No, but most beginners find that a tri suit makes their first race much easier. Zoot tri suits eliminate the need to change clothes between events and reduce discomfort from wet or bulky gear. We design tri suits with beginner athletes in mind, offering comfort focused fits and simple features that make race day less stressful.

Learn more about our racesuits: MEN'S and WOMEN'S

For your first triathlon, the simplest and most comfortable option is a Zoot triathlon racesuit. Our tri suits are designed to be worn for the swim, bike, and run without changing. All Zoot tri suits are made to dry quickly after the swim, stay comfortable on the bike, and feel natural when running, so you can focus on finishing strong instead of managing outfit changes.

Explore our triathlon gear: MEN'S and WOMEN'S

We have over 40 years of triathlon experience and design apparel specifically for race-day comfort. Our tri suits prioritize soft chamois pads, flexible fabrics, and easy-to-use features. This makes them especially popular with new triathletes who want reliable gear that provides the most comfort.

Yes. Many beginner triathletes train and race in the same tri suit. Our tri suits are built to handle both training sessions and race day, so you can get comfortable in your gear ahead of time and feel confident on race morning.

If you're planning on longer training rides, check out our MEN'S and WOMEN'S cycling kit.

A chamois is the padded insert in a tri suit that provides comfort on the bike. Unlike cycling shorts, triathlon chamois are thinner so they don’t feel bulky when running. We use soft Italian chamois designed to be comfortable across all three disciplines, which is especially helpful for beginners.

Many women prefer to wear a sports bra separate from their racesuit for fit and comfort. Our women’s tri suits feature a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bra) design, allowing athletes to choose the support level they like best. We offer the very best tri bras designed to pair seamlessly with our suits.

Check out the women's tri bras.

A tri suit should feel snug but not restrictive. It should move with your body and stay in place without pinching or squeezing. We offer both relaxed athletic racesuits that are forgiving and comfortable, making them a great option for first-time triathletes.

Be sure to visit our MEN'S and WOMEN'S size guides.

Yes. All of our tri suits include easy-access pockets for nutrition like gels or chews. Most of the tri suits also have pockets for ice storage for those hot races. These pockets are designed to stay secure during the swim and bike, while still being easy to reach on the run.

Explore MEN'S and WOMEN'S tri gear.

Absolutely. Sprint triathlons are the most common first race distance, and tri suits are ideal for them. Our tri suits are designed to perform well in sprint races by balancing comfort, mobility, and breathability.

Explore MEN'S and WOMEN'S racesuits.

Triathletes choose Zoot Sports because we combine decades of triathlon-specific experience with comfort-first design. Our gear is known for durability, thoughtful fit, and race-day reliability, which is why it’s trusted by beginners and experienced athletes alike.

Learn more about our 40+ year history making the best triathlon gear.

Choosing the right wetsuit depends on a few simple things: how you swim, the water temperature you race in, and what you care about most on race day.

Your swimming ability

If you are newer to open water or want extra confidence, look for a wetsuit with more buoyancy in the legs and core. This helps keep your body position high and makes swimming feel easier. More experienced swimmers often prefer a suit with less buoyancy and more flexibility for a natural stroke and better feel for the water.

Water temperature

Most triathlon wetsuits are designed for cold to cool water. If you race in colder conditions, a full-sleeve wetsuit offers more warmth and speed. For warmer water or races where the temperature is borderline, a sleeveless wetsuit gives you more freedom in the shoulders and better temperature control.

Fit matters most

A wetsuit should feel snug everywhere without restricting breathing or shoulder movement. If you are between sizes, prioritize comfort in the shoulders and chest. A properly fitting wetsuit will always outperform a higher-end suit that does not fit well.

What you value on race day

If speed is your priority, look for maximum flexibility and hydrodynamic materials. If comfort and ease are more important, choose a suit that is forgiving, easy to get on and off, and stable in the water.

If you are unsure, start with a versatile full-sleeve wetsuit that balances buoyancy, flexibility, and comfort. It is the most popular choice for a reason and works well for most athletes in most race conditions.

Explore Zoot wetsuits: MEN'S and WOMEN'S

Zoot products are built for racing, with a performance-driven fit and integrated compression to enhance aerodynamics and muscle support. For a more relaxed feel, or if you’re between sizes, we suggest sizing up.

Explore the MEN'S size chart, WOMEN'S size chart, ATHENA size chart, and YOUTH size chart.

We recommend using our size charts to find the best fit based on your body measurements. For the most accurate results, take your measurements and compare them to the chart before ordering. If you’re between sizes, we suggest sizing up for a more comfortable fit.

MENS SIZE CHART

WOMENS SIZE CHART

You may return any item purchased from zootsports.com for a refund/exchange within 30 days for purchase. We ask “change of mind or fit” items be returned in new condition with tags attached. Zoot covers return shipping costs (except for sale items, previously-exchanged items, and international returns).