When it comes to swimming, biking, and running in an event like the triathlon, many women have trouble choosing what clothing is best for them. Choosing the proper clothing and gear can be essential to performance and comfort, but it can also feel like an impossible task! It’s important to find clothing and gear that will not only help you perform at your best but one that is lightweight, versatile, and comfortable. Unfortunately, with so many different triathlon clothing brands out there, it’s hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this post on what kind of clothes you’ll need for a triathlon female.
Clothing To Wear For A Triathlon Female
One of the biggest problems we see in triathlon clothing shopping is that people often buy far too much (and expensive) clothes and gear than they need. Most women can get by with a small number of different pieces of equipment and apparel, especially if they choose more versatile, neutral-colored clothing that can be worn for various occasions. Prices will vary depending on the quality and brand, so it might be a good idea to try and find some second-hand brands if you want the cheapest option.
There are some primary areas to consider when choosing your triathlon clothing:
Triathlon Suit
Triathlon Suit
The first thing most people think of when they say triathlon is a triathlon suit. In most cases, you’ll be wearing a two-piece suit, unless you’re good at swimming and don’t need to use your arms much in the swim. The swimsuit itself doesn’t have to be anything crazy. It should have a good cut and fit for your body, so you feel comfortable and supported at all times, and it needs to be durable, so it lasts through the race.
A triathlon suit is pretty essential for most triathletes. It’s what you wear to Swim, Bike, and run-in. You can have a one-piece or two-piece triathlon suit, but the difference is pretty simple. Some people prefer a two-piece because it makes them feel more robust and secure down the racecourse, but the one-piece suits are way more comfortable; there are no worries about chafing on your back! Because of this, most people choose a one-piece suit.
The main differences between one-piece and two-piece triathlon suits are the cut, the design, and the material.
Triathlon Kit for the Swim
Swimsuit triathlon
Swimsuit triathlon
The first significant component you need for a triathlon is a swimsuit. The design of your swimsuit will vary between brands, but the basic shape of the suit should be pretty streamlined. For most women, this means choosing a suit that is fast drying and quick-drying material. Swimsuits for triathlons are made to fit tightly so you may feel more confident in the water. If you’re a beginner, it’s essential to make sure your suit is snug upfront.
If you’re new to triathlon, a good triathlon swimsuit will start at around $50-$80 and go up from there. A good triathlon swimsuit will cover the entire lower portion of your body and be snug but not tight. It should also support your back and shoulders, as well as the front edge of your legs if you’re swimming.
The most important part of a triathlon swimsuit is the fit! One of the most common problems with a triathlon swimsuit is that it cuts in completely. When selecting a swimsuit, look for something snug yet not restrictive.
One-piece Swimsuit Triathlon
One-piece Swimsuit Triathlon
This is a comfortable one-piece triathlon suit that has a sleek line and an entire coverage bottom. If you’re looking for something lightweight, flexible, and quick-drying, this is the kind of suit you want. The great thing about this swimsuit style is that it makes you feel solid and secure, so people might be more willing to take chances with hard swimming strokes. Most of the time, it’s going to be a one-piece suit with no padding between your legs.
Two-piece triathlon suit
Two-piece triathlon suit
A two-piece triathlon suit is going to be a little more form-fitting, especially in the lower front. However, these suits are suitable for novices since they frequently boost confidence by making your body feel tighter. In addition, a two-piece suit will usually have some padding between the legs, which helps relieve some chafing during the swim portion of the race. There are even some swimming shorts out there with thinner fabric.
Swim cap
Swim Cap
This is an essential piece of swimming gear, but it’s also one of the hardest things to find. Triathlon caps are typically thinner, flatter, and shorter than basketball caps. They’re usually not adjustable, and they come in only one size- small. Triathlon caps are sometimes called tri flops or “tri tops,” but if you’re looking for a better alternative to an official triathlon cap, look for something like the Speedo surfers hat.
Triathlon goggles
Swim Goggles
Goggles can be a lot of fun and help you swim better, but they’re also one of the essential pieces of triathlon gear you need. Without goggles, it’s just not possible to see anything underwater. Swimming with goggles is about as close as you can get to hold your breath underwater. Goggles usually come in two different types: clip-on and goggle-only.
Triathlon Kit for the Bike for Women
Cycling shorts
Cycling shorts
Cycling shorts are probably the essential part of your triathlon biking attire. Cycling shorts usually come in two different styles: pad and no pad. Pad shorts will usually add padding to your sitz bones and the “site” area on the back of your legs, which helps you stay more comfortable on long rides. No-pad cycling shorts are usually less expensive and more durable, although they can get a little uncomfortable on long rides.
Cycling jersey
Cycling jersey
A cycling jersey is usually either a tee shirt or a tank top. The appeal of the tank top in cycling is that it provides you with more freedom to move in the saddle, even when you’re in a warm-up position.
Cycling shoes
Racing shoes
You don’t necessarily need to buy cycling shoes specifically for triathlon. If you’re using regular running shoes for your biking attire, you can usually get away with wearing them on your Bike as well. However, cycling shoes will be a little more lightweight and aerodynamic for better cycling performance.
Triathlon Bike Gloves
Bike Gloves
These gloves are usually long and thin, and they’re specifically designed to help you have more freedom of movement when your hands are on the handlebars.
Triathlon Bike Helmet
bicycle helmet
Your bike helmet will be the essential piece of safety equipment that you wear during the bike portion of your triathlon race. It’s the first line of defense should you hit a pothole, a tree root, or a stray dog.
The most important thing to remember about your triathlon biking attire is that it needs to allow you the freedom to move around. You’ll be on your Bike for a long time, and if your clothing is too restricting or tight, you’ll be uncomfortable for the entirety of the race.
Triathlon Shoes
Triathlon Shoes
Shoes are the other most crucial piece of equipment you need for your triathlon bike attire. Good shoes will save you a lot of time and aggravation. You need to think about two different requirements when shopping for triathlon shoes: comfort and aerodynamics.
Triathlon Socks
Triathlon Socks
A good pair of triathlon socks will help you avoid blisters and sores during the bike portion of your race. Socks are also crucial for preventing chafing- if they’re too long, they will rub against your shoes, making your feet sore.
Triathlon Watch
garmin watches
A triathlon watch is slightly different from a regular running watch. First, you’ll have access to more features, including speed and power meters that are relevant to triathlons.
Sunglasses
Running Sunglasses
Women can either get more conservative sunglasses or get more “cute” sunglasses. If the former works for your personality, then pick some serious-looking glasses. If you’re looking for something with a little more “fun” to it, then go with a pair of cute sunnies or sunglasses.
Triathlon Kit for the Run
Running shoes
Road running shoes
Running shoes are just as crucial as running attire. Your feet will be your primary source of propulsion on the run course, so you want to make sure that your feet are comfortable.
These are probably the essential part of your triathlon attire. If you’re running a short distance, you can get away with wearing your regular running shoes, but if you’re going to try a long triathlon run, you better make sure that your shoes are going to be able to handle it.
Running Shorts
These are probably the more popular triathlon bike shorts out there because they’re easier to run in than cycling shorts. In addition, Running shorts usually come with built-in tights with compression tights that help you maintain control over your body temperature during long runs.
These are a lot different from regular triathlon shorts. They usually come with a built-in short sleeve compression short, which keeps the skin of your legs from being rubbed raw by the fabric of your triathlon gear during long runs.
Running shirt
Running shirt
A running shirt is something that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on. These are usually lightweight and breathable, but they aren’t making a huge difference in your performance.
Triathlon running socks
Cycling socks
Like many other items on this list, socks aren’t going to make a massive difference in your performance during the run portion of the race. However, they’re usually thin and lightweight, they help you control your body temperature, they help prevent blisters, and they absorb shock during your run.
Triathlon Hat
This is probably the essential gear you need to consider for your triathlon apparel. This is your first line of defense against the elements, and it’s the last thing that your brain sees before it goes into shock.
Sport Hat
Tips for Women To Dress for A Triathlon
Women should always wear athletic attire regardless of what type of race they’re participating in. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to move around in, but that also allows you to perform at your best. For example, it’s ideal for wearing sports bras and spandex shorts when you’re running and biking. It’s also essential to make sure that your triathlon clothes are fitted correctly to ensure that you don’t feel restricted when moving around in them.
Your swimwear should have a snug fit, but not so tight that it hurts to swim. If you’re looking to swim in a wetsuit for a triathlon, you’ll need a full-length suit made of neoprene.
Sports bras and underwear also come in handy for swimming if they’re made of moisture-wicking material to keep you dry. In addition, many women like wearing compression shorts for biking and running because it helps support their legs and core muscles.
The triathlon bike kit needs to be light and comfortable for you to wear, not too tight or restrictive. You don’t want to make your arms, legs, or neck feel uncomfortable during the race. Make sure that the straps of your cycling shorts are comfortable against you because you’ll be wearing them for hours at a time. Choose durable triathlon apparel made of quality materials that’ll last for years instead of popular “fad” attire that wears out quickly.
Tips To Choose Triathlon Clothing
Choose Triathlon Clothing
For women, triathlon clothing is an essential part of your triathlon setup. Your clothes need to be lightweight and dry, they need to be comfortable for hours of use, and they need to allow you to move freely. Triathlon clothing has changed over the last decade. The technology used in it has changed as well. It’s now more efficient than ever before with the most advanced fabrics out there that will help you ride your Bike without any discomfort and run without any chafing or soreness either.
- Triathlon outfits that are made of moisture-wicking material
- Clothing that has breathable mesh inserts
- Shirts and shorts with compression bands to help support the body and compression tights to keep you warm when it’s cold outside
- Clothing with pockets so you can store nutrition and other items during the run and bike portions of your race
- A wide variety of clothing so you’ll be prepared for different weather conditions on race day
- Durable materials, so your triathlon apparel doesn’t need to be replaced often.
- Clothing that’s easy to wash and dry
- A wide selection of sizes
Things To Do And Do Not
Do practice all three sports in whatever you plan to wear. It is essential to note that it’s not necessarily the attire you wear but rather how you can function.
- Don’t get nude in transition: I know we all want to finish the triathlon in our birthday suits, and we can, but remember that we are about to swim and suffer in the cold water, and bikers will be watching you!
- Do make sure your swimsuit has a rear zip: If you are worried about your swimsuit zip getting caught, then you may want to invest in a triathlon swimsuit with rear zip.
- Do check out the weather forecast for the days before your race, particularly swimming.
- Do pack everything you need the night before: I like to make sure I have my triathlon outfit laid out the night before the race and ready to go. This will save you time and energy on race morning.
- Don’t wear anything underneath your triathlon clothes: Your best bet for a comfortable and seamless transition is to wear nothing underneath your triathlon clothes. This will ensure that you don’t have any unnecessary layers to take off or put on in the middle of the race.
- Don’t swim in cycling shorts: It’s not recommended to swim in your cycling shorts. It’s easier to swim in triathlon spandex or quick-dry nylon spandex shorts.
- Do get fitted for your wetsuit: Wetsuits can be very difficult to fit because everyone has different body types, and the slightest difference in the cut of the suit can make a huge difference when you’re in the water.
- Don’t get too freaked out about what to wear during your triathlon race, and instead, know that as long as you have absolute essentials, you’ll be fine.
FAQs
Where should a triathlete start to find the proper triathlon clothing?
If you’re going to be swimming, it’s best to buy a full-body wetsuit. If you’re going to be doing a lot of biking and running, short spandex or spandex shorts are ideal because they’ll help make your transition from one sport to the next more accessible. Always make sure that you’ve got everything fitted comfortably, including your shoes.
How much should a triathlete prepare to spend on a triathlon outfit?
This depends on the race you’re doing and what types of fees that particular race may have. For example, some races have limited times when you can enter, so they’ll have different packages for men and women.
What should I wear for my triathlon?
It’s essential to make sure that you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing during your race. That means wearing clothes that are easy to move around in but allow you to perform at your best during the competition.
Are triathlon clothes expensive?
If you’re going to be competing in a triathlon with entry fees, then the cost of your triathlon clothes will vary from race to race. Therefore, a triathlete needs to research before buying their clothing because prices differ from event to event.
