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You’ve done the training, and now it’s time to step up to the start line. What you choose to wear during a triathlon can have a big impact on your performance. Uncomfortable chamois pads, scratchy seams or stiflingly hot materials… get your tri suit wrong, and you’re in for a world of misery!
Whether you’re a seasoned age-grouper looking for marginal gains to send you on your way to a new PR at your next Ironman-distance triathlon. A beginner looking for the best tri suit to get you comfortably through your first triathlon. Or you’re after the ultimate tri suit to help you stand out from the crowd in your race photos. We’re bringing you our pick of the best tri suits for all types of racing.
Ultra-comfortable for long distance
TRI-FIT GEO tri suit
The TRI-FIT GEO came up trumps in my quest for the ultimate long distance tri suit – mainly thanks to it’s ridiculously comfortable chamois pad. Initial concerns that it might be too padded were quickly forgotten. Because somehow this tri suit delivers both the most comfortable pad on the bike I’ve ever tried, while simultaneously being barely noticeable on the run.
This tri suit is also super lightweight and breathable. In fact, since writing my initial review, I raced in this suit at the Singapore T100 age group 100km triathlon, possibly one of the most hot and humid races I’ve ever done, and I was really impressed with how well the suit performed.
The only thing that really knocks a point or two off for this tri suit is the fact it does only have the one rear pocket. But the brand’s EVO 2.3 and GEO LIGHTNING tri suits feature the same chamois pad, and have additional pockets so if you need more storage – you’ve got options.
Best premium tri suit for investing in performance
Surpas Insane Speedsuit 2
Given that it’s got the Norwegian Method seal of approval, you can be confident that the Surpas Insane Speedsuit has been through rigorous testing to ensure it ticks every box on the performance front. These suits are made from custom-made fabric which Surpas say is the lightest ever material used in a tri suit. The sleeves feature both aerodynamic stripes and ‘turbulators’ which have resulted in an up to 8% improvement in aerodynamics during wind tunnel testing. And based on research and development in the run up to the Tokyo Olympics, Surpas also promise next-level thermoregulation and cooling.
The 2nd incarnation of the Surpas Insane tri suit has also been updated to offer better comfort over the longer distances, with a wider profile neck line and adjustments to the panelling across the chest and shoulders.
The only drawback is that top end price point – but if you’re serious about investing in performance, the Surpas Insane is loaded with performance-enhancing technology.
Best for racing in hot conditions
Ryzon Verge Series Aero Tri Suit
Another serious investment is the Ryzon Verge Series aero tri suit. But when it comes to a tri suit that’s been designed specifically to deal with hot conditions – you’ll struggle to find a suit loaded with more cooling technology.
Markus Konrad from Ryzon spoke to TRI247 when we put together our feature on investigating how much faster a tri suit can actually make you, who explained that the brand have implemented the use of graphene to fast-track cooling when the heat is on. The inside of the suit is printed with Graphene Plus®, which is highly conductive and dissipates body heat over a wide surface area. In addition, Ryzon have also positioned cooling pockets (for ice and sponges) such that the graphene helps to distribute the cold along the torso faster.
Like the Surpas, the price point means your casual weekend warrior will probably want to look for a more budget-friendly option. But for those of you harbouring dreams of a Kona age group podium, the heat-management of the ultra-high end suits like the Ryzon could make a big difference to your performance.
Best tri suit for beginners
ZONE3 Activate
An earlier version of the ZONE3 Activate was one of the first tri suits I wore when I first got into triathlon. And now coming up for 8 years later, it still remains a tried and tested classic. Coming in at a far more budget-friendly price point, this is a great tri suit for when you’re just starting out in triathlon. You want a tri suit that’s comfortable, without having to put your credit card under serious strain.
The pad is perfectly comfy for sprint distance and standard distance racing. Both the sleeved and sleeveless versions are breathable enough to keep you cool, particularly over shorter distances. And since I had my version of this suit, ZONE3 have updated the fabric on the back to a lightweight waffle material for improved temperature regulation. The women’s version of this tri suit also comes with a built-in sports bra for extra support. If you’re looking for a tri suit which offers both comfort and value for money, the ZONE3 Activate is a great choice.
Best for inclusive sizing
Stolen Goat Advanced tri suit
UK-based brand Stolen Goat have long been making inclusive sizing a priority across their ranges, and their tri suit offering is no different – with up to size 4XL available. The brand have released a new and updated tri suit for 2024 – the Advanced Tri Suit. I tested out an early sample version of this new tri suit from Stolen Goat pre-release, wearing it for a long distance triathlon back in 2023. The pad performed really well, proving comfortable over the 180km bike. There were no issues with chafing from the leg grippers, and no annoying seams to dig in anywhere they shouldn’t. The four-way stretch gives a second skin fit that moves with you, and the perforated material on the upper body did a good job of keeping me cool, even when temperatures soared during the marathon.
Best aero tri suit for age group triathletes
Huub Anemoi 2 Sub 22
A lot of the bold claims made by tri suit brands when it comes to watt savings/speed improvements are based on the ultra-fast paces of the PRO field. But for most of us average age-groupers, while we’re still looking to make every second count – we’re also probably not zooming through the miles on the bike course quite as quickly as the elites. That’s why it’s great to see Huub bringing a tri suit to the table which optimises aerodynamics at a more realistic pace for age-groupers. The Anemoi 2 sub 22 tri suit is designed to offer an aero advantage when travelling at speeds of 22 miles per hour or lower. Though for the super speedy among you – there is also a suit designed for 22mph+. They’ve developed the tri suit with help from the aerodynamics team at Wattshop, and using both a wind tunnel and a velodrome for testing.
Best tri suits for vibrant designs
Zoot LTD and Ultra Triathlon race suits
Zoot tri suits are unmissable out on the race course, with the brand offering one of the best design selections you’ll find. Whether you want Hawaii-inspired blooms or bold geometric patterns. But that style doesn’t come at the cost of substance. I raced my first full distance triathlon back in 2018 in a Zoot suit and even then, it was ultra-comfortable for a long day of swim-bike-run. But the latest incarnations of the LTD and Ultra Triathlon suits also come loaded with added extras including additional ice and sponge pockets for chafe-free cooling on the run, and a full zip design for any pit stops.
Best new tri suit brand to watch
Born Bound Skärvatten Long Distance Short Sleeve Tri Suit
Born Bound are a new triathlon apparel brand from the USA, bursting on to the scene with former ITU triathlete and duathlon world champion Annie Emerson and PRO triathlete Kieran Linders on their athlete ambassador roster. The tri suit are designed specifically for longer distance triathlon racing, with UPF 50 protective fabric, Cold Black® treated materials for cooling, compressive fabric on the shorts and bonded seam for aerodynamics. What we really like about this suit is the use of the Elastic Interface gender specific chamois pad (the same pad you’ll find in the TRI-FIT GEO which we found to be a game changer for comfort on the bike). But also silicone dimples on the outside of the suit to help reduce slipping once you’ve found your position on the saddle. Alongside the short sleeved full tri suit, the brand also offer 2-piece separates.
Choosing the best tri suit can help to level up your performance, ramp up the comfort levels and let’s face it – make sure you get some awesome photos – come race day. Need a little more guidance to find the right tri suit for you? Check out our tri suit buying guide. And if you’re suited up and ready to go, head over to our Training section to get some more triathlon training tips and advice, and our Gear section to get your other race day essentials sorted.
