Trisuits men

Every second counts in a triathlon. A men's trisuit eliminates the clothing change entirely: you swim, cycle and run in the same suit without stopping even once. But a good men's trisuit does more than that. The wide shoulder section gives you complete arm freedom during front crawl. The compact men's chamois pad absorbs the pressure on the saddle without getting in the way during running. And the tight construction around torso and legs reduces air resistance on the bike without restricting the running stride.

A men's trisuit is designed for the male body build: wide shoulders, a longer torso and a chamois pad calibrated to the male anatomy. The choice for the right model depends on the distance you race, your swimming level, weather conditions and the competition rules of your organisation. Also view our complete range of triathlon clothing for all individual components and matching accessories.

Which men's trisuit suits you?

The right choice depends on your training level, the distance you race and which properties are decisive for you. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You race short distances and want to grab every second at the transitions: Choose a tight one-piece men's trisuit with silicone grippers on legs and sleeves. At sprint and Olympic distances the transitions are relatively decisive for your finish time. A suit that fits like a glove and never shifts gives you the confidence to cut through the transition zone as fast as possible. Also read our blog about triathlon distances to determine which approach best suits your format.

You race a half or full triathlon and want to stay comfortable for hours: At long distances the quality of the chamois pad is decisive. Choose a men's trisuit in the higher segment with a thick, anatomically formed men's chamois pad. The difference compared to a cheaper entry model becomes painfully clear after three hours in the saddle. Investing in a good chamois pad at long distances is not a luxury but a necessity.

You have wide shoulders and a slender waist: Pay specific attention to the shoulder width measurement when choosing a size. Some brands offer models cut wider at the shoulders without the waist becoming too loose. A shoulder section that fits too tightly directly restricts your swim stroke and causes shoulder fatigue early in the swimming section.

You also train outside summer and race in changeable weather: Choose a men's trisuit with short sleeves. The extra sleeves keep your upper body warmer at lower temperatures and offer protection against wind cooling on the bike. Aerodynamically short sleeves are also an advantage compared to sleeveless. Always check the competition rules: at some official triathlons short sleeves are not permitted when the wetsuit is prohibited.

You swim in warm water and want maximum arm freedom for the crawl stroke: Choose a sleeveless men's trisuit. Without sleeves you have the freest shoulder rotation and the least chance of irritation under the armpits. Ventilation is also better at high temperatures. The standard choice for men at summer competitions in warmer water.

You are competing in official ITU or international triathlons: Check the clothing regulations of the organisation before purchasing. At ITU races a zip at the back may be compulsory and the zip may never be open more than 12cm during the race. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for an overview of all competition rules.

The men's chamois pad: the most underestimated choice

Ask ten triathletes what the biggest difference is between a cheap and expensive trisuit and nine out of ten mention the chamois pad. A men's trisuit chamois pad is anatomically formed differently from a women's pad: narrower and less high in the crotch, calibrated to the male anatomy.

At sprint and Olympic distances a thinner entry-level chamois pad is still acceptable. At a half triathlon of five to six hours in the saddle, a qualitatively thick and well-placed chamois pad is the difference between finishing painlessly and suffering through the last kilometres. Always check the chamois pad thickness and the type of foam used when purchasing. A good men's trisuit chamois pad has an anatomical shape that distributes pressure points and does not chafe at the transition to running.

Fit: what to look for for men?

Men's trisuits are designed for a masculine silhouette: wider shoulders, a longer torso and narrower hips than female models. Yet the male body build varies considerably between individuals.

Check three critical points when purchasing. First the shoulder section: no excess fabric but also not pinching at arm rotation. Second the torso: the suit may not ride up during running and may not sag during swimming. Third the legs: the grippers must hold without cutting in. Combine your trisuit with a men's wetsuit for the open water swimming section for a complete and well-coordinated race kit.

One-piece or two-piece?

Most male triathletes choose a one-piece suit. The advantages are clear: better aerodynamics, less risk of a riding-up shirt and a cleaner line on the bike. For triathletes with an atypical ratio between upper and lower body, a two-piece suit of separate tri-top and tri-short is a practical solution that yields a better fit. At longer distances the toilet stop also comes into play: with a two-piece suit that is considerably easier to arrange.

Pockets and storage space

At sprint triathlons back pockets are not a priority. At a half or full triathlon sufficient storage space for energy gels, bars and small essentials is essential. Most men's trisuits have two or three back pockets. Check whether the pocket closure holds gels securely without having to fumble with gloves. Also view our range of sports nutrition so you know exactly how much you need per discipline.

Our advice: Buy your men's trisuit well before your first competition and wear it at least two or three times in training. Test it specifically on the bike for your usual training distance and check whether the chamois pad provides sufficient comfort. Combine your trisuit with the right running shoes and triathlon cycling shoes for a complete race kit that also saves time at the transitions.

Who is a men's trisuit suitable for?

• Beginners who are racing their first triathlon and are looking for a functional and comfortable suit that performs well across all three sections.
• Advanced triathletes who want to optimise every split and choose an aerodynamic, snugly fitting suit with a quality chamois pad.
• Long distance triathletes who at half and full triathlons place chamois pad quality above all else and are willing to invest in a suit that remains comfortable even after hours in the saddle.
• Competitive triathletes who must take ITU clothing rules into account and are specifically looking for a suit that complies with all regulations.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. 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 men's trisuits

What is the difference between a men's trisuit and a women's trisuit?

Men's trisuits are designed for the male body build with wider shoulders, a longer torso and an anatomical men's chamois pad. Women's trisuits have more room at chest and hips, a shorter torso and a narrower chamois pad. A men's trisuit on a female body causes water ingress, pressure points at the wrong spots and a disrupted fit. Always wear a suit designed for your anatomy.

What size men's trisuit should I choose?

Always check the size chart of the specific brand. Every brand has its own size specifications. Pay specific attention to the shoulder width measurement and torso measurement for men. A suit that fits perfectly at the shoulders but is too tight at the torso causes discomfort during cycling. When in doubt come to our store in Volkel for personal advice.

Is a one-piece or two-piece men's triathlon suit better?

For most male triathletes a one-piece suit is the best choice because of the aerodynamics and the snug fit that does not shift. A two-piece suit is useful if your upper and lower body have different size needs or if at longer distances you want the option for a toilet stop without removing the whole suit.

When do I choose a men's trisuit with short sleeves?

Short sleeves are useful in cooler weather, at competitions in changeable conditions and if you want extra sun protection on shoulders and arms. Aerodynamically short sleeves are a small advantage. Always check the competition rules of your organisation: at some official triathlons short sleeves are not permitted when the wetsuit is prohibited.

How do I maintain my men's trisuit?

Rinse the suit immediately after use with cold, clean water to remove salt, chlorine and sweat. Hand wash or on a delicate programme with mild detergent, never at high temperature. Dry flat or on a wide hanger, never in the dryer and never in direct sunlight. A well-maintained trisuit lasts several seasons.