Wetsuits Vs. Tri-Suits: What’s Best for Your Triathlon Training?

One of the most gear-intensive sports, triathlon, has taken the world by storm. If you are intrigued by this fantastic sport, one of the most daunting questions you may have right now is which swimwear would be most appropriate. So, what should you wear for triathlon training? Knowing what to wear between wetsuits and tri suits can be challenging. 

Before we pick up one of these suits for your triathlon, you’ll have to understand the differences. So, in this write-up, we will take you through the most popular wetsuits and tri suits options so that you can easily make an informed decision before purchasing. Let’s dive into exploring wetsuits vs. tri suits.

What are wetsuits?

A wetsuit is an extraordinary suit worn by people who spend much time in water. There are four wetsuit styles: one-piece, two-piece, shortie, and semi-dry. Most wetsuits are worn to keep the body warm in cold water, eventually insulate the swimmer, and help them retain their body heat.

Several competitive swimmers wear wetsuits. The design of these unique suits is to eliminate drag as the athlete glides through the water.  A wetsuit is made up of a specific kind of rubber: neoprene. The suit hedges in a thin layer of water between the wearer’s skin and neoprene. It keeps the wearer always wet, so it gets its name: wetsuit. 

What are tri suits?

A tri suit is a costume with features designed for the sport of triathlon. Tri Suits generally come in two styles: one-piece and two-piece. As a snug-fitting piece of apparel, it is not an obstacle during swimming. 

By offering sufficient support on the bike, it does not chaff during the run, thus helping the athlete in the best possible ways. This unique garment is made of stretchable, breathable, lightweight fabric that quickly dries up. It gives the wearer complete liberation of movement during the three legs of the triathlon training race.

What is the difference between a wetsuit and a tri suit?

By now, you must understand what a wetsuit and a tri-suit are, right? However, you must be wondering how these two are different. To comprehend the same, you’ll have to understand the differences. Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s best for your triathlon training?

Now that you have the differences between wetsuits and tri suits, you must be all set to decide, but hold on. Before you make a final call, you should consider several factors. Ensure that you look into these before you add that suit for your triathlon training to your shopping cart.

Water temperature

The foremost aspect you need to pay attention to is the sort of water you will be swimming in. You should acknowledge that if you are swimming in an open source of water, such as an ocean or lake, consider a wetsuit. Wondering why? 

Well, because the water in these open sources tends to be cooler. In such a scenario, a wetsuit will help you stay warm, as it is made of neoprene material to provide insulation. On the contrary, a tri-suit should be your perfect attire for swimming in warmer water.

Your swimming familiarity

If you are a beginner in swimming, sticking to a wetsuit might be the most appropriate choice, especially for your first triathlon training. If you are wondering why, just know that a wetsuit will give you extra help and comfort while swimming. 

On the other hand, if you are a professional or experienced swimmer, a wetsuit might act as an obstacle and be more harmful than helpful. So, again, keeping your familiarity with swimming, you can choose the one that best fits you. 

Drying time

Wetsuits, made of neoprene, tend to dry up more slowly. A tri suit, on the other hand, tends to dry up quickly because of its breathable, thin materials. With the help of tri suits, you will complete the race without feeling like a squishy mess. Take note that if you wear a wetsuit, you’ll have to prepare yourself mentally to run with some extra weight on your body.

Rest of the race

This is solely for you. What do you think you will be more comfortable in? Remember the points we’ve made above: A thick wetsuit can make it hard to stay cool for the rest of your race. It could also act as a resistance for the rest of your race in triathlon training when it comes to biking and running. On the contrary, tri suits do not have lots of padding, so you’d probably like the extra thickness that comes with water. 

Conclusion

The article must have given you many insights into wetsuits vs. tri suits, right? Now, the decision is solely yours to make. Yet again, it’ll depend on several factors, such as your experience, your preferences, and the race rules that you’ll have to follow. 

However, a wet suit is one of the most preferred choices for beginners, and a tri suit is perfect for those familiar with the sport. The step is to get hands-on, 100% fitted clothes made of the best fabrics and materials. 

If you have been surfing the internet for something similar, TD Sportswear is here to help. We are a leading brand that offers custom sports clothing for various sports. That said, gear up, as you can now design your sports clothing. Just know TD will get you precisely what you want.