When swimming OW most people will use wetsuits. This is because it will keep you warmer in colder water and it provides loads of buoyancy. These two reasons mean that most people are going to feel far more secure in the water wearing a wetsuit. As an added bonus, mainly because of the buoyancy, you will be faster swimming in a wetsuit rather than without. (And as an even bigger bonus the slower the swimmer you are, the more it speeds you up!)

My own personal experience with a wetsuit is mixed. I have never liked wearing them but have used them in triathlons. I don’t like the feeling of them on, they feel constricting around the chest and shoulders and it does feel like they are having a negative effect on my technique. However i have worn them for events because I know I will be faster. (!500 in 20 min, 3.8k 53 min and 10k sub 2 1/2 hours.)

In fact this year I did my first OW swim with the wetsuit on and have since retuned to the same venue twice without a wetsuit. A 1.2 km loop was swam 60-90 s faster with a wetsuit. It was the least enjoyable of the three swims and i end up with a ridiculous amount of chafing (I look like I have been attacked at the neck by a werewolf) but I was definitely faster.

I now choose to compete in skins (non-wetsuit) lake events because I prefer it and, being of sturdy build, I can put up with the colder waters for 2-5 hours. However here is my advice on picking and using a wetsuit.

Use a swimming specific wetsuit. They are designed differently around the shoulders so allow more freedom of movement for swimming.

Try before you buy, if possible. I bought from a shop that had an endless pool so for my first suit i tried two on first. There are companies that allow you to hire before buying, such as MyWetsuitHire – Triathlon and Swim Wetsuit Rentals

Practice in the suit before your race. The more you use it the more you will get used to it. This also applies to wearing the kit under it that you will use on race day

Try creams to protect your neck I never dealt with this effectively, i tried Aquaglide. Still got chafing but it might have been worse without.

This last thing is not advice but relates to cost. You definitely need a swimming specific wetsuit. All companies do entry level ones. Places like decathlon and dhb (in the UK) do their own brand. The big companies also do expensive ones with fancy words relating to technological benefits. These pricier wetsuits will probably make you slightly quicker but (like with bikes) getting a good fitting, swimming specific suit will provide most people with the speed they need!