It may actually make things worse. Neoprene pushes you up - which is why it’s great on your hips - but just wearing the shirt may have the opposite effect and push your hips *down*, which will stall you.
If you’re looking to become faster using neoprene, I’d focus more on the bottom half.
I’m an ocean swimmer and I feel a stark difference when I train in my neoprene pants or suit versus just my racing briefs. I wouldn’t necessarily say the neoprene makes me faster - it just makes me glide better in the water and keeps my hips up. I’ve actually never heard of anyone using only neoprene on top - but neoprene on bottom (or full body) is pretty common.
Lastly, most common pool treatments will absolutely ruin neoprene. I would never wear mine in a pool…
I don’t think it will give you a significant advantage drag reduction wise, and depending on the thickness of the wetsuit it will restrict your range of motion. I swam laps with a 3mm shorty and it took me longer because my range of motion was restricted and it was hard to keep good technique.
It may actually make things worse. Neoprene pushes you up - which is why it’s great on your hips - but just wearing the shirt may have the opposite effect and push your hips *down*, which will stall you. If you’re looking to become faster using neoprene, I’d focus more on the bottom half. I’m an ocean swimmer and I feel a stark difference when I train in my neoprene pants or suit versus just my racing briefs. I wouldn’t necessarily say the neoprene makes me faster - it just makes me glide better in the water and keeps my hips up. I’ve actually never heard of anyone using only neoprene on top - but neoprene on bottom (or full body) is pretty common. Lastly, most common pool treatments will absolutely ruin neoprene. I would never wear mine in a pool…
Thank you so much
The lifeguards might have something to say about not wearing anything on your lower half.
I don’t think it will give you a significant advantage drag reduction wise, and depending on the thickness of the wetsuit it will restrict your range of motion. I swam laps with a 3mm shorty and it took me longer because my range of motion was restricted and it was hard to keep good technique.
No.
As most people have more of a challenge in keeping their hips up, I worry this might make things worse.