Wetsuits make open water swimming warmer and faster, but the snug fit that makes them work also makes them rub. If you have finished a swim with a raw stripe on the back of your neck, you know how quickly wetsuit chafing happens.
Where wetsuits chafe
- Back and sides of the neck: the collar rubs every time you turn your head to breathe.
- Underarms: the stroke repeats thousands of times over a long swim.
- Wrists and ankles: the cuffs can rub, especially during removal.
- Zipper line: on some suits, the back zip and its flap.
Why it happens
Neoprene grips skin. Combine that with salt water, repeated motion and a long swim, and the outer layer of skin gets worn down. Breathing to one side means the same spot on your neck takes almost all the friction.
How to prevent wetsuit chafing
Use an anti-chafe barrier
Apply a barrier to your neck, underarms and anywhere else the suit rubs before you put it on. SLIK Anti-Chafe Spray is designed for this. It goes on in seconds, is non-greasy, and is made for use with wetsuits. It can also be sprayed on your feet for quicker transitions.
Get the fit right
A wetsuit should be snug with no gaps, but the collar should not cut into your neck. If a suit chafes no matter what, the size or the model may be wrong for you.
Put it on properly
Work the suit up gradually so there is no extra material pulling at your shoulders and underarms. Extra pull in the shoulders often means more rubbing at the collar.
Practice in training
Do longer open water swims in your race suit before race day so you know where you rub. Never try a new suit or a new product for the first time on race day.
Rinse after every swim
Rinse salt water off your skin and out of your suit. Salt left behind adds to irritation next time.
Triathlon tip: faster transitions
Many triathletes apply an anti-friction product around the wrists and ankles to help the suit slide off faster in T1. A quick spray of SLIK on the feet also helps for quicker transitions.
If you are already chafed
Rinse the area with fresh water, pat dry, and keep it out of contact with collars and straps while it recovers. Protect it well before your next swim. If the skin is broken and not healing or looks infected, see a healthcare provider.
For other race-day hot spots, see our complete guide to preventing chafing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wetsuit lubricant?
Look for a product made for use with wetsuits that won't leave a heavy, greasy residue. SLIK is a non-greasy anti-chafe spray designed for use with wetsuits.
Where should I apply anti-chafe for a wetsuit?
The back and sides of the neck, underarms, and wrists and ankles. Apply before you put the suit on.
Why does my neck chafe more on one side?
Most swimmers breathe more to one side, so that side of the collar takes more friction.
Can anti-chafe help me get my wetsuit off faster?
Many triathletes find a light application at the wrists and ankles helps the suit slide off in transition.