INSPECT THE LEVEL OF PADDING

Ensure that your chosen tri suit has a moderate to excellent level of padding in the posterior region; you’ll need this for cycling. Look for tri suits with suitable padding. Alternatively, you can also opt for tri suits that offer extra, detachable padding.

Some tri suits automatically come with a chamois or a tri pad for extra padding during cycling. The chamois is attached to the tri suit at the crotch area, the main region that will be in contact with the bike seat. Some chamois pads are lighter than the others, so they won’t affect the athlete’s swimming or running performance. Thin or reduced padding makes running and swimming easier.

Aside from the thickness of the padding, also consider its structure and design. Choose tri suits with chamois sections that have specific designs for male and female athletes. Gender-specific tri suit designs provide a better fit and padding design than unisex tri suits.

CHECK FOR POCKETS AND OTHER USEFUL FEATURES

Pockets are arguably the most convenient and ingenious clothing feature in the world, and they can absolutely aid you during triathlons and races by simply carrying your essentials.

Look for tri suits that come with aerodynamic and convenient back or side pockets. The pockets can carry your gels, snack bars, keys, smartphones, MP3 players, and other essentials that you’ll need while constantly moving. Opt for tri suits with deep pockets on strategic locations. You don’t necessarily have to choose a tri suit with many pockets.

Other features you may want to consider are zip-able fronts or back fasteners, which improve transitions and expedite bathroom breaks. Female athletes can benefit from a tri suit that has a suspended sports bra with a back-fastener. The choices are endless; you can even customize a store-bought tri suit to add some features that you think may aid you during the race.