Let’s be honest: you’ve wondered. Almost every open-water swimmer or triathlete has, at some point, felt that urge mid-lake, mid-ocean, or a mile from shore with no porta-potty in sight. So, can you? The practical answer is yes - plenty of people do. But whether you should, and how you handle it afterward, makes all the difference for your comfort, your wetsuit’s longevity, and the person who has to ride home in the car with you.
Here’s the full, slightly awkward, but useful truth.
The Short Answer: Yes, But…
Urinating in a wetsuit won’t instantly destroy it. Neoprene is tough, and a quick, dilute release in the open water is unlikely to cause immediate harm. However, if you turn your suit into a regular bathroom stop without a proper rinse routine, you’ll likely deal with stubborn odors, possible fabric breakdown over time, and a suit that’s just unpleasant to pull on next time.
Think of it like salt or chlorine: a little exposure rinsed promptly is manageable. Letting it sit and fester is a recipe for regret.
What Actually Happens Inside the Suit
Swim-specific wetsuits like those from blueseventy are designed to let a thin layer of water in between your skin and the neoprene. Your body warms that water, creating insulation. Urine mixes with that thin layer, and while the suit will flush some of it out through the neck, cuffs, and zipper as you swim, some will linger in the neoprene’s lining and seams.
The main risks are:
- Odor buildup. Bacteria love warm, wet environments. If urine sits in the lining fibers, it can create a persistent funk even after a rinse.
- Degradation over time. Urine is mildly acidic. Repeated, prolonged exposure can potentially affect the neoprene’s flexibility or the adhesives in the seams, though this is much more of a long-term, heavy-use issue than a one-and-done event.
- Skin irritation. For some swimmers, wearing a suit that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned can lead to rashes or chafing, especially in delicate areas.
How to Care for Your Wetsuit After Nature Calls
The golden rule is the same one you’d follow after any swim in salt, chlorine, or fresh water: rinse immediately and thoroughly.
Post-swim rinse. As soon as you’re out of the water, give your suit a good freshwater flush - inside and out. If you have access to a shower or a hose, use it. Otherwise, dunk it in clean water and agitate it gently.
Deep clean when needed. If you know your suit has seen more than just lake water, use a wetsuit-specific cleaner or a mild baby shampoo. (Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or hot water - they can damage the neoprene and dissolve the seam glue.) blueseventy’s own wetsuit care advice always emphasizes gentle cleaning and a slow, out-of-direct-sunlight dry to keep your suit performing season after season.
Dry it properly. Turn it inside out after rinsing, hang it over a wide hanger or a rack in the shade, and let it dry completely before storing. Don’t leave it balled up in a swim bag - that’s a guaranteed invitation for mold and odor.
What about the warranty? blueseventy’s 1-year manufacturing warranty covers materials and workmanship defects - not damage from improper care, neglect, or things like sitting in unrinsed urine for days. So, a quick rinse isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about protecting your investment.
Tips to Keep Things Manageable
- Hydrate strategically. If you’re not racing, consider timing your fluid intake so you’re not bursting at the start line. It won’t eliminate the possibility, but it helps.
- Embrace the rinse. Get in the habit of a thorough freshwater rinse after every swim anyway. It prevents salt and chlorine buildup, extends suit life, and conveniently solves the pee problem in the process.
- Consider a “test swim” on dry land. A properly fitting blueseventy wetsuit should feel snug and secure. If your suit is so loose that it’s holding a significant volume of water (and everything in it), your fit might be off. Our size charts and fitting guide can help you dial it in, and remember - every blueseventy wetsuit can be taken for a test swim and still returned within 30 days if it’s not the right match.
The Bottom Line
Can you pee in your swimming wetsuit? Yes. Most open-water regulars will do it at some point. But treat your suit the same way you’d treat any high-performance gear you rely on for warmth, buoyancy, and freedom in the water: give it a proper rinse, care for it, and it’ll take care of you for hundreds of miles to come.
Dive into more wetsuit care and fit advice on the blueseventy blog, or explore our wetsuit care products to keep your suit fresh, supple, and race-ready.
