Closed Back or Open Back. Which one should I buy?

When it comes to speed and performance, more coverage is ideal.

There are many decisions a female swimmer might grapple with when deciding whether to purchase a technical swimming suit, and what kind. What's my price point? Traditional or kneeskin? What brand should I opt for?

Whether you've done your research when it comes to technical suits or you're investing in one for the first time, here's another question you might inevitably have: What are the benefits of open back technical suits versus closed-back technical suits?

Tech suits are superior to the practice suit in that they are made up of sleek, hydrophobic materials that reduce drag and repel water. The compression of the suit increases blood circulation, which can boost performance. And the smooth feel they bring to racing gives swimmers a mental edge that shouldn't be discounted.

Tech suits, which swimmers rely on for a performance edge in competition, come in all kinds of fabrics, compression qualities and styles. Some suits are designed for certain stroke specialties, while others are made for distance or sprint-length performance.

Like many practice suits, open back tech suits sport the same wide straps that typically cross in an X-shape above a circular cut-out. In closed back suits, the back is solid fabric. There are two components to consider when choosing an open back vs. closed back technical suit.

The first is personal preference. There are some that prefer one over the other simple from a comfort perspective or what they are used to.

The second comes down to speed and performance. The fabric and the technology that make up technical suits offers compression as well as a more hydrophobic performance in the pool.

When it comes to speed, most brands feel that more compression is key. While they both have the same fabric, more is better in the case of a closed-back suit. The idea is that with more coverage you are getting more of the benefits that the suit has to offer. That doesn't necessarily mean a closed-back suit is right for you, especially if you aren’t an ultra-competitive swimmer. Though all tech suits require time and care to put on, closed-back suits can be more difficult for swimmers to get into but once used to can be a preferred choice. Your own preference for compression will determine whether you enjoy the extra support or find the extra fabric restrictive. 

Whether you ultimately opt for an open-back or closed-back suit, keep this in mind before making a purchase: Tech suits won't fix your stroke or produce personal record miracles. Add in the cost, and the fact that tech suits have a short shelf life, and it becomes all the more important to invest in the style and brand that's right for you. 

Open back 

Open-back have been known to be easier to get on as opposed to the closed-back. Less compression gives more range of motion. Swimmers competing in IM events like the open-back as it enables a freer range of motion without the tight compression.

Closed back

Closed-back suits are generally considered to be more beneficial for backstroke due to their increased compression and body support, which aids in maintaining a better hydrodynamic position in the water. Closed-back tech suits can feel slightly tighter and may be more difficult to put on. For the days when you are racing only one event or sprint distances, you may opt for the increased compression of a a closed back suit. For longer days (that is, days when you may put on and remove your tech suit more frequently), longer races or a higher degree of comfort, open-back tech suits may be a better option for you.

Ultimately, the biggest determining factor in a perfect tech suit is YOU. Do you feel strong and “fast?” Does anything feel too tight (limited mobility, circulation is cut off, etcetera)? If so, maybe try a size up. Conversely, is the material bunching (not flush to the skin), are the leg grippers loose around your knees and is water getting in the suit while you swim? Next time, try going down a size! A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to get two fingers underneath the shoulder straps, and the remainder of the suit should feel tight, compressive, and like it’s not moving around on your body at all. You should feel supported, buoyant, and most importantly, fast. Wearing a tech suit should be exciting and make you feel confident and ready to race.

Note: U12 years are required to wear stitched seams and knitted materials. Look for the FINA badge when purchasing