Published July 30, 2012 01:32PM
Suiting Up: 4 Women's-Specific Wetsuits
Need new neoprene? Presenting four fab women’s-specific wetsuits ready to race.
Need new neoprene? Presenting four fab women’s-specific wetsuits ready to race.
Huub Aura
$450, Huubdesign.com
Women with curves rejoice! Huub has created a wetsuit that will gently hug, rather than compress, larger chests and hips. If you’ve got a more boyish figure, this is not the suit for you. Testers found the suit perfectly flexible in the shoulders and legs, easy to put on, and attractive. But the unique three-piece neck closure drew mixed reactions. While it was comfortable and very secure, “it’s harder to open in the heat of the moment,” one tester said.
RELATED: Introducing Huub Wetsuits
Tyr Hurricane Category 3
$450, Tyr.com
Getting this suit on is a workout in itself, but the reward is a secure, second-skin-like fit that keeps water out and streamlines the body. The shaping and buoyancy characteristics are perfect for an athlete looking for maximum speed through the water. Athletes who need a lift in the hips and torso will appreciate the core stabilization panels in those areas, but they make the midsection more constricting than others.
2XU V:2
$599, 2xu.com
Easy to put on, the V:2 has a beefy look and the durability to match. Though thick in the torso and hips, the lift in those areas isn’t exaggerated, making this suit best for slimmer athletes with good body position. Testers particularly liked the suit’s flexible shoulders and “rollbar” technology. “It definitely helped me rotate better,” one tester said. Just like with the Hurricane, some swimmers may find the thick, rigid front panel more restrictive than many, while promoting proper body position.
ADVERTISEMENT
RELATED: Finding The Right Wetsuit For You
Rocket Science Carbon
$700, Rocketsciencesports.com
Testers liked this suit most for its silky smooth liner and lightweight feel. “It’s so comfortable I’d sleep in it,” one said. Good swimmers will appreciate the subtle lift in the hips, but those who need help keeping their hips high may want more buoyancy there. Wrist and ankle seals do a great job of keeping water out but can be tough to get off. And the vortex generators? One tester noticed bubbles coming off them, but was unsure if they increase catch grip.