Preparing for your first triathlon is exciting, but figuring out what to wear for a triathlon can feel overwhelming. Do you need a wetsuit? Should you wear socks? What about the tri clothing for the bike and run? The good news is that choosing the right clothing and equipment doesn't have to be complicated—especially if you start with the basics.
Whether you're gearing up for a Sprint triathlon or dreaming of finishing an IRONMAN, the right gear will keep you comfortable and confident from start to finish. In this guide, you'll get expert advice walking you through the essential clothing and gear you'll need as a beginner gearing up for your first tri, as well as recommendations for dedicated triathletes who are looking for the best of the best.
What you'll learn in this article:
- Key triathlon clothing and gear for beginners and experienced triathletes
- Why triathlon shorts are better than cycling shorts for race day
- The benefits of tri suits, wetsuits, and other specialized gear
- Tips for choosing clothing and gear for swimming, biking, and running
- Estimated costs for beginner-friendly and premium gear
Preparing for Your First Triathlon: Must-Have Triathlon Clothing
If you're new to triathlons, you don't need to buy every piece of gear right away. Instead, focus on a few versatile, beginner-friendly items that you can use during training and on race day.
Beginner Essentials: Keep It Simple
For your first triathlon, the goal is to keep your gear simple and practical. Here's a basic setup that works well for beginners:
- Triathlon shorts: These have a smaller chamois pad compared to cycling shorts so that they won't soak up water during the swim. They're also versatile enough to use in both training and racing.
- Cycling jersey: A cycling jersey works well for both training and race day. It has useful pockets and sleeves for sun protection, making it a more practical option than a sleeveless triathlon top. If you're swimming without a wetsuit, you'll swim in just your tri shorts, then put on your bike jersey in transition one before getting onto the bike.
- Socks: If you're a beginner, put on socks to protect your feet before either the bike or the run segment. Your feet likely aren't tough enough to handle running barefoot yet.
- Wetsuit: Wear your triathlon shorts and cycling jersey directly underneath a wetsuit during the swim for convenience during transitions.
Pro tip: Don't wear underwear under your triathlon shorts or wetsuit—it can lead to chafing and discomfort.
Why This Setup Works:
- Triathlon shorts dry quickly and won't cause discomfort during the bike or run.
- A cycling jersey offers more versatility for training compared to a sleeveless triathlon top.
- Socks are a must to wear for your first triathlon to avoid blisters.
Upgrading to Proper Triathlon Clothing
Once you've completed your first race and are ready to commit to triathlons, you'll want to consider investing in a triathlon suit.
Why Choose a Triathlon Suit?
- It's a one-piece garment that combines a top and bottom for maximum efficiency.
- The small chamois pad is perfect for cycling without causing discomfort during the run.
- A breakaway zipper in the front makes bathroom breaks easier.
- It has pockets in the back to store your nutrition and special needs items
- They're designed to be aerodynamic and faster
Sleeves vs. Sleeveless:
- Sleeved suits are more aerodynamic and protect your shoulders from the sun.
- Sleeveless suits offer greater comfort for those prone to chafing under the arms but are becoming less common.
For Women: Many women prefer a two-piece triathlon kit for easier bathroom breaks. This setup includes tri shorts and a tri top.
Costs:
- Beginner-friendly suits: $75–$150 (e.g., Pearl Izumi, Zoot Sports)
- Premium suits: $150–$300+ (e.g., ROKA, Orca)
- You can purchase a MOTTIV triathlon suit and other triathlon, running, and cycling gear here
Swim Segment: What to Wear for the Swim
The swim portion of a triathlon is often the most challenging for beginners, but the right gear can help you feel more confident in the water.
Do You Need a Triathlon Wetsuit?
Wetsuits are optional in some races, but they're highly recommended for beginners. They:
- Provide buoyancy, making swimming easier and safer.
- Offer insulation in cooler water temperatures.
- Reduce drag for faster swim times.
Types of Wetsuits:
- Full-sleeve wetsuits: Provide the most warmth and buoyancy.
- Sleeveless wetsuits: Allow greater shoulder mobility but offer less warmth.
These days, the shoulders of almost all triathlon wetsuits are so flexible that sleeveless wetsuits don't offer much benefit.
Pro tip: Practice swimming in open water with your wetsuit during your triathlon training before race day to ensure comfort and familiarity.
Costs:
- Entry-level wetsuits: $150–$500 (the entry-level ROKA Maverick wetsuit is the best beginner triathlon wetsuit on the market)
- Premium wetsuits: $500+
Goggles and Swim Cap: Essential Triathlon Swim Gear
You'll also need goggles and a swim cap. They are small but essential items for the swim. Most races provide a swim cap, but you'll need to bring your goggles.
Choosing Goggles:
- Look for anti-fog and UV protection.
- Use tinted or mirrored lenses for sunny conditions.
Costs:
- Goggles: $15–$50 (ROKA, Speedo Vanquisher, TYR Special Ops)
What to Wear Under a Wetsuit
Underneath your wetsuit, wear your triathlon shorts and either a cycling jersey or a tri top. This setup ensures a smooth transition after the swim. Avoid wearing underwear to prevent chafing.
Transition Tips and Cycling Gear Essentials
The transition area is where you'll switch from swimming to biking and later from biking to running. Having the right gear and an efficient routine can save you valuable time.
Picking the Perfect Helmet
A helmet is a non-negotiable for the bike leg. Choose one that fits snugly and meets safety certifications.
Types of Helmets:
- Road bike helmets: Affordable and widely available.
- Aero helmets: Designed for reduced wind resistance, ideal for competitive triathletes.
Costs:
- Beginner helmets: $50–$100
- Aero helmets: $200–$400
Cycling Shoes and Socks
For beginners, wearing socks during the bike leg can prevent blisters and improve comfort. Dedicated triathletes may choose to skip socks for shorter races like sprints and Olympics but should wear them for longer distances like half-Ironman or Ironman races.
Cycling shoes are allowed in triathlons. However, triathlon-specific bike shoes will be easier to get into with wet feet, are smoother on the inside, and have holes that keep your feet dry to prevent blisters.
Cycling Shoes:
- Clipless cycling shoes are ideal for experienced triathletes.
- Beginners are allowed to wear running shoes to keep things simple if they don't want to invest in clipless bike shoes.
Costs:
- Cycling shoes: $100–$500
Sunglasses and Chafing Prevention
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and debris. Apply anti-chafing balm in key areas to stay comfortable throughout the bike leg.
Running Gear Essentials for Your First Triathlon
The final segment of a triathlon requires lightweight, comfortable gear to help you finish strong.
Selecting the Right Running Shoes
Your run shoes should be well-fitted, broken in, and provide adequate support for tired legs.
Costs:
- Beginner-friendly shoes: $100–$250 (Asics, Brooks)
Compression Shorts and Chafing Prevention
Compression shorts are believed to reduce muscle fatigue and improve circulation during the run. However, studies have shown that there isn't a lot of evidence that compression garments improve performance or recovery.
Apply anti-chafing balm to areas prone to irritation; in triathlon, a lot of areas are prone to irritation. The back of your neck, your collar, your armpits, and your crotch are the worst areas.
FAQs About What to Wear to Your First Triathlon
Q: What do I wear for a triathlon?
A: For a triathlon, you'll typically want to wear a tri suit, which is designed for all three segments of the race: swimming, cycling, and running. If you prefer, you can also wear a swimsuit for the swim, followed by bike shorts and a running top.
Q: Should I wear underwear under my tri-suit?
A: It's generally recommended not to wear underwear under a tri suit. The design of a tri suit is meant to be worn alone to minimize chafing and enhance comfort during the race.
Q: Can I wear a wetsuit for my first triathlon?
A: Yes, if you're participating in a triathlon race where the water temperature is cooler, wearing a wetsuit is advisable. It provides buoyancy and warmth, which can enhance your swim performance.
Q: What kind of shoes do I need for a triathlon?
A: You'll need triathlon shoes that are lightweight and suitable for both cycling and running. Many triathletes choose specialized triathlon shoes that allow for quick transitions during the race.
Q: What should I wear to my first triathlon?
A: For your first triathlon, you might want to wear a triathlon suit or tri shorts and a cycling jersey. Don't forget to wear a sports bra if needed!
Q: How do I prepare my triathlon gear for race day?
A: Make sure to lay out all your triathlon gear the night before race day. This includes your tri suit, shoes, helmet, goggles, and any nutrition you may need. Familiarize yourself with the transition area to ensure a smooth race.
Q: Do I need special goggles for the swim portion?
A: Yes, you'll also need a pair of goggles for the swim portion of the triathlon. Choose a pair that fits well and provides good visibility in the water. Mirrored goggles are the best for open-water swimming.
Q: Can I wear a swimsuit for the swim leg of a triathlon?
A: Yes, you can choose to wear a swimsuit for the swim leg of a triathlon, especially if you are more comfortable in it. Just ensure it is suitable for swimming efficiently, then be prepared to change into your tri suit or tri shorts and cycling jersey after the swim.
Q: Where can I change clothes during a triathlon?
A: Unfortunately, there are no change rooms in triathlon; that's why people wear triathlon-specific clothing throughout the entire race so that they don't have to change.
Conclusion
Choosing what to wear for a triathlon doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're starting with the basics or investing in premium triathlon gear, the key is to prioritize comfort and functionality. By practicing with your gear during training, you'll be ready to tackle race day with confidence.
Ready to train smarter? Sign up for a free personalized MOTTIV training plan to prepare for your triathlon like a pro!
