22 replies to this topic

[NewbiefromNewy]

I've found some tri apparel on special that is heavily discounted (about 50%). So for about $100 I can get either a tri suit or a shorts/jersey combo. Both options are the same brand.

I haven't done a tri before - my first will be a club race in 13 days and I'm aiming for an OD in Mar-2010.

What are the pro's and cons of each option? Which would you choose?

[virtualkerri]

Hiya,

If you can try them on, i'd probably go for the suit. I only have shorts/top combo myself, I can imagine the suit might be more comfy without elastic around the waist. I've been a little apprehensive about ordering a suit online without being able to try on.

I do like the flexibility of shorts though - being a girlie, I will either wear just shorts and my swimmers top, or throw on a singlet/shirt if it might be a bit cold on the bike/run.

Mainly, go with what you'll be comfortable riding and running in without being self-conscious! If you think you wanna wear a t-shirt, shorts might be the go. Suits are expensive though, so probably worth grabbing one for < $100 if you're going to do a few tris.

Cheers.

[tiger angel]

I use both. I have worn shorts/top from enticer to HIM. I've only used the suit at sprints.

If you think you may need bathroom stops, shorts are much quicker to get off. If you are doing long stuff and worries about possible gut issues, then a suit with no seam around the middle is more comfortable. If you are scared of the tummy hanging out go the suit.

I have to say I bought short/top originally and have been very happy with that combo. I like the fact I can use the shorts in training too, whereas I'd only ever wear the suit in a race.

[Kilee]

I have only had the the tri suit, but plan on getting pants/top combo.

Don't get me wrong I love my tri suit, very comfortable and supportive for a chick but I did the Busso Half Ironman in May and when I needed to pee mid way through the run I nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get the thing back on. HenceI will be doing the next one in a top/pants combo.

I would be weary of buying something online though if you haven't had a chance to try it on. If you know what you want find it in a store, try on the sizes and then order online. When I bought my suit I tried on 5 different styles before I found the one that fit the best.

Good luck

K.

[Danny]

Hi there,

For the shorter stuff (Olympic Distance and under) I wear a tri suit. For longer stuff I wear a two piece. Tri suits are great in the shorter races and you will breeze through transitions. For longer races you might want a bit more padding in the cycle seat.

At the end of the day however its a personal preference. I have a Speedo Fastskin tri suit that I really like basically because it feels fast!

Give it a go and see what you like!

Cheers,

Danny

[miners]

Danny, on Dec 17 2009, 06:24 PM, said:

Hi there,

For the shorter stuff (Olympic Distance and under) I wear a tri suit. For longer stuff I wear a two piece. Tri suits are great in the shorter races and you will breeze through transitions. For longer races you might want a bit more padding in the cycle seat.

At the end of the day however its a personal preference. I have a Speedo Fastskin tri suit that I really like basically because it feels fast!

Give it a go and see what you like!

Cheers,

Danny

+1

[crazycatwoman]

I have a tri suit that I picked up from rebel for about $40 on the off chance that I might use it one day. I am planning a sprint for my first tri outing so it should be ok. I hadn't thought about the peeing issues in longer events doh!

[TynoMite]

Kilee, on Dec 17 2009, 12:17 AM, said:

I nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get the thing back on. Hence I will be doing the next one in a top/pants combo.

Exactly the reason I'll be doing exactly the same thing next long race I do

[Muzman]

Tri suit all the way for me.

Much better in the swim (with or without a wetsuit over the top) and there is none of that drama of trying to put a lycra top on over a wet torso (talk about dislocating your shoulder).

For long races, I now adopt the practice of putting a pair of bike shorts on over the tri suit, and shedding them for the run leg.

You can also put a cycle jersey over the top for really long races or where sunburn may be an issue.

I now have 10 suits!!

M

[NewbiefromNewy]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I think for my first race on Sunday (club level 250/10/2) I'll just be wearing a pair of swimmers and my cycle shirt.

After Christmas, I think I'll invest in a good pair of tri pants and wear my cycle jersey for the bike/run. That should solve any over-exposure issues...

[nella]

Very helpful thread so far! I'm planning on wearing shorts and swimming top for my first tri in Feb but am looking for a good quality top that has inbuilt bra (enough support for a D cup). Of all the tri tops i've looked at, I haven't yet found anything that I could cycle/run with without having to put a sports bra on underneath?

Any advice from the ladies muchly appreciated!!!

[TynoMite]

nella, on Dec 23 2009, 07:31 PM, said:

but am looking for a good quality top that has inbuilt bra (enough support for a D cup).

This item of apparel does not exist.

You need to wear your sports bra.

If you leave snake lollies in the bra and it gets wet, you will end up with a multi coloured sports bra.

[Fitnhealthy]

Lol this thread has been very helpful. I hadn't even though about a bra for my first triathlon in March, but now you mention it, it would be very uncomfy doing the run without one. Do you wear it either under your swimmers or trisuit?

[tiger angel]

Some tri tops or suits have a shelf bra built in but I don't think it would be enough support for a D cup, so lots of girls wear a crop top or a bra as well under their swimmers or tri suit.

I usually wear a crop top because if I get hot I'm happier exposing it than my sports bra.

[nella]

TynoMite, on Dec 23 2009, 08:49 PM, said:

This item of apparel does not exist.

You need to wear your sports bra.

If you leave snake lollies in the bra and it gets wet, you will end up with a multi coloured sports bra.

You should market the multi-coloured sports bra, it sounds like a winner!

I was hopeful of finding something suitable, mainly because riding/running in a wet sports bra (I wear Berlei normally) sounds like it could lead to some serious CHAFFING....OUCH!

[nella]

Okay Ladies,

Following from previous discussions re: Swimmers with support for bigger cup sizes, i've found the perfect product!

http://www.shockabso...wear-range.html

I ordered the Tankini from the wiggle website and am pleased to report that I feel comfortable to run in this top! Who would have ever thought? Unfortunately there are no Australian stockists and you have to do some investigating to make sure you purchase the correct size but I am so very happy with my new swimmers!

[PlodBod]

nella, on Dec 24 2009, 07:48 AM, said:

I was hopeful of finding something suitable, mainly because riding/running in a wet sports bra (I wear Berlei normally) sounds like it could lead to some serious CHAFFING....OUCH!

I find my Enell sports bra dries so fast on the bike, that there is no chafing during the run/bike anyway.

nella, on Jan 15 2010, 09:40 AM, said:

http://www.shockabso...wear-range.html

Hmm... shame they couldn't make the swimsuit a bit prettier - those straps at the back are so ugly!

[catgirl]

I also wear my enell sports bra/ crop top under my tri suit and have had zero issues with it. Obviously I would like my boobs to shrink to a B cup so that one day I dont have to bother with it but until that glorious day arrives, its enell all the way! I got the Scody "Dark Angel" tri suit, just followed the sizing instructions and got it - its beautiful and a perfect fit. I ditched the crop top it came with.

[paigebaby]

Im only a beginner in the tri scene, still doing enticers, but im a fan of the shorts and top.
Nella, on the support side of things, im a DD and i wear a berli sports bra under a male tri top. Its very comfy and no chaffing.
I also found a pair of men's tri knicks (they have longer leg length than female ones) the sit a bit higher on the waist as well.
I recently bought a tri top from skirtsports which is very comfy, and covers the tummy. check their range out.

[blush]

nella, on Jan 15 2010, 08:40 AM, said:

Okay Ladies,

Following from previous discussions re: Swimmers with support for bigger cup sizes, i've found the perfect product!

http://www.shockabso...wear-range.html

I ordered the Tankini from the wiggle website and am pleased to report that I feel comfortable to run in this top! Who would have ever thought? Unfortunately there are no Australian stockists and you have to do some investigating to make sure you purchase the correct size but I am so very happy with my new swimmers!

Hi Nella, can I ask how you went with sizing? Did you order your regular sports bra size? I REALLY struggle with finding a properly fitting sports bra, and am in the market for a new one I can wear in my upcoming first tri in 4 weeks. I'm wondering should I just order the 34 and the 36, and keep the one which fits properly?

[Kilee]

nella, on Dec 23 2009, 05:31 PM, said:

Very helpful thread so far! I'm planning on wearing shorts and swimming top for my first tri in Feb but am looking for a good quality top that has inbuilt bra (enough support for a D cup). Of all the tri tops i've looked at, I haven't yet found anything that I could cycle/run with without having to put a sports bra on underneath?

Any advice from the ladies muchly appreciated!!!

I to am a D cup and it took me a whilst of trying on various tri suits in order to get one with enough support, now they baring move I am yet to find a tri top though so may be sticking to the tri suit and risk the dislocation of my shoulders instead. KG

[Paul Every]

For me, it is tri knicks and singlet/tri top/cycle shirt depending on race distance and weather conditions.

The singlet is fine for sprint and Olympic distance races. The tri top is usually my garment of choice for half and Ironman, although I will occasionally opt for the cycle shirt in cold conditions or in extreme heat for added sun protection.

I am yet to try either a tri suit or the aforementioned sport bras. Well, at least not under race conditions.

[nella]

blush, on Jan 18 2010, 09:42 AM, said:

Hi Nella, can I ask how you went with sizing? Did you order your regular sports bra size? I REALLY struggle with finding a properly fitting sports bra, and am in the market for a new one I can wear in my upcoming first tri in 4 weeks. I'm wondering should I just order the 34 and the 36, and keep the one which fits properly?

Hi Blush,

I wear a 10D in my day-to-day bra and 10DD in my Berlei underwire sports bra. I went with a 32D in the Shockabsorber Tankini. I googled bra conversion charts and browsed the results for the most consistent match-up. I did try and email Wiggle for assistance but they weren't much help. Another friend did suggest that I go to a local store that sells bras from the UK (apparently many lingerie stores do) and see what size I was in those?? In the end I just took a chance! Good Luck!

PS. Side note: The Tankini isn't the easiest thing to get on/off but once it's on it feels very supportive!