Zoot Kona Swim Start

Athlete Support

Quick answers for race-day and beyond.

Triathlon Apparel FAQs

Do beginners really need a triathlon suit?

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.

What should I wear for my first triathlon?

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.

What makes Zoot good for first-time triathletes?

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.

Can I train and race in the same trisuit?

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.

What is a chamois and why does it matter?

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.

Should I wear a bra under a women’s tri suit?

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.

How tight should a tri suit fit?

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.

Do tri suits have pockets?

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.

Can I wear a tri suit for a sprint triathlon?

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.

Why do most triathletes choose Zoot Sports?

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.

Fit Guide

How do Zoot products fit?

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.

How do I choose the right size?

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

Shipping, Returns & Exchanges

What is the returns policy?

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).

Visit our Returns & Exchanges page for full details.

Get in touch

Want to talk to a real triathlete? Call us at 760-681-3587 or email customerservice@zootsports.com