Equipment Guidance
Suit Basics
A racing suit is a swimsuit designed specifically for competition. Racing suits are sometimes referred to as competition suits, tech suits, full-body suits, or neck-to-knee suits. However, not every competition suit is considered a technical suit under USA Swimming rules.
Racing suits may provide performance benefits through compression, fit, reduced surface drag, and improved body position in the water. The level of benefit varies based on the swimmer, the suit, and how well the suit fits.
Suit Usage
BRC athletes should wear the designated team suit or another standard training suit at regular, in-season meets.
Higher-level technical suits should generally be reserved for championship meets identified by the coaching staff. During most in-season meets, swimmers are still training heavily and are not fully rested. These meets should be used to practice racing skills, evaluate progress, and build confidence without relying on the performance features of an expensive technical suit.
BRC's goal is to teach athletes to swim fast through:
A technical suit should complement those skills — not replace them.
Age & Development
USA Swimming does not permit 12-and-under athletes to wear technical suits at sanctioned, approved, or observed meets, except in limited national-level competitions.
Even when a suit is permitted, BRC generally does not recommend purchasing an expensive technical suit for younger or smaller swimmers. The potential benefit may be limited compared with the cost of the suit.
Once a swimmer is 13 or older, weighs approximately 100 pounds or more, and is competing at an appropriate championship level, the family may consider purchasing a higher-level technical suit. Families should speak with their swimmer's coach before making this investment.
Choosing a Suit
Fit is the most important consideration. Different suit brands and cuts fit different body types. A suit should provide firm compression without restricting breathing, circulation, or range of motion. Whenever possible, swimmers should try on several models and keep only the suit that fits properly.
Technical suits compress the body and muscles, which may improve body position and reduce drag. Excessive compression, however, can restrict movement, circulation, and comfort.
Racing-suit materials are designed to move efficiently through the water. Different fabrics and suit constructions may produce different levels of surface drag.
A properly fitted suit may help a swimmer maintain a higher and more streamlined position in the water. This can reduce drag, although the benefit varies from swimmer to swimmer.
Technical suits are delicate and may stretch, tear, or lose effectiveness over time. They should be handled carefully and worn only when appropriate. Swimmers should:
Some technical suits can take considerable time to put on and remove. Swimmers should account for this when planning warm-up, recovery, and race preparation.
Technical suits vary significantly in price. A more expensive suit is not automatically the best suit for every swimmer. Fit, comfort, event type, durability, and the swimmer's developmental level are more important than price alone.
Everyday Practice
Training suits are intended for daily practices and should be comfortable, durable, and appropriate for competitive swimming.
Athletes are encouraged to select training suits that reflect BRC team colors whenever possible. Female athletes may wear appropriate fitting one or two piece training suits. Male athletes may wear briefs, jammers, or other appropriately fitted competitive training suits.
Training suits should provide secure coverage and allow the swimmer to move freely throughout practice.
Before You Buy
Families should consult their swimmer's coach before purchasing a technical suit. The coaching staff can help determine:
BRC coaches may determine which meets are appropriate for technical suits. Athletes should not assume that a technical suit is needed simply because other swimmers are wearing one.