When it comes to triathlon, particularly in colder waters, the clothing you decide to wear under your wetsuit can make or break your race experience. You’re not just facing a swim; you’re pushing through waves, fighting currents, and trying to conserve energy—all while maintaining body warmth. If your gear isn’t up to the task, you could find yourself shivering, stiff, or struggling with limited range of motion. Even the best wetsuit for triathlon can be optimized by the right layering strategy. It helps you strike that perfect balance between warmth and breathability, allowing you to stay comfortable and efficient without overheating.
In this article, you will get answers to the following questions:
- What type of wetsuit can you use for triathlon?
- Do you need a special wetsuit for triathlon?
- What to look for in a wetsuit for triathlon?
- Can you wear a drysuit for triathlon?
- What are the advantages of a drysuit over a wetsuit for triathlon?
Do you Need a Special Wetsuit for Triathlon?
To give you the short answer: Yes! Triathletes often benefit from using a wetsuit specifically designed for triathlon. The best wetsuit for triathlon is made to enhance performance by providing a balance of buoyancy, flexibility, and comfort.
Unlike standard wetsuits used for wakeboarding or even the best surfing wetsuits, triathlon wetsuits have thinner, more flexible neoprene in areas that require more mobility, like the shoulders and arms, allowing for an efficient swim stroke. They also feature strategically placed buoyancy panels that help improve body position in the water, making swimming faster and less exhausting.
While you could use a general wetsuit, it may restrict movement and hinder performance. Investing in a triathlon-specific wetsuit can make a noticeable difference in comfort and speed, especially during open-water swims.
How to Find the Right Triathlon Outfit for You
Choosing the right triathlon outfit can feel like a mission, but it’s worth it when everything clicks on race day. It’s not just about the best wetsuit for triathlon in general; it’s about finding your personal balance where you feel sleek, warm, and powerful in the water.
Start with a wetsuit made for triathletes—it should fit like a second skin, flex with you, and give you that little boost of buoyancy without feeling restrictive. While a wetsuit size chart can tell you exactly which size of wetsuit will fit your body and needs best, picking the wetsuit thickness is a balancing act between freedom of movement and insulation.
Typically, triathletes opt for full-sleeve wetsuits, as they provide better insulation and increased buoyancy, which can help with swimming efficiency. Look for a triathlon-specific wetsuit made from high-quality neoprene that offers different thicknesses—thinner around the shoulders for more movement and thicker on the legs and torso for added buoyancy and warmth.
Can You Wear a Drysuit for Triathlon?
While you theoretically can wear a drysuit for a triathlon, it does come with a handful of restrictions and is not recommended. The obvious difference between wetsuit vs. drysuit does bring a drysuit the advantage of keeping your body dry and because of that warmer. At the same time, it makes your movements much slower and even restricts certain motions that are essential for a fast swimmer.
Drysuits are designed for insulation and protection in extremely cold conditions, and do not offer the streamlined fit or flexibility needed for efficient swimming. They can create drag in the water, slowing you down, and hinder quick transitions.
Triathlons are better suited to wetsuits specifically made for swimming, which provide buoyancy, flexibility, and thermal insulation without compromising performance.
For icy water, specific winter wetsuits offer more insulation and warmth. Especially the seams are important, since they are the entrance and exit points where cold water could enter, and the water heated from your body could slip away.
Why Layers Matter Under Your Triathlon Wetsuit
The layers you choose to wear under your wetsuit for triathlon might not seem like a big deal, but they can be the unsung heroes of your triathlon performance, especially in colder waters.
Picture this:
the chill of early-morning waves biting at your skin, your heart racing with the start gun, and every muscle bracing for the long swim ahead.
What you wear beneath that wetsuit could be the difference between powering through with confidence or feeling every icy lap drain your energy. A smart layering strategy keeps you warm without overheating, wicks away sweat, and prevents chafing—all while allowing you to move freely.
Do I Have to Wear Layers Under My Triathlon Wetsuit?
Wearing layers under your triathlon wetsuit isn’t always a must, but it can make a big difference in certain conditions. Even if you already have the best wetsuit for triathlon, adding layers gives your wetsuit a much bigger temperature range.
For cold water races, a thin, moisture-wicking base layer or triathlon suit underneath your wetsuit can provide extra insulation and help maintain body heat without hampering mobility.
In warmer temperatures, many triathletes stick to just a triathlon suit, which is designed for comfort and efficiency under a wetsuit. Your decision should consider the water temperature and your own comfort needs.
The one big plus point layering brings is that you will not have to invest in ten different wetsuits, each for a specific temperature. It makes you much more spontaneous to adjust to the water temperature and saves you a lot of money and space, you won’t have to waste on unnecessary wetsuits.
Did you know?
If you have one or two high quality wetsuits to rotate, if you know how to clean your wetsuits correctly and take good care of them, they can support you for over ten years.
Does Layering Help Against Wetsuit Rashes?
A wetsuit rash is a skin irritation or chafing that occurs when your skin rubs against the inside of a wetsuit, typically caused by friction or prolonged contact with the material. Even the best wetsuit for triathlon does not necessarily protect you from getting a rash.
This can happen in areas where the wetsuit is tight or where there is a lot of movement, like under the arms, on the neck, or at the ankles. The irritation can lead to redness, soreness, and sometimes small blisters, making it uncomfortable during or after water activities.
Wetsuit rashes are especially common during activities like surfing, triathlons, or wakeboarding, where the wetsuit is worn for extended periods in water. The condition can be worsened by saltwater, sweat, or if the wetsuit is not properly fitted.
If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of wetsuit rashes, you know how painful and annoying they can be, especially when you’re focused on giving your best performance. Layering is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the constant friction of the wetsuit against your body.
A good base layer, such as a rash guard or triathlon suit, forms a soft barrier between you and the wetsuit, especially in those tricky areas like the neck, shoulders, and underarms. Not only does this reduce the chances of chafing, but it also helps wick away moisture, keeping you more comfortable during long training sessions or races.
Remember to choose a base layer that fits snugly but doesn’t restrict movement—comfort and flexibility are key, after all! With the right layer, you’ll have a smoother, more enjoyable experience in the water, letting you focus on your stroke rather than irritation.
What Do Triathletes Wear Under Wetsuit
For most athletes, the go-to choice under a wetsuit is a high-performance triathlon suit. This item is engineered for comfort and speed, hugging the body while allowing optimal movement. It also dries quickly, so when you transition to cycling, you’re not drenched and dragging.
For colder conditions, you might consider a thin thermal rash guard or compression top that wicks moisture while adding a bit more insulation.
Dos and Don’ts for Triathlon Layers
Layers under a triathlon wetsuit become essential when water temperatures are particularly cold or when you have a personal tendency to feel chilled. If the race is early in the season or in colder climates, adding a thin, moisture-wicking base layer under your wetsuit can provide extra warmth.
Here are 7 quick tips for you to make sure you layer efficiently:
- Do choose moisture-wicking fabrics that won’t soak up water and chill your core. Lightweight, synthetic materials like those in triathlon -suits are ideal for keeping you comfortable and dry during the race.
- Do layer strategically if the water is colder; a thin, quick-drying base layer can offer extra warmth without bulk. Make sure any additional layer you use under your wetsuit fits snugly to prevent friction and avoid water pooling.
- Don’t wear anything bulky or made of cotton, as these will retain water, becoming heavy and potentially chilling your body.
- Avoid thick seams or gear that could lead to chafing or discomfort during longer swims.
- Don’t forget to steer clear of items that compromise your range of motion; your swim stroke needs to be as fluid as possible for efficiency.
- And whatever you do, test your gear during practice swims to be sure it fits well and performs as needed. The last thing you want on race day is a surprise pinch or a shifting layer that distracts you. Proper preparation and testing can mean the difference between a confident swim and a frustrating start.
- If you’re prone to chafing, applying anti-chafing balm before slipping into your wetsuit can prevent irritation. Also, consider if gloves or a neoprene cap would help in colder waters; staying warm can give you a mental edge as much as a physical one.
What to Wear under Wetsuit Female Triathlon
Women tend to feel the cold more intensely due to different thermoregulation patterns. Therefore, layering for warmth might be more essential for female athletes in colder water.
When it comes to layering under a wetsuit for male and female triathletes, there are some differences to consider, primarily due to body shape, comfort preferences, and garment designs. However, the core principles of comfort, flexibility, and thermal regulation apply to both genders.
The best wetsuit for triathlon for women often come with built-in bras or support features to provide comfort and reduce chafing.
When layering, women might prioritize garments like a supportive sports bra underneath a triathlon suit or wetsuit. Thermal tops or rash guards designed for women are also tailored for a more fitted design to ensure a snug, comfortable layer that won’t bulk up.
Regardless of gender, the key is to choose thin, moisture-wicking, and flexible layers that enhance performance and keep you comfortable throughout the race.
Reading Tip
If you want to read more about body type specific wetsuits, check out our guide for scuba wetsuits for men and scuba wetsuits for women.
What to Wear under Wetsuit Male Triathlon
Men typically wear triathlon-specific gear like a triathlon suit, which provides a snug fit and is made of moisture-wicking materials. The triathlon suit serves as a base layer under the wetsuit and works to prevent any discomfort or chafing during the swim. It also helps regulate body temperature and allows for a smooth transition to the bike and run segments.
For added warmth or protection, some men opt for a rash guard or a thin long-sleeve layer underneath, especially if they are swimming in colder water. These layers protect the chest and underarms from the wetsuit’s friction, minimizing the risk of wetsuit rashes.
Whether male or female, the ultimate goal is to layer efficiently to reduce chafing, manage body temperature, and ensure ease of movement during the swim.
The material choice is essential; both genders should opt for moisture-wicking, stretchy fabrics that allow for the range of motion required in a triathlon. And always, always make sure to test your layering system in practice before race day to make sure everything fits comfortably and works as intended.
At the end of the day, what you wear underneath your wetsuit for a triathlon comes down to personal comfort and the conditions you’re swimming in.
Conclusion: Triathlon Layering Done Right
Under your wetsuit, a well-fitted, high-performance triathlon suit is often the top choice. These are designed to hug your body snugly, ensuring minimal drag in the water and a seamless transition to cycling. They’re made from materials that dry quickly and wick moisture, which keeps you from feeling soggy as you move from one phase of the race to the next. For colder temperatures, adding a thin thermal layer like a compression top or rash guard can provide extra warmth without adding bulk.
Finding this balance is crucial. Wear too much, and you risk overheating or losing flexibility; wear too little, and the cold might sap your strength before you’re even halfway through. Testing your gear during training runs can help fine-tune what works best for you, so on race day, you’re prepared to push your limits and perform at your peak.
