suit.

Individual Body Shape and Preferences: Swimmers’ body types vary widely, and personal preference regarding suit tightness plays a substantial role in size selection. Some may prefer a tighter fit for maximum compression, while others might prioritize comfort and range of motion.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Tech Suit Size

1. Measuring Your Body: Start by taking precise measurements of your waist, hips, chest, and torso. Use a flexible measuring tape, and ensure it’s snug but not tight. Record these measurements in inches or centimeters.
2. Interpreting Size Charts: With your measurements in hand, consult the sizing chart of the tech suit you’re interested in. Brands typically provide detailed guides on how to match your measurements to their sizes.
3. Considering Compression: Decide on the level of compression you are comfortable with. Remember, tech suits should be tight but should not restrict breathing or movement.

Trying on Tech Suits: What to Look For

A good fit should feel like a second skin, offering compression without discomfort. The suit should not have any wrinkles or gaps, and it should be challenging but not impossible to put on. Perform a few swim movements to ensure the suit does not restrict your range of motion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Manufacturer Recommendations: Always consider the manufacturer’s sizing advice, as they know their product best.
• Choosing a Suit Based Solely on Regular Swimwear Size: Tech suit sizing often differs significantly from training swimwear.
• Overlooking Comfort: While performance enhancement is crucial, a tech suit should not be so tight that it causes discomfort or hinders movement.

Additional Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with experienced swimmers, coaches, or fitting experts, especially if you’re between sizes.
• Authenticity and Purchase Locations: Purchase from reputable retailers to ensure you get an authentic, high-quality tech suit.
• Care and Maintenance: Follow the care instructions carefully to maintain the suit’s integrity and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tech suit size is a blend of art and science, requiring attention to detail, understanding of the material, and consideration of personal comfort and performance needs. Taking the time to find your perfect fit can make a significant difference in your swimming competitions, offering that much-needed edge over your competitors. Remember, the best tech suit is the one that feels tailored to your body, allowing you to focus on your performance rather than your attire.

Find your perfect tech suit for your breaststroke events!
Related: Ultimate guide to tech suits in 2024

This is a budget-friendly tech suit that still delivers good performance and quality. It has a woven fabric that provides compression and durability, as well as a hydro-reflective coating that repels water and reduces drag. It also has a comfortable fit and a simple design that makes it easy to put on and take off. This suit is good for breaststroke because it provides a good balance of compression and comfort, which are essential for long and challenging races. The FINIS Fuse feels like a solid and sturdy suit that holds your body and protects it from water. It also improves your technique by reflecting water and enhancing your glide. The FINIS Fuse is the cheapest tech suit on the market, costing around $100-$150, but it is a decent and durable option if you are looking for a suit that can provide compression and comfort in all breaststroke events.

This is a mid-range tech suit that offers a lot of value for money. It has a unique three-dimensional fabric that creates micro air bubbles on the surface, which reduce drag and increase buoyancy. It also has a bi-elastic tape that provides compression and flexibility, as well as a shark skin design that improves water flow. This suit is good for breaststroke because it enhances your hydrodynamics and buoyancy, which are important for keeping a high stroke rate and glide. The Jaked Jkeel feels like a light and airy suit that floats on the water and reduces friction. It also improves your technique by creating a smooth and streamlined profile. The Jaked Jkeel is a budget-friendly tech suit, costing around $150-$250, but it is a surprising and effective option if you are looking for a suit that can improve your hydrodynamics and buoyancy in all breaststroke events.

This is a versatile and comfortable tech suit that works well for all events and distances. It has a lightweight and flexible fabric that conforms to your body shape and allows for a full range of motion. It also has a moderate compression level that balances muscle support and comfort. It also has bonded seams that reduce drag and increase durability. This suit is good for breaststroke because it does not restrict your movement or breathing, and it helps you to maintain a smooth and efficient stroke. The Speedo LZR Pure Valor feels like a comfortable and adaptable suit that fits your body and adapts to your stroke. It also improves your technique by minimizing drag and maximizing glide. The Speedo LZR Pure Valor is a mid-range tech suit, costing around $250-$350, but it is a reliable and versatile option if you are looking for a suit that can perform well in all breaststroke events, especially the 200 breaststroke.

This is a new addition to the Arena Carbon series, and it is designed for sprinters and power-oriented swimmers. It has a carbon cage fabric that provides strong compression and muscle support, as well as a twin-tape structure that enhances your body position and stability. It also has an internal taping system that improves your propulsion and kick. This suit is good for breaststroke because it helps you to generate more force and speed with each stroke and kick. The Arena Carbon Core FX feels like a powerful and rigid suit that supports your muscles and prevents fatigue. It also improves your technique by stabilizing your core and increasing your kick efficiency. The Arena Carbon Core FX is also a high-end tech suit, costing around $350-$450, but it is a great option if you are looking for a suit that can optimize your power and speed in the 50 and 100 breaststroke.

This is one of the most innovative and advanced tech suits on the market. It features a seamless exo-shell that reduces drag and increases water repellency, as well as a dual layering system that provides compression and stability. It also has an endo-compression cage that supports your core and enhances your streamline. This suit is good for breaststroke because it allows for optimal power, snapback, and hip mobility, which are vital for fast breaststroke swimming. The TYR Venzo feels like a second skin that hugs your body and gives you a sense of confidence and control. It also improves your technique by aligning your body and reducing resistance. The TYR Venzo is one of the most expensive tech suits on the market, costing around $400-$500, but it is worth the investment if you are looking for a cutting-edge suit that can boost your performance in all breaststroke events.