Arena racing suit selection guide
Buying the right racing suit is often like a headache, especially when buying the first suit. In this guide, we present Arena's racing suits and their features and differences to make it easier to choose a racing suit.
So when is it relevant to get a racing suit? This largely depends on the swimmer's body model and growth stage, but in general, for a young swimmer, acquiring a technical competition suit is relevant when the swimmer moves to IKM competitions. Before this, Arena's Powerskin ST and Speedo's Junior Endurance+ racing suits are good choices, you can also find children's sizes.
If you are looking for information about Speedo racing suits, read this article.
Arena Carbon AIr 2 racing suits - The most popular racing suit for many trips
Arena Carbon Air 2 is a good choice if you swim many distances and disciplines. The absolute strength of this suit and the reason for its popularity is the versatility of the suit. The Carbon Air racing suit is one of the best suits that is suitable for almost every distance. This racing suit can be used for 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and up to 1500m distances.
The streamlined design of the Carbon Air 2 racing suit is made from a single fabric, so it has no side seams, which improves glide in the water, reduces water absorption into the suit, and makes it easier to put on.
The lightest suit on the market. The material of the suit is thin (65% Polyamide, 34% Elastane, 1% Carbon Fiber). This makes the suits the lightest on the market. The suit has excellent water-repellent properties that reduce friction in the water. The compression structure of the suit is unique, it does not feel uncomfortable or tight on the body, this is the main reason why the suit is suitable for many trips and sports.
Good built-in support improves performance. The suit features strategically placed carbon bands on the inside that attach to key stretch points. This creates optimal compression and increases core support, muscle activation, strength and circulation, all aimed at creating better competition performance.
Compression level 2/5
To whom:
This suit is perfect for the swimmer looking for a versatile competition suit. This suit is compressive but feels comfortable to wear without squeezing the shoulders. This model is perfect for the swimmer who wants a suit with medium compression but wants it to be lightweight.
Arena Carbon Core FX -High Compression Race Suit
Arena's race suit with the second highest compression of any Arena suit and advanced technical features. This race suit is designed specifically for sprinters and medley swimmers.
Technical compression, this race suit has both vertical and horizontal support panels built into it, designed to provide optimal muscle support. It also vastly improves core support compared to many other suits.
Compression that lifts the swimmer, in addition to the inner panels, the suit has external taping that creates a hip-lifting effect, helping the swimmer maintain optimal posture even when tired.
Flexible material, the suit is made of 52% polyamide, 47% elastane and 1% carbon fiber. This makes the fabric of the suit strong, yet flexible and light. The suit has a tighter fit than the Carbon Air and it is possible to compete in two sports in a row if you do not take the suit off between sports.
To whom:
For the swimmer looking for a suit with lots of support and compression. The Carbon Core FX is a great highly technical suit with a unique design and a tight fit. However, it is important to note that the swimmer must fit well within the size chart for the suit's features to work optimally. If you are between sizes, we recommend the Carbon Air suit.
Arena Carbon Glide - the best choice for middle and long distance swimmers
Arena's flagship race suit, featuring innovative technology, a new construction and a super comfortable fit, these features will enhance your performance in the water. This suit has slightly less compression than the Carbon Core FX suit, and is ideal for middle to long distance swimmers.
Innovative material, the suit uses 'hydroglide shell' material, which was developed to reduce water resistance. The outer fabric is highly waterproof, water does not absorb into the suit but flows off its surface, which promotes the sliding effect - As its name suggests, the Glide suit is sliding and agile.
An effective compression construction, the suit uses carbon lattice technology to provide compression while maintaining a lightweight feel. The compression also aims to activate muscle groups during the performance, improving swimming efficiency and thus the swimmer's time.
Lightweight, the suit is comfortable and lightweight due to its technical construction.
To whom:
The Carbon Glide race suit is great especially for longer distances, for swimmers who want a little less compression and very good glide from their suit.
Powerskin Primo - Highest compression and best flexibility
The latest addition to Arena's Powerskin family is made from Arena Hyperforce™ tenso-elastic fabric. The fabric offers Arena's highest compression combined with the best stretch and elasticity, allowing for greater range of motion in the water and facilitating your race day routines: the fabric's elasticity makes it very easy to put on. In addition, the fabric has very good flow channeling technology, which improves hydrodynamics and helps you glide through the water better.
In this racing suit you will also find tapes that will improve your performance:
The X-taping on the women's suit connects the upper body and hips together, providing better stability for swimming. The taping also prevents the body from twisting too much during the stroke. The taping is also familiar from the Carbon Glide suit.
Double taping at the back of the suit allows the hips to rise maximally, which also helps the legs to stretch during your swim. The taping is also familiar from the Carbon Core FX suit.
Adjustable fit:
Women's suits in sizes 30-34 now also offer an extended torso (LT) for those with longer backs.
In the men's suit, the waist can now be adjusted to sit lower or higher, thanks to the elastic material of the suit.
To whom:
A suit that suits everyone, regardless of swimming style or distance. For those of you who value a high level of compression, but still want to get dressed as quickly as possible. Hyperforce fabric is also more durable than regular fabric, so the suit is also a good choice as your first race suit. NOTE: Due to the very stretchy material of the suit, the suit may initially feel too loose compared to your previous race suits, but still follow the size chart.
Arena Powerskin St - a more affordable beginner's suit
The Arena Powerskin ST 2.0/ST Next competition suit is a very durable suit for beginning competitive swimmers.
This suit is available in both the older Powerskin ST 2.0 model and the newer Powerskin ST Next model.
These suits are not made of compression fabric, but of powerskin ST fabric which is 71% polyamide and 29% elastane. This makes the suit lightweight but still supportive. The suit has a water-repellent coating on the surface, which reduces drag in the pool.
The ergonomic design provides muscle compression and core support, and improves posture by elevating the hips.
Easy to put on and comfortable to wear, thanks to the material of the suit, it is easy to put on and the suit fits well from the first few times it is worn. The suit offers good compression and wide ranges of motion.
In addition, the Powerskin ST Next suit, unlike its predecessor, is
- Made from partially recycled polyamide
- 20% lighter than its predecessor, meaning the suit absorbs less water, reducing water resistance.
- Longer lasting compression.
To whom
These suits offer exceptional value for money and are a great option for young swimmers, as well as masters swimmers looking for a more affordable competition suit. This suit is available in separate adult and junior sizes, as well as the popular legless model.
Arena Impulso - Cutting-edge technology available to all swimmers
The Impulso competition swimsuit combines a competitive price with good performance. The competition swimsuit brings cutting-edge technology within the reach of every swimmer.
The flexible suit feels comfortable to wear and does not restrict movement. The moderate compression of the suit supports the muscles and improves the swimmer's hydrodynamic swimming position in the water.
Durable - Impulso is made from high-quality, woven Italian fabric. Woven fabric is more durable than knitted fabric; the suit is longer-lasting and recovers its shape better.
The lightweight and quick-drying fabric absorbs little water, reducing water resistance. The fabric's water-repellent finish improves glide. The suit's durable, flat seams stretch without restricting movement.
To whom:
This model combines a competitive price with good performance. The model brings top-level technology within the reach of every swimmer. The lightweight and quick-drying suit is perfect for race days with multiple starts.
Frequently asked questions about racing suits
How useful is a wetsuit when swimming?
How useful is a wetsuit when swimming?
The benefit of the suit depends a lot on the swimmer's body type and muscle mass, which are the basis for the effect of compression suits. A swimmer with a lot of muscle may benefit more from the suit. A swimmer with less natural buoyancy also gets a special benefit. However, it must be remembered that too tight compression does not improve the effectiveness of the suit, but on the contrary, the suit stretches too much, so the compression does not work as intended. The risk of tearing also increases and the lifespan of the suit is shortened as the suit stretches. The fabric has less water resistance than human skin, so the fact that the legs of competition suits are longer (especially for women) will add a little more speed to your swimming.
Why can't suits be tried on before purchase?
Why can't suits be tried on before purchase?
The compression of the suit is individually adjusted from the first fitting, so for this reason we cannot allow you to try on the suit before purchase. The exceptions to this are Arena's Powerskin ST 2.0 and ST Next as well as the Impulso suits, which do not have a compression structure. You can also find these suits in our store, where you are welcome to try them on with the help of our professional salespeople. With the help of the salesperson, you can find the right size just by measuring.
I'm between sizes in the size chart, will any suit fit me?
I'm between sizes in the size chart, will any suit fit me?
Yes, it is possible. Suits that are more flexible in terms of compression (e.g. Carbon Air) are suitable for swimmers whose measurements do not exactly match the size chart. It is completely normal for measurements not to match the chart exactly.
Is it worth getting a new suit for the main competition?
Is it worth getting a new suit for the main competition?
The compression properties of the competition suits (Carbon fiber) adapt to the individual during the first ten starts and are designed to adapt to the swimmer's body to ensure that movement in the water is as streamlined as possible. For this reason, it is not recommended to use a new suit in the main competition, but it is a good idea to swim at least five starts in it first.
I ordered the wrong size suit, what can I do?
I ordered the wrong size suit, what can I do?
If you haven't put the suit on and it's in saleable condition, we can exchange it. So don't even try to put it on if you notice it's the wrong size. If you want to exchange the suit, please contact our sales. We always check the suits when they come back before making a decision on the exchange. So please be careful when choosing your size and if you are unsure about the size, please contact our customer service.
My suit ripped, how do I know if it's a complaint and what should I do?
My suit ripped, how do I know if it's a complaint and what should I do?
Complaints are always handled on a case-by-case basis. We are responsible for complaints about suits purchased from us, but if you have purchased your suit from another supplier, you should contact them. If you have chosen a smaller suit than the size chart would have suggested, there is no factory warranty. For this reason, it is important to choose the right size when purchasing! Always contact our customer service if you have any problems with your suit. If you suspect that your suit has a manufacturing defect, do not attempt to repair the suit yourself.
It feels like the women's suit is getting water at the start, is the suit too big?
It feels like the women's suit is getting water at the start, is the suit too big?
This can be a problem, especially for swimmers who are in between sizes (for example, the hips are larger in relation to the chest). In this case, we recommend wetting the suit before starting and squeezing the air out of the chest, which will help the suit adhere better to the skin. This way, there is no air left between the suit and the skin, which can cause the feeling that the suit is 'squeezing water' when jumping into the water.
The straps are heavy, is the dress too small?
The straps are heavy, is the dress too small?
Especially in high compression suits, the straps have very little stretch and it is important not to wear the suit for too long. You can also lower the straps below the armpits for warm-up and waiting time. If the swimmer's body size is long in relation to other dimensions, the straps may also be heavy when swimming and in this case we especially recommend the Powerskin PRIMO suit, where you will also find an extended body size (LT) for swimmers with longer backs. This helps to reduce pressure on the shoulders most effectively.
What are the benefits of a closed-back racing suit?
What are the benefits of a closed-back racing suit?
A closed-back suit is often slightly tighter than an open-back suit, as there is also fabric around the midsection. The suit provides better support for the midsection, but the wider fabric means less flexibility, so the swimmer's mobility may suffer if the suit does not fit perfectly. A closed-back suit is often used most often in backstroke, but a closed-back suit is suitable for all sports if desired. The swimmer's own preferences are the most important factor in deciding whether to choose an open-back or closed-back suit.
Instructions for putting on and storing the racing suit
When putting on a competition suit for the first time , patience is key, as putting on the suit may initially take up to 20-30 minutes. The suit should be put on slowly, the fabric should not be pulled with your nails or torn at the seams. This is especially important when pulling the suit over your hips. It is also a good idea to put on the suit with, for example, thin cotton gloves. This will prevent tears caused by sharp points on your nails.
When putting on the suit, the silicone bands on the legs should be turned outwards .
Women: once the suit is put on, the top of the suit should be wetted and the air should be squeezed out between the suit and the skin. This will make the suit fit more tightly and prevent too much water from getting under the suit at the start.
Men: NOTE! MEN'S SUITS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SIT ON, for example, the starting podium, when the laces are tightened - the inelastic elastic band can tear. The laces should be tightened crosswise so that the seam tape does not tear.
How do you store your suit to ensure its lifespan is as long as possible?
The suit should be dried immediately after use and should not be washed in a washing machine. Do not dry the suit in a sauna, with a hair dryer or other similar methods and store the suit away from light.
A new suit is not always the fastest because it adapts to the swimmer's body during the first 10 starts.
At best, the suit will be slightly worn. We recommend that you purchase a new suit well in advance of the main competitions.
Order yours!
If you have any questions about the correct size or model, please contact our customer service.
