Review : Orca Vitalis Breaststroke Wetsuit - Finally, a Wetsuit Designed for Breaststrokers

When it comes to open water swimming gear, most wetsuits are made with freestyle or triathlon performance in mind. But what if your preferred stroke is breaststroke? Until recently, the options were limited,  most suits felt restrictive across the chest and shoulders or caused your legs to float too high, throwing off your rhythm.

That’s where the Orca Vitalis Breast Stroke Women’s Wetsuit comes in — one of the first wetsuits ever designed specifically for breaststroke technique and women’s body geometry.

First Impressions

At first glance, the Vitalis looks much like Orca’s other high-performance wetsuits, sleek black Yamamoto neoprene, durable seams, and a clean, minimalist design. But as soon as you put it on, the difference becomes clear.

The chest and hip areas feel noticeably more flexible than a standard triathlon wetsuit, and the lower body panels are thinner, creating less lift around the legs. The result is a more balanced, natural / neutral swimming position in the water which is exactly what breaststrokers need. No more floaty legs giving you too much lift.

Design & Fit

Orca has used Yamamoto 39FS neoprene with its Infinity Skin 2 lining, a combination known for flexibility and comfort. The suit’s BS-Fit pattern (breaststroke fit) gives extra room in the chest and arm area, allowing the wider arm sweep of breaststroke without resistance. This makes for a super relaxed and comfortable open water swim. 

The 2 mm leg panels help prevent excessive buoyancy, a common problem when using traditional wetsuits designed for freestyle / front crawl. For women, the cut feels tailored and supportive without being restrictive, with thoughtful shaping around the bust, hips, and shoulders, whilst the mens suit is super inclusive and goes up to a size 11. Great news for your 6ft 5, 130kg units! 

Performance in the Water

Testing the suit in both calm lake conditions and mild open-water chop revealed its standout feature: freedom of movement. The suit lets your arms and legs move through the full breaststroke cycle naturally without impediment.

There’s minimal drag, and the balanced buoyancy means your legs stay submerged instead of popping up, preserving proper stroke mechanics. That’s particularly noticeable during longer swims when fatigue usually leads to poor form.

For swimmers who mix strokes, perhaps alternating freestyle and breaststroke, the Vitalis does remains versatile. It’s comfortable enough for both, though breaststroke is clearly where it shines. 

If you are a cold water swimmer, then you will need to look at investing in some form of neoprene thermal base layer as this suit doesn't put much focus on heat retention. 

When and Where to Use It

The Orca Vitalis Breast Stroke Women’s Wetsuit is ideal for:

• Open water swimming – lakes, rivers, or coastal swims where water temperatures are cool. 

• Triathletes who use breaststroke for sections of the swim or prefer it entirely.

• Training sessions where comfort, warmth, and stroke accuracy matter more than pure speed.

• Beginner to intermediate swimmers who find freestyle-cut wetsuits too restrictive or awkward for breaststroke.

It’s less suited for competitive freestyle events, where buoyancy and shoulder compression differ, but it’s perfect for dedicated breaststrokers or open-water enthusiasts who value natural movement and body alignment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
✅ Specifically engineered for breaststroke technique
✅ Exceptional flexibility in chest, hips, and legs
✅ Balanced buoyancy supports natural body position
✅ High-quality materials and Orca craftsmanship
✅ Comfortable women’s-specific fit

Cons:
❌ Less buoyant than freestyle-focused wetsuits (not ideal for triathlon sprint races)
❌ Premium price compared to entry-level models
❌ Limited colour option.

Verdict

The Orca Vitalis Breast Stroke Wetsuit fills a long-standing gap in the swimming market. For the first time, breaststrokers have a wetsuit that truly supports their technique instead of working against it.

Whether you’re training in a lake, taking on your first open-water event, or simply want to stay warm while maintaining proper form, this suit delivers impressive comfort, freedom, and performance.

For swimmers who’ve struggled with traditional women’s wetsuits that don’t match their stroke, the Vitalis is a breath of fresh air!

Triton Rating - 7.6/10

• Comfort - 8.8
• Flexibility - 8.9
• Durability / Longevity - 6.8
• Swim Position - 8
• Thermal / Heat Retention - 6.8
• Visuals / Aesthetics - 6.5