How to Choose the Right ZONE3 Buoyancy ShortsUpdated 2 hours ago

Buoyancy shorts can be a useful training aid for swimmers looking to improve their body position and develop a more efficient swimming technique. By providing additional lift around the hips and legs, they can help swimmers maintain a more horizontal position in the water, making them a popular choice for technique-focused sessions.

Whether you're new to swimming, working on your freestyle technique or looking to add variety to your training, choosing the right buoyancy shorts can help you get more from your sessions.

Choose the right level of buoyancy

The level of buoyancy you need will depend on your swimming ability, technique and training goals.

More buoyancy can provide additional support to your lower body, which may be helpful if you're working on maintaining a horizontal body position. A lower level of buoyancy may be preferable if you're a more experienced swimmer looking for a subtler level of support during technique sessions.

It's worth remembering that buoyancy shorts are a training aid rather than a replacement for developing your swimming technique. As your confidence and body position improve, you may want to vary how often you use them as part of a balanced training programme.

Find the right fit

A comfortable, secure fit is important when choosing buoyancy shorts. They should sit securely around your waist and legs without restricting your movement or feeling uncomfortably tight.

Check the sizing guidance for your chosen model and consider how the shorts feel when moving through the water. A good fit helps keep the shorts in position during your session, allowing you to concentrate on your technique.

Find the right ZONE3 buoyancy shorts for you

'The Originals' Buoyancy Shorts are designed to help improve your body position in the water while allowing you to maintain your natural kick and hip rotation. Made from high-quality Yamamoto Smoothskin neoprene and stitched and bonded using the same construction method as a triathlon wetsuit, they offer a familiar wetsuit feel in a more lightweight, training-focused design.

Their distinctive 5/3mm construction combines 3mm neoprene through the centre to provide lift around the hips and upper legs, with thicker 5mm neoprene side panels to help promote hip rotation through each stroke. This balance of buoyancy and movement makes The Originals a versatile choice for swimmers looking to work on their body position and develop their technique.

Best for: Swimmers looking for reliable buoyancy support during technique sessions, particularly those working to maintain a more horizontal body position without relying on a traditional pull buoy.

The Active-Flex Buoyancy Shorts are designed to help swimmers improve their body position and develop their technique, making them a great choice if you're new to buoyancy training or looking for a more natural alternative to a traditional pull buoy.

Made with a combination of 3mm and 2mm neoprene, they provide balanced buoyancy to help lift your hips and upper legs into a more streamlined position. The smoothskin front panel helps reduce drag, while the nylon-lined side and back panels offer durability and comfort for regular training sessions.

Best for: Beginner swimmers and those developing their technique who want comfortable, balanced buoyancy support to help improve their body position in the water.

The Premium Buoyancy Shorts are designed for swimmers who want the highest level of buoyancy in the ZONE3 range, particularly those who find their legs tend to sink in the water. Combining advanced neoprene technologies with a carefully considered panel design, these shorts help lift your hips and upper legs into a more streamlined position while allowing you to maintain your natural kick and hip rotation.

The front and back panels use 3mm Yamamoto #39 SCS neoprene, creating a softer, lighter and more flexible feel through the stroke. Along the sides, 5mm Yamamoto SCS Aerodome panels feature an air-bubble construction that provides 30% more buoyancy than standard neoprene. An SCS coating across the panels is designed to reduce drag as you move through the water.

Together, these features make The Premium Option a great choice for swimmers seeking additional lift without compromising their ability to practise a full swimming stroke. They offer a natural alternative to a traditional pull buoy, helping you focus on body position and technique during training.

Best for: Swimmers looking for maximum buoyancy support, particularly those who struggle with sinking legs and want to refine their body position while maintaining their natural kick and rotation.