A good competition suit is an investment in performance. Whether you swim in a competition kneeskin or competition jammer, proper care determines how long your suit retains its compression, fit and speed. With these tips, your tech suit will stay in top condition — training after training, race after race.
1. Always rinse it immediately after use
After every race or training session, chlorine, sweat and dirt remain in the fabric. Rinse your competition suit with cold or lukewarm water as soon as you leave the pool.
- Do not use a washing machine or spin cycle – this can damage the fabric and seams.
- If needed, use a mild hand-wash detergent such as Hey Microwash.
- Rinse until all the chlorine has been removed.
- Do not leave the suit in your bag: moisture and chlorine quickly break down the fibres.
2. Never wring, tumble-dry or heat it
A competition suit should never be wrung out or dried in a tumble dryer. Heat and friction break down the elastic fibres.
- Gently press the water out with your hands.
- Leave it to air-dry in a warm, well-ventilated room.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, off radiators and out of the tumble dryer.
This helps your suit retain its original fit and compression.
3. Store your suit properly
- Wait until the suit is completely dry before putting it away.
- Fold it neatly or store it flat in a soft bag.
- Avoid sharp folds, clips and damp areas.
- Do not leave the suit in your sports bag or car.
4. Put on your competition suit carefully
Competition suits are extremely tight and sensitive to pulling forces.
- Make sure your nails are short or wear thin gloves.
- Pull the suit on slowly, one section at a time.
- Avoid jewellery, rings and sharp edges.
- Do not pull on one side of the fabric — spread the pressure evenly.
5. Take care around rough surfaces
The outer fabric of a competition kneeskin or competition jammer is vulnerable to abrasion.
- Do not sit on rough benches or tile edges.
- Always use a swim towel as a surface, or put on loose sports shorts while waiting.
- Do not roll over the pool edges.
This helps prevent the tiny areas of damage that reduce compression.
6. Alternate between your competition and training suit
Use your tech suit only for competitions or short test sessions. For daily training, a chlorine-resistant training swimsuit or jammer is better suited.
This helps your competition suit stay strong and elastic for longer.
7. Check the condition of your suit regularly
Every few weeks, check for:
- loose seams or damaged panels
- fabric becoming thin around the hips or shoulders
- loss of compression or elasticity
If you notice wear, stop using the suit for competitions – this helps prevent it splitting during starts or turns.
Frequently asked questions – caring for competition suits
Can a competition suit go in the washing machine?
No. Competition suits should be rinsed by hand only in cold or lukewarm water.
How do I dry my competition kneeskin or jammer?
Leave it to air-dry; do not wring it out or place it on a heat source.
Can I use regular detergent?
No. Use only a mild hand-wash detergent such as Hey Microwash. Regular detergents can damage the coating.
What should I do after a long competition day?
Rinse the suit straight away and hang it up to dry. Do not leave it in your bag.
How can I prevent damage when putting it on?
Keep your nails short, avoid jewellery and pull it on slowly, section by section. You can use plastic gloves if needed.
Summary
Rinse your competition suit with cold water after every use, use a mild hand-wash detergent and leave it to air-dry.
Avoid heat, wringing and rough surfaces, put the suit on carefully and only store it once it is completely dry.
With these guidelines, your competition suit, competition kneeskin or competition jammer will stay in top condition for longer — ready for strong performance at every start.