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As the only bit of apparel that\u2019s with you for every step of your race, the tri-suit is a fundamental piece of triathlon gear. Here\u2019s our guide to the best tri-suits on the market, whether you\u2019re racing sprint or Ironman, on a budget or looking for aerodynamic gains.<\/strong><\/p>\n A tri-suit<\/a><\/strong> is a garment specifically designed for racing all three disciplines of triathlon. Made of a similar quick-drying fabric to swimwear, it\u2019s flexible, hydrodynamic and aerodynamic so it can cater for the demands of swimming, cycling and running. It includes a pad\/chamois for comfort on the bike leg, but this pad shouldn\u2019t obstruct your final run leg.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> As the only piece of triathlon gear that\u2019ll be with you from the starting horn until the finishing chute, the right tri-suit is a key purchase: too tight, baggy, poorly made or slow to dry and you\u2019ll be flirting with a DNF instead of reaching for a personal best.<\/p>\n It also depends on what distance you\u2019re planning to race and whether comfort or speed is your priority, and race conditions. The main options are vested, short-sleeved and those designed especially for Ironman, and there are advantages and disadvantages of each.<\/p>\n See below for more information on choosing the best tri-suit for you.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> The tri-suits here were all given multiple tests on the swim, bike and run to find the best one. Key factors included breathability, how fast they dried, chafing (or lack of), pocket sizing and accessibility, and the effectiveness of the leg grippers and zippers.<\/p>\n The pad was assessed for how quickly it dried after the swim, its ability to provide comfort on the bike leg and whether the size impacted on the run.<\/p>\n The price, aesthetics, durability and aerodynamics were also considered, as was the versatility of each suit. Many of the Ironman tri-suits were also tested for their aerodynamic abilities at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub\u2019s wind tunnel.<\/p>\n Elbow-length suits are equipped for the needs of the modern-day triathlete: shoulders and sleeves help to protect\u00a0your skin; improved pads aid comfort; and fabrics are designed to be both hydro- and aerodynamic. <\/span><\/p>\n On top of all that, manufacturers have thought about the practicalities of getting them on and off and have started getting creative with their designs, producing tri-suits for a variety of distances. Time, then, to take a look at some of the best triathlon short-sleeved tri-suits on the market\u2026<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is a tri-suit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What tri-suit should I buy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How are the tri-suits tested and reviewed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best tri and Ironman tri-suits to buy in 2022<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best short-sleeved tri-suits<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best short-sleeved tri-suits for men<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit<\/strong><\/h3>\n