What to wear in a triathlon

Not sure what you should wear to complete your first triathlon? Our beginners guide will explain all the essential kit you need.

If you’ve ever been to a triathlon race before, you may have noticed the people with shiny bikes and numerous electronic devices. There are certainly lots of ways you can spend money to improve your triathlon experience, but you don’t need a ton of kit to complete your first triathlon. There are some items you will definitely need, and others that are not essential but will make your race more comfortable and enjoyable.

If you’re just getting into triathlon, you probably don’t want to break the bank for your first race. To make sure you don’t make too many unnecessary purchases, try and use what you already own rather than buying the best and most expensive equipment. You can always upgrade your kit later if you decide to enter more races. This is a breakdown of all the necessary kit for each part of the race.

What should i wear for a triathlon?

Swim

Swimsuit – anything will work but go for a skin-tight racing suit rather than anything with excess material if you want to go faster.

Goggles – make sure you’ve tried them out to ensure they don’t leak water. They should feel comfortable and have a good seal around the eye. Click here for a round of up the best triathlon goggles.

Swim cap – most races require you to wear a swim cap. The organisers will probably supply one for you but it’s best to practise with one so you get used to the feeling of it.

Wetsuit – if your race features a sea or lake swim you’ll probably need a wetsuit. Again, practising with it before race day will help build your confidence. There are triathlon-specific wetsuits that are thinner and easier to take off than traditional wetsuits. Check out our guide to the best triathlon wetsuits, plus a closer look at beginner wetsuits.

Bike

Bike – you can use any bike in good working condition, so hopefully you already own something you can use. The ideal choice is a road bike, but you can use a mountain bike or hybrid. You should take it to your local bike shop before the race to make sure it’s running smoothly.

Helmet – you won’t be allowed to compete without one so make sure you don’t forget it. Any standard helmet will be fine but make sure it hasn’t been damaged before.

Bike clothing – shorts and a t-shirt will do the job, but it’s worth investing in triathlon-specific shorts with padding. A basic pair won’t be too expensive and will make your cycle far more comfortable.

Water bottle – even in a short race, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Get a bottle cage that attaches to your bike to make carrying it easy.

Puncture repair kit – you don’t want your race to end because of a flat tyre. Keep it in a bag beneath your saddle or a pocket and make sure you know how to use it.

Run

Running shoes – any set of trainers will do the job, but a set of running-specific shoes that fit you well will be far more comfortable. A local running shop can help you find your perfect shoes. You can also wear these on the bike if you don’t have cycling shoes.

Running clothing – a pair of comfortable running shorts and a synthetic t-shirt is all you need. It’s best to avoid cotton because it holds on to moisture and can cause unwanted chafing.

Optional extras

Tri suit – a one-piece item specifically designed for triathlon. It dries quickly and has padding for the bike so you can wear it for the whole race (it’s worn under the wetsuit if swimming in open water). This isn’t essential but is highly recommended as it will speed up your transitions and avoid the hassle of changing. For a breakdown of the best tri suits on the market, check out our buyer guides for both men and women.

Race belt – instead of poking holes in your clothing, you can attach your race number to this. You should wear it on the back during the bike and flip it to the front for the run.

Cycling shoes & clipless pedals – these combine with bike-specific shoes to lock your feet into the pedals. This allows you to push down and pull up on the bike, which makes your pedaling more efficient.

Sunglasses – these are useful for keeping the sun out of your eyes but more important for protecting you from bugs and debris on the bike. Any sunglasses will do but cycling-specific glasses can be relatively cheap.

Elastic laces – trying to tie your laces can be difficult when you’ve just stepped off a bike. These allow you to slip your shoes on and pull them tight, saving you valuable time.

Comfort is key

Whatever you decide to wear for your first triathlon race, make sure it is comfortable. Don’t try out a new pair of shoes or goggles on race day, use your tried and tested kit. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, you can be confident in having a great race.

Want to enter a triathlon but not sure what race is right for you? Check out our guide to all the different distances in triathlon.