Triathlon Swimskins
Swimskins from Zoot: a swimskin is a close-fitting, water-repellent suit that you wear over your tri suit when wetsuits are not allowed because of the water temperature. It reduces drag, supports your muscles with compression and comes off quickly in transition. Every model is available for women and men. Below you will find our swimskins compared, when you need a swimskin and answers to common questions.
When do you need a swimskin?
If the water is too warm, wetsuits are not allowed in the race. At IRONMAN races the limit is a water temperature of 24.5 °C. At the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii the water is usually 25 to 27 °C in October, so the swim is traditionally non-wetsuit and the front of the field races in swimskins. Other federations and organisers set their own limits, so check the race information before every race. A good guide is the water temperature at your race in previous years: if it was above the limit at that time of year, pack a swimskin. In the race you then either swim in your tri suit or wear the swimskin over it. Our swimskins are approved for IRONMAN events.
Swimskin or wetsuit?
- Wetsuit: gives you buoyancy and keeps you warm. It is the faster choice whenever it is allowed. You will find every model among our triathlon wetsuits.
- Swimskin: no buoyancy and no neoprene. It is made for the races in which wetsuits are not allowed. Its water-repellent fabric takes on very little water and lets you glide better than a tri suit on its own.
Our swimskins compared
| Model | Fabric | Key features | In the shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| WikiSpeed Swimskin | MemoryFlex with HydroShield finish | The water-repellent finish bonds to every individual filament and lasts up to four times longer than standard PFC-free coatings. | Show WikiSpeed |
| Ultra HydroX Swimskin | HydroX, developed with swimming specialist FINIS | Lightweight, water-repellent fabric with compression from MemoryFlex threads that stretch and recover with every movement. | Show Ultra HydroX |
| Wikiwiki Speedzoot | Italian stretch-woven fabric with water-repellent treatment | 35% elastane for easy breathing, compression for a better body position, zip with lanyard. | Show Wikiwiki |
All three models have ultrasonically bonded seams for a smooth surface and an auto-locking zip that opens quickly after the swim.
Why are swimskins sleeveless?
We design our swimskins without sleeves on purpose. In our testing, full shoulder mobility in the swim was worth more than fabric over the shoulders. If you wear a sleeved tri suit underneath, keep the sleeves outside. It will not slow you down and saves time in the first transition.
Size and care
- Choose the same size as your Zoot triathlon kit. Men's models come in S to 2XL, women's models in XS to 2XL.
- The swimskin feels very tight when you put it on and relaxes a little once it is zipped up and wet.
- Rinse it with cool, non-chlorinated water after every use. Do not machine wash it or use detergent or fabric softener.
- Lay it flat to dry, not in a tumble dryer, and store it somewhere cool and dry.
FAQ
What is a swimskin?
A close-fitting swim suit made from water-repellent fabric that you wear over your tri suit in a triathlon when wetsuits are not allowed.
Do you wear a swimskin over a tri suit?
Yes. You pull it over your tri suit and take it off again in transition after the swim. Underneath you keep everything you need for the bike and run.
Are swimskins allowed at IRONMAN?
Yes, our swimskins are approved for IRONMAN events. For other organisers, check the race rules.
Are the swimskins available for women and men?
Yes. Every model comes as a women's swimskin and a men's swimskin. Use the gender filter to see only the models in your cut.
