Best buoyancy shorts for triathletes to swim faster in 2026

If you’re looking to work on your swimming technique and find pull buoys difficult to use, buoyancy shorts for triathletes 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. Made from the same material as triathlon wetsuits, buoyancy shorts son’t just lift, bust also insulate the legs while swimming.

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.

Meet our tester

Rob Slade was the content editor of 220 before becoming deputy editor at Live for the Outdoors website. He uses his analytical mind, attention to detail and decade of testing experience to work out which products you should buy.

Best buoyancy shorts in 2026

1. Blueseventy Lift Buoyancy Short

Price	$130/£110
Buoyancy	5mm on legs and 3mm on sides
Sizes	XS-XXL

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.

Review by Rob Slade

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2. Orca Neoprene Buoyancy Short

Price	$89/£69
Buoyancy	4mm
Sizes	XS-XXL

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.

Review by Rob Slade

3. Aqua Sphere Aquaskin Training Short

Price	$109.99 / £84.99
Buoyancy	5mm / 4mm / 2mm
Sizes	S-XL

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

Price	$99 / £75
Buoyancy	3mm front and back / 5mm sides
Sizes	XS-XXL

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. Huub Pinnacle Buoyancy Shorts

Price	£129.99 (US pricing N/A)
Buoyancy	5mm front and 3mm rear
Sizes	S-XL

Huub describes the Pinnacle as a kick and body alignment tool with as much buoyancy as a wetsuit.

Neoprene thickness is 5mm at the front to maximise lift in the right places, according to the brand.

There is a drawcord to secure the shorts.

6. Huub Alta Buoyancy Shorts

Price	$122 / £99.99
Buoyancy	not listed
Sizes	XS-XXL

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 XS to XXL.

7. Huub TC Performance Buoyancy Shorts

Price	£99.99 (US pricing N/A)
Buoyancy	not listed
Sizes	S-2XL

Huub says these moderate buoyancy shorts suit more experienced swimmers who may require less leg lift.

The drawcord in the waistband moves buoyancy, reduces frontal area and lowers surface drag, according to the brand.

8. 2XU Propel Buoyancy Shorts

Price	£95 (US pricing N/A)
Buoyancy	5mm front, 3mm rear
Sizes	XS-2XL

The 2XU Propel buoyancy shorts are designed to replicate the body position and feel of swimming in a wetsuit.

Along with a hydrodynamic SCS coating for lowered surface drag and internal liner for stretch and low water absorption, the Propel Buoyancy have a standard 5mm/3mm neoprene profile.

Features to look for in 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.

Recent updates

• 2 December 2025: we checked the stock of all the products, added three more and included more information on our tester.