Tri Tops

Specially designed to help you as a triathlete get the most out of your triathlons. Our triathlon shirts are an indispensable piece of clothing for your competitions. From the quick-drying materials, the cooling properties to the streamlined fits, everything has been fine-tuned to help you optimize your performance as best as possible. With the right triathlon shirt you ensure that you can break your personal record and take your triathlon experiences to an even higher level. Push your limits and conquer every triathlon.

What is a tri top (triathlon shirt)?

A tri top, also called a triathlon shirt, is a special sports shirt developed for triathlons. These shirts are made of lightweight, quick-drying and breathable materials to improve your performance per triathlon event.

Characteristic of tri tops is that they fit tightly around your body to reduce resistance while swimming. They are also often equipped with pockets at the back where you can put sports nutrition such as bars or energy gels (or other small items). Because a triathlon can be quite intensive, these shirts are designed to minimize any chafing and irritation. This makes one thing more comfortable and allows you to keep your focus on the match.

A loose tri top with tri shorts or 1-piece?

If you would like to buy a new triathlon suit, you have the choice of going for a 1-piece triathlon suit or a 2-piece suit. The names actually indicate it, a 1-piece suit consists of one piece (tri top + tri shorts), while a 2-piece suit consists of a separate top and separate shorts.

Most triathletes nowadays opt for a 1-piece suit. But we also still see that people opt for a loose tri top and tri shorts. The reason for this is often personal preference. For example, people would like to be able to switch between shirts and/or shorts. But even if your upper body (or lower body) is longer or shorter, for example, two separate pieces are often chosen. You can then better tailor the individual pieces to your body.

Need tips when choosing your new triathlon suit? Read it here in our blog:
Tips when choosing your new tri suit

Why should you choose a tri top?

If you want to go for a loose triathlon top, there are several reasons why you can (or not) go for a loose triathlon shirt.

Some advantages of a loose shirt are:

• Greater flexibility and better fit: A loose tri top offers you more flexibility in fit, which is especially nice if, for example, your upper body is proportioned differently. This allows you to better tailor the shirt to your upper body.
• Easy to put on and take off: Because the tri top is not attached to your tri shorts, you have more convenience during toilet stops.
• A personal style: with a loose tri top you have more options to mix and match clothing items with different shorts.

Some disadvantages of loose shirts are:

• Slightly more resistance in water: A loose top brings more resistance in the water because it is less hydrodynamic compared to a 1-piece suit.
• Possible sanding: Because more stitching is required, there are more seams compared to a 1-piece suit. Soft and comfortable seams are always used.
• Limited options: Although loose tops are versatile, there are often fewer options available compared to one-piece suits.

In short, when choosing your new tri top it is important to weigh the pros and cons. What's most important is that the fit is good and you feel comfortable in it.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a tri top?

If you would like to buy a triathlon shirt, there are various criteria that you can pay attention to. Do you participate in official (international) triathlons? Then it is important to read the competition rules carefully. Not every type of tri top is allowed. This way you will soon be able to choose the perfect shirt and complete every triathlon with ease:

• Sleeveless or short sleeves: This is a very important point if you participate in official (international) triathlons. The fact is that tri tops with short sleeves are not always allowed (depending on the competition regulations). Therefore, read the competition rules carefully in advance.
• The zipper: There are different types of tri tops available, some with a full zipper but also with a half one. Or with a zipper on the chest or back. For extra cooling, a shirt with a zipper may be desirable. But here too, not every type can be used in official (international) triathlons.
• The material: It is good for your comfort if your tri top dries quickly. The material and fabrics must be quick-drying and breathable.
• Good ventilation: This is especially desirable during warmer weather. Some shirts have special mesh panels that allow you to dissipate your body heat better and faster, keeping you cooler.
• The fit: the triathlon shirt must fit comfortably but also tight enough to fit well to your body, making you more aerodynamic and hydrodynamic.
• Pockets: Check whether your desired tri top has enough pockets to carry sports nutrition such as bars or energy gels. They must be easily accessible so that you can quickly grab your things without having to stop.
• Design and colors: This is a personal thing, go for the colors, designs and prints that appeal to you most. Maybe you like the nice, striking patterns or, if it doesn't have to be so striking, the plain colors.

Combine a tri top with tri shorts

Are you going for a loose tri top? Then it is also important that you look for a good pair of tri shorts. Together, these two items of clothing form your triathlon suit. You can perfectly tailor these individual pieces to your body so that you can achieve the best performance. Without a good tri short you won't get far during your triathlon. The tri shorts offer you the necessary protection but also comfort while cycling (they are equipped with a chamois) and running. Just like with your shirt, it is just as important that shorts fit well on your lower body (hips and legs), but they must also have comfortable, quick-drying and breathable materials.

Need help choosing your new tri top?

Would you like to buy a tri top? But are you still not sure which top best suits your wishes and needs? We will be happy to help you with all your questions to make the perfect choice. You can reach our triathlon specialists via +31(0)413-256800 or send an e-mail. You can also visit our store in Volkel Netherlands.