Here’s a breakdown of 10 of the top men’s and women’s tri suits on the market that’ll have you looking and feeling your best on race day.
Thanks to a sleek design and silky fabric, the Castelli Core is one of those tri suits you just can't help but feel fast wearing. The KISS Air chamois pad is also one of the best on this list despite its fairly thin design, and the unique speed hooks that keep the top from riding up during the swim and bike only add to the top-notch aerodynamics. On the downside, it isn't the most breathable and is probably best suited for short course events when speed is a top priority.
Taking a nature break in a full tri suit can sometimes be a problem. The new Orca 226 features an open waist that comes in handy during transitions and when those quick toilet breaks are required. In terms of comfort, the Stretchskin fabric is one of our favorites for its freedom of movement and overall feel in the aero position on the bike. Our lone complaint was with the zipper, which lacks a guard on the backside and has the potential for irritation during longer events.
Marc writes gear reviews, training, and injury prevention articles for Active.com. He is also a contributor to LAVA Magazine, Competitor Magazine, and Gear Patrol.com. He is a certified Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and earned his M.A. in Writing from Portland State University. Marc resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.