10 Best Tri Suits for Triathletes Compared
Ryan Sabin 
In a Hurry? The test winner after 17 hrs of research
Prevents chafing
Good fit
Great buoyancy
Excellent material
Comfortable, even with extended wear
Dries comfortably
Cleans easily
Top 10 Trisuits
1. Synergy Trisuit
Prevents chafing
Good fit
Great buoyancy
Excellent material
Comfortable, even with extended wear
Dries comfortably
Cleans easily
Neckline may have ballooning issues
Leg openings may be tight
The Synergy Tri Suit is an excellent choice for the runner looking to triumph over the triathlon. This piece of clothing is a testament to everything a tri suit can do for its wearer. A tri suit has the ability to allow an athlete to transition between running, swimming, and riding seamlessly. The Synergy Tri Suit is designed to remain comfortable, be durable, and to keep its wearer free from chafing.
Read moreComfort and Materials
The Synergy Tri Suit operates really well in the water, helping to keep the user floating with its remarkable buoyancy. You should be careful with exposing the neckline since it is prone to filling with water.
This tri suit is praised for its materials and fit. The Synergy is made to be antibacterial, to clean and dry easily, as well as prevent chaffing. The one thing to note is that some wearers felt the leg holes were too constraining for comfort so keep this in mind as you're looking at the sizing chart.
Cost
For such a solid piece of gear, the Synergy Tri Suit comes in at a surprisingly low price. Take it from us that this tri suit is both an excellent and affordable choice for runners looking to tackle a triathlon.
2. Runbreeze Men’s Performance
Very comfortable
Budget-friendly
UV resistant
Possible chafing issue under arms
Zipper can start to rub
This product is all about comfort for active athletes. They’re the company behind Runderwear and a number of running socks, all designed to enhance both performance and comfort. When they designed their Performance tri suit, they applied the same principles to makes a comfortable tri suit that will help will also help you out during your race.
Read moreComfort and Performance
This tri suit dries very quickly. It has a compression fit and will retain its shape well even after being used in chlorinated pools. It has three pockets on the back, but they’re designed so that you won’t feel any drag. This is a very comfortable suit overall, holding true to Runbreeze’s philosophy. Another benefit of this tri suit is that it is UV resistant, which will help prevent sunburns. It has a zipper that goes down to the mid-chest. It’s not a low profile zipper, so it might rub a bit, but most users don’t notice it too much. The tri suit does have a tendency to rub in the area under the arms for some body types, though usually only after very long runs.
As with most tri suits, it fits tightly, but less so than some. Size up if you have doubts. Some men might feel exposed because the crotch area offers less support than many expect from a tri suit. Some users wear spandex or bike shorts to help with this issue. The Performance tri suit has padding comparable to what you find on bike shorts. It drains very quickly and does not drag when swimming or running.
Cost
This is a very good budget option for those not looking to spend a lot of money. This is a reasonably priced yet still high-quality product. Consumers have raved about the comfort, and how well it fit them. Some were even surprised by how well this product worked.
3. Pearl iZUMi Select Pursuit
Dries quickly
Lightweight
Comes with a sports bra that offers maximum support
Runs a little small
Women looking for a good tri suit will be very satisfied with this one. Pearl iZUMI has been producing clothes and shoes for cycling, mountain biking, and triathlons for decades. They’ve maintained a focus on quality materials and innovative design. This suit is no different.
Read moreComfort and Performance
This suit is designed with a separate bra for maximum support. It also makes it easier to take the tri suit on and off. It dries very quickly and will never feel heavy. Because it’s so lightweight, it can easily be worn under wetsuits and other layers. The fabric is designed to help your performances using compression. It holds up well after several uses and washings. The leg grippers are silicone, which is plenty tight and won’t move when you’re in a triathlon. Some users find that they are too tight.
The included bra is not a very high-quality sports bra. If you need or prefer a lot of support, you will probably want to swap it for another one. It doesn't have a liner, which some female triathletes prefer. Because the included bra isn't attached in any way to the tri suit, though, swapping it out doesn't require any work.
The Select Pursuit comes in a number of colors. You can get it in mint, blue, bright blue, pink, and a darker, slightly differently styled pink. Most colors are obvious but not dominant. Most of the suit will be black. The only exception if the darker pink, which only has black on the legs. Overall it looks sleek. This suit will be easy to pick out in a crowd, but not obnoxiously loud or ugly.
Cost
This tri suit is about average priced. It is a little bit higher grade quality so you are going to pay a little more for that. But it is worth it to spend a little extra if you are planning to use it a lot. It also comes with a sports bra that is very supportive, so it's like you are getting two for one.
4. Pearl iZUMi Octane
Good quality materials and construction
Excellent fit
Good value
Durable
Not the most breathable option
Logo may come off after just a few uses
Pearl Izumi has been making quality athletic gear for cycling for over 60 years. If you're shopping for your first trisuit you'll find a lot of brands you've never heard of, but you can generally trust a product with the Pearl iZUMi name on it. This one is a good place to start for beginning triathletes as well as more seasoned veterans.
Read moreDurability and Comfort
We found some issues with the logo coming off after only 2 or 3 uses, but overall the durability is good and most people don't really mind the loss anyway. In order to get the right fit be sure to read their sizing chart as well as some reviews to get a feel for what worked for other people. As long as you get the right size the suit should prove comfortable and durable, but if it's too small you may stretch the seams squeezing into it.
Materials and Fit
The material for this product is made of 80% nylon, 12% spandex, and 8% polyester and has UPF 50+ sun protection. That amount of UPF however, is an indicator that this suit is less breathable than some other options, because breathability is achieved with tightly weaving synthetic fibers together to block the sun. When this happens it doesn't allow moisture to pass around the fibers to the outside air where they can dry naturally. The overall fit on this one has been rated as good to excellent, but again, we recommend carefully reading the sizing charts as well as customer reviews to get a feel for the right size before buying.
Value
This is a good value because it's not overly expensive and gives you solid construction and good materials from a reputable brand they.
5. Castelli Free Sanremo Sleeveless
Aero-optimized pockets don't create unwanted drag
The front is constructed with ventilated SpeedFreak material
Arm holes are built to reduce chafing
The legs are secured with Giro Air elastic, which provides a tight fit without being over-constrictive
May fit a bit looser than some others
Experienced cyclists will likely recognize this brand, as Castelli is often associated with cycling. While Castelli’s foray into the tri market is relatively recent they’ve outdone themselves with the Sanremo Tri Suit. The suit is water-resistant, it features aerodynamically designed pockets (no extra drag!), provides UPF 16 protection from the sun and has a beautifully designed seat pad to keep you comfortable on the bike. Overall this suit ticks a lot of different boxes and is one of the most comfortable we’ve ever tried. If your triathlons tend to be heavy on the cycling this is probably one of your best bets. Plus, with a little bit of Italian style, it’s almost impossible to go wrong.
Read moreComfort and Performance
This product's front portion is made of SpeedFreak race fabric. The back is composed of Velocity fabric, which will help improve your aerodynamics while biking. It has a full-length zipper on the back and aero-optimized pockets. The legs are secured with Giro Air elastic which offers a tight fit that is still comfortable. The whole suit has received a bacteriostatic treatment in order to prevent infections and saddle sores.
Breathability & Bathroom Breaks
Castelli’s “Sanremo” design is excellent. It allows for easy access for bathroom breaks and great airflow. This is not always true of one-piece Tri Suits and helps set this one above the rest. Don’t fear you’ll have to rip this one off when nature calls.
Seat Pad
The KISS Tri Seat Pad will soften your seat on your bike but won’t impede you while running. This padding is a compromise. It really will seem to vanish during your run, but it might not provide enough cushion for you depending on your preferences. Some users think it’s just not enough padding for a full Iron Man triathlon. This suit comes in yellow/black, white/red, and black/red. It’s got a classical tri suit look, with the Castelli label in big letters up the side.
6. SLS3 CMX
Affordable
Lightweight and comfortable
Good fit
Not the most durable option
This simple and affordable but effective suit is lightweight, durable, and comfortable. A mesh back keeps you ventilated, and multiple pockets can hold all your nutrition on race day.
Read moreDurability and Comfort
The material is very thin and we did find some concerns over the durability. Comfort was great, with users loving how lightweight it was and that the back mesh panel worked really well to keep them cool during their race.
Materials and Fit
Made of 80% nylon and 20% power spandex this suit offers good breathability, comfort, and light compression to the user. The fit is tight as to be expected, but be sure to pay close attention to the sizing chart before buying. We also recommend reading some reviews and seeing what people with similar body types to yours have to say about what size worked (or didnt') for them.
Value
This is the least expensive model on our list, so it's a great place for start for people who are new to triathlons and don't want to invest too much money yet, as well as more experienced athletes who just want something simple and affordable.
7. TYR Competitor
Excellent level of compression
UPF 50 protection
Futuristic look
Zipper can chafe
TYR makes clothing and accessories for athletes of all kinds, so it’s no shock that they offer a variety of triathlon gear. The Competitor tri suit is as innovative as the rest of their line, with cutting-edge technology and smart design meant to maximize performance and comfortable fit.
Read moreComfort and Performance
This product is pretty easy to put on and take off. It uses a compression webbing system to maximize blood flow for better performance. The leg grips won't slip, but they're also not too tight. The suit also has well-placed pockets, so you can easily refuel while you're on the move. The fabric dries quickly and is ultra-light while providing UPF 50 protection to help prevent sunburn and future skin issues.
You can lock the zipper into place to keep it where you want. However, it’s not subdued and can chafe. This tri suit has a pad that is helpful rather than hindering. It actually helps keep you cool. It won’t retain water or drag during a swim.
Some users have found that the top of the suit has a nice snug fit, but the bottom can be a bit baggier than they like. The size chart provided by TYR is generally right but there are definitely a number of people who haven’t had a lot of luck using it. This suit only comes in black with blue piping and details. There is a silvery rubber pattern on the leg which may start to come off with time and use. It is a very futuristic looking tri suit.
Cost
This tri suit is available for a mid-level price. Which compared to some of the other ones the cost is relatively affordable. It is quite popular and consumers have said it is definitely worth buying.
8. My Kilometre
Durable
Water Resistant
Chlorine Resistant
Pockets
Front Zippers
Difficult and time consuming to wash and care for
This chlorine resistant suit is perfect for both beginner and expert triathletes. It has pockets and front zippers for easy access and is made with comfortable fabric.
Read moreDurability
It is made with 79% polyamide and 21% elastane and Xtra Life Lyrca Fibers. It has chlorine resistant technology for indoor or outdoor pools. UPF 50+ sun protection and strong compression so it will last you throughout the seasons.
Cost
This tri suit is decently priced. For the quality of fabric it is made with it is very affordable. One of the lower priced products and a great product all around.
Comfort and Materials
It has multi-density Chamois which provides excellent comfort and mobility no matter what you are doing. Provides maximum performance on the bike, during a run, or whatever you are planning. Front facing zipper for easier access.
Power-technology Italian 406 Revolutional is a fast and comfortable fabric that has water repellent coating so it won't drag you down or slow you down at all. Excellent fabric that gives you maximum support for greater endurance. it reduces muscle fatigue with less muscle oscillation and improved muscle positioning for improved power while running. It also includes mesh cooling zones for breathability.
9. Sugoi Turbo Tri Suit
Comfortable
Well-padded
Prevents chafing
Helpful pockets
Good length
Fits snugly
Breathable mesh panel inserts
Some consumers say it dries slowly
The Sugoi is an exceptionally good choice for a suit that is breathable and that will keep you cool with specialized mesh panel inserts situated throughout its build.
Read moreComfort and Materials
The team that designed the Sugoi RPM Tri Suit must have been determined to address all the problems and complaints that any athlete would have about tri suits. The Sugoi has easily accessible pockets for small useful things a runner would need to keep on their person, such as a convenient gel packet for a lengthy run. The Sugoi is also designed with a small but still accessible zipper so as to make it easy to use without it getting in the way.
This is the Sugoi RPM Tri Suit’s strength, improving itself and eliminating all those little flaws and annoyances. It is made out of 85% nylon and 15% spandex which makes the suit breathable and comfortable. The mesh is made out of 90% polyester and 10% nylon. Customers love how it fits. The Sugoi RPM Tri Suit is very comfortable, with extra padding and anti-chaffing implemented in the Sugoi’s design.
Cost
The Sugoi RPM Tri Suit is of relatively affordable cost when compared to other tri suits. Considering the exceptional value of the Sugoi, getting all of the perks for an affordable cost adds to this suit's value.
10. 2XU Active Tri Suit
Project-X Chamois
High performance
comfortable synthetics
Great moisture control
Very good aerodynamics
Nice pocket system for energy food
Durable
The zipper will wear out if you yank it too hard
Athletes are always looking at ways for more aerodynamics especially during a competitive triathlon race.
This suit hugs your body shape, bringing meaning to streamlining. It's durable, comfortable and the super streamlined fit, has nice compression. Discards any potential for material bunching, drifting waistbands, distracting fabrics flapping and leave you free to focusing on becoming a winner.
Read moreComfort and Performance
Made from Project-X Chamois material which gives very good moisture control, you maintain a minimal profile while still having flexibility, importantly for you it is great to know that chaffing problems are minimalistic while cycling and running. You can use the front zip to regulate your body temperature by controlling the amount of airflow which can flow into the suit.
To hold your nutrition on race day the suit has two pockets located at the back out of the way of airflow, the suit bonds to your body and will allow you to move naturally. For the main suit body, you get elastane at 66% and nylon at 20%, the discretely fitted ergonomic panels are a blend of elastane 34% and 66% nylon.
Cost
This is a little more expensive than some of the others but, that is because it is made from quality materials. It is worth paying a little more when you know you're going to get a suit that is going to last you a long time.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
Triathlons are big intense races and can put a lot of wear and tear on your running gear. If you are going to run in a race opting for a trisuit can be a good way to get the protect you need without all the stress ad worry of multiple layers and different clothes to deal with. It is a smart choice for avid runners who need durable gear.
Moisture-wicking and the ability to dispel large quantities of liquid were a very important factor to consider as we made our list. It's a good idea to ask yourself if after your swim can you be comfortable knowing that it will rapidly dry out while you cycle and not hinder your performance?
We also wanted to know how light and durable the suits are, so we looked at weight vs. durability as well and think we found a good selection of suits with a balance between those two factors. Zippers are also super important for triathletes to consider. A bad or non-functioning zipper system can majorly slow down your transition, and it could also prevent you from unzipping the front of the suit when you're running or biking and find yourself overheating. Because of this we wanted to know if the zip systems durable. We found that as with all zip systems, they work great but the user must not overexert pressure when zipping as damage can occur, especially during a frantic fast transition moment and in a suit that is made of thin fabric as all trisuits are.
Comfort
The trisuits on our list have all been tested and reviewed for comfort and rate high with our reviewers as well as other users and expert runners. When you are running in a big race, you want your running gear to be comfortable so you can focus on your race without being distracted and uncomfortable the whole time.
For comfort and protection, we even looked at anti-chafing qualities built into the suit, protection from the sun and protection from friction. Also ranking very high in importance was the aerodynamic performance of the suit. We found that designers had been ingenious, incorporating innovative thinking into the construction of suits to increase the aerodynamic qualities and give the contestants more speed, vital extra seconds which would add up over long distances.
Materials
There are several different kinds of materials that are used in trisuit design and we tried to include a range of materials in our selections here so you can find the one the is right for you. Our material selections are made to be durable, comfortable, easy to wear, and good looking so you enjoy your runs even more.
The quality of materials is another important factor to look at before buying a trisuit. Some good questions to ask are: does the trisuit's design factor in the different conditions under which the suit performs for swimming, running and cycling? Running postures are very different from swimming and cycling; does the suit allow for this? When comparing the different tri suits we looked very closely at fabrics, we wanted to know what beneficial properties were engineered into the fabrics for the purpose of enabling or even enhancing your personal performance. We looked at the fit of the suit to ascertain that you get a snug fit for comfort and aerodynamics. Do you still get the needed flexibility for your body, especially while swimming, cycling and running?
Moisture-wicking and the ability to dispel large quantities of liquid were another very important factor. Once your done with your swim, can you be comfortable knowing that it will rapidly dry out while you cycle and not hinder your performance?
The ability to carry nutrition with you was very important, as well the triathlon events are grueling and the need to conveniently carry nutritious energy giving food is a must.
For comfort and protection, we even looked at anti-chafing qualities built into the suit, protection from the sun, and protection from friction.
Fit
Triathlons are all about speed and getting the best run possible. The way your gear fits can have a huge impact on your run. You want to be streamlined, so trisuits are a popular choice for runners of any triathlons or other long runs and races. They fit snug and give you the support and performance boost you need.
For this type of product the fit is highly important. You want something that is form-fitting to help you stay aerodynamic which will help you cut seconds off of your time. Being form-fitting also helps with comfort because if a suit fits loosely it is more likely to chafe you causing massive discomfort and affecting your performance.
For our list we chose products that were rated as being form fitting. An important thing to remember is that before buying you'll want to be sure to pay close attention to the sizing guide for each product. As with running shoes each brand measures their sizes a little bit differently, so a little research goes a long way. It's also a good idea to read some reviews of the product, as often you can find someone with a body type similar to yours who has used the suit and can share what worked, or didn't for them in terms of sizing.
Value
Our trisuits here on our list cover a range of price points and were selected because they present the best features and benefits for a great value! You want to find good quality running gear but you don’t have to blow your entire budget in one go. These trisuits offer everything you want and need at affordable prices.
The products on our list range in price from very affordable to pretty expensive. We chose this type of wide price range because we wanted to give people options, and especially for those people who are just getting into triathlons, competing can be pretty expensive. Not only are there travel and entry fees to consider, but a good triathlon bike isn't cheap, and neither is all the other gear you'll need. For this reason, when it comes time to buy a trisuit, a lot of people who are beginning triathletes choose not to buy a trisuit in the first place and just stick with running tights or shorts and a tight tank top. But we know how valuable a trisuit can be when it comes to enhancing your performance, so we wanted to give you a couple of good options that won't break the bank so you can save some money and still have all the great gear you need.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Materials Durability Fit Value
The most important thing to keep in mind when participating in a triathlon is to stay hydrated! This is one of the most physically demanding races and your body must be firing on all cylinders to complete it at all, let alone with a good time. To make sure you are able to continue performing at your full potential, stock up on plenty of fluids so you can replenish yourself during the race.
It can be tough training for a triathlon and it may seem like no matter how hard you train, you just aren't making any progress. If this is happening to you, the most likely culprit is overtraining. Remember to take breaks and resting periods, eat enough food, and get a good night's sleep every night in order to allow your training to have a positive effect on your body.
It is important to talk to your doctor or health care provider about your workout and training routine. If you are planning on running in a triathlon then be sure to talk to them about your training and any concerns you may have or anything that you need to consider and plan for the upcoming race to ensure you are safe.
After you spend money on your running gear you will want to make sure you take care of it. Keeping it in good shape will make it last longer and it will hold up to the wear and tear that triathlon runs will put them through. You will also feel better when your trisuits are in good shape and well cared for. You also don’t want to waste the money you spent on your gear so it is in your best interest to take care of your running gear at all times.
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
Tri Suits VS. Wet-Suits
To some extent whether or not you go for a tri suit or a wet-suit will be down to the rules and regulations of the particular race you are competing in. But beyond that personal preference comes into play quite a bit.
Above all else our advice would be to not settle until you’ve found one that fits perfectly, and we really do mean perfectly. The last thing you want is to hamstring yourself (in an already difficult task) with gear that doesn’t quite do it for you. For a little bit more information on Tri Suits versus Wet-suits read on.
Tri Suits: If you can get away with using one, by all means, go for it. The simplicity of not changing at all throughout the course of the race is a huge bonus. Then again in some situations, you absolutely need a wet-suit and the benefit they entail. So just make sure know the conditions and rules well before and plan accordingly.
Wet Suits: A wet-suit is generally made from neoprene material, is buoyant, and helps keep you warm. A tri suit is not buoyant at all. Wet-suits also come in different styles and variations; you want to get one that is geared for triathletes especially if possible.
Ease of Use
Triathlons are about speed and agility and endurance and the gear you choose for race day can have a big impact on your performance. These trisuits are all designed to be comfortable and easy to use. With a snug fit they are aerodynamic for a good run and are also good for multiple applications wet and dry alike- this makes them a good choice for triathlon races. Here at RunnerClick, we are always looking for the best trisuits to add to our list and are proud to present to these to you today!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Which are better, wetsuits or tri suits?
Wetsuits tend to be heavier on fabric in their design and, in turn, are heavier in general. Wetsuits also have a tendency to accumulate more water, again adding to the user's overall weight. If the triathlon is taking place in open water or exceptionally cold water then a wetsuit may be preferable, otherwise, we recommend a trisuit.
q: What can I do to prevent chaffing?
Doing research and reading through reviews will give you a good idea of what gear is best to prevent chaffing. You’ll want to find a tri suit that has proper materials and design to minimize the chaffing you will experience.
q: Is it possible to develop a skin infection while running a triathlon?
The combination of fresh or salt water, sweat, and the heat of friction is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria. A tri suit designed with antibacterial materials as well as sufficient wicking properties would be able to minimize the chances of developing an infection.
q: Is there a suit I can choose that would help reduce my runtime?
Choosing a suit that will eliminate wind and water drag is essential to this, but it is also important to consider how easily the suit transitions to different activities.
q: Wouldn't a full body tri suit add to my run time if I need to use the bathroom?
Tri suits designers are now quite aware of the problem and have started making their suits with removable panels so that the gear that was made to help you won’t be slowing you down.
q: Do I need to buy expensive suits to get good ones?
You do want to invest as much as you can into your triathlon gear and that includes a good trisuit. However, you do not have to get the most expensive suit you find. If you find running gear that meets your wants and needs and that comes in at a price you can easily afford then that is a great choice for you! Though if you are able to put a little more into your gear at the start it is usually a smart idea to do so and is a good investment for your running gear.
q: How much training does it take to be able to run in a triathlon?
There is no basic all-inclusive answer to this question. Much of the answer will depend on personal and individual factors. Every runner is different and every race is a little different as well. The amount of training needed will depend on your individual level of health and fitness as well as the specific type of race you are preparing for. It is important to take your time and give yourself ample time to train properly and get yourself ready for the race.
Sources
- , Active, Article
- , Intelligent Triathlon Training, Website
- , Triathlete, Article
- , TriGirl, Website
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