questions, answered.
everything swimmers and triathletes ask us, in one place. can't find yours? the Experience Team answers within 24 hours.
sizing & fit
how do I determine the best wetsuit for me?+
to choose the right wetsuit, please see the chart provided. at deboer we have learned from extensive testing that speed is largely influenced by buoyancy. the key question is where the buoyancy should be. Our tests show the best swim position is achieved when buoyancy is concentrated in the hips and waist. all our wetsuits are built around this central buoyancy concept, which benefits medium to strong swimmers.
the next consideration is temperature and the conditions in which you will mainly swim. the size chart gets you close, and you can compare the range side by side.
how do I determine my wetsuit size?+
we're happy to size you personally — email info@deboerswim.com with:
- male or female
- height (cm) and weight (kg)
- chest circumference (cm)
- biceps circumference (cm)
- hips (cm)
- longer upper body or lower body?
- which wetsuit(s) you're considering
- tight fit or a more comfortable fit?
we offer this because we don't accept size exchanges on orders placed without our sizing assistance — if you choose to order without our help and need an
exchange, all shipping and restocking fees will be charged to you.
my new wetsuit feels really tight. is it the wrong size? or did i do something wrong?+
putting on a new wetsuit can be challenging and most people don’t take enough time.
putting on a wetsuit properly can take at least 10 minutes. the key is to pull the suit up
so the crotch, sleeves, and shoulder areas are as high as possible. this creates space
to breathe and move freely.
it helps to have someone assist with zipping and closing the suit. a useful trick is to
blow air into the suit through the sleeves (a bike pump can work). this separates your
body from the neoprene and helps the suit settle correctly if it has started to stick to
your skin. the care page walks through it step by step.
how should a wetsuit fit?+
after following the steps above a wetsuit should feel tight on land but should become comfortable in the water after a few hundred meters, improving insulation and speed.
i'm between sizes — which one should I pick?+
if you’re between sizes, email us at info@deboerswim.com with the measurements from the sizing question above. we’ll help you choose the best size.
remember, we don’t accept size exchanges for orders placed without our sizing
consultation; shipping and restocking fees will apply if an exchange is needed.
how can i avoid damaging the wetsuit while putting it on?+
if gloves are not included, use gloves to protect the suit. many people pull on the
outside of the suit, which is more fragile. we recommend turning the suit partially
inside-out, stepping into the legs, and rolling it up using only the inside lining (the lining
is stronger than the outside). this will extend the life of your wetsuit.
how do i take my wetsuit off?+
remove your wetsuit by pulling one shoulder down and removing one arm, then the
other. at T1 you can pull the suit down over your hips and kick it off your legs. two tips:
A. just before exiting the water, scoop water into the suit to help it slide off.
B. use baby oil on your calves (not on your feet).
ordering & shipping
do you ship internationally?+
yes, we ship worldwide from our warehouses in Shenzhen, China and Archdale, North Carolina, USA. orders over $180 include free shipping.
how fast is shipping?+
shipping time depends on the service selected. with DHL Express we aim for 3–6
business days. standard shipping typically takes 10–14 business days.
when will my order ship, and how fast is delivery?+
once you place your order, processing begins immediately. orders are checked against available inventory and normally picked within 48 business hours, then handed to the carrier. delivery time depends on couriers, customs, and local carriers.
i'm racing soon — will my suit arrive in time?+
please order well in advance. because delivery relies on external carriers and customs, we can't guarantee arrival by a specific date.
do you ship to race venues or hotels?+
yes — but we can't guarantee delivery timing, and if the suit arrives after your race, retrieving it from the hotel is your responsibility. our delivery obligation ends at the shipping address you provide.
where are the deboer warehouses located?+
we warehouse and distribute from two locations: Shenzhen, China and Archdale, North Carolina, USA.
returns & policies
what's your size exchange policy?+
size exchange requests must be made and returned within 14 days of delivery (returns close 14 days after delivery), and exchanges are only accepted when the original order was placed with a deboer sizing recommendation from info@deboerswim.com. discounted and clearance products, and complimentary items, aren't eligible.
conditions for exchanges:
• item condition: all items must have tags attached and show no signs of damage.
• photo proof: provide photos of the item’s condition before returning.
• damaged items: damaged items will be returned to you at your expense; you will not
receive a new size.
• restock fee: $25 for exchanges within Europe; $60 for exchanges outside Europe.
• return shipping: customers are responsible for return shipping costs.
exchange process:
email us at info@deboerswim.com before exchanging. include:
• your order number or proof of purchase
• photos of you wearing the wetsuit (full body front and back, and close-ups of any
areas of concern)
• confirmation that you had a scheduled sizing consultation with a deboer
representative
• photos of the wetsuit’s condition
exchange shipping:
• use a trackable postal service; the cost is your responsibility.
• if you received detailed sizing assistance before your order and are exchanging for a
new size, we may cover shipping for the new item.
• we recommend using trackable shipping; we are not responsible for items lost in
transit.
customs declaration:
to avoid import duties, declare a maximum value on the return package, provide your
courier with your order number, outbound tracking number, and airway bill, and mark the
parcel clearly as a return to deboer wetsuits. we will not accept packages if duties are
incurred.
exchange addresses:
for European exchanges:
deboer wetsuits - Sport Import Europe B.V.
Re: [your name and order number]
Einsteinstraat 16 B
3316 GG Dordrecht
The Netherlands
for the rest of the world:
deboer swim USA
Re: [your name and order number]
103 Carolina Ct
Archdale, NC 27263
USA
how do I start a size exchange?+
email info@deboerswim.com before returning anything. include your order number, full-body photos of you wearing the suit (front and back, plus close-ups of any areas of concern), photos of the suit's condition, and confirmation of your sizing consultation. we'll confirm the size swap and send the return address — Sport Import Europe B.V. (Dordrecht, NL) for European exchanges, deboer Swim USA (Archdale, NC) for the rest of the world — plus the customs-declaration instructions so the return doesn't incur duties. if you were sized by us, we may cover shipping on the replacement.
what does the warranty cover?+
every deboer product is guaranteed against manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship for one year from purchase, for the original owner (non-transferable, claims subject to approval). not covered: damage from misuse, neglect or accidents; normal wear and tear; unauthorized repairs or modifications; and fingernail cuts — though those are usually a ten-minute home fix.
how do i submit a warranty claim?+
file a claim on the support page or email us with: a description of the problem and how it occurred, several clear photos of the defect, your order number or proof of purchase, and a photo of the production number (under the care label at the back of the suit). we only cover goods bought directly from deboerswim.com or deboer-authorized retail at events. once received, the team reviews the claim and — if approved — repairs or replaces the product at our discretion.
product & care
how long does a wetsuit last, and how do i look after it?+
a wetsuit’s lifespan depends on care. Key tips:
• put the wetsuit on from the inside out and roll it up your body (see video)
• wear gloves when putting it on
• avoid direct sunlight and heat — neoprene and glue can be damaged by heat
• rinse the wetsuit and dry it inside out
• travel or store the wetsuit rolled up
• to dry, use a wide coat hanger; when storing, roll the suit loosely
• do not use petroleum-based products (e.g., Vaseline)
the full care routine has the sixty-second version.
can i repair my wetsuit?+
minor damage like fingernail cuts is easily repaired with a neoprene glue such as Black Witch — the step-by-step guide takes ten minutes. for holes or larger damage, use a professional wetsuit repair shop (surf or dive), or send us a claim for a repair quote.
which wetsuit for my water temperature?+
Fjord 4.0 and Tidal cover roughly 10–24°C. above 20°C the sleeveless Tsunami keeps you cool. Below 15°C add the ICEMAN thermal system — hood, gloves and socks. Compare the range.
how long does a tech suit last?+
expect peak compression for 10–15 swims. Rinse cold after every session, never wring or machine-wash, and keep it for races only. many swimmers run this season's suit for finals and last season's for prelims. Full care guide.
how do I prevent chafing or irritation?+
make sure the fit is right, rinse the suit after every use, use a lubricant on seams and the neck if needed, and alternate suits to reduce friction on repeated days.
teams & programs
can my team or club get outfitted?+
yes! our team/club program outfits squads in deboer-quality clubwear, designed with our own designers: caps, suits, kit and your club's marks. team pricing, a dedicated portal and fit sessions come with it. start on the Teams page or email info@deboerswim.com.
how does team pricing work?+
email info@deboerswim.com. the customer experience team loops in our sales team, who will get in touch to set your club's pricing tier. once you're set up, member accounts are tagged to the club and the discount applies automatically at checkout — no codes.
how do you pronounce deboer?+
duh-BOR. now you can say it at the start line.
how can I swim as fast — or faster — than the deboer pros?+
the answer lies in hard training, finding a great coach, and never, ever, ever giving up.
Swimwear
what size swimwear should I buy?+
use the size chart (height, chest, waist, hips) and check carefully where you land — then decide by your preference: snug for racing, a touch more comfortable for daily training. not sure? the swim fit quiz or an email to info@deboerswim.com settles it.
how should performance swimwear fit?+
snug and supportive without restricting breathing or movement. leg openings and straps should sit flat against the skin — no pinching, no major gaps.
what's the difference between training and racing suits?+
training suits prioritize durability and comfort for daily mileage. racing suits are built for speed — compression, hydrodynamics and lightweight fabrics. deboer race suits go further: the textured boundary layer reduces drag, so the suit itself is faster. compare the range, or read the science.
how long will my suit last?+
it depends on frequency and care. with proper care a quality training suit lasts 6–24+ months of regular swimming; racing suits have shorter peak-performance windows — expect 10–15 swims at full compression. the single most important habit: rinse the suit after every session. the full care routine.
how do I care for my swimwear?+
rinse in cool, fresh water after every use, hand wash with a mild natural soap, and air dry flat in the shade. avoid bleach, hot water, rough surfaces and tumble dryers — all four end a suit early.
is the suit chlorine-resistant?+
no suit is 100% chlorine-resistant. ours are treated with a special coating that extends their lifespan — rinsing after every swim is what makes it count. note: warranty coverage applies to manufacturing defects, and ends once a suit has been used in chlorinated water.
are deboer race suits legal for my meet?+
every deboer race suit is World Aquatics approved. the approval mark is printed inside the waistband — officials can check it at marshaling.
what's the break-in period for a new suit?+
minimal for training suits. high-compression racing suits may take a few wears to mold to your body — allow for that before race day.
can I customize suits with team logos or names?+
yes — we offer team and customization options, from club marks to names. email info@deboerswim.com for the options, or start on the Teams page.