Best Triathlon Wetsuit Accessories 2026: Anti-Chafe, Defogger and More
What to Look For
Wetsuit accessories are often overlooked, but the right products make a genuine difference to your open water experience — whether that’s preventing chafing that forces you to slow down, keeping your goggles fog-free in cold water, or protecting your wetsuit so it lasts for seasons rather than months. These are the accessories every triathlete with a wetsuit should own.
Key Features to Consider
- Anti-chafe protection — The neck and wrist cuffs of a wetsuit can rub badly in a race, particularly after 1500m+. A lubricant applied before the swim prevents blistering and allows for a fast, comfortable wetsuit strip in T1.
- Goggle defogger — Open water goggle fogging can be disorienting mid-race. A quality anti-fog spray prevents condensation forming on the inside of the lens and lasts significantly longer than spit-based defogging.
- Wetsuit hanger — Folding a neoprene wetsuit over a standard hanger damages the material over time. Wide-shoulder or purpose-built wetsuit hangers allow the suit to dry properly and extend its lifespan by years.
- Storage and care — Rinse your wetsuit in cold fresh water after every use, hang it on a proper hanger, and store it flat in a cool, dark place. Avoid leaving it in a car boot — UV light and heat degrade neoprene quickly.
Our Top Picks
Best Anti-Chafe: TRISLIDE Skin Lubricant Spray (136ml)
TRISLIDE is the gold standard in triathlon-specific anti-chafe. The spray format makes it fast to apply in T1 prep, and the formula is specifically designed for neoprene — it won’t degrade your wetsuit like some oil-based products can. Apply generously to your neck, wrists and ankles before putting your wetsuit on. A single can lasts a full season for most athletes.
Best Value Lubricant: Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm (42g)
Body Glide is widely available, wallet-friendly, and effective. The stick format is less convenient than TRISLIDE’s spray in a race setting but works well for training swims where you have more time to apply it. It’s wetsuit-safe, fragrance-free, and trusted by endurance athletes since 1996. Keep one in your swim bag and one in your transition bag.
Best Goggle Defogger: Reef Safe Anti-Fog Spray for Swim Goggles
A dedicated goggle defogger works significantly better than the old spit-and-rinse method and lasts through a full race swim. This reef-safe formula is alcohol and ammonia-free, safe for lens coatings, and creates a lasting film that prevents condensation forming. Apply to the inside of the goggle lens, let it dry for 30 seconds, and rinse gently before swimming. One application lasts several sessions.
Best Wetsuit Hanger: CAPAS Adjustable Foldable Wetsuit Hanger
Purpose-built for neoprene, the CAPAS adjustable hanger opens wide to support the shoulders of your wetsuit without creating pressure points or creasing the neoprene. It folds flat for easy packing in your kit bag and holds up to 15kg — more than enough for any triathlon wetsuit. A proper hanger can add years to the life of a £400+ wetsuit, making this a cheap investment.
Buying Tips
- Buy anti-chafe products before your first open water swim of the season — don’t discover you need them mid-race.
- Avoid petroleum jelly (Vaseline) near your wetsuit — it can degrade neoprene over time. Use triathlon-specific lubricants instead.
- Keep a small 10g Body Glide in your transition bag as an emergency backup on race day.
Care and Maintenance
Rinse your wetsuit in cold fresh water after every use — salt water, chlorine, and sweat all degrade neoprene over time. Turn it inside out to dry, hang it on a wide-shoulder hanger in the shade, and never tumble dry or dry it in direct sunlight. Store it flat or on a hanger in a cool, dark location and it will last 5+ seasons.
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