What to Wear for Your First Triathlon: A Guide to Choosing the Right Gear

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge—both figuratively and literally—and signed up for your first triathlon. Or perhaps you’ve completed one before but still have lingering questions, like what to wear to enhance your performance. Either way, we know you are buzzing with excitement and maybe a touch of apprehension. But let’s not forget: you’ve put in the hard work, with all those early morning workouts and evening training sessions pushing your body to its limits. You’ve never been more prepared for anything.

Yet, sometimes, the simplest questions - like figuring out the right gear you need, can feel overwhelming. After all, you’re tackling swimming, cycling, and running all in one event. It’s a big deal - we get it. But don’t be shy, we all remember our first time right?

The right kit can make a huge difference, boosting your performance and confidence while helping you achieve your race day goals. That’s why we recommend starting your search well in advance. So, kick back, grab an energy gel or two, and let SL3S guide you through the gear essentials.

Training vs. Race Day

Mastering the Challenge of Choosing Triathlon Gear at Every Stage (Photo: SL3S)

You’ve likely been focusing on each segment of race day separately, and that’s perfectly fine! At SL3S, we understand that comfort is key. During training, most triathletes, whether newcomers or seasoned, choose a swimsuit for swimming, bike shorts/bibs for cycling, and for the run choose familiar running shorts and tops.

But now that it’s crunch time, you might wonder if you should train in the same gear you’ll wear on race day or wear triathlon-specific clothing.

We believe, the sooner you become familiar with your triathlon gear, the more comfortable you'll feel before, during, and after the race. Getting accustomed to your equipment early on will help you perform at your best and reduce pre-race nerves.

Although there aren’t many strict rules about what to wear for a triathlon, some general guidelines can help you perform at your best come race day. So here’s our expert take on the best clothing choices to keep you comfortable and race-day-ready.

Key Factors to Consider Before Your First Triathlon

• Moisture management and breathability: Look for materials that wick moisture away and dry quickly. Whether you're facing open water or sweating out your body weight during the race, it’s important your suit has your back. Technical fabrics used in most tri kit keeps you dry and also help regulate your body temperature throughout the race.
  
  
• Comfort and fit: There’s nothing better than that "second skin" feeling as you glide through the water and through the air on the bike. Ideally, your gear should provide support and compression without restricting your movement, and it should let you slip into a wetsuit without added bulk. It might sound counterintuitive, but a snug-fitting suit can actually enhance your comfort and performance.

A looser outfit can cause issues - during the swim, it will collect water, and on the bike, it will catch air, slowing you down. Plus, a loose fit is more likely to rub against your skin, leading to uncomfortable sores. So, aim for a tight but comfortable fit to keep you streamlined and chafe-free.

Check the inseam - ideally, it should be 6 inches or longer to cut down on muscle vibration, which often leads to fatigue and soreness. Also, consider soft bindings around the armholes and neck to help prevent chafing, so you stay comfy all race long.

If you're a woman or plan to wear a sports bra, make sure to choose a comfortable one, as many triathlon suits don’t come with a built-in shelf bra. And don’t forget to select a size that allows room for this additional layer.

Most competitive triathletes seek a snug fit that enhances compression without compromising comfort or freedom of movement. A well-designed triathlon suit should offer a full range of motion in the shoulders and legs, allowing you to move freely without any resistance.

And about the underwear debate - let’s keep it simple: skip it. Adding extra fabric can interfere with your triathlon wear’s moisture-wicking abilities. Plus, extra seams can lead to chafing, ingrown hairs, and saddle sores faster than you can say "On your marks, go." Stick to your tri-gear alone for a smoother and more comfortable experience.

Comfort is key in your tri-wear. Look for even compression that doesn't sacrifice breathability (Photo: SL3S)

• Padding: Padding is a crucial part of any triathlon outfit. Unlike standard bike shorts, a tri-pad (or “chamois,” if you’re in with the lingo) is thinner, giving you protection while cycling and without adding unnecessary bulk that can mess with your run. Plus, a thinner pad dries quicker, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing a soggy diaper after the swim. Gross!!
  
  
  

  Never overlook the power of a great chamois (Photo: SL3S)

• Sun protection: There’s nothing worse than spending a day in the sun and realizing you’ve ended up with a painful sunburn. Not only is it uncomfortable in the short term, but it can also cause long-term damage that impacts your overall health and keeps you from enjoying activities like triathlons. If you’re prone to sunburn, think about choosing a triathlon suit with sleeves. They provide added sun protection that sleeveless options can’t match. Some sunscreen won’t go astray either.
  
  
• Pockets: Let’s be honest - you probably haven’t given much thought to your pockets, and they’re often overlooked. But pockets are actually crucial for enhancing your race day experience. They keep energy gels and bars right at your fingertips, so you can fuel up without stopping or fumbling through separate bags, which could impact your stride. With secure, unobtrusive pockets, you can carry gear comfortably without distraction. At SL3S, we’ve designed our pockets to maximize aerodynamics while still offering the storage you need, ensuring you stay efficient and focused.
  
  
  

  You don’t know how much you need pockets until you’re missing them (Photo: SL3S)

Full Triathlon Suit vs. Shorts and Top: Which is Best for You?

First things first: whether you select a full tri suit or a split suit/tri kit, you will be wearing the same clothing once the starting pistol fires. But which is best? The answer depends on various factors including your comfort, performance needs, and personal preference.

Triathlon Shorts and Tops

Triathlon shorts are a fantastic choice for beginners (Photo: SL3S)

Like many beginners and intermediates, you might go for a good triathlon short/top combo. Even some of the most seasoned triathletes often prefer separate shorts and tops over a one-piece. We get it: you might be thinking, “What’s wrong with the bike shorts and tech tee I’ve been using? It’s worked for me before.” And sure, that’s true to some extent, but triathlon-specific gear is designed to boost your performance. For one, it dries faster and comes with a chamois, which helps reduce chafing.

Triathlon tops (or singlets) are made for ease of use. With a handy zipper, you can open up the neckline and slip in even if you’re wet, which a regular top might not allow. Plus, on warmer days, you can unzip for extra airflow, making sure you stay cool and comfortable throughout the race.

 Full Triathlon Suits: Pros and Considerations

Many professional triathletes choose a full tri-suit for optimal performance (Photo: SL3S)

Before diving into a split outfit, you may have noticed some buzz online surrounding full tri-suits. But is it worth the investment? They can be pricey, and if you're unsure about how committed you'll be or if you’ll only participate recreationally, it might seem like a big expense. At least with a split suit, you can still use the tri-top or shorts separately if you decide to focus on just one of the three disciplines.

Triathlon suits, like their split counterparts, are designed to enhance your performance and protect your body. They offer the convenience of being wearable from the moment you arrive at the race until after your cool-down. Many high-end triathletes opt for full suits not only for their streamlined simplicity but also because a single aerodynamic piece helps reduce drag.

Ultimately, a full triathlon suit can provide notable benefits in performance and convenience, especially if you're dedicated to the sport. On the other hand, if you're just starting out or not sure how committed you'll be, a split outfit may be a more versatile and budget-friendly option.

A split decision: the pros and cons of a full tri-suit

Why a Wetsuit Is Your Triathlon Secret Weapon (When Permitted)

Hold on a second! Before you head off to your race, there's one more piece of gear you need to think about—your wetsuit. Maybe you’ve worn one before and found it a bit snug or tricky to get on. But hang tight for a minute, and we’ll explain why this investment is totally worth it.

Wetsuits, especially full-sleeve ones, are engineered to cut down on friction between the water and your body, hair, and gear, which boosts your efficiency. While reducing friction is a key factor, it's just one part of the overall improvement— with wetsuits enhancing performance by up to 6-11% through various benefits.

One of which is increased buoyancy. I mean Who doesn’t love a little extra lift? Wetsuits help you float better and keep you in a streamlined, horizontal position in the water. This reduces drag and makes it easier to glide through. And if you don't consider yourself the strongest swimmer, a wetsuit can really help with your positioning woes, helping you stay more balanced and streamlined in the water.

This means you’ll use less energy and see a boost in performance. You’ll quickly notice that you need fewer kicks per stroke to cover the same distance.

If you're looking for a more efficient swim that’s less exhausting and leaves you with more energy for the run and bike sections, a wetsuit might be worth considering. Just like with tri suits, the earlier you start training in one, the more comfortable and prepared you’ll become on race day.

Just make sure to check your race guidelines first! Each race organizer has its own guidelines for water temperature and wetsuits. If the water is too warm, wetsuits won’t be allowed.

Here’s a handy tip: slipping a plastic bag over your foot can make getting into your wetsuit a breeze! Just remember to dispose of it properly or reuse it later.

Finish Line Fit: Final Thoughts on Triathlon Outfit Selection

• Whenever possible, try on your gear before committing. Trust your instincts - if it doesn’t feel right or doesn’t meet your race day or training needs, don’t hesitate to explore other options or return it. Comfort and functionality are paramount, so make sure the gear aligns with your specific needs. A good fit can make all the difference, ensuring you’re prepared and confident on race day.
  
  
• Make sure to review the rules for the race you’ve signed up for. While many triathlons follow national federation guidelines (like those from USA Triathlons), there can be specific variations. To avoid any surprises or disqualifications before you even hit the starting line, check the race’s rules carefully. For instance, some races may not permit competitors to race shirtless or in just a sports bra, regardless of the temperature. In these cases, it’s necessary to wear a top over the sports bra. Likewise, be aware of restrictions on logos or slogans that might be deemed offensive, as well as the rules regarding calf sleeves under wetsuits. Staying informed about these details will help you focus on your performance without any unwelcome interruptions.
  
  
• Don’t shy away from combining comfort with style. If a cool print helps you feel confident and secure, go for it. Don’t underestimate the power of a standout design—it can boost your morale and make you feel unstoppable. There’s nothing like rocking a fit that makes you feel great. We see you and we’re here for it!
  
  
• If you’re fundraising for charity while competing, make sure to flaunt it! We love seeing our philanthropic kings and queens in action.
  
  
• Remember, one size does not fit all. Choose gear that works best for you and your unique needs. Your goal is to crush your performance without compromising on comfort. Tailor your choices to what makes you feel confident and at ease, ensuring you’re in the best possible position to achieve your personal best. After all, comfort and confidence are key to smashing your goals and enjoying every moment of the race.

This is a lot of info to soak up, especially if you’re new to triathlons. But at SLS3, we’re here to help you learn the ropes and perform at your best, so stick around to get more tips and training advice. In our next blog, we’ll break down all the additional gear you’ll need for a triathlon, making sure you’re fully prepared for race day.