Triathlon Swimwear

Can you do a triathlon in a swimsuit or triathlon swim shorts?

While you can technically do a triathlon in a swimsuit or swim shorts, it’s not ideal for performance or comfort across all three disciplines. Swimsuits and swim shorts are great for the swim leg but lack the padding and functionality needed for the bike and run portions of a triathlon. However, a triathlon swimsuit or pair of triathlon swim shorts are perfect for training either in the pool or on warmer days in open water.  

We highly recommend investing in a triathlon-specific suit, which is designed to be comfortable throughout the race, offering quick-drying fabric, built-in padding for cycling, and excellent mobility for running. Check out our guide to what to wear under a wetsuit here.