Triathlon is a sport that combines swimming, running, and cycling, and it requires specialized gear to perform at one’s best. Triathletes require clothing designed with aerodynamic performance in mind allowing them to move quickly and efficiently through all three disciplines. Additionally, they need suitable protection from the elements while staying cool during the run and ride segments.
Many major brands have developed triathlon gear specifically suited for this activity such as 2XU, Arena, Prada Sport, Hoka One One, and Asics. From swimsuits and transition shorts for water sports to compression apparel for support during riding and running—all are designed to deliver maximum performance without compromising on quality or comfort.
The competitive advantage of utilizing these specialized brands is twofold: improved performance due to optimal fit, along with added protection from the elements when faced with extreme weather conditions or longer distances.
Performance metrics can be improved by choosing gear that reduces drag throughout all three disciplines—from the water to the bike to the run—and allows for an edge against competitors in more intense environments.
Furthermore, as many triathlon events take place across long distances (typically Olympic style) keeping athletes warm and dry becomes a necessity; functional gear customized according to weather conditions can help achieve this goal by providing additional layers if necessary while avoiding unnecessary bulkiness which negatively affects performance.
Best Triathlon Clothing Brands
Zoot is a leading triathlon clothing brand that specializes in apparel designed by triathletes, for triathletes. Their designs feature lightweight and breathable fabrics, quick-drying materials, flat seam construction, UV protection, and minimal usage of zippers or other hardware. The brand also offers a wide range of men’s and women’s specific fits to match the body type of each athlete.
Louis Garneau offers high-end performance gear for passionate athletes and extreme sports fans, featuring a lineup of innovative products specifically engineered for triathlon needs.
Their collection includes sleek short-sleeved jerseys with strategically placed vents to help keep you cool as you swim, bike, and run; aerodynamic two-piece suits available for men and women; windproof jackets; cycling gloves; helmets; shoes; and more.
Castelli is renowned among triathletes worldwide due to their distinct Italian style, craftsmanship, and quality performance garments. They specialize in long-distance events and Castelli’s collection includes a Wearable Air Skinsuit system – an advanced racing suit that provides an aerodynamic advantage through the use of special textiles attached together into seamless panels.
Triathlon LAB features cutting-edge performance wear for all stages of endurance events. No matter what your budget or clothing needs are, these five brands provide everything from basic wardrobe pieces to advanced racing garments so you can focus on performing your best!
Triathlon Clothing for Swimming
Triathlon clothing for swimming typically includes a wetsuit and a swim cap. The purpose of wearing a wetsuit is to reduce drag, maintain body warmth, and provide more buoyancy when in the water.
Depending on the individual swimmer’s needs, three types of wetsuits are offered: Jane Wetsuits, John Wetsuits, and Yulex Long John Wetsuits.
Jane Wetsuits are great for those looking to obtain lightweight protection while John Wetsuits provide more warmth suitable for colder waters.
Yulex Long John Wetsuits are the most popular choice because they provide maximum levels of insulation while also having a low drag surface. Swim caps help reduce the drag created by long hair by providing an aerodynamic seal over your head which helps you move faster through the water.
The material used when choosing a cap can vary from latex or silicone to Lycra depending on its use in competitions or leisure swimming. Additionally, many caps have added features like ear plugs which may be beneficial if swimming in cold temperatures.
Triathlon Clothing for Biking
Triathlon clothing designed for biking consists of specialized shorts, suits, and arm and leg grippers. Bike shorts or “Tri Shorts” are typically constructed from lightweight, breathable fabrics with special silicone leg grippers to keep them securely in place on the bike.
The most popular tri suits for biking feature compression fabric with leg zippers for quick changes, making them reasonable to wear during swim-to-bike transitions. Arm and leg grippers are also included in high-end designs; they look like rubber bands around the wrists and lower legs but give a more secure fit than traditional elastic banding.
For extra padding and comfort, triathlon apparel often contains a chamois pad made of 6mm foam cushioning or gel. This pad is designed to reduce friction between the body and the saddle, keeping cyclists comfortable even during long rides.
The chamois pad is inserted directly into the shorts or suits so it stays put over the course of a ride. When buying triathlon clothing for biking, it’s important to choose pieces with all these features — lightweight fabrics, leg zippers/grippers, and chamois padding — for maximum comfort and performance on race day.
Triathlon Clothing for Running
Triathlon clothing for running typically uses quick-drying fabrics to keep athletes comfortable when competing. Italian fabrics are some of the most popular choices due to their enhanced wicking and ventilation qualities, as well as their ability to offer optimal stretch and durability.
These fabrics feature a blend of special synthetic fibers that provide superior comfort and sun protection, allowing athletes to remain cool during events.
Mesh panels are also valuable components of triathlon running clothing as they allow extra airways and breathability while remaining lightweight. Moreover, mesh panels can be strategically placed in order to create the right balance between aerodynamics and comfort, allowing runners to perform at their best levels.
Compressive material is another integral part of triathlon clothing for running, and it not only optimizes muscle support but also helps reduce fatigue even under intense conditions.
Usually composed of thermal yarns, these garments help ensure optimal temperature regulation throughout the competition. Additionally, compressive materials can result in improved performance thanks to their improved anatomical fit which reduces fabric flapping noise and drag.
Advantages of Aero Triathlon Clothing
Aero Triathlon clothing offers a range of advantages that benefit the athlete in many ways. Extra ventilation allows for added breathability, adjustable ventilation enables full control over comfort levels, and lack of ventilation reduces drag from air resistance.
The sweet spot is where the majority of aerodynamic advantages are found. High-end Aero Suits feature a complete body tight fit to offer the maximum speed advantage possible.
Aero 3.0 one-piece Aqua kits come with integrated compression systems ensuring an aerodynamic hydrodynamic race suit complete with a buoyancy control feature that places an optimal load on upper thighs and hips to help reduce drag in open water swims.
Sleeve Aero is also available for more robust swims, featuring two main panels offering complete freedom of movement against challenging waters and waves whilst maintaining the best possible position relative to the direction of flow having been optimized with thousands of hours in wind tunnel testing.
Total kit solutions are also available combining all elements along with skirts, socks, and pieces such as caps and gloves making up a full aerodynamic kit ready for any given triathlon circuit.
Best Triathlon Clothing for Women
Sports bras are essential clothing items for a woman participating in a triathlon. Louis Garneau Women’s and Castelli both offer great options when it comes to high-performance sports bras. The fabrics used by these brands are breathable and wick away moisture, making them perfect for use during tough triathlon runs.
The seamless design of the bras reduces chafing when running and swimming long distances, while the racerback style offers plenty of support and freedom of movement.
Additionally, the adjustable straps allow for a comfortable fit every time eliminating any worry about wardrobe malfunctions. Lastly, the stretchy yet snug fabric prevents uncomfortable bouncing and encourages more enjoyable workout sessions.
Best Triathlon Clothing for Men
Louis Garneau Men’s and Castelli make some of the best triathlon clothing for men. Louis Garneau offers an assortment of breathable cycling gear, including jackets and shorts made of moisture-wicking fabrics for optimal performance.
The Fit Sensor technology ensures that all products are lightweight in order to help athletes move freely without any encumbrance. Meanwhile, Castelli provides top-notch triathlon apparel for competitive and recreational cyclists alike.
Their ergonomic designs help reduce drag in aerodynamic disciplines such as swimming and running. With a variety of options from both companies, you can easily find clothes that match your individual style and preferences while also maximizing your performance during competition or training.
Best Triathlon Clothing for Price
Triathletes looking for clothing that offers value and quality for a reasonable price should consider the Zoot Ultra triathlon line. This line features both a sleeveless version with a built-in SPF of 50 and a 4-inch version with slightly taller coverage to protect from natural elements like sun, wind, and rain.
Both versions come with cooling panels in strategic areas to keep athletes cool during activity. Not to mention, each piece is composed of lightweight fabric that doesn’t restrict movement or breathability.
Furthermore, Zoot Ultra offers Louis Garneau View Options that allow runners to take advantage of their 14-, 30-, or 60-day return policy should the customer be unsatisfied with the product selection.
For added convenience, Zoot also has online customer service readily available through phone or e-mail to provide customer support 24/7. With these features combined, customers can confidently invest in quality pieces without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Best Triathlon Clothing Brands
After considering the various factors of triathlon clothing such as bike leg, road bike, tri bike, bike portion, aero features and advantages, lactic acid, arm grippers, and material composition, Zoot Sports stands out as one of the best triathlon clothing brands.
The brand provides high-quality clothes that feature advanced technology with aero benefits while offering comfort during races. They specialize in tri-suit styles ranging from one-piece suits to traditional two-piece suits with many vibrant color combinations.
Their innovative fabrics provide great support and perfect body fit which makes them perfectly suitable for all levels of athletes. With its focus on materials composition and well-designed aerodynamic elements, Zoot Sports positively stands out among other brands making it an ideal choice when choosing the best triathlon clothing brand.
