tri suit advice please

[HighFibreDiet]

I have seen from older threads that there are a few triathletes among mumsnetters, so I would love some advice about trisuits.

I'm doing an aquathlon in June and a poool-based sprint tri in August. The aquathlon is run-swim rather than the usual way round. I'm thinking of practising the run-swim transition by running a bit on the treadmill before one of my swims each week. So it would be great to get a tri-suit - both to practise in and hopefully for the actual events. I've read the comments about how they show up all your less toned bits, and about the 'camel toe' effect (ew) but I'd still like to try one. Any suggestions for good ones? I'm lucky to live not too far from the Wimbledon Triandrun shop so I could probably try them on there.

oh and I would definitely be wearing a sports bra underneath. I don't trust any 'integral' bras to offer enough support for my breastfeeding boobs.

Do you prefer two piece or one piece? I go for two piece so it is easier to go for a pee beforehand! I also prefer the tank top to the bra top look so it can hold my wobbly bits better. If you get very hot you can roll it up to cool down (note: not possible to use self ventilation this way with a one piece). I also sometimes used racing knickers as the tri shorts would leave terrible tan lines if it was a sunny day. A less technical but nonetheless important consideration !

Try different brands as shapes and cuts vary greatly. I have 2xU but it may not work as well for the fuller bosomed.

Thanks MoshiMoshi. Have had a bit of a look online and I quite like the two piece option. I do have a wobbly tum and I'm sure I'm going to need a few wees beforehand There are some quite short trishorts on Wiggle. I think they were Pearl Izumi.

Although i like shoppping online I think you're right about trying different brands so I will have to go to a shop this time, until I find a brand I like.

I have a feeling I shouldn't get too excited about triathlons as there's certainly a lot of kit to spend money on if you want to!

Yup, triathlons can drain you both physically and financially! The bling is extensive and it is easy to get carried away. My biggest expense was a beautiful carbon fibre road bike and I only managed to buy that as it was reduced from the previous season. Some people swear by their tri bikes but I wanted something that could be used for things other than tri racing. Some bike shops stock tri kit too so have a look there for sizes and brands that fit you well. Evans near us stocks quite a bit. Happy shopping!

Millets online have quite a lot of tri clothing (suits and separates) on sale at the moment. I'm doing my first triathlon in 2 weeks and was going to go with the swimsuit & cycling short combo for now and then invest if I think it's an experience I'm likely to repeat (!) but I'm a sucker for a bargain so have ordered a few bits 'just to see' .

Moshi - good to have feedback on the separates. I've tried on a couple of tri-sutis and they were pretty awful (somehow seemed to look so much worse than swimsuit with cycling shorts which surprised me as it's all pretty skintight) so I'm hoping separates might look a little better. I also like the idea of easier toilet trips. I did a couple of team triathlons last year and that was enough to have me visiting the ladies several times before I got started.

Thanks Lola. I wonder if our local Millets would have any tri clothing in the shop? I'm going to have to schedule in a shopping morning for myself, although I have a feeling I might not manage it until after half term. Until then I'll try the swimsuit plus cycling shorts option when in the gym.

Never seen tri clothing in the actual shop but good selection on line - also my post probably should have said their stuff is 'in the sale' - ie. half price in some cases.

Also, tip from a previous thread on here is to try on your sports bra wet to check it still fits well ... although if you are doing the run first, I guess that won't matter much.

Minx have some items on sale at the moment and if you have any queries, Debbie gives very good advice: www.minx-girl.com

Another one that looks good is trigirl www.trigirl.co.uk

I actually like a one-piece for short races because I have the feeling that it holds everything in. Mine is by DeSoto, but it's probably best for women with flat chests. I also have a Sugoi top which I love, but due to pregnancy will not be wearing this summer

Thanks again, all of you. CardiCorgi, all the stuff on Minx looks great.

LolaLadybird, getting closer to your first triathlon, hope it goes really well, come back and let us know what it felt like!