Tri Tops

A tri top is the separate shirt of a 2-piece triathlon suit, to be worn in combination with a tri short. Made from quick-drying, breathable fabrics that are suitable for all three triathlon disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. The shirt fits closely to the body to minimise resistance, has back pockets for sports nutrition and is designed so that seams and stitching do not cause irritation during prolonged wear.

Most triathletes nowadays choose a 1-piece trisuit. A tri top is the better choice if you have a longer or shorter torso, broad shoulders or narrow hips, or if for another reason you benefit from separately tuning the top and bottom. Tri tops are available for men and women, sleeveless or with short sleeves. The most important selection criteria are the sleeve length, the type of zip closure and whether the model meets the clothing rules of your competition.

Which tri top suits you?

The right choice depends on your body shape, the distance you race and whether you participate in official competitions with clothing regulations. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You have a longer or shorter torso, broad shoulders or a different proportion that means a 1-piece trisuit never fits well: A separate tri top is then the logical choice. You can tune the shirt to your upper body and choose the short separately based on your lower body. This way you circumvent the fit compromises that are unavoidable with a 1-piece suit if your body deviates from standard sizes.

You want the flexibility to combine or replace shirts and shorts separately: With separate pieces you can replace a worn short without throwing away a good shirt too, or vary combinations depending on the distance or the weather. Practical for triathletes who race multiple competitions per season.

You want the possibility of a toilet stop without having to remove your entire suit: With a 1-piece trisuit a toilet stop is considerably more complicated. A separate tri top you can simply pull up or leave open without having to take the suit completely off. Relevant at longer distances such as half and full triathlons.

You participate in official or international triathlons and want to know which sleeve length is permitted: Check the competition regulations of your event before choosing a model. At some official competitions tri tops with short sleeves are not permitted or there are rules about the zip closure. If you buy a tri top for competition use, always read the clothing rules beforehand.

What to look for when purchasing?

Sleeveless or short sleeves

Sleeveless tri tops give more freedom of movement in the shoulders during swimming and have less chance of chafing under the armpits. Tri tops with short sleeves offer slightly more aerodynamics on the bike and more protection in cooler weather or sunlight. Pay specific attention to the clothing rules of your event for competition use: at some official competitions short sleeves are not permitted or there are additional rules about sleeve length.

Zip closure

Tri tops are available with a full or half zip closure at the front. A full zip gives more ventilation options in the heat and makes putting on and taking off easier. A half zip generally sits more tightly and is more hydrodynamic. Here too, at some official competitions there are rules about the type and position of the zip. Check the regulations of your competition before making a choice.

Material and ventilation

The material of a tri top must be quick-drying and breathable so that the shirt functions during all three disciplines without feeling heavy and wet. Some models have special mesh panels on the back or sides that provide extra ventilation, which makes a noticeable difference in comfort in hot competition conditions.

Fit

A tri top must fit closely to the body without constricting. Excess fabric causes resistance in the water and flapping on the bike. Look at the size chart specifically for chest circumference and torso length. If those two measurements fall in the same size, a 1-piece trisuit is probably also a good option. If they fall in different sizes, a separate tri top is the better choice.

Back pockets

Check whether the model has sufficient pockets for sports nutrition and whether those pockets are accessible while you are cycling or running. Pockets that sit too tightly or are difficult to open are barely usable in practice during a competition.

Our advice: Wear your tri top at least once during a training before you use it in a competition. A new shirt can have irritation points that you only discover when you move, swim and cycle in it for a longer time. Especially with seams around the neck and armpits you only notice this after a few kilometres. Better to discover that during a training than on race day.

Tri top or trisuit?

A trisuit is a 1-piece suit that you wear during all three disciplines. Most triathletes choose this: the suit is more aerodynamic, has fewer seams and always stays in place without the combination of shirt and short requiring coordination. For an average body shape and a standard size, a trisuit is the most practical choice.

A tri top in combination with a tri short is the better choice if the fit of a 1-piece suit is a problem, if you want to be able to vary combinations or if you want to be able to make a toilet stop at longer distances without removing the suit completely. The disadvantage of a 2-piece suit is that it gives slightly more resistance in the water and that there are more seams, which slightly increases the chance of chafing.

Are you looking for a 1-piece suit? Then view our complete range of trisuits.

Who is a tri top suitable for?

• Triathletes with a longer or shorter torso, broad shoulders or a different body shape where a 1-piece trisuit does not fit well.
• Triathletes who want the flexibility to choose, replace or combine shirt and short separately.
• Athletes who participate in longer distances such as half and full triathlons and want to keep the option of a toilet stop.
• Beginners who already have a good tri short and want to first buy a separate top to go with it before investing in a complete suit.

A tri top is less suitable if fit is not a problem and you want a suit that is as aerodynamic and streamlined as possible for shorter competitions. In that case a 1-piece trisuit performs better on most points.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a tri top but are not sure which model suits your wishes and needs best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about tri tops

What is the difference between a tri top and a trisuit?

A trisuit is a 1-piece suit that combines upper body and lower body in one garment. A tri top is the separate shirt of a 2-piece triathlon suit, to be combined with a separate tri short. A trisuit is more aerodynamic and has fewer seams. A tri top offers more fit freedom for people with a different body shape and makes a toilet stop at longer distances easier.

Why would I choose a tri top instead of a trisuit?

The main reason is fit. If you have a longer or shorter torso, broad shoulders or a different body proportion that always leads to compromises with a 1-piece suit, a separate tri top gives more possibilities to tune the shirt separately to your upper body. Other reasons are the possibility of replacing pieces separately, combining them or the flexibility at longer distances for a toilet stop.

May I wear a tri top with short sleeves at an official triathlon?

That depends on the clothing rules of the specific competition. At some official and international triathlons tri tops with short sleeves are not permitted or there are additional rules about sleeve length and zip closure. Always check the competition regulations of your event before purchasing a model for competition use.

Which sleeve length is better: sleeveless or short sleeves?

Sleeveless gives more freedom of movement in the shoulders and less chance of chafing under the armpits, which makes it more comfortable for many triathletes during swimming. Short sleeves offer slightly more aerodynamics on the bike and more protection from sunlight or cooler weather. The choice depends on personal preference, the conditions of your race and the clothing rules of your competition.

How do I choose the right size tri top?

Use the brand's size chart and look specifically at chest circumference and torso length. A tri top must fit closely to the body without constricting. Excess fabric at the shoulders or trunk causes resistance in the water and flapping on the bike. If your chest circumference and torso length fall in the same size category, a 1-piece trisuit is probably also well fitting. If they fall in different categories, a separate tri top gives more room.