Free Sanremo Short Sleeve Suit

Castelli

$280 When it comes to designing clothes Castelli starts with the pro athletes they work with. The find out what they want, make it for them, then have them provide feedback to perfect the product. The Free Sanremo suit is an example of just how well that process works. The pros wanted comfortable and fast. The suit went through rigorous wind tunnel testing to ensure it met the “fast” requirement. The Speedfreak ventilated race fabric on the front provides lots of breathability, while the Velocity mesh back provides both speed and comfort. The Instadry Speed fabric used on the lower part of the suit is both fast in the water because it repels water, but is also extremely comfortable. The Giro Air leg grippers prevent the suit from riding up your quads during the bike or run, while the Kiss Tri chamois provides lots of comfort on the bike but isn’t thick enough to bother you while running. The front, overlap design with a full YKK zipper makes it easy to take a nature break along the way and there are two small pockets that are both aero- and hydrooptimized so you can carry some nutrition without having to worry about compromising performance. The Sanremo lives up to the pros expectations and will do the same for you.

Garneau Course Lgneer Tri Skin

$400 Lionel Sanders has been ripping up 70.3 and full-distance courses wearing this suit, which lays claim to the fastest ever Ironman time thanks to Sanders’s record-setting performance in Arizona last year. Developed in collaboration with Alphamantis, the aerodynamics experts, the Lgneer Tri Skin is designed to provide aero benefits – their testing says it will save a second per km. Four different types of fabrics are used in the suit to provide optimal breathability while also ensuring excellent aero- and hydro-dynamic benefits. The lower part of the suit uses Lgneer fabric, which consists of three different compression zones to improve blood flow and provide lots of support. There’s a quick-drying Tri Elite chamois that provides just enough support on the bike without compromising comfort during the run. The full-length zip and inner flap means you can make a “pit stop” with ease while the two rear pockets are perfect for storing some nutrition for the bike and run. The Lgneer suit looks as good as it performs, too.

Pearl Izumi Elite Pursuit Tri Octane Suit

$280 Using the Elite Transfer In-r-cool fabric with coldblack technology, the Pursuit Tri Octane suit offers excellent cooling and sun protection. You’re sure to go fast on the bike thanks to the Aero fabric used on the back panels of the suit. The Lycra Sport fabric used in the In-r-cool technology provides comfortable support where needed to optimize performance. The special Merrow stitch construction used, along with the 15-inch zipper and elastic silicone leg grippers, ensure a comfortable fit. The quick-dry chamois is perfect for the bike and comfortable on the run. There’s two envelope pockets on the back that won’t slow you down in the water, but are easy to access once you’re biking or running.

Zoot Ultra Tri Aero Skinsuit

$240 Stylish, fast and comfortable, Zoot continues its long tradition in the sport (the company started in Kona in the ’80s) with this highperforming aero suit. Using Carbon fabric, which is designed to reduce heat buildup and provide excellent moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable through long efforts. The suit is very form-fitting and offers lots of aero properties, but remains extremely comfortable whether you’re biking or running, in part thanks to the Seamlink stitch construction that minimizes chafing and stretches with the fabric. The TT specific Carbon Chamois has 8 mm of foam padding in the front and 3 mm in the rear – it’s one of the most comfortable in our tests and won’t bother you during the run. The comfortable grippers keep both the arms and legs down throughout any effort. There’s a 12-inch zipper and three back pockets for nutrition storage. The Ultra Tri Aero will no doubt be a popular suit at races of all distances throughout the season.—km