A lot of swimmers out there are always on the hunt for the best neoprene buoyancy shorts. That’s because they’re incredibly useful in the water.
Expect to see a lot of advice and information provided to you on different blogs and forums as you research.
Unfortunately, a lot of the information provided isn’t accurate at all, and so you’ll be walking away from your search with a lot of disappointment and frustration.
Hopefully, you’ll choose to read my list and reviews which will help you to make the right choice in finding the best neoprene buoyancy shorts.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ROKA Men's SIM Pro II Neoprene Buoyancy Shorts | Best Overall |  |
| Xterra Wetsuits Lava Shorts Triathlon Wetsuit Shorts | Budget Pick |  |
| Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit Buoyancy Shorts Men's EpicSpeed Neoprene Shorts | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. ROKA Men's SIM Pro II Neoprene Buoyancy Shorts
Pros:
- Offer maximum comfort, support and flexibility
- Great for triathletes
- Lightweight and versatile
- Great looking shorts you can wear off the course
- Plenty of storage pockets
Cons:
- They are pricey
- Not as much support as most tri shorts
These swim shorts are perfect for triathletes. The ROKA SIM Pro II gives plenty of support while swimming, but is versatile enough to wear to run or even bike. They are 100% waterproof and quick drying. Plenty of storage for your supplies!
The ROKA SIM Pro II’s are made of technical fiber, keeping it light and breathable. The SIM Pro II features a 2 part compression and an optional side pocket for an Aquasphere 7.0. A new racing inspired style has a longer inseam in the back to cover your legs without the need for a butt floss.
2. Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit Buoyancy Shorts Men's EpicSpeed Neoprene Shorts
& Training – XSmall, Red.
These cute shorfs from Synergy are some of the cheapest on the market and they work great. The EpicSpeed ones have some great features. Try a pair out and you’ll quickly see why they’re so popular.
The Synergy EpicSpeed® Neoprene Short is a great choice for triathlons or swimming in open water. The shorts offer superior buoyancy, full-coverage protection and flat-locked seams to keep you comfortable in the water.
3. TYR Men's Hurricane Category 1 Neoprene Wetsuit
Pros:
- High quality
- Durable
- A great deal
- Suitable for water up to 82 degrees
- Seams are glued, not sewn
- Durable zippers
Cons:
- Does not come with an instruction manual
- Not very good for cold water
Without a doubt, you will appreciate the high quality of these Neoprene swim shorts from TYR! They are ideal for the avid swimmer.
The Hurricane Category 1 Wetsuit shorts are made from 100% neoprene material. The material is lightweight, durable, and soft, too. That being said, they stretch to conform comfortably with your body as you move.
TYR is the swimwear leader. The Hurricane Category 1 Wetsuit shorts are available in sizes XS to XXXL, and they are lightweight and streamlined.
4. blueseventy Core Short
The Core Shorts by Blueseventy offer middle to advanced level triathlete’s sustained and comfortable buoyancy while they train. One reviewer says: 'I've owned these wetsuits over two years now. These triathlon swim shorts are unbeatable for their utility, versatility and for providing a great swim. I swim anywhere between 1 hour and 2 hours a day in the local lake each day. I don’t wear a wetsuit for the swims. However, this is definitely the next best thing to wearing a wetsuit.
I swim off a beach so the water can be quite cold in the winter months. With the Blueseventy swim short, I have found swimming to be very comfortable and it has been a major factor in keeping me outside in the water when the water is cold. I also often do runs, strength training and other exercise outside in all climates.
5. Xterra Wetsuits Lava Shorts Triathlon Wetsuit Shorts
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Great for training
- Sizing chart helps you get the perfect fit
These Neoprene Shorts have a drag coefficient of .052. They are ideal for warm-water swimming.
Made of 5mm 3-D Velocity neoprene which makes this a fun wetsuit to race in. It has a softback lining which makes it feel great on your skin, but it also helps it last longer.
Some swimmers have had trouble with these suits not fitting when they size them smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What do you wear under buoyancy shorts?
Buoyancy shorts are made from thin neoprene, which is quick dry and wicks away moisture from your body. They are commonly used by both professional and amateur athletes because of their numerous benefits. Not only do they provide a second skin that protects your muscles from pain while you train, but they are also lightweight and easy to slide into after a shower.
Given that these shorts are made from neoprene, wearing the right undergarments is essential. Wear underwear made from a natural fiber that will not damage the special fabric. Cotton is a disaster to wear beneath a neoprene garment. Make sure you add extra layers if your are traveling from a cold environment to a warm one or vice versa because neoprene can cause your biological temperatures to spike.
What is the best material for swim shorts?
Lightweight, durable, chlorine resistant, quick drying.
All of these are important factors to consider when you are searching for swim shorts.
However, when shopping for the best neoprene shorts the most important factor to consider is whether or not the material will insulate water.
Swim shorts made with neoprene are ideal for a number of reasons.
First, neoprene keeps you cool as the fabric essentially acts like a fishbowl. Next, neoprene is a durable fabric that is resistant to shredding, tearing, and fraying.
Because these shorts are made out of neoprene, they tend to dry faster than other shorts.
And there is another reason why swimming in neoprene shorts is beneficial. Neoprene is what breaks the surface tension of incoming water droplets, which prevents droplets from splashing back onto your body.
What are neoprene shorts used for?
Neoprene shorts…what can’t they do? This type of tight-fitting clothing has a number of uses. First introduced as wetsuit material, this material soon became popular among bodybuilders whose workouts took them to extreme temperatures.
The neoprene material acts as a great insulator to keep the body warm even in the coldest water and temperatures. And it is used in wetsuits for this reason, as well.
Bodybuilders used to prefer using a neoprene belt. These belts are more like fabric belts, more than anything, but they were much shorter and could be worn underneath shorts and other clothing. Their use was as much for under-garment support as for warmth.
Can you wear neoprene shorts in a triathlon?
Absolutely. Wearing neoprene during a triathlon is generally accepted and there is no rule against it.
As with anything worn during a triathlon, you should be sure it will not impair your movement or impair anyone else’s ability to race. If you are in doubt, ask your race director.
I personally wear neoprene during the swim, but not the ride.
Conclusion
Neoprene has long been a go-to material for virtually every diver known. It is suitable for almost every diving climate and environment, from tropical to arctic. Superior elasticity, durability, and thermal insulation are a few qualities that make neoprene a great choice. Further, neoprene creates a natural buoyancy that divers and swimmers appreciate.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ROKA Men's SIM Pro II Neoprene Buoyancy Shorts | Best Overall | |
| Xterra Wetsuits Lava Shorts Triathlon Wetsuit Shorts | Budget Pick | |
| Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit Buoyancy Shorts Men's EpicSpeed Neoprene Shorts | Upgrade Pick | |