USA Swimming:
Technical Suit Rules for 12 & Under
The rules have changed. Stay up-to-date with the latest 12 & Under tech suit guidelines so you can make informed purchases for your young swimmer.
Be Confident in Your Purchase
To help with your purchase, SwimOutlet has set up categories featuring 12 & Under approved and recommended racing suits:
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How to Distinguish a Technical Suit
As of September 1, 2020, 12 & Under swimmers have new restrictions on what types of tech suits they are permitted to wear for competition. Under these new rules, no technical suit may be worn by any 12 & Under USA Swimming athlete in competition at any sanctioned, approved, or observed meet.
Tech Suits
Any male or female suit with any bonded or taped seams is defined as a technical suit regardless of its fabric or silhouette — and is not allowed.
Any suit with woven fabric extending past the hips is not allowed, regardless of seams.
12 & Under
Compliant Tech Suits
Any suit that does not have the FINA logo on it is approved for 12 & Under use.
A knit fabric suit with sewn seams can extend to the knees and is not considered a technical suit.
✔︎ Approval Marks
Any suit that does not have the FINA logo on it is approved for 12 & Under use.
For a few select suits that have the FINA Approved logo, but do not fit the definition of a technical suit, a green check mark is added next to the FINA logo to signify that it is 12 & Under compliant. Learn more on USA Swimming
Racing suits specifically approved and recommended for use for 12 & Under swimmers feature SwimOutlet's unique orange "12 & Under Eligible" logo when shopping at SwimOutlet.com.
No Checkmark?
If you own or purchase a suit that qualifies for use and it has the FINA Approved logo but not the green check mark…
- Find the list of qualified suits on USA Swimming's website. Confirm your suit is on there.
- Swimmer or coach takes the suit to the meet referee prior to the start of the meet.
- The tag on the suit has the name of the suit on it and the referee can compare with the list on the website.
- Referee uses a green Sharpie and places an "X" over the FINA Approved logo.
- It is up to the swimmer and/or coach to have this approved prior to them swimming the race. If the suit has not been reviewed and marked prior to the start of the meet, the athlete may be disqualified.
Review the latest up-to-date FAQ from USA Swimming.
Brands We Love
Here are just a few of our favorite brands. Dive in! We think you'll love them too.
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Size was spot on, great fit for our 14 year old daughter for Regional Championships. Material is good quality as well and not see thru.
—Twoblondiesmom on the Speedo Women's Powerplus Kneeskin Tech Suit
"With the new tech suit guidelines for 12 and under I bought this new suit for my 11yr old son who weighs 70lbs and 4.5feet tall. Fits comfortably on him. Good quality for the price. He wears it for swim meets only."
—Angel E. on the Arena Boys' Powerskin ST 2.0 Jammer Tech Suit
"We bought this suit for my daughters first experience with a racing suit for a championship meet. The price was right for a first suit experience. We were pleasantly pleased with the fit and comfort of this suit."
—Age Group Swimmer on the Dolfin Women's FirstStrike Knee Tech Suit
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12 & Under Tech Suit Review
Measuring Guide
Measurements are standard, but bodies? Not so much. Using a soft measuring tape, follow the steps below.
Torso
Start at high point of shoulder, run tape through leg and back up to the starting point.
Bust
Measure the fullest part of chest, be sure to go over the shoulder blades at back.
Waist
Measure narrowest part of torso.
Hip
Measure around the fullest point of hip, keeping tape parallel to floor.
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