Tri Suits
A tri suit takes you through swim, bike and run without changing in transition. Zoot has been making trisuits since 1983, from the forgiving Core+ for your first race to the wind-tunnel-tested Ultra P1x. Below you will find every model compared side by side, advice on fit and sizing and answers to common questions.
Which tri suit suits you?
The best tri suit is the one that matches your races and your ambitions. A first sprint triathlon asks for comfort and a forgiving fit; an Ironman asks for aerodynamics, storage and a chamois that stays comfortable for hours. That is why our range is built in four steps:
- Getting started: Core, Core+ and Sprint. Reliable suits for your first races and for training.
- Solid all-rounder: LTD and Athena. Proven race features in a wide choice of designs.
- Best value: Ultra P1 and Elite. Race technology developed in the wind tunnel with professional athletes.
- Maximum performance: Ultra P1x, our fastest triathlon suit.
Zoot tri suits compared
| Model | Best for | Key features | In the shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core / Core+ | First races and training | More forgiving fit than LTD and Ultra; Core with a plush Italian chamois and full-length zip, Core+ in Italian Endura+ fabric with a 2D fleece pad | Show Core |
| Sprint Hyperglide Open Back / Backzip | Sprint and Olympic distance | Hyperglide fabric for low drag in water and air, racerback for shoulder freedom, minimal single-layer chamois, UPF 50+ | Show Sprint |
| LTD and Athena | Training and racing over all distances | Italian Shield fabric, Vento stretch mesh for ventilation, ribbed aero fabric on the arms of the Aero versions, full-length zip on the Full Zip versions | Show LTD |
| Ultra P1 / P1 Exos / P1 Bikini | Fast racing from Olympic to Ironman | Aeromax mesh with 15% elastane for a second-skin fit, longer aero sleeves developed in the wind tunnel, tested by Ben Hoffman, Sam Long and Ellie Salthouse | Show Ultra P1 |
| Elite P1 / P1 Aero / Aero Full Zip | Long distance | Wind-tunnel-tested fabrics, light mesh upper, integrated ice pockets, rear aero pocket plus hip and leg pockets | Show Elite |
| Ultra P1x | Racing for podiums and personal bests | 3D AeroWeave on sleeves and upper back, precision-cut arm cuffs, seamless legs with internal silicone grippers, perforated Pro Carbon chamois for long course | Show P1x |
Sleeved or sleeveless, one-piece or two-piece?
- Aero tri suit with sleeves: the fabric on the arms smooths airflow on the bike and protects your shoulders from the sun. The first choice for long bike legs and hot races.
- Sleeveless tri suit: maximum shoulder freedom and a cooler feel. Popular for short races and for athletes who swim without a wetsuit.
- Two-piece kit: a tri top with tri shorts makes toilet stops easier and lets you combine sizes. A one-piece triathlon suit cannot ride up and is the more aerodynamic option.
Sprint, middle or long distance?
For sprint and Olympic distance, a light suit with a thin chamois is enough, because you spend little time on the bike and want to run freely. For 70.3 and Ironman, comfort and storage count: a chamois built for long hours in the aero position, pockets for gels and ice pockets that help you manage heat. For a long distance tri suit, look at the Elite P1 and Ultra P1x; the full-zip LTD models are a reliable alternative.
How tight should a tri suit be?
- Zoot tri suits are cut race fit: snug like a second skin, because loose fabric costs speed on the bike.
- No folds at the stomach, no flapping fabric on the arms.
- The chamois should sit close to your body without bunching.
- The leg grippers hold the suit in place without cutting in.
- If you are between sizes or prefer less compression, choose the next size up.
Men's and women's suits use different cuts. You will find them on the pages for men's tri suits and women's tri suits.
Care
- Rinse the suit in fresh water after every swim, especially after chlorine or salt water.
- Wash it cold on a gentle cycle, inside out and without fabric softener.
- Let it dry in the air, away from direct sun and radiators.
FAQ
What is a tri suit?
A tri suit is a one-piece outfit for triathlon. You swim, ride and run in it without changing, because the fabric dries quickly and the thin chamois works on the bike and the run.
Do you wear a tri suit under a wetsuit?
What do you wear under a tri suit?
No underwear, because the chamois is designed to sit directly on the skin. Many women's suits from the Core, Core+ and LTD lines have no built-in bra, so you can wear the sports bra that gives you the best support.
Can you swim in a tri suit?
Yes. Tri suits are made for swimming and dry quickly afterwards. The thin chamois takes on very little water.
