This comprehensive guide to triathlon attire will take you through all the essentials, from basics to accessories, and offer valuable tips to help you get informed on what to wear for a triathlon.
As an ex-racer, I understand the nerves that creep in as race day approaches; this article will tell you everything you need to know, ensuring there’s one less thing to think about as the date looms!
We’ll break down the gear needed for each leg of the race – the swim, the cycle, and the run – so that you can step up to the start line with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the right equipment.
Basics of Triathlon Clothing: The Tri Suit
At its core, triathlon is a test of endurance across three diverse disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running.
It’s like a grand tour of sports, showcasing the variety and intensity of human athleticism. But here’s the kicker, triathlon has its own unique twist: no intermission, no downtime, and certainly no time to change outfits.
You need gear that’s not just fit for one discipline but versatile enough to move with you across all three.
That’s where the triathlon suit, or tri suit for short, comes into play.
It’s the Swiss Army Knife of sportswear, designed to handle the demands of all stages. This one-piece garment hugs your body like a second skin, minimizing aero drag whether you’re slicing through waves or cutting through the wind.
Crafted from lightweight, breathable fabrics, tri suits do an exceptional job of wicking moisture away from your body. This is a critical feature, keeping you comfortable and reducing chafing, not to mention enabling a quick-dry transition from swimming to cycling.
The design is typically streamlined, further enhancing its efficiency. This isn’t just about good looks (though there’s no harm in that); it reduces air and water resistance, which could save seconds or even minutes.
What To Wear For A Triathlon: Swim Gear
It all starts with a splash!
The first leg of a triathlon is the swim, which plunges you right into the action. This is where your journey begins, and it’s important to set off on the right foot.
Swimming Goggles
A well-fitted, comfortable pair of swim goggles is essential.
They keep the water out of your eyes, allowing you to see clearly and navigate the often chaotic swim stage. An ill-fitting pair of goggles can become a distraction, causing discomfort or even filling with water.
Goggle lenses can come in different colors, and each serves its own purpose. Clear lenses are great for cloudy days or darker, murkier waters. They don’t filter out light, offering you the maximum visibility possible.
On the other hand, if your race is in broad daylight with the sun shining down, tinted lenses are a smart choice.
Wetsuit
When we think of swimming, we often think of just a swimsuit. But in a triathlon, particularly, you’ll want to consider a triathlon wetsuit (worn over your tri suit), especially in lower water temperatures.
Not only does it provide insulation to keep you warm, but it also increases buoyancy. You’ll float higher in the water, helping you swim faster.
However, don’t just grab any wetsuit. Triathlon-specific wetsuits are designed with flexibility in key areas like the shoulders and arms, allowing for an unrestricted and powerful swim stroke.
They often feature a slick, hydrodynamic outer surface, and they’re easier to remove, important for speedy transitions.
In especially cold water, you may also want to consider swimming gloves and boots.
The swim gear sets the tone for your race. A solid start in the water can give you confidence and momentum.
What To Wear For A Triathlon: Cycling Apparel
Once you’ve conquered the waves, it’s time to take to the tarmac for the bike leg. The transition from swimming to cycling is a big one, as you go from weightless splashing to seated pedaling.
The good news? Your trusty tri suit is ready for this switch, too. It’s not just a swim outfit, but it’s designed with the bike ride in mind as well.
The Importance of the Chamois
A key feature is the thin, quick-dry padding or “chamois” built into the tri suit.
This padding is a typical feature taken from bike shorts and provides a cushion between you and the bike saddle, providing comfort for your ride without being so bulky that it hampers your running performance.
It is designed to dry quickly post-swim, so you don’t have to pedal in soggy shorts.
However, if you’re facing a longer distance on the bike (such as during an Ironman), you might consider donning separate cycling shorts with more substantial padding.
These offer greater comfort for those extra miles, but bear in mind the transition to running. A bulkier chamois could become a liability when you switch to your running shoes.
helmet
But let’s not forget an essential piece of safety gear for the cycle leg: the helmet. It’s not just recommended; it’s compulsory in every sanctioned event.
Helmets protect your head from injuries, and choosing the right one is crucial. Look for something lightweight so it doesn’t weigh you down or strain your neck, but make sure it’s from a reputable brand. Certifications such as MIPS are also good to look for.
Ventilation is also key for a cooler, more comfortable ride. A good helmet should have sufficient vents to allow for airflow, helping to manage sweat and heat.
For high-level triathletes, aerodynamics may also be a consideration when choosing a triathlon helmet.
Cycling Shoes
Dedicated cycling shoes aren’t essential for triathlon, but can be beneficial, especially if you pair them with clipless pedals.
For the shortest triathlons, you might be better off simply using flat pedals and cycling in your running shoes, so you don’t have to swap them in the cycling-to-running transition.
What To Wear For A Triathlon: Running Apparel
Just when you thought the journey was nearing its end, you step off the bike, lace up your shoes, and face the final leg – the run.
But there’s a light at the end of this tunnel, and it’s your tri-suit. Once again, this trusty piece of clothing is up to the task.
Key features to look out for include flat seams that won’t irritate your skin or cause chafing and a snug but comfortable fit that won’t create drag or slow you down.
But your running gear doesn’t stop at your suit. Your feet carry you through the run, so they deserve a little TLC, right?
This is where a great pair of running shoes comes into play, providing the right blend of cushioning and support, keeping your feet comfortable, and reducing the risk of injuries.
Shoes should be chosen carefully based on your foot type (arch height) and running style (where your foot strikes first). A local store can often help assess this.
Don’t overlook the humble sock, either. A pair of breathable, moisture-wicking socks can make a world of difference in preventing blisters.
Triathlon Accessories and Extras
- A swim cap protects your hair from chlorine or saltwater, but it also reduces drag, helping you glide through the water more efficiently.
- Gloves can improve grip and protect your hands in case of a fall.
- Cycling sunglasses not only shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they also provide a clear view of the course by reducing glare and protecting your eyes from dust.
- Transition mats offer a clean, organized space for you to switch gears, preventing unnecessary stress or confusion. They can also provide a comfortable spot to stand barefoot while you dry off and change shoes.
- A race belt allows you to display your race number easily without having to pin it directly to your precious tri-suit, as well as carrying energy gels or bars.
- Lastly, consider a running hat or visor. Whether it’s beating down sun or a surprise rain shower, having a hat or visor can keep the elements out of your eyes and help you stay focused.
4 Triathlon Clothing Tips for Beginners
As a beginner embarking on your first triathlon journey, you might feel like there’s a mountain to climb. But every expert was once a beginner, right? I’m here to share some golden nuggets of advice from my own experience, from my first triathlon to the present day.
#1. Practice makes perfect
It’s not just about training your body for the race but also training in your race-day gear. Try swimming, cycling, and running in your chosen kit before the big day, as well as switching between them quickly.
This will give you a real feel for how everything performs under race-like conditions and allow you to make necessary adjustments. No one wants unpleasant surprises!
#2. Performance over style
Style might make you feel like a million bucks, but if your gear is uncomfortable or ill-fitting, those feelings will fade fast.
And if it comes down to a choice between a trendy design or something more performance-oriented, remember why you’re there: to swim, bike, and run your heart out.
#3. Don’t go cheap
Investing in quality might seem daunting at first, especially when you’re starting out. But think of it not as an expense but as an investment.
Quality gear is designed to last, perform well, and enhance your experience. It might cost more upfront, but it will pay dividends in the long run.
#4. Be yourself
Finally, embrace your uniqueness. Triathlon gear is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. What works wonders for your friend or the person next to you in the transition area might not work for you.
Experiment, learn from others, but ultimately, find what suits your body, your style, and your race goals. Everyone starts somewhere. Arm yourself with these tips, coupled with a dash of determination, and you’re well on your way to a great triathlon experience.
Now You Know What To Wear For A Triathlon…
Now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices about your triathlon attire, and we’d love to hear about your own triathlon experiences.
Have you already competed in a triathlon? If so, what were your go-to clothing choices? Did you ever switch clothes mid-race? Your insights could inspire and guide others in our triathlon community.
Drop us a comment below and share your stories. After all, every race is a learning experience. And as we often say in the world of triathlon, we’re all in this together!
