Best Skinsuits Reviewed and Rated

Criteria for Evaluation

The skinsuit business is not as affordable as other activewear. Buying the wrong choice of a skinsuit can be an expensive affair and a very disappointing one. We have hand selected some of the best skinsuits in the market that are durable, tested and proven to provide some of the best performances. These are the factors that we considered when picking the best skinsuit products.

Brand Reputation

We selected brands that have a high reputation for giving the best performances. They are known to be durable, comfortable and have been used by some of the top athletes. The manufacturers are also recognized for producing other quality sportswear.

User Reviews and Ratings

We considered user reviews and ratings from verified and unbiased customers from various online platforms. We also considered reports from top athletes who had used the skinsuits for competitive races. From the reviews, we were able to tell whether each product met the advertisement claims. At the end of the day, we chose products that had the best positive reviews and the highest ratings from verified purchasers.

Product Testing

Manufacturers at times make false claims of their products in order to drive up sales. The best way to prove the claims is by testing the product. We chose skinsuits that have been tested (some have undergone wind tunnel testing, and most have been used for competitions). From the verified customer reviews, we could also tell that the suits increase speed, are comfortable and durable.

Durability

When you buy a skinsuit, you will want it to serve you for a reasonable period. We, therefore, selected products made with quality and durable fabric. The seams used also play a role in the quality and durability of a skinsuit. We chose products with quality flatlock seams, and some have high technology seamless ends.

Comfort

Comfort is essential in every sportswear, and skinsuits are not exempted. The fabric has to be breathable, moisture–wicking and stretchable. The padding also has to be comfortable for water and mainland, and for both long and short distances. We had all these factors in mind when selecting the skinsuits for our list.

Pricing

We chose products both on the lower and high price range. Though quality is associated with high prices, most of the lower end skinsuits that we selected had some of the best reviews. Some even have an option of customization to fit your personal preferences.

Benefits of Skinsuits

Athletes have several choices on what to wear from jerseys, shorts to swimsuits for specific reasons. Most skinsuits have advanced compression technology to improve muscle oxygenation and stabilization in order to enhance performance.

Speed

Speed is a critical factor when it comes to training, and in most times, speed and pace are the reason we participate in sports like cycling and swimming. Assuming your equipment and position are fine, your skinsuit could give impressive benefits in terms of a higher speed. You achieve a higher speed with less energy.

Time

The body is the largest mass that contributes to air drag. A skinsuit fits like a second skin hence has a very significant impact on aerodynamics. A skinsuit saves time by reducing drag and turbulence caused by loose-fitting activewear, at high speeds. It can save up to 15watts at 40kph compared to standard cycling.

Energy

A skinsuit reduces fatigue and increases blood supply through the compression that it exerts on muscles. Good blood supply to the muscles ensures that tissues are constantly supplied with glucose, to give you strength for that extra push. It also promotes quick recovery after long distance racing.

Warmth

Most swimmers lose most of their heat when water flows around the bare skin. A quality neoprene fabric swimming skinsuit keeps you warm and protects the arms and legs. A good skinsuit for swimming in cold weather keeps you warm by tightly hugging the body and sealing the neck, wrist, and ankle.

For cycling and running, a good skinsuit covers the arms to prevent your fingers from getting numb due to cold.

Skinsuit Vs Jerseys and Shorts

Skinsuits fit better than jerseys and shorts as they are not loose on the body, have no large pockets and there is no waistband that digs into your skin on the waist

They are tight fitting but very flexible. There is more freedom of movement as there are no cloth restrictions.

The drawback is that they are not easy to wear and remove especially when using the restroom. Other people dislike the suits as they are more revealing especially on the groin area.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Skinsuit

Sparing time to choose the right skinsuit can make a huge difference in your performance. It is of utmost importance to get the most comfortable one, made with the right textile and of the right size. Sometimes it is a matter of preference, but we recommend that other than likes and dislikes, you should also consider your type of sport and the weather.

Sleeve length

There are both long and short sleeve skinsuits in the market. A long-sleeved skinsuit is suitable for cold weather, to protect the body from loss of heat and to keep heat evenly distributed in the body. Using a long sleeve skinsuit in hot weather, especially when cycling can make you lose water, causing dehydration and loss of energy, consequently affecting your performance. A short-sleeved skinsuit is the most suitable for high temperature. On the other hand, using a short-sleeved skinsuit in cold weather will make you cold and numb.

Other skin suits extend up to the knee and others extend down to the ankle.

Size

A skin suit should fit you perfectly for you to realize its benefits. Actually, the fitting of a skinsuit is what matters a lot. An ill-fitting suit flaps in the wind defeating the purpose of the suit, which is to reduce air drags. Although a skinsuit should tightly fit, it should not be too tight to impede blood flow.

Different brands have different sizes, it is of essence that you check and correctly identify your right size before purchasing. Some suits are built to fit muscular individuals while others are meant for fit lean users. Sites like Amazon have a friendly return policy. Thus you can get an exchange.

Fabric used

Lycra, an elastic type of polyurethane fiber, is the type of material that is most commonly used to make skinsuits. It is preferred for its exceptional elasticity, strength and durability. Some brands may have a second layer of nylon or polyester, to absorb sweat and moisture, especially in hot weather.

Most brands have an extra padding on the bottom, to cushion the body against the saddle, especially for cyclists. It also helps to maintain stability when cycling.

Pricing

Prices range from as low as $40 for entry level suits to above $1000 for high-end suits. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. A quality swimsuit may be pricey, but the benefits are quite significant and indisputable. In most instances, high-end suits are custom made and are absolutely tight fitting, and cheaper ones may end up being a one-time wrinkled and dimpled wear that ends up being loose and snuggly fitting. However, other times it is not just about the money as some of the very expensive may give an average performance while some that are cheap may offer some of the best results.

Zip

A zipper may be a personal preference. Though a zip may be an entry point for air, it makes a skinsuit easy to wear. Some skinsuits have a zip while others do not. Some have a full-sized zip, and others have three-quarters or half zip. Some zippers are hidden while others are not and others are either on the rear or front.

A rear zip is claimed to reduce air drag by more than 7% than the front zip. However, some people prefer the front zip as it is easy to zip and unzip, especially if you need more ventilation while working out. A front zip is also very easy to use and does not require much help.

Pocket

Pockets may not be a basic need for everybody, but they are of use especially in long distance and duration training. The pockets can hold energy gels, snacks, bars or personal effects like a phone.

Maintenance tips

Taking care of a skinsuit is not difficult, but requires some attention to guard your investment and to give you service for a long time. Some of the top maintenance tips include:

• Do not keep the skinsuit wet but rather, clean and dry it after every use
• Use detergents that are non-bleaching and free of dyes
• Wash with similar colors
• Use moderate or cold-water temperatures (1000F)
• Let the suit air dry instead of using a drier
• Do not hang in direct sunlight, instead, drip dry in the shade
• For swimming, use suits that are chlorine resistant
• Do not iron

FAQs

What are the benefits?

A skinsuit is specifically designed for enhancing speed during a sport by reducing air drag. Aerodynamic drag is one of the most significant barriers of speed, accounting for 70 to 90% of resistance. A skinsuit tightly snugs the body, decreasing the amount of air resistance and consequently increasing the freedom of movement.

What is a flatlock/flat seam?

First, a seam is the joint between two or more layers or pieces of fabric. In a flatlock, the seam ends up looking smooth and flat with no layers folding on the underside. The flatlock is great for stretching fabric and activewear. This type of lock is very comfortable and has minimal chances of itching.

What is a chamois?

A chamois is a type of padding stitched in the skinsuit on the groin area, which is meant to reduce chafing especially when cycling. There are different types to suit various needs of the user. For instance, a chamois meant for swimming is quick to dry and absorbs less water. A chamois meant for a man will also be differently designed from that of a woman.

Where can I buy a quality skinsuit?

You can purchase a quality skinsuit from select sports outlet stores or online. Buying from online platforms like Amazon gives you an opportunity to compare different prices and features of various products. Since skinsuits can be quite expensive at times, some sellers on Amazon offer financing plans where you can pay for about six months with no interest charged. Amazon also offers safety and cushions you against dishonest sellers, and has a very friendly return policy if you are not satisfied with your skinsuit.

How will I know my size?

Sizing is what matters most on the functionality of a skinsuit. It is therefore of utmost importance that you pick the right size or miss the point. Skinsuits sizes differ depending on the brand. We suggest that you check the sizing chart of each suit that you are considering, then take your measurements of the chest and waist, then compare with the suit sizing chart. Some sellers allow you to send your measurements so you can get a customized and personalized suit.

What should I look out for when buying a skinsuit?

Get a skinsuit that is made using lightweight, durable, moisture wicking and stretchable fabric. The fabric should also preferably have a well-designed mesh for ventilation. A pocket would be useful to store energy snacks or personal effects. The zip, leg ends and collar should be well finished to reduce air or water entry. A high-quality chamois or padding is crucial for comfort, particularly if the skinsuit is meant for cycling.

Are skinsuits unisex?

Most skinsuits have variations in cut and styling for men and women. For instance, the sizing is almost always different. A skinsuit for women is cut in at the waist and out at the chest and hip area. Most men’s skinsuits do not have room for bigger breasts and leg allowance for wider hips. However, there are some that are made for both sexes.

Why are some skinsuits so expensive?

The price of a suit in most times, reflects the investment that has gone into manufacturing. Most manufacturers put in advanced textile, technology, and artistry to come up with the best aerodynamic skinsuit, making it an expensive business. However, there are low priced ones that give a quality compression fit.