Can you swim in triathlon shorts?
Emma Johnson
Updated on February 26, 2026
Note, however, that tri shorts are not intended to be used in chlorinated pools. Doing so will wear them out quickly. Most triathletes who we know reserve their tri shorts for bricks (combo bike and run workouts) and race day, using swim jammers in the pool and cycling shorts on their longer rides.
Are triathlon shorts padded?
The short part of a triathlon suit has a small padded area called a chamois. (pronounced Sham – ee). You wear these without underwear. You apply a creme called Chamois Creme to the chamois pad or directly to your skin as a friction barrier to prevent chaffing.
How tight should tri shorts be?
They should be snug but not uncomfortable and shouldn’t cut off circulation. Try on a large if you can and see how those compare… but make sure they aren’t loose !
Can you wear compression shorts for triathlon?
Compression shorts are typically not seen in triathlons because most triathletes wear compression shorts, garments specifically designed to be worn continually through the swim, bike and run legs. Many triathletes, however, wear compression shorts as part of their recovery or for their run-only workout days.
Can you listen to music during a triathlon?
No Tunes, No Selfies Headphones, headsets and audio devices are not allowed at any time during any triathlon event. Most races allow you to carry your cell phone if you wish, but it must be stored out of sight in a bike bag or jersey pocket.
Do I need tri shorts for triathlon?
You will have a self-made tri suit. Keep in mind, however, that you will want to buy a triathlon short, not a cycling short. The cycling short will hold too much water during the swim (think: swim diaper). The triathlon short has a thin pad, made to wear during the entire race: swim, bike, and run.
How long do tri shorts last?
Anything between 200 and 400 hours then check them for wear in terms of elasticity of the lycra and the padding. Find a pair you like the look of then empty the piggy bank and buy a new set.
Can you pee in a triathlon suit?
Two piece trisuits have a separate top and bottom, which can be extremely advantageous when you need to go to the bathroom. When I have to pee during a triathlon, my entire one piece suit has to come off (and it’s a tight squeeze so it’s difficult to get on and off).
How long do tri suits last?
According to an expert at wetsuit manufacturer ROKA, wetsuits should last about four years with proper care. Triathlon wetsuits can age and crack if exposed to excessive sunlight, so keep them well protected when not in use. Worn and aging wetsuits may not be as form-fitting and gap at the neck, wrists and leg cuffs.
Do tri suits have padding?
A tri-suit is a one-piece garment specifically engineered for triathlon, usually including quick-drying features, padding at the rear and zippers to provide you with a do-it-all suit that you won’t have to change out of while swimming, cycling and running.
What’s the shortest triathlon?
100 yd. swim in the SF Bay – 4 lengths of a school pool. Wet suits are recommended.
What is a short course triathlon?
Short course. For short course triathlon, see triathlon. In swimming, the term short course (abbreviated SC) is used to identify a pool that is 25 metres (27.34 yd) in length. The term is also often included in meet names when conducted in a short course pool. “Short course” is the second type of pool configuration currently recognized by FINA
What does a triathlon wear?
Swimsuit Only. In warm climates, triathletes wear a performance swimsuit for the entirety of the race. You usually swim in a pool or in open water that is too warm for a wetsuit, so supportive, skin-tight trunks for men or a one-piece suit for women is appropriate.
What is the distance of a full triathlon?
The length of a triathlon may vary, but there are four basic lengths: The most common triathlon distance follows international Olympic guidelines: A swim of 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers), a bicycle route of 24.8 miles (40 kilometers) and a run of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers).