Tri suits
The one piece of gear you wear for the entire race — how to choose the right tri suit.
By Lotte
A tri suit is worn for all three disciplines — swim, bike, and run — eliminating clothing changes in transition. Choose based on fit, chamois comfort, and pocket placement for nutrition.
Key takeaways
- 1A tri suit eliminates clothing changes during transitions
- 2One-piece is more aero; two-piece offers more flexibility
- 3Test your tri suit in all three disciplines during training
- 4Quality suits are available from $80 — you don't need to spend $300+
In this article
What is a tri suit?
A tri suit is a single garment designed to be worn throughout all three disciplines and transitions. It has a thin chamois pad for cycling comfort, quick-dry fabric for the swim, and minimal seams to prevent chafing during the run.
Wearing a tri suit eliminates the need to change clothes during transitions.
One-piece vs. two-piece
One-piece suits are more aerodynamic and stay in place better. Two-piece suits (separate top and shorts) offer more flexibility for bathroom breaks and mixing sizes.
Both work fine. Choose based on personal comfort preference.
Fit and features
A tri suit should fit snugly without bunching or riding up. Key features to look for: rear pockets for nutrition, flatlock seams, UPF sun protection, and a comfortable chamois.
Try your tri suit in all three disciplines during training before race day.
Budget considerations
You can get a quality tri suit for $80-150. Premium suits with better aerodynamics and comfort features range from $200-400.
For your first race, an affordable option works perfectly. Upgrade as you identify what features matter most to you.
Recommended gear
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Frequently asked questions
Do I wear anything under a tri suit?
No underwear or bike shorts — the built-in chamois provides padding. Women may choose to wear a sports bra underneath for support, but the suit is designed to be self-sufficient.
Can I just wear a swimsuit for the whole race?
You can, especially for sprint distance. But a swimsuit lacks a chamois pad for cycling comfort and rear pockets for nutrition. For races over 90 minutes, a tri suit is strongly recommended.