VESTED TRI-SUITS
Short-sleeved tri-suits may be more popular than ever, but there are still plenty of options if you decide vest is best. Jack Sexty and Niamh Lewis test 14
You’ll frequently hear us waxing lyrical about short-sleeved trisuits in various issues of 220. From aero gains, to the everimproving fabrics that make them hugely flexible, and the better sun protection with sleeves that’ll cover your arms almost to the elbow, an increasing number of triathletes are opting for these suits, even for short-course racing (we’re reviewing 10 short-sleeved suits next issue). Yet a vested tri-suit is still worth considering, for a number of reasons…
For beginners they often provide a cheaper and more practical way to access the sport. Shop around and you can easily get a vested tri-suit for under £50. Less fabric and bare arms will also keep you cooler if you really struggle with overheating.
Watch last year’s Ironman World Champs highlights as the pro’s exit the swim and you’ll notice a good proportion of them have their short-sleeved aero suits rolled down to the waist for the swim, before putting it on properly in T1. So if, like us, your first experience of triathlon was one that began in a pool without using a wetsuit, a vested suit will restrict your arms less during your swim leg.
The 14 tri-suits in this test range from no-frills budget picks to the highly technical and everything in between. So, whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned multisporter in the market for a new tri-suit, one of our vested recommendations should perfectly fit your race-day needs. Read on for our full verdicts...
How we tested
All 14 of the suits here were tested multiple times on the swim, bike and run. We paid particularly close attention to comfort across the chest where some fabrics can prove restrictive, and were looking for formfitting leg grippers that don’t ride up or fit too loose/too tight. With most of these suits aimed more at shortcourse racing we weren’t expecting huge pockets, but would expect them to be easily accessible, and we’d also require a quick-drying chamois pad that provides adequate rear comfort.