The top 5 best trisuits

1) BTTLNS Typhon 2.0 SE, the best all-round trisuit

The BTTLNS Typhon 2.0 SE with short sleeves is our best-selling BTTLNS trisuit and the all-rounder of this list. It is a mid-range suit made for the sprint, Olympic and middle distance, but many triathletes also race their first full distance in it. You get aero fabric on the front, an Italian chamois, two pockets for nutrition and a fit that works just as well in the pool as in the transition zone.

The front panel, shoulders and sleeves use CRE-UTR race fabric: smooth, breathable and soft on the skin, so the air flows over it smoothly on the bike. The back is made of MESH3D-EP, an open structure that wicks sweat away quickly. This keeps the suit light and cool, even on hot race days. The whole suit has had a hydrodynamic treatment that limits water absorption: after the swim you dry quickly and you do not drag water into the transition zone.

Features explained

• CRE-UTR race fabric on front panel, shoulders and sleeves: densely woven, smooth and breathable. The short, close-fitting sleeves reduce drag on the bike and protect your shoulders from the sun during the run.
• MESH3D-EP fabric on the back: a three-dimensional mesh that wicks sweat away and ventilates where your body needs to lose the most heat.
• Hydrodynamic treatment: the suit absorbs minimal water, so it does not feel heavy after the swim and dries quickly.
• Italian Tri-lite chamois: thin enough not to feel while swimming and running, but with exactly enough padding for the bike leg up to the middle distance.
• 2 HydroSpeed pockets: on the back, easy to reach in the bike position, for gels and bars.
• Speed mesh side panels: elastic and body-hugging, so the suit fits everywhere without pinching.
• YKK front zip with ZippCover: a flap behind the zip prevents irritation on the chest, and the zip can be opened to ventilate.
• Art-Elastic leg grippers: keep the legs in place without cutting in, even after an hour on the bike.

Who it is for: triathletes looking for one reliable suit for training and racing up to the middle distance, and anyone who wants the quality of an Italian chamois and aero fabric without the premium price.

Who it is not for: anyone who mainly races the full distance and wants maximum saddle protection (choose the Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero or the TEMPO! TWO instead), or who wants to combine a separate tri top and shorts.

Specifications:

• Brand: BTTLNS
• Level: Mid-range (sprint to middle distance / 70.3)
• Material: 80% polyester, 20% spandex
• Sleeves: Short sleeves
• Zip: YKK front zip with ZippCover
• Pockets: 2 HydroSpeed pockets on the back
• Colours: Men green, black/white and orange; women purple and orange
• Sizes: Men XS to 3XL; women XS to XL

2) Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit V2, the most popular race suit

The Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit V2 is the best-selling trisuit in our shop, for men and women alike. Orca has turned it into a light, cool and aerodynamic race suit for triathletes who want to be fast without giving up comfort. The V2 is the updated version with aero panels and Orca's Vapour Cool technology.

The panels on the shoulders, sleeves and back have a special texture that reduces drag on the bike. The fabrics are highly elastic and breathable and fit closely to your body, with light compression that supports your muscles. The Vapour Cool technology, based on nanocrystals, speeds up the evaporation of sweat so your body stays cooler during intense effort. The 4 mm Italian Tri-Tech chamois gives comfort on the bike and dries quickly after the swim; two rear pockets hold your nutrition.

Features explained

• Textured aero panels on shoulders, sleeves and back: the structure of the fabric manages the airflow in your favour, so you create less drag in the bike position.
• Highly elastic, breathable fabrics with light compression: the suit moves with you while swimming and running and supports your muscles on the bike.
• Vapour Cool technology: nanocrystals in the fabric speed up the evaporation of sweat; the suit feels cooler at high intensity and in warm weather.
• 4 mm Italian Tri-Tech chamois (120 kg/m³): a thin, dense chamois that gives comfort on the bike, dries quickly after the swim and goes unnoticed on the run.
• Two rear pockets: enough room for gels and bars, flat enough not to bother you in the water.
• Quick-drying design: you leave the transition zone light and start the bike leg without a wet, heavy suit.

Who it is for: race-oriented triathletes on the sprint, Olympic and middle distance who want a light and cool suit, and anyone who goes for the model our customers buy most often.

Who it is not for: triathletes planning a full distance who need a thicker long-distance chamois; look at the TEMPO! TWO or the Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero instead.

Specifications:

• Brand: Orca
• Level: Mid-range / race (sprint to middle distance)
• Material: 44% polyester, 32% polyamide, 24% elastane
• Sleeves: Short sleeves
• Zip: Front zip
• Pockets: 2 rear pockets
• Colours: Men white and blue/green; women white/blue and blue/green
• Sizes: Men S to 2XL; women XS to XL

3) Fusion TEMPO! TWO, the premium all-rounder for the long distance

The Fusion TEMPO! TWO is the suit our customers choose when they move up to the middle or full distance. Fusion took the design and fabrics of its PRO and ONE models, but made the fit slightly roomier and more comfortable. That gives you almost the same performance as a pro suit, in a trisuit you can wear for nine to eleven hours. The suit is unisex and is produced sustainably in the EU, in Fusion's own factory, from French and Italian fabrics.

The aerodynamic sleeves fit snugly, the mesh panel on the front breathes and the back protects against the sun with UPF 50+. Thigh and back pockets give quick access to nutrition without extra drag. The soft fleece chamois is made for long bike legs: you sit comfortably deep into the ride and hardly notice it while running. Thanks to the elastic, hard-wearing fabrics the suit lasts for many seasons.

Features explained

• Aerodynamic, close-fitting sleeves: less drag on the bike and sun protection on the shoulders, without pinching during the swim.
• Breathable mesh panel at the front, UV-protective back (UPF 50+): cooling at the front where you need it, protection on the back where the sun shines for hours.
• Thigh and back pockets: several quick-access pockets, designed to stay close to the body.
• Fleece chamois for lasting saddle comfort: the soft, elastic chamois is tuned to bike legs of the middle and full distance and dries quickly after the swim.
• Elastic, hard-wearing fabrics from France and Italy: maximum freedom of movement and a suit that can take a lot of training kilometres.
• Slightly roomier fit than the PRO and ONE models: comfort comes before pure compression; pleasant when you sit in the same position for a long time.
• Produced in the EU and OEKO-TEX certified: safe materials, short supply chain.

Who it is for: triathletes doing the middle or full distance who value comfort as much as speed, and athletes preparing for their first full distance who want a suit that lasts.

Who it is not for: anyone who mainly races short distances and wants a tight compression fit; then the Athlex Aero V2 or the Typhon 2.0 SE is the more logical and cheaper choice.

Specifications:

• Brand: Fusion
• Level: High-end (middle and full distance)
• Material: Top and sleeves 80% polyamide, 20% elastane; belly, side and lower back panels 86% polyester, 14% elastane; bottom 71% polyamide, 29% elastane
• Sleeves: Short sleeves
• Zip: YKK front zip
• Pockets: Thigh and back pockets
• Colours: White/grey, ocean, black, all black and race green (unisex)
• Sizes: XS to 2XL

4) BTTLNS Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero, maximum aerodynamics for the long distance

The BTTLNS Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero is the high-end race suit from BTTLNS, developed for triathletes who race the middle and full distance and want to win every second in the bike position. The Aero-Carved sleeves run down to the elbow and have been wind-tunnel tested for fit. The front and back panels are extremely light, have 360-degree stretch and regulate moisture; the side and leg panels are made from a single piece and feel like a second skin.

The front panel is made of FFAE-UTR, a very light fabric with stretch in every direction. The back is ULT3D-MESH for maximum breathability and sweat transport. Both have a nano water-repellent coating that reduces drag in the water. Inside the suit sits the Italian 226 Xtreme TRI padding: a chamois with a high-density insert and extra thickness at the pressure points, made for the typical position on the nose of the saddle during long time trials. Perforated lamination keeps the chamois breathable and lets it dry quickly.

Features explained

• Aero-Carved sleeves down to the elbow: striped material with a wind-tunnel tested fit and an elastic gripper; the sleeve stays in place and reduces drag considerably. UPF 50+ sun protection.
• FFAE-UTR front panel: extremely light, 360-degree stretch and maximum moisture control; you hardly notice the suit.
• ULT3D-MESH back panel: hugely breathable, wicks sweat away and keeps your body temperature stable over long distances.
• Nano water-repellent coating: front and back repel water, so you swim faster and dry faster.
• Italian 226 Xtreme TRI padding: long-distance chamois with high-density insert, anatomical wings and perforated lamination: maximum protection on the bike, yet breathable and quick-drying.
• PDY-CPRR6 side and leg panels in one piece: compressive support, friction-free and abrasion-resistant, with laser-cut leg ends and wide dotted silicone grippers that do not pull.
• 2 HydroSpeed pockets and YKK zip with ZippCover: nutrition within reach and no irritation from the zip.

Who it is for: triathletes on the middle and full distance looking for an aerodynamic suit with a real long-distance chamois, and athletes who ride a lot in the time-trial position.

Who it is not for: beginners and sprinters: the Typhon 2.0 SE or the Castelli Core give you everything you need on the short distance for less money.

Specifications:

• Brand: BTTLNS
• Level: High-end (middle and full distance)
• Material: Top 92% polyester, 8% elastane; bottom 80% nylon, 20% elastane
• Sleeves: Short Aero-Carved sleeves down to the elbow
• Zip: YKK front zip with ZippCover
• Pockets: 2 HydroSpeed pockets on the back
• Colours: Men white, black, green, Guardian Green/Pearl White and Immortal Blue/Pearl White; women white and black
• Sizes: Men XS to 3XL; women XS to XL

5) Castelli Core Tri, the best entry-level model

The Castelli Core Tri Suit with short sleeves is the entry-level model with which Castelli makes the technology of its top suits accessible. After the Athlex Aero V2 it is the best-selling trisuit in our shop and the choice of many triathletes for their first race: a tight, professional fit, a good chamois and smart details at a sharp price. The women's version (Core Tri W) has a fit tuned specifically to the female body.

The elbow-length sleeves with raw-cut edges give minimal drag and do not pinch anywhere. The KISS Tri chamois is noticeable on the bike and unnoticeable on the run, exactly what you want for sprint, Olympic and middle distances. The 3/4 YKK front zip lets you ventilate on hot days, and two flat rear pockets stay against your body in the water but hold gels and bars. At 253 grams it is a light suit made for temperatures from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Features explained

• Elbow-length sleeves with raw-cut edges: no thick hem, so no pressure line on your arms and an aerodynamic profile on the bike.
• KISS Tri chamois: a thin triathlon chamois: padding on the bike, barely noticeable on the run.
• 3/4 YKK front zip: quick on and off and ventilation during hot races.
• Two flat rear pockets: streamlined in the water, roomy enough for nutrition on the bike and run.
• GIRO4 leg grippers: flat grippers that keep the legs in place without irritation.
• Lightweight and breathable (253 g): breathability 4/5 according to Castelli, with UPF protection against the sun.

Who it is for: triathletes doing their first triathlon or looking for a functional suit for training and racing up to the middle distance, and anyone watching their budget without compromising on fit.

Who it is not for: anyone racing the full distance who needs a thicker long-distance chamois, and anyone looking for maximum aerodynamics; look at the Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero or the TEMPO! TWO instead.

Specifications:

• Brand: Castelli
• Level: Entry-level (sprint to middle distance)
• Material: Women: main fabric 82% polyester, 18% elastane; chamois 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
• Sleeves: Short sleeves (elbow length, raw-cut)
• Zip: 3/4 YKK front zip
• Pockets: 2 flat rear pockets
• Weight: 253 grams
• Colours: Men black and blue; women black and blue/pink
• Sizes: Men S to 3XL; women S to 3XL

Why a good trisuit matters

A trisuit is a one-piece suit you keep on for the whole triathlon: under your wetsuit during the swim, then on the bike and during the run. Because you do not have to change, you save a lot of time in the transition zone. A trisuit is made of light, quick-drying and breathable fabrics, has a thin chamois you feel on the bike but not on the run, and usually has pockets on the back or thighs for your nutrition. Also read what exactly a trisuit is.

You notice the difference between a good and a mediocre suit in all three disciplines. In the water it is about how much water the fabric absorbs: a suit with a hydrophobic treatment comes out of the water light and dries quickly. On the bike the fit, the sleeves and the structure of the fabric determine how much drag you create, and the chamois determines how long you can sit comfortably in the time-trial position. On the run it is about breathability, sun protection and a suit that does not chafe anywhere. On top of that comes temperature control: mesh on the back and cooling fabrics keep your body at the right temperature on hot longer distances.

Pro tip: does a short-sleeved trisuit restrict your swim stroke under your wetsuit? Unzip the trisuit and let the top hang around your hips, with the wetsuit over it. Out of the water you pull the wetsuit down and the trisuit up. Also read how to prevent wetsuit chafing.

What to look for when choosing a trisuit

Your distance. For sprint and Olympic distances an entry-level model like the Castelli Core Tri will serve you well. If you also do the middle distance, choose a mid-range suit with a better chamois and aero fabric, such as the BTTLNS Typhon 2.0 SE or the Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit V2. For the full distance you want a long-distance chamois and maximum ventilation: the Fusion TEMPO! TWO or the BTTLNS Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero. Looking for Castelli's fastest suit for the long distance? Take a look at the Castelli Free Sanremo 3.

One-piece or two-piece. A one-piece trisuit is the choice of most triathletes: fewer seams, no waistband that rides up and the fastest transition. If your proportions are unusual, for example a broad chest and narrow hips, a separate tri top and tri shorts are a good alternative. Read our tips for choosing your trisuit.

With or without sleeves. Short sleeves are the standard: they cover more, reduce drag on the bike and protect your shoulders from the sun. A sleeveless trisuit gives maximum freedom in the shoulders and is cooler in hot weather, but without sun protection on the shoulders.

The chamois. The longer the bike leg, the more the chamois matters. Thin triathlon chamois (KISS Tri, Tri-lite, Tri-Tech) are made for rides up to the middle distance and go unnoticed on the run. For the full distance you choose a thicker long-distance chamois, such as the 226 Xtreme TRI padding of the Nemean or the fleece chamois of the TEMPO! TWO.

Ventilation and pockets. If you often race in hot weather, look for mesh on the back, a zip you can open and cooling fabrics such as Vapour Cool. And for longer races, make sure you have at least two pockets you can reach in the bike position.

The fit. A trisuit has to be tight: loose material absorbs water, chafes and stops the chamois from staying in place. How to choose the right size is explained below.

The right size: how a trisuit should fit

You wear a trisuit like a second skin: tight over the whole body, but without pulling at the shoulders, the crotch or the zip. If the suit is too loose, the fabric absorbs water, chafes on the run and the chamois shifts out of place. If it is too tight, it restricts your breathing and your swim stroke. A good test: in the bike position the zip must not pull open and the leg grippers must not leave a mark.

Every brand has its own size chart based on height, weight and chest, waist and hip measurements. Between two sizes? For a tight race suit like the Athlex Aero V2 or the Nemean, choose the size that matches your weight and chest; for a comfort suit for the long distance like the TEMPO! TWO you can take the roomier size. Castelli itself recommends the larger size when in doubt. You will find the brand's size chart on every product page.

Try the trisuit on at home on a saddle or in the bike position and take a few running steps in it: you will immediately notice whether fabric pulls anywhere or the chamois shifts. Prefer personal advice? Come and try them on in our triathlon store in Volkel.

Frequently asked questions about trisuits

What do you wear under a trisuit?

Nothing. A trisuit is made to be worn directly on the skin, with a built-in chamois. Underwear absorbs water and chafes. Women preferably wear a sports bra under the suit; most women's models offer enough support and room for that.

Do you wear a trisuit under your wetsuit?

Yes. You put the trisuit on before the start and wear your wetsuit over it. After the swim you only take off the wetsuit and continue to the bike in your trisuit. If the short sleeves restrict your swim stroke, you can let the top hang around your hips during the swim.

Short sleeves or sleeveless?

Short sleeves are more aerodynamic on the bike and protect your shoulders from the sun; that is why most triathletes choose them. Sleeveless is cooler and gives more shoulder freedom when swimming without a wetsuit. All five trisuits in this blog have short sleeves; the Typhon, Nemean, Athlex and Core are also available in sleeveless or other variants.

Which trisuit is suitable for a full triathlon?

For the full distance, choose a suit with a long-distance chamois and plenty of ventilation, such as the Fusion TEMPO! TWO or the BTTLNS Nemean 1.0 Pro Aero. A thin triathlon chamois is fine up to the middle distance, but after 180 kilometres on the bike you will be glad of extra padding.

How tight should a trisuit be?

Like a second skin: no loose material anywhere, but no pressure at the shoulders or crotch either. In the bike position the zip must not pull open. Between two sizes? Look mainly at your weight and chest in the brand's size chart, see the chapter on sizing.

Can you swim in a trisuit without a wetsuit?

Yes. Trisuits are made of quick-drying, water-repellent fabrics and the pockets lie flat against the body. In races in warm water, where a wetsuit is not allowed, you simply swim in your trisuit.

How do you wash and care for a trisuit?

Wash the suit after every training session or race at a maximum of 30 degrees, without fabric softener and preferably in a laundry bag. Let it air dry, not in the tumble dryer or in strong sunlight, and do not iron it. That keeps the elastic fabrics, the coating and the chamois in good condition for longest.

Looking for a new trisuit and extra advice?

Our triathlon specialists are happy to help you with any questions about choosing your new trisuit, so you can make a well-informed choice and enjoy your triathlons even more. You can reach our triathlon specialists on +31 (0)85 773 00 58, send an e-mail or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.