Finding a Tri Suit That Works

First triathlon, I wore cycling shorts for the bike and changed into running shorts for the run. In the transition zone. With fumbling, sweaty hands. Never again. A proper tri suit eliminates all that nonsense. Here’s what I learned after trying several.

Why Tri Suits Exist

Swim. Bike. Run. One garment. The tri suit handles all three disciplines without requiring changes. The padding is thin enough to swim and run comfortably, but present enough to cushion the bike. Fast transitions. Less stuff to carry. Simpler race day.

Types to Consider

One-Piece vs. Two-Piece

One-piece suits offer better aerodynamics and nothing shifts during the race. Two-piece options allow bathroom breaks without stripping down completely. For sprint and Olympic distances, one-piece makes sense. For longer races, consider two-piece practicality.

Sleeved vs. Sleeveless

Sleeves add aerodynamic benefit on the bike. Sleeveless keeps you cooler, especially on hot run legs. I’m apparently a hot runner and prefer sleeveless even though the aero argument makes sense. Comfort beats marginal gains for most of us.

What I’ve Tried

Castelli Free Sanremo

The front-zip design makes bathroom stops possible without full removal. Good chamois for cycling without being too bulky for running. Pockets in back hold nutrition. This became my go-to for Olympic distance.

Zone3 Aspire

More affordable entry point. Water-repellent fabric dries fast out of the swim. The leg grippers actually stay in place. Solid choice for first timers not ready to spend $300 on race-day clothing.

HUUB DS Long Course

Designed specifically for half and full Ironman distances. The chamois is more substantial because you’re spending serious hours on the bike. Coldblack fabric supposedly reduces heat absorption. Worth considering if you’re racing long.

Fit Matters More Than Brand

Tri suits run tight. They’re supposed to. But too tight restricts breathing on the run. Too loose causes chafing and drag. Order according to size charts but accept that you might need to return and exchange. Most brands size differently.

The suit should feel snug but not constrictive. Arms should move freely for swimming. The chamois should contact your sit bones without bunching when you run.

Chamois Considerations

Tri chamois is thinner than cycling shorts. This is intentional — thick padding becomes uncomfortable when running and holds too much water from the swim. The reduced padding takes adjustment if you’re coming from cycling-only experience.

For sprint distances, minimal padding works fine. For longer races, you may want more substantial options like those from HUUB or Castelli’s long-course models.

Pockets and Storage

Back pockets hold gels and nutrition for the bike and run legs. Make sure you can reach them while in race position. Some suits have side pockets too. More storage means less reliance on transition bags or carrying things in your mouth.

What to Pay

Budget options: $80-150. These work fine for getting started. Mid-range: $150-250. Better materials, better chamois, better durability. Premium: $250+. Race-day gear for serious competitors, marginal gains in aerodynamics and comfort.

Start affordable until you know what features you actually care about. Then upgrade based on experience.

Care Instructions

Rinse after every use, especially after swimming in chlorinated pools. Cold wash, no fabric softener. Hang dry. The chamois breaks down faster with heat and harsh chemicals. A tri suit that lasts multiple seasons requires proper care.

Race Day Tips

Wear your suit under your wetsuit for swim starts. Nothing to change in T1. Body Glide the areas prone to chafing before you start. Practice race-day nutrition access during training so you’re not fumbling during competition.

The right tri suit disappears during the race. You forget you’re wearing it. That’s the goal.