Best buoyancy shorts for triathletes in 2025

If you’re looking to work on your swimming technique and find pull buoys difficult to use, buoyancy shorts are a straightforward alternative.

As the name suggests, this handy piece of training swimwear makes you more buoyant in the water, so you can spend more time focusing on your technique and less time worrying about the dreaded sinky legs.

Buoyancy shorts are also handy for those with heavier legs as you have the extra support to help maintain a streamlined form.

Another plus is there effortless nature – they’re a great alternative to pull buoys. Just pop them on under your wetsuit, or wear on their own during the warmer months (or in the pool).

There’s a range of thicknesses available, depending on the level of buoyancy and support required, and you’ll find a mix styles in our round-up.

So check out our list of the best buoyancy shorts, and achieve a more natural, streamlined position in the water. Picks are based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.

• How much buoyancy does your triathlon wetsuit need?
• How a more buoyant wetsuit can help you swim faster

Best buoyancy shorts in 2025

1. Blueseventy Lift Buoyancy Short

• $130/£110

Buoyancy shorts help you establish a more efficient swim technique by lifting your hips so you can focus on the pull phase. Just don’t become too dependent on them, or it’ll be a shock when you start swimming without the added lift.

I’m an experienced swimmer, yet I quickly noticed technique benefits with the Lift shorts. The blend of 3/5mm Yamamoto Aerodome panels positioned me evenly in the water, allowing me to concentrate on what my legs and arms were doing.

The waistband is comfortable, as is the internal construction. There are cheaper (and more expensive) shorts on the market, but there’s little to fault here. RS

---

2. Orca Neoprene Buoyancy Short

• $89/£69.99

Buoyancy shorts are handy for mimicking some of the lift you get from your wetsuit. This option from Orca is cheaper than a lot of its competition, but some of those do have thicker neoprene.

Here, you’ll get 4mm neoprene, whereas some others have 5mm sections. The 4mm Aerodome panels offered enough lift for me, but if you’re used to high levels of buoyancy a thicker option may be better for you.

Vitally, the side flex panels ensured my range of movement remained unhindered, too.

The drawstring at the waist keeps the shorts largely in place, but it’s not entirely infallible, and I did notice them inching downward by the end of long sets.

3. Aqua Sphere Aquaskin Training Short

• $109.99 / £84.99

For some added warmth in cold water or standalone use in the summer, try these Aqua Sphere buoyancy shorts. As well as making chilly water more bearable, the shorts aim to help with hip rotation, allowing you to rotate from your hips without the faff of concentrating on a pull buoy.

They’re on the thicker side, with the front panel measuring 5mm, which is fairly high in terms of buoyancy level.

The adjustable waistband is designed to help achieve a comfortable and snug fit, and as an added bonus, there’s a special panel around the crotch area to help prevent chafing.

4. Zone3 The Originals 5:3mm Buoyancy Shorts

• $99 / £75

The original Zone3 buoyancy shorts are designed with 3mm front panels and 5mm side panels. Offering a high level of buoyancy, and designed to enhance core support, these buoyancy shorts are pitched as an ideal starting point for those in need of an extra lift in the water.

Zone3 says your body position and swim technique should also benefit. The women-specific design is available in XS and S.

5. Zone3 The Next Step 3:2mm Buoyancy Shorts

• $95 / £69

A step up from the previous design, these Zone3 buoyancy shorts are designed for both novice and intermediate level swimmers. Made of the same neoprene material as the brand’s triathlon wetsuits, there’s a 2mm panel down the centre, and you’ve got 3mm down either side.

They’re less buoyant than the brand’s original 5:3mm shorts shown above, so if you’re looking to progress, and don’t need as much core support, you could give these a try.

Vitally, they’re suitable for use in both open water and pool, so you’re sure to get plenty of use out of them whatever the season.

• Discover how to repair a torn wetsuit

6. Huub Alta Buoyancy Shorts

• $122 / £99.99

At the more expensive end of the scale, these Huub Alta buoyancy shorts are made with Huub’s X-0 Skeleton™, which aims to help with your body and kicking alignment in the water, while also improving your core stability.

If you’re a fan of Huub’s wetsuits, you’ll be pleased to hear its buoyancy shorts are designed in a similar fashion. There are plenty of sizes to choose from too, from S to XXL.

What to look out for in a pair of buoyancy shorts

Buoyancy profile

Buoyancy shorts are typically made from neoprene, with varying thickness levels to provide different degrees of lift. Look for a pair that offers the right balance between buoyancy and flexibility – one of the most common combinations is 5mm in the hips, 3mm in the thighs – ensuring you stay afloat without restricting movement.

Fit and comfort

A snug but comfortable fit is essential to prevent chafing and ensure proper buoyancy distribution. Adjustable waistbands or drawstrings can help customize the fit, preventing water from seeping in and affecting performance.

Panelling

Buoyancy shorts often feature different thickness panels to promote a natural swimming position. Strategic paneling helps elevate the hips and core, improving body alignment in the water.

Durability and stitching

Look for double-stitched or bonded seams to ensure long-lasting performance, especially if you plan to use the shorts frequently. High-quality neoprene should resist wear and tear, but there are things you can do to increase longevity. One of the main culprits is pulling the shorts on with long nails, which can scratch tears into the fabric.

Range of motion

Flexibility is crucial, especially for swimmers looking to maintain a natural kick. Opt for a pair with stretchy side panels or thinner material in key areas to allow full leg movement without restriction.

Intended use

Different models of buoyancy shorts cater to beginners, triathletes, or open-water swimmers. Some offer maximum buoyancy for training, while others provide a more subtle lift for refining technique. It’s key to understand how much lift you require to achieve perfect alignment in the water. Namely – are you a sinky-legged swimmer?

For more neoprene gear, check out the best thermal wetsuits.