Best tri-suits in 2025: 34 triathlon suits reviewed for men and women
Need a new triathlon suit? Here's a comprehensive guide to 34 of the best tri-suits on the market for men and women – sleeved, sleeveless and Ironman – all independently reviewed by our experts

As the only bit of apparel that’s with you for every step of your race, the tri-suit (also called a triathlon suit) is a fundamental piece of triathlon gear. Here’s our guide to the best tri-suits on the market, whether you’re racing sprint or Ironman, on a budget or looking for aerodynamic gains.
What is a tri-suit?
A tri-suit (or triathlon suit) is a garment specifically designed for racing all three disciplines of triathlon. Made of a similar quick-drying fabric to swimwear, it’s flexible, hydrodynamic and aerodynamic so it can cater for the demands of swimming, cycling and running.
It includes a pad/chamois for comfort on the bike leg, but this pad shouldn’t obstruct your final run leg.
For a more detailed explanation, see our article: What is a tri-suit?
Tried and tested: The best tri-suits at a glance
- Best budget tri-suit: Zone3 Activate+ | Buy now from Zone3
- Best tri-suit for Ironman: Zone3 Lava Long Distance | Buy now from Zone3
- Best all-rounder for men: Tri-Fit Evo Next Gen | Buy now from Tri-Fit
- Best all-rounder for women: Trimtex Aero 3.0 | Buy now from Trimtex
Jump to:
Best tri-suits we’ve tested in the wind tunnel
Best top-end tri-suit
Surpas Insane 2 Speedsuit LTD

220 Triathlon verdict
The quickest suit we tested in the wind tunnel, but comfortable, too. Score: 90%
Pros
- Incredibly aerodynamic
- Super comfortable
- Great in the heat
Cons
- Price is tough to swallow
- Delicate fabric
- RRP: €650
The price point of this tri-suit matches the product name extremely well. That is a serious outlay for a tri-suit, but then it comes with serious credentials, having been worn by former Ironman world champ and Olympic gold medallist Kristian Blummenfelt.
It’s also the best tri-suit I’ve ever worn, though the price and delicate feeling hold it back from its five-star rating here.
The Insane is comfortable, has a breakaway zipper for easy toilet stops and the fabric performs incredibly well.
In our 2024 independent wind tunnel tests, it came out as the fastest suit at 30km/h with a rider on aerobars over a 40km bike leg, saving 125 seconds over our baseline suit.
Over an Ironman bike leg, that’s almost a 10-minute saving, and it’s no slouch if you’re riding at 40km/h, either.
Read our full Surpas Insane 2 Speedsuit LTD review for more.
Best race-day tri-suit
Castelli PR 2 Speed Suit
- Buy now for women from Castelli (£234)
- Buy now for men from Castelli (£234)

220 Triathlon verdict
A techy, speedy and supple wonder… if you can afford it. Score: 90%
Pros
- Brilliant aero performance
- Decent pockets
- Feels like a second skin
Cons
- Not cheap
- Feels delicate
- RRP: £360 / $389.99
Castelli’s original PR was a techy wonder that saw Aussie Cam Wurf break the Kona bike course record in it, and the Italians haven’t strayed far from the original’s template.
The lithe but effective laser-cut legs and arms, supportive pad and ribbed aero sleeves are all present and correct, as are the sizeable but swim-friendly duo of rear pockets.
We much prefer this new blue version over the see-through orange of V1, and again it sits on the body like a second skin without being restrictive on the swim, bike or run, while staying wrinkle-free.
Admittedly, it does feel very delicate, so we’d treat it nicely, save it for race day and avoid any off-road excursions where beastly thorns may lurk.
There has, however, been a £50 rise in price, making this one of the most expensive tri-suits ever produced.
See our full Castelli PR 2 review for more.
Best top-end suit with storage
Zoot Ultra Triathlon P1

220 Triathlon verdict
A speedy and comfortable suit with great storage options, but a couple of minor flaws hold it back from top marks. Score: 90%
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Fantastic storage
- Quick in the wind tunnel
Cons
- Zip causes irritation
- RRP: £315/$350
Zoot has delivered an excellent tri-suit here, with the high levels of comfort being one of the biggest sells. The chamois is soft, the fabrics stretchy and the seams flatlocked to avoid irritation.
The only flaw in this regard is the zip, which rubbed me slightly during testing. I appreciate its breakaway nature for toilet stops, though.
While comfortable, the chamois didn’t feel quite padded enough for Ironman-distance events to me, but the tri-suit’s material breathes exceptionally well in hot weather.
The P1 excelled in the wind tunnel, too, making the top three at both our test speeds. At 30km/h it saw a saving of 66 seconds over our baseline suit and at 40km/h it saved 87 seconds, with both measurements taking place over a 40km bike leg.
Oh, and the storage options for energy gels and the like are fantastic, too.
Read our full Zoot Ultra Triathlon P1 review for more.
Santini Torpe

220 Triathlon verdict
Lots of positives for short-course use, but lacks visibility and not versatile enough for longer distances. Score: 75%
Pros
- Good range of movement
- Speedy on land and in water
Cons
- Come comfort issues
- No storage
- RRP: From £222.26
Santini’s Torpe is a sleeveless tri-suit that’s best suited to short-course triathlon. It proved slippery in the wind tunnel and the water, while range of movement is unhindered, as you’d expect from a sleeveless suit.
Unfortunately, there’s no pockets and a very minimal chamois pad, which is why it’s not one for any distance beyond Olympic.
I found the seams under the arms a little uncomfortable, too, but the rear zip helped with comfort on the rest of the torso.
One final issue with the Torpe, however, is availability, as it’s a custom tri-suit only.
Read our full Santini Torpe review for more.
Zone3 Aeroforce X II
- Buy now from Zone3 (£299)

220 Triathlon verdict
We’d recommend this aerodynamic suit for Olympic-distance and no longer than 70.3 racing. Score: 85%
Pros
- Material performs incredibly well
- Performed well in the wind tunnel
Cons
- Chamois slightly minimal for long-course
- RRP: £299 / $430
This new launch from Zone3 comes with futuristic graphics to match the tech used in its construction.
A lot of aero development has gone into this suit and it shows, with dimpled sleeves, a textured fabric on the legs and the brand’s Aero Soft-Touch material on the front.
Those aero credentials bore fruit in the wind tunnel, too, with the Aeroforce X II saving 48secs over our baseline suit when tested at 30km/h over 40km.
It cuts through the water well, too, with noticeably beading up on the fabric’s surface.
We weren’t such a big fan of the lack of cutaway zip, which makes toilet breaks a trickier affair, while the zip guard also wasn’t quite as comfortable or effective as we’d like.
This mid-pack tester found the chamois too minimal for long-course racing, but elsewhere we were a fan of the flexibility on offer.
Read our full Zone3 Aeroforce X II review for more.
Compressport Aero SS

220 Triathlon verdict
The Aero SS largely delivers on comfort and aerodynamics, but there are a few sacrifices. Score: 80%
Pros
- Comfortable fabrics
- Decent aero performance
Cons
- Chamios on the thin side
- Leaves everything on display
- RRP: £220
The Aero SS is an odd one, as it uses wooly nylon microfibre in its makeup. This contributed to high levels of comfort, but there wasn’t a huge amount of compression and I’d suggest sizing down, if anything.
That all said, this isn’t the quickest drying tri-suit out there.
The breakaway zip is appreciated for toilet stops, especially when going long, but the chamois is a little slim for anything over 70.3 in my experience.
The pockets are roomy, but fill up with water easily in swims, while the nether regions are a little revealing.
Aero performance was decent, though, coming mid table and saving 43secs over our baseline suit when cycling at 30km/h over a 40km bike leg.
Read the full Compressport Aero SS review for more.
Tri-Fit Geo Lightning
- Buy now from Tri-Fit

220 Triathlon verdict
A storming suit for Olympic and 70.3 racing, but can you pull off that ‘Lightening’ design?! Score: 85%
Pros
- Great in the heat
- Very good chamois pad
- Solid storage
Cons
- Marmite design
- Zipper could be improved
- RRP: £265 / $343
If you can pull off the look, the Geo Lightening is a very classy operator.
The suit felt slippery in the water, in part thanks to side-entry rear pockets, and these can thankfully still hold plenty of gels (you get extra pockets on the hips).
Comfort is high here. The fabric feels great and the lazer-cut hems work well. The back panel is perforated to help avoid overheating, while the longer sleeves help with sun protection.
Another big positive is the chamois pad, which feels ideally cushioned for all distances.
The zip garage could be more substantial, though, and there’s no breakaway zipper if that’s important to you.
Wind tunnel results put this suit mid-table, but a 41sec saving over our baseline suit at 30km/h on a 40km bike leg is not something to turn your nose at.
Read our full Tri-Fit Geo Lightening review for more info.
Huub Anemoi 2 22Plus
- Buy now from TradeInn (£185.99)

220 Triathlon verdict
A speedy suit that’s suited to all distances. Score: 85%
Pros
- Comfort and range of movement
- Good aero performance
Cons
- Breakaway zip preferred for comfort stops
- RRP: £299.99 / $TBC
The Anemoi 2 Plus22 is aimed at those that cycle at speeds above 22mph (35kmh), while there’s also a Sub22 version (reviewed below) for people riding under those speeds.
Before we get to speed, however, let’s first talk about comfort, which is generally very good. There’s flatlock seams, impressive flexibility and the zip garage does its job very well indeed.
Meanwhile, the chamois combines support and minimal run disruption to great effect.
Aero enhancements include pinstripes on the sleeves and long-cut legs, plus many, many hours of R&D have gone into making this one speedy suit. This is borne out in the wind tunnel. While the suit sits mid-table, there are some hefty time savings to be made over our baseline suit (see the table below for more detail).
We’d prefer a breakaway zip for easy comfort breaks, plus more storage, but otherwise this is a suit that works over all distances.
Read our full Huub Anemoi 2 22Plus review for more.
Huub Sub7

220 Triathlon verdict
Hugely pricey but proven on the track and in the tunnel, and comfortable, too. Score: 88%
Pros
- Great wind tunnel performance
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited storage
- RRP: £399.99
As part of the Sub-7hr Ironman challenge, Huub has thrown all its aero knowhow into the making of the Sub7 LC.
Like the Surpas Insane 2, it’s a suit like no other, and it comes with a more palatable (yet still extravagant) price tag.
It excelled in our wind-tunnel tests with The Bike Tailor, especially at the higher speed of 40km/h (saving 78secs over our baseline suit), with the upward curve suggesting it’d be even better at 50km/h.
For such an aero suit, there’s plenty of comfort on display, too, aided by the unique two-layer ribbed sleeves and supple materials.
There are no pockets, however, with internal energy gel loops in their place (I’d prefer some aero outer pockets on the rear).
I’d also prefer some material that’s not see-through on the front, but this is still an outstanding suit for the very top end of racers.
Nopinz Pro-1 Evo SS

220 Triathlon verdict
A well-priced, comfy and aero suit with great sizing options. Score: 90%
Pros
- Super comfortable up to 70.3 distance
- Incredible value
Cons
- Not quite enough padding for full Ironmans in our opinion
- Design is a little see-through
- £184.99
We also like the great range of sizes, while the material proved quick-drying, breathable and comfy (though it was a little see-through on the belly).
This isn’t billed as a budget suit, but the price makes it a very attractive proposition.
Lengthy leg and arm sleeves reveal a nod to aerodynamics (though the arms are a little too tight for us), which bears out somewhat in the wind tunnel.
The Pro-1 Evo was 22secs quicker than our baseline suit over 40km at 30km/h, which puts it at the lower end of the table, but it’s a good result for a suit at this price point.
Speaking of comfort, the chamois pad felt good up to half-Ironman distance, but we’d not necessarily recommend it for anything longer.
The rear kangaroo-style pocket is large enough for a few gels to be stashed there on the bike or run.
For more detail, see our full Nopinz Pro-1 Evo SS review.
Van Rysel Aerodynamic Long-Distance Trisuit
- Buy now from Decathlon

220 Triathlon verdict
Plenty of aero appeal, but not convinced by its long-distance credentials. Score: 80%
Pros
- Great price
- Pretty good aero performance
Cons
- Pockets need refining
- Chamois pad perhaps not ideal for Ironman
- RRP: £179.99
Given the name, you’d expect this suit from retail giant Decathlon to excel when going long.
The suit was developed with input from pro Ironman athletes and aero experts, which is easy to see when looking at it.
The arms and legs have a long cut and there’s a covered pocket on the rear, though this does feel tricky to get into.
Comfort is generally decent. There’s a handy zip guard that prevents irritation, though it doesn’t break away to make toilet stops easy.
The chamois pad dries quickly, but is too thin for Iron-distance in our opinion, unless your butt is made of tougher stuff than ours.
Breathability feels less effective than competitor suits here due to a lack of mesh, but this does equal better sun protection.
In the wind tunnel, the suit was 11secs faster over 40km than our baseline suit at 30km/h and 26secs quicker when racing at 40km/h. While that puts it third slowest on the day, it’s not a bad result for a cheaper suit.
See our Van Rysel Aerodynamic Long Distance Trisuit review for more.
Orca Apex Dream Kona
- Buy now from TradeInn (£197.99)

220 Triathlon verdict
Superb for shorter races, but we’d question that Kona billing. Score: 78%
Pros
- Lightweight fabric is appreciated
- Breakaway zipper
Cons
- Zip isn’t the most comfortable
- Pad perhaps not right for long distance
- RRP: £279.99 / $349
The Apex is a sequel to Orca’s RS1, and the brand has again thrown all its aero bells and whistles at this new suit.
The hydrophobic, water-beading fabric would be our pick here for any pool or non-wetsuit swims, while the textured tunnel-tested materials and streamlined fit (go up if you’re between sizes) highlight the drag-reducing prowess.
It’s lean and lightweight, the full-length zipper is great, but there’s also the matter of a scratchy zipper head and the upper leg fabric bunching a little at the very top of the thigh.
Maybe the elite racers who devised the suit have tougher bottoms than us, but we’d personally go no further than Olympic-distance tri in the Apex due to the barely-there pad.
For a short-course, non-wetsuit blast, however, we can think of few suits more slippery.
See our full Orca Apex Dream Kona review for more.
Table: Wind tunnel test results
Check out the table below to see how the 13 tri-suits above performed in the wind tunnel when we tested them at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with aero expert Stephen Roche (aka The Bike Tailor) in 2024.
Every suit was tested at 30km/h and 40km/h with the test rider in an aerodynamic riding position. We maintained a yaw angle of 7.5°, as this is, we’re told, often used as a baseline because it’s consistent with what you tend to experience on the road.
The data below is for a 40km bike leg.
Best short-sleeved tri-suits in 2025
Elbow-length suits are equipped for the needs of the modern-day triathlete: shoulders and sleeves help to protect your skin; improved pads aid comfort; and fabrics are designed to be both hydro- and aerodynamic.
On top of all that, manufacturers have thought about the practicalities of getting them on and off and have started getting creative with their designs, producing tri-suits for a variety of distances. Time, then, to take a look at some of the best triathlon short-sleeved tri-suits on the market…
Best short-sleeved tri-suits for men
Best men's short-sleeved tri-suit
Tri-Fit Evo Next Gen
- Buy now for men from Tri-Fit (£195)

220 Triathlon verdict
A classy contender with silky-smooth fabrics and well-crafted tri flourishes. Score: 91%
Pros
- Excellent fabrics
- Very comfortable
- Breakaway zipper
Cons
- You may want more padding for Ironman
- £195 / $248
Tri-Fit’s debut Evo suit was just a couple of tweaks away from near maximum marks when we tested it in 2019 and the acclaim keeps flowing with the Evo Next Gen in 2022.
The suit builds on what made the Evo so good, the combo of Italian and German fabrics providing a silky-smooth internal experience and aerodynamic ribbed outer, with smartly-placed underarm mesh vents and superior leg grippers, adding to the winning composition.
The Next Gen again utilises the floating back pocket trick, which stops the pockets pulling on the suit when loaded, and yet there are swim benefits thanks to the side entry points.
That said, stuffing gels into the stealthy hip pockets in T1 at speed is tricky. The pad is a reliable one and the finishing quality has been improved, but some might want more padding for Ironman. It features a great full-length zipper and garage, though.
Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit

220 Triathlon verdict
A brilliant suit that’s speedy yet supportive and is a good choice. Score: 79%
Pros
- Good price
- Fabric performs well
Cons
- No zip guard
- £149 / $199
We don’t look at the price tags of these suits until after the testing has finished and I figured the dimpled fabrics, superior meshing and breathability of the new Athlex would put it above the £200 barrier.
Happily, it’s well below that. The cooling material composition and sizeable white back panel also lends this one to warmer racing climes.
Those aero dimpled sleeves are the business, while the pad is supportive yet supple on the bike and run, respectfully. The covered rear pockets and stretchy material make this the one for non-wetsuit swims, although the swallow depth of the two rear pockets means that taller gels can dislodge.
Points are also lost for lack of a zipper garage and the relatively basic leg grippers tend to move up and down the legs when cycling, though this is a mild irritation rather than a full-blown catastrophe.
See our full Orca Athlex Aero Race Suit review for more.
BornBound Skarvatten Long Distance Suit
- Buy now for men from Occhio (£295)
- Buy now for women from Occhio (£295)

220 Triathlon verdict
A stylish debut to the market providing an impressive postural boost. Score: 87%
Pros
- Fabric is flexible and quick to dry
- Good in warm weather
- Solid storage options
Cons
- Experienced some chafing on the bike
- £295 / $346
BornBound’s ethos is to make high-performing tri kit using sustainable and ecologically sound methods.
The brand’s debut tri-suit doesn’t disappoint, with fast-drying fabric, smooth seams and flexible shoulders.
There’s also Cold Black fabrics and UPF 50+ shoulder panels, which were welcome in the recent heatwave.
The compressive lower body delivered notable postural improveent on the swim and run, and while some may find this constrictive on the bike, sizing up should resolve this issue.
A well-padded chamois offered good cushioning, but while the narrow design meant it was unobtrusive on the run we did get a bit of chafing in the leg crease using a wide-nosed saddle over a longer distance.
Finally, two, easy-to-access rear pockets provided storage for several gels each
Santini Viper
- Buy now from Santini (£279)

220 Triathlon verdict
Sleek and stylish, but zipper troubles and a worry and rear pockets are a little shallow. Score: 80%
Pros
- Grippy outer on crotch grips saddle well
- Fabric is silky smooth
Cons
- No breakaway zipper
- Zipper not the most comfortable
- RRP: €279
This Ironman collaboration from top-end Italian brand Santini instantly shows its class, with silky smooth materials and lengthy ribbed sleeves aimed at increasing the aerodynamic prowess.
So far, so expected. It continues to impress in the innovative details, the best being a grippy exterior that runs on the outside of the high-quality and supportive pad to prevent saddle slippage after the swim.
And yet it’s not all good. The lack of a breakaway zipper is an oddity on a suit with Ironman racing intentions, and the irritable inside of the zipper also tends to graze the skin on the bike and run.
The duo of rear pockets is also a little shallow for securely holding taller energy gels and the leg grippers, although seriously effective, may be a little too tight for those with stockier legs. Stylish design, however.
Tri-Fit Evo 2.3
- Buy now from Tri-Fit (£235)

220 Triathlon verdict
More evolution than revolution, but still a silky and swift contender. Score: 83%
Pros
- Excellent design at the legs and arms
- Fabric performs very well
Cons
- Exposed crotch area
- Limited padding on chamois
- RRP: £235 / $299
Multiple incarnations of Tri-Fit’s Evo have swiftly racked up plenty of 220 award badges in the past five years. Perhaps understandably, the brand takes an ‘if it ain’t broke’ approach with the Evo 2.3.
The smooth Italian materials, wind-tunnel tested fabrics, understated looks and side-entry rear pockets are all present and correct, although it’s not the easiest removing larger gels from the latter.
In terms of upgrades, the leg pockets are no more, the pinstripes on the sleeves have been replaced by dimples, while the leg grippers are now some of the most quietly effective you’ll ever find.
Less positively, the Elastic Interface pad has pretty limited padding for going long, there’s a slightly scratchy zipper head and minimal guard that bugged me on the run, and the crotch area leaves little to the imagination.
Best short-sleeved tri-suits for women in 2025
Best women's short-sleeved tri-suit
Assos Triator SS Speedsuit
- Buy now for women from Sigma Sports (£277.89)
- Buy now for men from Sigma Sports (£390)

220 Triathlon verdict
This suit oozes quality, a real luxury item for those who can afford it. Score: 87%
Pros
- Comfort for long distances
- Feels like a second skin
- Lots of storage
Cons
- Shoulders feel a little restrictive
- RRP: £390 / $525
Swiss cycling brand Assos has made a bold debut into the premium tri market with the attractive Triator Speedsuit.
It’s clear from the chamois that this is a suit designed by people who spend time on bikes, offering a perfect blend of comfort and minimalism for long-distance racing.
The suit itself feels like a second skin, with honeycomb textured arms for enhanced aerodynamics and a scooped neckline which offers zero restriction.
Our only gripe’s the shoulders being set a little too narrow, which caused some tightness on the swim. The ultralight material dries exceptionally fast, with vented sides aiding heat dissipation and a special ice pocket in the neck for cooling during hot racing.
We like the graduated leg compression, offering all day support, and in addition to two rear pockets, the suit has two small pockets hidden inside the front.
Huub Her Spirit Long Course Tri Suit

220 Triathlon verdict
A colourful, well-designed tri-suit at an affordable price from a top triathlon brand. Score: 83%
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible
- Chamois pad is comfy, but feels notable on the run
Cons
- Small pockets
- RRP: £139.99 (UK only)
The energetic and fun colour scheme makes you want to get racing just by looking at this suit, the result of a collaboration between Huub and Her Spirit.
Lightweight and flexible, the suit feels like a second skin and provides UV protection for long days in the sun. An open-neck design allows great freedom of movement.
The chamois feels thick and supportive on the bike, but may be larger than ideal when it comes to the run. Despite the leg grippers looking thin, they hold firm and don’t give any unwanted bulging.
Although not littered with aero features, the suit felt slippery in both the air and water. The only negative was the pocket size, with only enough room for two gels in each of the two pockets.
Despite this, as one of the cheapest suits on test, it wasn’t out of place with those twice the price.
Tenola Aspire

220 Triathlon verdict
Needs a few improvements; feels overpriced for what’s on offer here. Score: 68%
Pros
- Great price
- Fabric kept us cool
Cons
- Basic design
- Small pockets
- RRP: £85 (UK only)
You may not have come across this tri-specific brand before. In fact, this is Tenola’s first outing in a 220 women’s test, but we did see them in our men’s reviews in 2019.
Made and designed in Great Britain by keen triathletes, we like the credentials of this brand. The Italian fabrics and cold-black treatment were nice to see during a heatwave in the testing period.
This suit did a reasonable job of keeping us cool, with mesh panels under the arms helping too, but we did prefer the more breathable fabric of the Airofin on balance.
Less positively, the design felt quite basic and old-fashioned, and the single-strip sticky leg grippers weren’t that comfy and started to peel away from the fabric early on in testing.
Two slanted rear pockets were adequate for an energy gel each, while the chammy was soft and comfortable, if a little bulky.
Van Rysel LD Triathlon Trisuit

220 Triathlon verdict
This isn’t the most comfortable or refined of tri-suits, but it’s a good option for those on a budget. Score: 78%
Pros
- Decent storage
- Fantastic value for money
- Fabric dries quickly and is ventilated
Cons
- Thin chamois pad
- More comfortable options elsewhere
- RRP: £79.99 (UK only)
At this price, the Triathlon LD tri-suit from Van Rysel is one of the cheapest options on the market.
As such, you wouldn’t expect it to compete with higher-priced rivals, which proved to be the case, with a thin chamois pad and no zip guard hampering the comfort somewhat.
However, I found the suit stylish, the fabric performs well and there’s solid storage options.
Santini Viper

220 Triathlon verdict
Some great features, but this tech-packed suit did feel quite bike-specific. Score: 80%
Pros
- Fantastic chamois pad
- Fabric are ace
Cons
- Felt odd to run in
- Sizing felt a little short
- RRP: €159
Kudos to Santini for putting together a suit with a striking design, packed with extra features that the Italian brand claims are designed to help you achieve your ‘fastest bike performance ever’.
This is a bold claim, but we did like the feel of the fresh-touch Artico fabric and the ribbed aero panels on the arms.
Overall, the fit on our size medium (size UK10-12 tester) was good, although it did feel a bit short in the body on the run, so we’d be tempted to size up, as is often the case with some of the more top-end ‘race fit’ brands.
The chammy was among the best on test, but although we understood the sentiment, we didn’t really get on with the large grippy area on the crotch, which is designed to help you stick to the bike.
For us, it seemed unnecessarily large and perhaps more suited to time triallists than to triathletes, as it felt odd to run in. Grab yours from Santini.
Best men’s vested tri-suits in 2025
There are still numerous cases for a vested tri-suit. Firstly, a vested tri-suit will often be cheaper than a sleeved version simply because there’s less of it – it’s easily possible to pick one up new for £50 or less by shopping around online or in specialist shops.
The next consideration is the extra restriction that some triathletes perceive to feel in a short-sleeved suit under a wetsuit.
Even now with super technical tri-suits that are purpose-built to cause minimal swim restriction, some fussy pros are still sceptical and opt to roll theirs down to the waist, before putting it on properly during the run through T1.
Assos Triator NS Speedsuit

220 Triathlon verdict
Innovative and ready for Ironman, although the price and lack of zip garage limits appeal. Score: 84%
Pros
- Chamois is great
- Impressive fabric
Cons
- Limited storage
- £340 / $450
This is the sleeveless version of Assos’ unique Triator SS Speedsuit (which is also reviewed on this page).
It loses the integrated ice pockets and, thankfully, the zip that extends worryingly close to the nether regions.
Elsewhere, Assos’s cycling heritage is evident in the supportive, low profile and run-friendly chamois that ticks the long-distance bike-leg boxes.
The high-quality fabric beads water on the swim and the cut in the arms ensures a decent range of movement.
It’s swift to dry on the bike and the textured material’s targeted at aerodynamics (not that we’ve seen any data).
The two rear pockets are fine for a gel each, but you’ll need a Bento box for more. The leg grippers are minimalist yet effective, but the lack of a zip garage is an odd omission given the mighty price tag.
Huub RaceLine
- Buy now from TradeInn (£81.49)

220 Triathlon verdict
Comfortable, technical performance suit that promises some aero advantages. Score: 82%
Pros
- Decent chamois
- Handy pockets
- Comfortable
Cons
- Limited ventilation
- RRP: £159.99 / $184.99
Huub’s Raceline suit has plenty of impressive tech features that we’ve come to expect from the brand in recent years.
High-density chamois with drainage holes, wide leg grippers and two ergonomic pockets that are easy to grab from are some standout features, with lightweight Italian fabrics specced throughout.
Coldblack technology features on the main panels for moisture management, and there are flatlock seams to prevent chafing.
Billed as an aero suit, we found the Raceline offered a fairly relaxed fit, and the legs are on the shorter side, so don’t offer much coverage on the thighs.
The mesh back panel is also minimal, so there’s not much ventilation. But if you mainly race in the UK, that won’t be an issue.
Zone3 Activate+
- Buy now for men from Zone3 (£76.30)
- Buy now for women from Zone3 (£76.50)

220 Triathlon verdict
Stylish and affordable suit that will keep you cool and comfortable in your next race. Score: 84%
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Limited storage for long distance
- RRP: £109 / $160
The Activate+ tri-suits from Zone3 had a few upgrades on the entry-level Activate range when they were introduced in 2021. Tested here is the range’s Tropical Palm suit, which is aesthetically pleasing without being too loud.
For a medium it’s a relaxed fit, perhaps more relaxed than we expected considering we’re on the larger end of medium! So if you’re in between, check size guides and size down if necessary.
In terms of storage, there’s one rear pocket with room for a couple of gels, which makes the Activate+ less suitable for middle distance and above.
Zone3 have specced their Lycra sport fabric for most of the suit, with a thinner, breathable mesh panel on the back that kept us cool during hard efforts.
Best women’s vested tri-suits in 2025
Best women's vested tri-suit
Huub Aura Swimskin Triathlon Suit
- Buy now from TradeInn (£81.49)

220 Triathlon verdict
Smart and flattering design with features primed for hot racing conditions. Score: 89%
Pros
- Mesh panels great for racing in hot weather
- Roomy pockets
Cons
- Short legs and loose grippers
- RRP: £159.99 / $199
The Aura is proof that simple but effective’s the way to go sometimes with tri-suit design.
It’s a good pick for racing in hot climes thanks to mesh panels across the lower and middle of the back, along with the ‘Coldback temperature management coating’ with UPF30 which aims to deflect heat and protect the skin from the sun.
The relatively thin but comfy, female-specific chamois and two envelope-style rear pockets that fit up to three gels each are suitable for distances up to half-iron at a push, but we’d want a little more padding for longer.
The 15cm leg inseam’s also among the shortest on test (the Tri-fit’s the longest at 20cm), while the silicone leg grippers are comfy but not the most secure.
We felt the most comfortable and at ease in this classy black suit, the fit across the chest also providing just enough support for the run leg (on small busts).
Tenola Inspire ITU Style
- Buy now from Tenola (£20)

220 Triathlon verdict
Primed for sprint triathlons in hot climates; shame about the baggy chammy. Score: 79%
Pros
- Insanely cheap price
- Fabric offers UPF 50+ protection
Cons
- Baggy chamois
- No pockets
- RRP: £20
British brand Tenola officially launched in 2018, with its range of affordably priced race suits, swimsuits and wetsuits.
Their ITU-style suit is primed for hot temperatures and claims to have UPF 50+ protection. The cut-out back mimics the classic swimsuit-style and the compressive material is very thin and breathable, supposedly treated to be water-, cream- and oil-resistant.
On the bike, padding is minimal though very breathable and the flatlock stitching reduced discomfort. On the flipside, we found the leg grippers to be too thin and there’s a distinct lack of pockets, which is at odds with Tenola’s claim that it’s suitable for six hours in the saddle.
The slightly oversized chamois becomes a little nappy-like on the run, which is a shame as we’d expect it to fit a little snugger in this area.
Castelli Core SPR-OLY

220 Triathlon verdict
High quality build with some nice touches for short-course racing. Score: 86%
Pros
- Reduced seams equal high comfort
- Great range of movement
Cons
- Lining instead of chamois
- RRP: £120 / $159.99
This foray into the tri market sees the launch of Castelli’s cheapest suit, the Core. Despite the basic black colourway, this suit has a lot to offer.
Perfectly true to size, the Core is flattering and fits snug to the body thanks to the reduced seams and elasticated neck and arm holes.
Designed for short distances, the suit has a smooth-to-the-skin felt lining instead of a chamois pad and a quality-feel, lightweight fabric.
The long-line fit, meanwhile, flows down through the legs towards some of this test’s best silicone leg grippers. In terms of fuelling, there’s one roomy, envelope back pocket that Castelli claim will stay secure on the swim, though we found it difficult to access.
Unlike other suits on test, the Core’s zipper is located on the back with a long pull cord – worth bearing in mind if you like to unzip at the front when hot.
The best Ironman tri-suits in 2025
Triathlon brands are increasingly realising the aerodynamic benefits of tri-suits (remember that 80% of drag is caused by the rider, not the bike) and this collection of Lycra is the most tech-happy yet, with fabric boasting dimples, ribs and more all present and correct.
When choosing your Ironman tri-suit of choice, you’ll first need to decide what kind of Ironman athlete you are.
Are aerodynamics worth the added costs that come with wind-tunnel, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and velodrome action if it means scooping the age-group honours?
Or do you just want something comfy and capable of carrying up to 17hrs worth of fuel to that unforgettable 226km (or 113km) finish-line experience?
Don’t compromise on your choice of tri-suit for Ironman. If it doesn’t fit properly, try another size. Try not to be influenced by a suit because it’s £25 cheaper or is better looking than the one that really works for you.
You’ll be spending many hours racing in your chosen suit of choice and something that bugs you on a 2hr brick session – hello rogue seam, dodgy zipper or soggy pad – will become a full-blown issue on your big iron day. That said, you’ll want to look and feel good in your Lycra armour of choice, so aesthetics does play a role.
Best men’s Ironman tri-suits
Best men's Ironman tri-suit
Zoot Tri LTD Aero Racesuit – 40 Years

220 Triathlon verdict
Ultra comfort and slick materials, but can you pull off the look? Score: 90%
Pros
- Comfort is almost unrivalled
- Plenty of storage for nutrition
Cons
- Zipper guard needs work
- RRP: £225 / $250
Zoot was the original tri-suit pioneer back in 1983 and this suit marks the 40th birthday since Kona resident Christal Nylin started sewing pads into run shorts.
That Hawaiian heritage is evident in the visual onslaught, which we think stays just the right side of kitsch.
But the key takeaway is just how darn comfy this suit is, with a soft Italian chamois with an attached ‘modesty liner’, internal flatlock seams and the smoothest material this side of Barry White.
There’s also a large kangaroo-style back pocket and two side slots for gels, plus the best grippers on test.
Sadly they still haven’t sorted the minimal zipper guard, but the full-length zip makes this a solid choice for mid-event convenience.
The sizeable rear mesh fabric and ice pocket also give it summer racing appeal.
Huub Anemoi 2 Sub22

220 Triathlon verdict
A tremendous suit that offers compression and comfort in equal measure. Score: 90%
Pros
- Comfort and chamois was great
- Fast in the water and on land
Cons
- Not cheap
- RRP: £349.99 / $402.50
Huub has pulled out all the stops with the Anemoi II suit. We tested the Sub22, which is for athletes expecting to ride at 22mph or below (the majority of the field at a long-distance race).
There’s also a Plus22 version with a few tweaks for those who race faster. Huub says the suit solves ‘Drag Crisis – also known as the Eiffel paradox, a phenomenon in which drag coefficient drops off suddenly as the Reynolds number increases’.
We have no idea either. But it’s fast. Very fast. Once you get it over your thighs, the fabric hugs, but isn’t intrusive. The chamois stood up to extended saddle time, while the run was comfortable.
Bonded seams promise a saving of four watts and two rear pockets are acceptable. Being Huub, the suit really comes into its own in the water thanks to the Arm Neutral technology, which is simply fantastic.
Tri-Fit Geo
Buy now from Tri-Fit (£219)

220 Triathlon verdict
Great value and built for saddle comfort; very impressive all-rounder. Score: 88%
Pros
- Side-access rear pockets are great
- Chamios is brilliant
- Laser-cut hems are brilliantly comfy
Cons
- Fit wasn’t perfect
- RRP: £219 / $278
There’s a lot to like about the Geo and it’s clear loads of thought has gone into its design. Neat innovations like side-access rear pockets reduce drag but not storage, while the laser-cut hems give a supremely comfortable fit.
The star of the show, though, is the chamois, which is about as comfortable as you can get. The Tri-Fit team are considering upping the thickness beyond this model, widely used by their pros, but there’s no need.
It’s magnificent. Swim performance was solid and on the run the longer sleeves provided added sun protection. The fit wasn’t perfect around the arms and the colour scheme’s a little uninspiring, but that’s subjective.
The suit is is highly competitive in the mid-range price bracket, while the female version (not tested in this group test) equally impressed.
Zone3 Lava Long Distance Mens
- Buy now for men from Zone3 (£229)
- Buy now for women from Zone3 (£229)

220 Triathlon verdict
Aero, more affordable and just oh-so close to being faultless. Score: 89%
Pros
- Great value for money
- Extremely comfortable
Cons
- Pockets are a little small and awkward to use
- RRP: £219 / $349
After years of not quite making the top-end tri-suit grade, Zone3 blew us away in 2020 with their Aeroforce speedsuit (reviewed above) both in the wind tunnel and on the road.
Much of that painstaBuy now from Zone3king R&D (with input from aero specialists Nopinz) has trickled down into the Lava – and it feels like they delivered the sweet spot between affordability (all things are relative), aerodynamic pursuits and practicality.
Lengthy ribbed sleeves, a full-length zip and supportive Cytech pad add to this winning performance vs practicality ratio.
We were struggling to find faults until we reached for the pockets, which are small, shallow and difficult to access on the move (we wouldn’t trust sizeable OTE gels in them), and, while the pocket’s cover at the top wins swim points, it made stuffing empty gel packets back into them tricky, especially on the bike.
Best women’s Ironman tri-suits in 2025
Best women's Ironman tri-suit
Trimtex Aero 3.0

Buy now from Trimtex (€359)
220 Triathlon verdict
It’s a hefty price tag but the suit oozes quality and may help shave off those precious seconds. Score: 92%
Pros
- Proven performance
- Exceptional fabrics
- Great storage
Cons
- High price tag
- RRP: €359
Kristian Blummenfelt wore the men’s version of the Aero 3.0 when he went 3:25:21 at 70.3 Bahrain in 2019, so we know they’re built for speed.
The women’s Aero 3.0 is bursting with aero enhancements tailored to each part of the body, such as the fabric which includes dimpled mesh around the arms and shoulders and ribbed panels on the legs.
There’s clearly no compromise on quality, with the quick-drying, breathable material offering flexibility and a specially adapted chamois providing multidiscipline comfort.
Wide leg grippers prevent unwanted movement and the split front design allows extra movement during the run and swim.
Two rear pockets are also deep enough to hold fuel for all-day racing. Trimtex advises it’s an extreme fit and to size up, but if anything our sample felt roomy, so ideally try before you buy.
Zone3 Lava Women’s Short Sleeve Tri-Suit
- Buy now for women from Zone3 (£109.50)
- Buy now for men from Zone3 (£109.50)

- RRP: £219 / $349
220 Triathlon verdict
Ticks all the boxes, offering performance, comfort and style in abundance. Score: 89%
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Compressive legs appreciated
Cons
- Hard to fault
The Lava range has been around since 2013 and it’s easy to see why it’s been a hit. It not only looks stylish but packs in plenty of performance-enhancing features.
Drag-reducing Aero-Stripe arms offer enhanced aerodynamics, while the balanced compression in the legs provides muscle support to help improve endurance and stamina.
The Aeroforce Soft-Touch fabric gives a touch of luxury, with that barely-there feeling offering flexibility and breathability, all while providing 50+ UPF protection.
Comfort is also taken care of with the women’s specific pad providing targeted pressure point relief on the bike while remaining unobtrusive during the swim and run.
A close fit and 360° stretch means no compromise in movement and plenty of freedom around the hips and waist. We could wear this all day.
How we tested these tri-suits
The triathlon suits here were all given multiple tests on the swim, bike and run to find the best one. Key factors included breathability, how fast they dried, chafing (or lack of), pocket sizing and accessibility, and the effectiveness of the leg grippers and zippers.
The pad was assessed for how quickly it dried after the swim, its ability to provide comfort on the bike leg and whether the size impacted on the run.
The price, aesthetics, durability and aerodynamics were also considered, as was the versatility of each suit. Many of the Ironman tri-suits were also tested for their aerodynamic abilities at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub’s wind tunnel.
What types of tri-suit are there?
Tri-suit types now number short-sleeved versions, classic sleeveless options, two-piece tri-suits, tight speed suits, ITU-friendly suits with reverse zippers, and even thermal suits for races in colder climes.
Each sub-genre boasts (deep breath) various pad size options, different pocket types and placements, a number of material choices (a stretchy 20% elastane and 80% nylon mix dominates the suits on test here, but polyester is common on cheaper suits), compressive properties and more.
Male and female-specific suits will also be cut differently to conform to different body shapes, while the aesthetics can differ between genders (thankfully women can now buy suits without a splash of pink somewhere!).
Each type of tri-suit should perform in its chosen niche, but the versatility of short-sleeved suits at every triathlon distance ensures that’s mainly what we’re reviewing here.
With that all said, let’s take a look at the different types of tri-suits on the market…
The two-piece tri-suit
Two-piece tri-suits (made famous by pro athletes Kenny Souza and Faris Al-Sultan) are separate padded shorts and zipped top.
The benefits are that you can buy a different-sized top or bottom to secure your closest fit, while mid-race toilet stops are a doddle.
Negative points include an aerodynamic penalty from fabric bunching at the waist; they’re not ideal for the swim (you can swim in the shorts and don the top in T1); and the top can ride up/or the shorts sag down to reveal both belly and/or bottom to your race rivals (or watching family).
Improved hem tech has improved the latter, however, while they offer more versatility for training sessions than a conventional one-piece tri-suit does.
Vested (or sleeveless) tri-suits
Despite the growth of sleeved tri-suits, the classic vested tri-suit still has its place in triathlon, especially for shorter races.
The lack of arms ensures an unrestricted swim stroke and a lack of wet sleeves on the bike, while they can be better for athletes who struggle in the heat and a reduction in the amount of fabric can mean cheaper prices.
Downsides include a lack of UV protection from the sleeves and an aerodynamic (and, for us, an aesthetic) penalty.
The ITU style triathlon suit
Suits without a front zip are often called ITU-style suits, and they feature a rear zipper on men’s styles and either a swim-suit-style back or rear zipper on women’s.
The advantages are increased hydrodynamics for non-wetsuit swims (making them ideal for pool triathlons) and comfort, with no chances of the zip rubbing on chests.
Disadvantages include a lack of practicality for toilet stops and difficulty lowering the zip for cooling (if the race rules allow it).
The short-sleeved tri-suit
Short-sleeved tri-suits were only truly established around a decade ago, but they’ve since experienced a surge in popularity and tech advancements.
They should offer improved aerodynamics if the fit is precise, better looks (especially if you don’t have Popeye-esque biceps) and protection from UV rays.
The key is ensuring the sleeves don’t inhibit your swim stroke, the seams don’t rub under the arms and you don’t suffer from overheating on the arms.
Sleeved vs vested tri-suits

The last decade has seen the rise of the short-sleeved tri-suit, and they now largely dominate tri courses of every distance.
There are still merits to vests, however, including unrestricted upper-body movement on the swim, no damp sleeves on the bike and a cheaper initial outlay.
The benefits of short-sleeve suits are plentiful, though, including increased hydro and aerodynamics (fabric is faster than bare skin), more sun protection, added warmth and, well, they just tend to look better for many of us (especially if you don’t have arms like The Rock).
The advent of sleeved triathlon suits also saw the rise of full-length zippers, which open up at the bottom.
This makes pre/mid-race toilet stops far easier, but remember that race rules dictate that you shouldn’t lower your zip further than the bottom of the breastbone when on a middle/long-distance course, and must be completely done up on sprint and standard events.
How much time can a good tri-suit save?
Our own wind-tunnel testing has also shown the importance of a well-fitted suit, with the likes of taped seams, dimpled or pinstripe fabric and lengthy arms and legs saving triathletes 60secs over a 40km Olympic-distance bike leg (over 4mins in Ironman).
A key stat to note when contemplating aero changes is that around 70-80% of aerodynamic drag is caused by the rider, with just 20-30% coming from the bike, so size carefully and you’ll soon be reaping the aero goods.
Potential pitfalls when choosing a tri-suit

You’ll be spending plenty of time racing in your chosen suit and something that bugs you on a 60-minute brick set will become a full-blown issue on race day.
If you can get your hands on the suit before buying it, look out for any rogue internal seams.
Also assess whether the suit has a decent zip guard to stop it rubbing on the top of your chest or lower neck.
Vented fabrics are great at giving a cooling effect on race day, but can offer minimal sun protection, especially if the swim leg has erased your suncream.
Also, check whether the fabric is see-through on the chest or rear – a suit wet from the swim can leave little to the imagination.
Can and should I get a cheap tri-suit?
There will inevitably be compromises when buying a cheap sub-£50 tri-suit, but there are plenty out there that punch above their fiscal weight.
The finishing quality can be lacking a touch, the polyester can be slower to dry than suits made with elastane and any hints of aerodynamics are limited.
But you might get some decent grippers trickling down from higher-priced suits, a solid chamois for shorter sprint and Olympic-distance bike legs, and a pocket or two for stashing an energy gel or bar.
Go longer than the 1.5km swim/40km bike/10km run of Olympic-distance tri, however, and we’d recommend spending more than around the £75 mark.
Wiggle and Decathlon are good places to start for a budget triathlon suit, but also keep an eye out for sample sales from brands.