So should I wear 2 piece swimming suits or 1 piece swimming suits during my races?

There are basically two options for you: 2 piece swimming suits and of course 1 piece swimming suits. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Both have in common that you don't need to change your clothes between the cycling and the running portion and that you only have to take off your wetsuit (if you use one) and you are ready to set off.

If you don't want to use special triathlon swim suits then you have these options:

1.) With changing clothes (preferably for longer distances)

a) Nothing beneath your wetsuit: I never saw this personally in 10 years but some people told me they actually do so, so I added this for the sake of completeness.

b) Trunks beneath your wetsuit
+ extra cycling pants with inlay.
+ extra running pants.

The shorter the distance the more I would personally go for the second alternative which is avoiding to change your clothes under any circumstances to save time.

2.) Without changing clothes (preferably for shorter distances)

a) 2 piece swimming suits with inlay and top: Some cover your stomach while others don't - whatever you prefer is your best choice.

b) 1 piece swimming suits: This is the classic in triathlon. Looks a bit like a women swim suit but the legs are longer as with ordinary cycling pants. They do have an inlay for more cycling comfort, too. It might feel a bit tight for running and on hot days they can become pretty warm due to lack of ventilation.

c) Just trunks beneath your wetsuit and you use them for the cycling & running part, too.

I prefer the two piece suit or a trunk / shirt combination because it's more convenient to wear (especially during the run) than a one piece suit. On short distances I run and cycle with my trunks. A 'hidden' advantage is the ease of taking a whiz with short pants during the cycle part. I have never tried it personally, but it feels good to have an option. :-)

The inlays in triathlon swim suits are really super comfortable and way smaller then common cycling inlays. Don't be afraid: They don't soak up the water from the swimming part and they dry very fast. You won't be freezing because your body activity is high enough to produce a fair amount of heat and adrenaline.

Extra - Tips:

1) Use vaseline or special creams as lubricant in your pants. It helps against excoriation.You might also want to use it on your neck against rubbing of your wetsuit and for your axles and nipples as a preparation for the run.

2) Regular disinfection of the inlay should become a habit to avoid painful pimples and nasty infections.

3) Allergic persons should have a shower with their clothes between cycling and running. Wash your apparel after each training and competition.

The 2 piece swimming suits as well as the 1 piece suits are very comfortable to wear. I know a guy who used to drive around with cycling pants and couldn't even imagine to use triathlon suits. But after he tried them he never switched back again. Just give it a try!

Return from 2 Piece Swimming Suits to Changing

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