As much as I like to keep simple you can really look the part and be very efficient in Tri suits these are designed to be worn throughout every leg of a triathlon, they are an all-in-one suit. Most tri suits are water resistant and designed to streamline the body in water as well as on land. They are made using advanced technical materials that dry very quickly on leaving the water.
I have thrown this post in here as I still like to comment on triathlon even though I have moved away from being a competitive participant I still like to comment on what goes on as I think it is a great sport.
If you train or compete in triathlon you will no doubt need a tri suit. If you are just starting to compete in triathlon there are loads of suits aimed at this level on the market, as the lower end of the price scale. At this sort of level a tri suit must be breathable, comfortable and easy to zip. It should not chafe or rub, and have a thin chamois at least, as this will increase your comfort on the cycle leg without impeding your running.
At the next level up, for those wanting to train and race more frequently, tri suits should be fully breathable and totally water repellent. You should look for one that has a fast-drying chamois and has mesh paneling. Some tri suits have pockets to stash an energy bar or something when you are going longer distances.
Generally the more you spend the more technically advanced a tri suit will be. For top performance athletes who are looking for the most advantage from their equipment a good tri suit is imperative. It shoud be breathable but water repellent, thin, light, and have a thin chamois that dries quickly, flatlock stitching to stop chafing, easy-to-use zips, and leg grippers that help to keep it from riding up as you run and cycle.
Tri suits are all made with speed and performance in mind but there are lots of different designs available, aimed at different levels of athlete and varying body shapes. Women’s suits are a different shape to men’s as they are made to suit the proportions of women, for ultimate comfort and efficiency.
As with all things it is not the gear that will get you to go fast but how much training you put into it all but when it comes down to feeling good on the day a good fitting bit of gear goes along way to the psychology of feeling good about the day
Tri suits are made with different materials and features, designed for different levels of competition, but all of them are designed to be worn throughout every leg of the competition. They make the transitions much easier and quicker as you can wear a tri suit under a wetsuit and do not have to change between disciplines.
I am still looking to compete in the of road triathlon season which will start in a few weeks, so I will have to dust of the swimming togs and get the tri suit out to see if it still fits.
Funny thing is I really enjoy my triathlon but I seem to be shifting away from being real competitive to more of an enjoyable bash around the track for fun I think I will have to go some where to get that looked at 
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I have done one sprint last year and plan on doing more this year. I am going for fun and my friends are new as well. I really do not know anyone who is experienced with purchasing gear for tri’s so I’m not sure what to look for when shopping. I just want to clarify that if you buy a tri suit you will not need to change your clothes throughout the rest of the race unless you use a wetsuit. Last year I just wore a regular bathing suit, I don’t even have a speedo. Should I buy a tri suit? What brand should I look at? Where should I go to find these suits?
Hi Tara,
In an answer to your question about what brand to look at, I have the opinion that you buy what fits your budget and feels comfortable.
The suit itself will not add any competitive edge as a new athlete, apart from you feeling good, thinking you look hot.
You are correct with your thinking that a good tri suit will be the only race kit you will have to use apart from wetsuit.
As for the ……”need”….. to buy specialized gear that would depend on the distance you are going to race over,
and how long you want to stay in the sport.
If you are on a limited budget, you will get better performance from buying good tires and tubes, the training and
nutrition are more important elements for me.
If you want to look at tri suits I know 2xu make great gear so have a look at
http://www.2xu.com/
Where are you racing ? all the best with your season