Best triathlon wetsuits for all budgets in 2025

The triathlon wetsuit is one of triathlon’s big ticket items and one of the most crucial triathlon buys you’ll ever make. To help you make that purchase, here’s our list of the best triathlon wetsuits on the market today.

We’ve tested hundreds, if not thousands, of triathlon wetsuits over the years, so we know what makes a good value and high performing wetsuit for triathlon. When testing, we consider buoyancy, hydrodynamics, comfort/fit, and value for money.

This article gathers together some of the very best wetsuits for triathlon on the market today; it explains why we recommend them and how they can elevate your triathlon performance. Let’s get into it…

The best triathlon wetsuits tested and reviewed

1. Zone3 Aspire

Price	$973.70 / £549
Material	100% sustainable, B-Prene Yamamoto neoprene
Sizing	Women’s: XS-XL Men’s: S-XXL
Features	B-Prene Yamamoto neoprene; speed cuffs; SCS coating; body rotation enhancement; glued and blind stitched seams

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m incredibly picky about wetsuits, so when I say the 2025 Zone3 Aspire is the best triathlon wetsuit I’ve ever tested, I mean it.

From the moment you unbox it, the buttery-soft B-Prene Yamamoto neoprene feels luxurious, and that comfort continues in the water.

With 25 thoughtfully designed panels, it slips on effortlessly. I had to size down due to the generous stretch, but the medium/large fit like a dream: zero flushing, full flexibility. The women’s 3mm buoyancy profile supports without over-lifting—crucial for distance swimmers with sensitive backs.

Smart features like sensory wrist panels, drag-reducing coating, and the ultra-stretchy X-10 Extreme shoulder panel make it not just fast, but fun to swim in.

Plus, it’s easy to spot in the water thanks to white cuffs, and slips off in seconds post-race. Zone3 has absolutely nailed it—this wetsuit is a game-changer. HW

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2. Aqua Sphere Racer V3

Price	$549.99 / £558
Buoyancy	1.5mm / 4mm / 5mm, high buoyancy
Features	Double layer collar, YKK zipper, quick release panels
Tech	Thermo-guard on chest, shoulders, legs
Sizes	2XS, XS, S, SS, M, M/L, L, XL, 2XL

Sometimes you get what you pay for, and that’s the case with the Racer V3, as it instantly feels among the most supple and classiest triathlon wetsuits on test.

The top tech includes 40-cell Yamamoto, SCS coating for hydrodynamics and ultra-thin 1.5mm upper panels, which provide the best flexibility of the men’s mid-range suits.

The single red arm sleeve is a bit Michael Jackson in Thriller, but it’ll get you spotted among the mass of noir in the swim and it adds to a design that I think is one of the best here.

Elsewhere, the 4mm and 5mm combination of neoprene thickness in the core and back provide a high but not excessive level of buoyancy, while the quick-release angle tabs made it one of the swiftest to remove here.

I did regularly have trouble getting the zip up by myself, but it’s hard to find fault elsewhere.

3. Blueseventy Fusion

Price	$450 / £350
Buoyancy	5mm legs, high buoyancy
Features	Low neckline, quick transition cuffs
Tech	SCS coating, 39-cell Yamamoto neoprene
Sizes	Women: XS-XL Men: XS-XXL

The new and updated 2025 Blueseventy Fusion offers a solid balance of comfort, flexibility, and performance. Aimed at swimmers seeking support with body position, it features 5mm neoprene in the upper legs and uses 39-cell Yamamoto neoprene for buoyancy and durability.

Fit is a strong point for the suit, feeling easy to get on, with good contact through the torso and ample space in the shoulders without chest or neck restriction. The neckline is slightly lower than most, which many will appreciate, and the bands at the neck and cuffs reduce water intake and chafing.

Although a bit bulky behind the knees when walking, this wasn’t noticeable in the water. The suit feels flexible, particularly around the shoulders, and provided warmth and comfort during longer sessions in cold water.

SCS coating enhances glide and durability, and the suit is quick to remove in transition. It’s especially suited for taller athletes needing length without sacrificing mobility. SB

Read our full review of the Blueseventy Fusion.

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4. Orca Athlex Float

Price	$349 / £209
Buoyancy	4.5mm legs, medium buoyancy
Features	Low neckline, YKK zipper
Tech	SCS coating
Sizes	4, 5, 6, 6T, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, orca sizing

The Orca Athlex Float stands out from the crowd due to its high elasticity across the upper body.

Made from Yamamoto 39 with extra flexibility built into the material along the arms, shoulders and back, the suit has some of the best range of movement of any I’ve experienced on test.

Some swimmers may find the arms a little thin in cold waters, but I had no problem in the British spring and summertime. The only downside is that they’re a bit slower to whip off in T1, though the YKK zipper is quick and easy to use.

I found the low neckline adds to the unrestricted freedom in the water, with Super Composite Skin (SCS) hydrodynamic coating helping me glide through the swim stroke.

There’s plenty of lift in the legs thanks to 4.5mm neoprene leg panels, without it being overly aggressive, and I was still able to kick a little without breaching the surface. HW

There is an updated V2 version of the Orca Athlex Float now available.

If you’re new to the sport, or don’t want to spend so much money, take a look at our list of the best cheap triathlon wetsuits.

5. Huub Aegis X

Price	$589.99 / £399.99
Buoyancy	3:3 profile, medium buoyancy
Features	X-O Skeleton design, Breakaway Zipper,
Sizes	2XS, XS, S, SS, M, ML, L, XL

Huub describes the Aegis X as a face-lifted version of one of their most popular suits, and having swum in many from the brand over the years, I appreciated the retention of the X-O Skeleton design, which gives great fit and body position in the water.

I also loved the stretchy blue panels on the hips, which meant a curvier figure could easily get a good fit around the lower body.

I’ve previously loved racing in a 3:3 women’s Huub suit (the Atana, no longer available) and the Aegis X gives a similar flexible, yet supportive feel with a silky lining offering a quick and comfortable experience getting it on and off.

In the water I felt supported and buoyant, but not too high. I’d have liked a tiny bit more stretch on the shoulders for longer swims, but it’s a minor comment on a great suit that I’d happily reach for all year round.

6. Zoot Kona 2.0

Price	$245 / £419
Buoyancy	2mm / 3mm/4mm / 5mm, high buoyancy
Features	Smooth nylon liner, gender-specific geometry, AQUAlift buoyancy profile, Yamamoto 38
Sizes	XS, S, ST, M, L, XL

The Zoot Kona 2.0 instantly stands out with its bold Pink Flora colourway—perfect for brightening grey lake mornings. Made from quality Yamamoto neoprene, it blends warmth, buoyancy, and flexibility impressively.

With varying thickness (up to 5mm in the legs), it offers great flotation—ideal if you need help keeping hips high, though it felt a bit too buoyant in saltwater.

The Glideflex chest panels really work, allowing free breathing and shoulder mobility, while the soft neck and long sleeves ensure comfort.

It’s warm enough for 10–12°C water, but be warned: it’s a struggle to remove post-swim, especially around the arms. Still, after weeks of testing, it’s durable, eye-catching, and well-suited to early season training—just maybe not your go-to for a speedy transition. SB

7. Orca Athlex Flex V2

Price	$399 / £299
Buoyancy	Not listed, medium
Features	Hydrodynamic coatings, highly flexible
Sizes	Men: 4-11, orca sizing Women: XS-XL

The Orca Athlex Flex V2 is a lightweight, flexible wetsuit aimed at athletes with a naturally strong swim position. Made with varying thicknesses of Yamamoto neoprene, it offers medium buoyancy and excellent shoulder and arm flexibility.

It’s soft and easy to get on, with a comfortable fit through the legs and torso—though slightly loose around the hips, suggesting a potential benefit to sizing down.

The suit’s multi-panel design ensures unrestricted movement during longer swims, and it performed well up to 5km. The zip is easy to manage solo, and the suit includes gloves to protect the surface when pulling it on.

Thicker panels in key areas provide warmth without compromising feel in the water, and the SCS coating aids hydrodynamics. A standout feature is how easily the suit comes off, making transitions smooth and fast.

A solid entry-level option for confident swimmers who don’t need added buoyancy. SB

Read our full review of the Orca Athlex Flex V2.

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8. Zone3 Agile

Price	$383 / £219
Buoyancy	3mm / 3mm / 4mm
Features	Hydrodynamic coatings, quick transition cuffs, wider neckline, colourful visibility
Sizes	XS-XXL

The Agile for Zone 3 offers a comfortable, warm entry-level suit with additional buoyancy to help you maintain a good body position.

The suit is made up with a combination of 2, 3 and 4mm panels to give good flexibility where it is required around the shoulders whilst giving support through the core and legs.

The suit is covered with a combination of hydrodynamic Speedflo and Smoothskin coatings. The fit is true to size and sits particularly comfortably around the neckline with a slightly wider opening than others.

The coloured flashes on the cuffs and ankles help to improve visibility whilst in the water and creates a smart, eye-catching suit which is slightly more feminine looking in styling. A solid choice for those new to open water. SB

9. Zoggs Hypex Tour

Price	$383 / £365
Buoyancy	1.5mm-3mm
Features	Yamamoto 38, quick transition cuffs, neutral buoyancy
Sizes	XS-XXL

The Hypex Tour is made of Yamamoto 38 neoprene which means it is flexible and easy to get into.

With thicknesses ranging from 1.5mm to 3mm, it is designed to give good flexibility but the trade off (for some) is a neutral buoyancy.

I achieved a good fit on the legs and in the torso and the core compression around the hips and upper body feels like a supportive hug.

However, I found the arms an odd fit. They were slightly too tight around the biceps which led to too much fabric at the elbows and then some restriction around the shoulders as it didn’t sit high enough.

The suit offers the ability to customize the arm and leg lengths, a storage pocket and velcro to attach the zipper cord at the base – a good choice for the confident front crawl swimmer. SB

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10. Huub Surface

This entry-level suit from HUUB offers a 3:3 buoyancy combination with fluo nylon on the arms and cuffs at the wrist and ankle.

Whilst not as flexible feeling out of the box as some of the other suits on test its multipanel construction gives a good fit once it is on.

The Surface features 1.5mm neoprene under the arms to give the necessary flexibility in the shoulders and the high visibility nature of the arms is a great feature particularly in the open water where personal safety is a concern.

The neoprene is coated with glide skin for minimum drag with external flat lock seams which although more visible than glued seams, do stand the test of time and provide a secure construction. An all round good suit at the lower price point. SB

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11. Yonda Spook

Price	$343 / £269
Buoyancy	1.5mm / 2mm / 3mm, low buoyancy
Features	Collar neckline, jersey-like arms
Sizes	XS, S, SS, ST, SM, M, MT, ML, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL

Designed as an entry-level suit to encourage first-timers to enjoy outdoor swimming in safety, the Yonda Spook is one of the more expensive ‘budget’ options we’ve tested recently, but it comes with a high-quality build to match.

As graduated Yamamoto neoprene is cleverly placed to enable swimmers to do both front crawl and breaststroke in the water, I felt lifted and unrestricted through all the strokes I tried.

A big safety tick for me is the fluro blue arms, making me visible in all conditions and feeling safer in wild swim spots, though the 1.5mm LSQ Green Nano jersey-like material may not be warm enough for winter dips.

The standard 3mm core and 2mm Yamamoto 38 cell skin legs aren’t the thickest on test, but provided enough lift for this tester. Like the Van Rysel SD suit, I found that some kick is needed in order to remain in a streamlined position in the water.

12. Zone3 Vision

Price	$575 / £399
Buoyancy	1.5mm / 2mm / 5mm, high buoyancy
Features	Low neckline, YKK zipper, arm and leg cuffs
Tech	SCS coating, limestone-derived materials, Aerodome air bubbles between layers
Sizes	S, SM, ST, M, ML, MT, L, XL, 2XL

The Vision is a regular in our budget wetsuit tests, but a recent price jump sees it enter the mid-range collection from now on.

While the Vision can’t compete with the Aqua Sphere in terms of feel and flexibility, and the 2mm shoulder panels are noticeably less supple than the 1.5mm used elsewhere, the loftier company does reinforce just what a good value suit this is.

There’s top-draw tech such as 39-cell Yamamoto neoprene, SCS coating for hydrodynamics and an environmental boost with a limestone-derived (over petroleum) construction, along with race-friendly features like arm and leg cuffs for easy removal.

Buoyancy is reasonably high due to the 5mm thicknesses of neoprene and Aerodome air bubbles between the layers, and warmth in the 10°C water was one of the best of the bunch.

13. Huub Varman Glacier

Price	$799 / £599
Buoyancy	3:5 profile, high buoyancy
Tech	+43 Foam buoyancy, Arms Neutral position,
Sizes	XS, ST, S, SMT, M, MT, ML, L, XL, 2XL

The clever folk at Huub rarely rest on their laurels and, with the Varman, they believe they’ve launched a revolution in wetsuit development.

With their trademark +43 system, Huub claim to have a material that offers 43% more buoyancy than standard neoprene. Testing certainly backs up the theory with plenty of uplift around the hips.

The thinner panels, especially around the arms, meant there was no real restriction of the stroke. Huub’s team have created an ‘Arms Neutral’ design that delivers on its promise to allow freedom and rotational movement.

The only criticism is that the neck was a little tight out of the water, but less of an issue once swimming. An interesting suit with the potential to shake up the market.

14. Zone3 Vanquish X

Price	$995 / £699
Buoyancy	0.3mm-5mm, high buoyancy
Features	Quick release arm and leg panels
Tech	Alpha Titanium and Silk X lining, SCS on sleeves
Sizes	S, ST, SM, ML, M, MT, L, XL

The Vanquish X is an evolution of Zone3’s popular Vanquish, featuring sparkly new tech such as its Titanium Alpha structure that adds a titanium alloy coating to the neoprene to improve warmth by a claimed 40%. This won’t affect flexibility, says Zone3, and my swim experience supported that claim.

There’s an impressive 11 different materials used in the construction of this suit, ranging from 0.3mm on the arms to 5mm in the core and upper legs.

Intriguingly, there’s no difference between the buoyancy profiles for the men’s and women’s version, so our female tester felt particularly buoyant – potentially a little too much so.

The neckline is a little deeper with a more refined shape than the Vanquish, which made for a chafe-free swim.

I’ve always appreciated the lining in Zone3 wetsuits, and the new Silk X lining here is no different, proving to be silky smooth against the skin as the name suggests.

I think the improvements are more evolutionary than revolutionary compared to the Vanquish, though, maintaining similar characteristics but with a sizeable price hike.

See our full Zone3 Vanquish X review for more.

15. Orca Apex Flex

Price	$719 / £589
Buoyancy	1 / 2/ 3/ 4, medium buoyancy
Features	Quick release panels, ultimate seal collar, reverse zipper
Tech	Hydrolite panels, core lateral stabiliser
Sizes	4 – 11, orca sizing

The Apex Flex joins the new Orca range as a direct replacement for our beloved Alpha – the wetsuit that has been our faithful companion through many seasons of open-water racing – so there were some nerves when we unboxed this new suit.

Thankfully though, Orca have taken a phenomenal suit and made it even better with the Apex Flex. Ridiculously soft, supple and flexible, this is a suit for top-drawer swimmers with good body position (see men’s test for the Apex Flow if you want lift), who want to feel unhindered by their kit.

Yamamoto 44+ neoprene is used here to give that ultimate stretch, while Orca’s 0.88m technology on the arms gives a tissue-thin layer that is still warm enough for summer racing.

It isn’t a suit for the winter and you will want to be careful not to nick the neoprene, but for race day and an unrestricted swim feeling, this is the new suit to beat.

16. Orca Apex Flow

Price	$975 / £749
Buoyancy	Medium buoyancy
Features	Laser cut neck panels, reverse zipper
Tech	0.88 Free, Exo-Lift, Aerodrome, Yamamoto 44 neoprene
Sizes	Women’s XS-XL, men’s 4-11 including tall version

The second version of the Orca Apex Flow features new patterning which shifts the graphics away from the shoulders in a bid to improve freedom of movement.

I found this worked well and felt completely almost uninhibited during long swims, minimising muscle tiredness.

Flexibility aside, this high-end wetsuit is quite buoyant through the core and thighs, putting you in a brilliant position in the water.

Fit was good (I’m a women’s UK14 and tested large) and the suit is easy enough to pull on without proving leaky. Due to their 0.88mm thick fabric, the arms are trickier to get into and a little cold before you warm up.

Yes, it’s a premium price tag, but if you’re shopping for a performance wetsuit, the Orca Apex Flow should deliver. HW

17. Yonda Ghost 3

Price	$747 / £589
Buoyancy	1.5mm / 4.5mm, medium buoyancy
Features	Quick release panels, ultimate seal collar, reverse zipper
Tech	Polyamide lycra fabric
Sizes	XS, S, ST, SM, L, LT, XL, 2XL, 3XL

The Ghost 3 has been a firm favourite in our recent wetsuit tests, taking the ‘best on test’ accolade in our men’s test in 2021 and scoring highly again in its last appearance in 2022.

With the spec remaining unchanged since that review, how does it fair now? Well, this is still undoubtedly a superb wetsuit.

The combination of 1.5mm neoprene in the shoulders, and 4.5mm in the core to give lift and control, worked really well for our male tester.

Meanwhile, the silky lining felt premium quality and was easy to pull off in transition. For our curvier-thighed female tester, the thin inner-thigh panels gave us concerns about longevity, but they did offer flexibility of movement, which many will welcome.

A reverse zipper is a race-specific addition, added to stop competitors tugging on your zip!

18. Alpkit Terrapin

Price	$169.99 / £139.99
Buoyancy	1.5mm / 2.5mm / 3mm
Features	Yamamoto limestone neoprene, low buoyancy, high stretch
Sizes	S-XL

The Terrapin from Alpkit is made from Yamamoto limestone neoprene with thicknesses ranging from 3mm on the chest and back to 1.5mm at its thinnest in the armpits.

With 2.5mm on the rear and legs it reduces additional buoyancy enabling a natural body position. The use of standard neoprene around the neck, cuffs and ankles improves durability as these are the areas that inevitably get nicked and damaged first.

The bright blue colouring improves visibility for you in the water. The trade-off for the natural body position was a reduction in warmth provided by the suit.

The suit is flexible and allows for good shoulder movement when swimming front crawl for 45 minutes of continuous training with no chafing. SB

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19. Huub Brownlee Agilis

Price	$999/ £749.99
Buoyancy	3:5 male suit and 3:3 female suit, medium buoyancy
Features	Quick release panels, ultimate seal collar, reverse zipper
Tech	+43 Foam buoyancy, Arms Neutral position
Sizes	XS, SMT, M, MT, ML, L, XL, 2XL

The Brownlee Agilis wetsuit has been part of Huub’s range for a few years now, but this year two new colourways have been launched, including red (for men), pictured here, and coral (for women).

Our male tester said: “This is a hugely supple and flexible wetsuit that really moves with you through each arm stroke thanks to Huub’s ‘Arms Neutral’ tech.”

The buoyancy profile is 3:5 in the male suit and 3:3 in the female. Testing the latter, 220 Editor Helen Webster said that the combination of flexible arms and support through the core and lower body made long-distance swimming feel much less tiresome than many competitors.

Sinky-legged swimmers will also appreciate the brand’s +43 buoyancy foam found in the core and thighs, which also helps with rotation.

We’ve praised the Brownlee Agilis before, and it’s continued to grow on us. Our only gripe is that it’s so delicate.

See our full Huub Brownlee Agilis wetsuit review for more.

20. Blueseventy Helix

Price	$920 / £735
Buoyancy	1.5mm / 2mm / , high buoyancy
Features	Quick release panels, collar, reverse zipper
Tech	L.I.F.T panels
Sizes	XS, SM, SMT, M, MT, ML, L, XL

Blueseventy’s Helix is still one of the best suits around, with numerous technical features that justify its sizeable price tag.

The 1.5mm shoulder panels and thin 40-cell Yamamoto neoprene in the arms make for a smooth and unrestricted swimming experience, while Blueseventy claims the ‘L.I.F.T’ panels on the back of the legs made of NBR foam give you an extra lift when your legs start dragging.

They go as far as to call it a ‘downhill’ swimming position and, while I’d consider this a slight exaggeration, the Helix feels impressively buoyant for a top-end suit.

A top-down breakaway zipper and 2mm lower leg panels that flare out at the ankle ensure the Helix can be removed quickly in T1.

The neck lining is thicker than the other suits on test, though, and can irritate on very long swims.

How we tested and reviewed the triathlon wetsuits

Our team of experienced triathletes and gear reviewers tested these suits in the UK in both lakes and the sea. The latter especially allowing us to access how the suits dealt with colder seawater temps, dealing with waves and currents to judge their race-day form (and water ingress).

Each was tested for comfort, performance, buoyancy, durability, hydrodynamics, zipper, removal speed, budget and the visual design.

Any wetsuit that scored 90% and above is a market-leading product, while those scoring between 80-90% are also deemed to be impressive.

Wetsuits scoring between 70-80% offer good performance, as long as the highlighted flaws aren’t much of an issue for you. Products scoring below 70% can still be worth considering if the price is right, but don’t come highly recommended.

Features to look out for in a triathlon wetsuit

The fit of your triathlon wetsuit is paramount. The wetsuit needs to be snug rather than loose. However, if it’s too tight, your swimming experience won’t be pleasant and movement could be restricted. If it’s too loose it’ll allow water into the suit, which will seriously slow you down.

You also need to be truthful with yourself about your swim level. If you’re a beginner you might need one that will help you maintain your swim position in the water.

Buoyancy profile

A good triathlon wetsuit should enhance buoyancy to help keep your body in an optimal swimming position. Look for neoprene thickness that varies across the suit, this means it’ll be thicker in the lower body and thinner in the upper body.

If you tend to have heavier or sinky legs when you swim, look for a suit with at least 4mm-5mm buoyancy in the legs.

Flexibility

Flexibility across the shoulders and arms is crucial for a natural range of motion during the swim. Thin neoprene (1.5–2mm) in these areas reduces resistance and fatigue.

Fit and comfort

A triathlon wetsuit should fit snugly without restricting movement or feeling tight across the chest, which can affect breathing. Pay attention to the comfort of the neckline and seams to avoid chafing as you swim.

Ideally, you would test your wetsuit a couple of times within the warranty period before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.

Hydrodynamics

Some triathlon wetsuits are coated with materials like SCS (Super Composite Skin) to reduce drag in the water. This helps increase speed and efficiency during the swim leg.

Otherwise, choice of buoyancy profile (yes again, we know) is key, make sure you pick the right set-up to ensure your body is lifted to a streamlined position in the water.

Quick-release cuffs and ankles

Designed for fast transitions, these features make it easier to peel off your wetsuit quickly during T1. Look for tapered legs, wrist cuffs, and special silky smooth lining materials.

Thermal insulation

Depending on water temperature, a triathlon wetsuit should provide enough insulation to maintain core body temperature without overheating.

Standard tri wetsuits range from 3–5mm maximum thickness, but those optimised for cold water may also have a thermal lining for warmth that doesn’t compromise on flexibility.

Durability

Check for high-quality stitching (like glued and blind-stitched seams) and reinforced panels, that won’t come apart at the seams after a few swims. A durable wetsuit stands up better to repeated race use and training and equals better value for money.

Gender-specific design

Though unisex triathlon wetsuits. do exist, most have both men’s and women’s cuts to accommodate different body shapes. This ensures a better fit and optimal performance.

Race compliance

Make sure the wetsuit meets competition rules for neoprene thickness (usually not exceeding 5mm) and is legal in races where wetsuits are allowed.