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Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST
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Hello all,

Let me preface this by saying that I've got no concrete numbers/details, but it seems that women tend to prefer the two piece option for tri clothing instead of a one-piece racing suit (of course there's exceptions). Is this accurate? Is it a matter of convenience? Fit? Versatility (picking one brand for short, and a different one for the top)... I'm trying to gather some information and figured this is a good forum.

Also, with the trend we're starting to see of short sleeved options for tri tops/suits, is this something you (as a woman triathlete) see adopting? or will you continue to opt for the sleeveless options?

Thanks!
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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AndresLD wrote:
Hello all,

Let me preface this by saying that I've got no concrete numbers/details, but it seems that women tend to prefer the two piece option for tri clothing instead of a one-piece racing suit (of course there's exceptions). Is this accurate? Is it a matter of convenience? Fit? Versatility (picking one brand for short, and a different one for the top)... I'm trying to gather some information and figured this is a good forum.

Also, with the trend we're starting to see of short sleeved options for tri tops/suits, is this something you (as a woman triathlete) see adopting? or will you continue to opt for the sleeveless options?

Thanks!
I do two piece outfits because they are convenient, move easily with my body, are interchangeable allowing for different colors and sizes and seem to be less expensive. I am not a fan of the short sleeve top and will more than likely remain a sleeveless top wearer.


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DISH is how we do it.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [travelmama] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for the input. I have a feeling the short sleeve will be adopted more universally with the men. It seems even in cycling, during training at least, women often opt for sleeveless tops even tank/halter cycling tops.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I'm a one-piece swimsuit girl, even in a half (have not raced an IM).

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I only wear one piece for races up to OD. I wear two piece for IM as one piece is too hard to get on and off. Personally I prefer sleeveless but I don wear arm coolers (during IM) for sun protection. I live in Australia so heat and the fierce sun are always a factor. :-)
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Two piece. Fit, for one. Comfort, is another. Lastly, I think tri suits are universally unflattering.

No sleeves.

And, fwiw, if you're soliciting opinions, make some tri shorts with 4" inseams or less. I hate long inseams on shorts (5.5" or more)


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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I used to love a one-piece for sprints and Olympics, but definitely prefer a two-piece for HIM and full IM. These days I prefer a two-piece with a short/sport bra length top for short races and a two-piece with a longer top (for the back pockets for supplements) for a HIM or full IM, and if I get hot on the run with the longer top I can roll it up. I think that two-pieces are more convenient if you need to hit the port-a-john, it's easier to get a good fit for women who aren't the same size on top and bottom, and I just feel cooler in two-pieces versus a one-piece since I can expose my midriff if I get hot. I do almost all my cycling training in a cycling kit, not a tri kit, unless I'm doing a short brick or leading up to an IM to make sure I'm training in what I'm going to race in, but I don't see me liking racing tris in a short sleeve top. Finally no, I don't wear a different brand on top than on bottom … that's just wrong! :)
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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one piece for sprint and oly
2 piece for HIM (no IM yet)
only cycling kits for biking so not sleeveless
tri kit will remain sleeveless
lately mostly wearing 2 piece because my team kit one piece fits so horribly
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I don't see myself ever wearing a tri kit that has sleeves. I will go with bare arms - although I could see the benefit. I tend to chafe in the armpit/lat area. Fabric there might alleviate that.

Two piece all the way. Easier for bathroom breaks, even if it's just before or after the race as in short races. I have worn a different brand top vs. bottom, if I do, the bottoms are plain solid color.
I'll train in cycling kit or tri kit, depends on the day, and the workout.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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One piece for sprints and OD, particularly if not wetsuit legal. Prefer those with zip in back, and no shelf bra/built in support.

Two piece for HIM and IM. I actually have been on the hunt for a sleeved top; DeSoto is in the only I've seen to date.

Would also like to see sleeveless tops that go to edge of shoulder and are not cut like a sport bra.

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Generally two piece for me as far as racing. I don't usually race short distances, and for longer distances it's more comfortable, and takes less time if I need to stop at the portapotty.
I have not worn sleeves, mainly because I live in TX and it's hot. But w the new technical material that is cooler, and the threat of sun damage, I've been looking into a top w/ sleeves to try.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Add me to the two-piece camp. I do mostly longer races, so it's mostly convenience, with some fit considerations thrown in. (I also don't think one-piece suits look that great.)

I'd be open to a short-sleeved option, mostly for sun-protection. When I'm training I tend to opt for short-sleeved over sleeveless (well, it's the Pacific Northwest, so that's because it's rarely warm enough for either option. :-P) What I'd really like to see if more companies offer a "shrug" style option like DeSoto's skin cooler sleeves. Their design doesn't fit me very well, but it would be great to have removable shoulder covering.

M

------------------------------------------------------------
The beatings will continue until morale improves
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [mdraegerpnw] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks everyone for responding... the more feedback, the better. As I expected, there's really no consensus. How much does the actual aesthetics (color/design) play into it? For example, if you tend to wear a 2 piece, would you consider a 1 piece if you liked the look of it and it fit well? Or is that almost secondary? so if you don't wear 2 pieces, you don't wear 2 pieces, period?
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I do mostly shorter tris and prefer a one peice.

I cut out the built in bras b/c they rarely offer good enough support for running so would prefer one piece with no shelf bra.

Am making the leap to longer tris (half IM) and will likely look for two peice for potty breaks.

Due to sun control concerns, I would definitely look at a long sleeve that offered sun protection and was cool in the heat. However, it would be a top I would throw on after the swim. I prefer to swim in a top that has no sleeves.

Aesthetics do influence my choice - I am more likely to buy/splurge on something that is well styled.

For training, I use traditional swim suit, traditional road kit to ride and run in running gear. I do prefer to ride in short sleeves despite the tan lines but that is because I come from a road racing background.

Hope this helps!
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Fit first, looks second. Unless it looks really ugly, then it's a non-starter.

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [Tri3] [ In reply to ]
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Tri3 wrote:
Fit first, looks second. Unless it looks really ugly, then it's a non-starter.

^^ This.

I've always worn two-piece. I tend to wear a medium top for comfort and a small bottom. I also don't have the right body type for a one piece. I know what I look good in and stick with that.

It also allows me to mix brands. I have yet to find one that has the perfect shorts and the perfect top. I always wear black shorts. Some days the body doesn't cooperate and that's easier to hide with black shorts. I'll let you decide what that means.

Always a colored top. I tend to spill and get dirty and white is a complete disaster on me for long races. I have no idea why but I always end up with gel, coke, gatorade, something spilled down the front.

Sleeveless always. I'll wear arm warmers if it's chilly. I like to have full range of motion in my arms.

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Jen

"In order to keep a true perspective on one's importance, everyone should have a dog that worships him and a cat that will ignore him." - Dereke Bruce
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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the fit is crucial and performance - a one piece that is compressing in the right places.... It cannot be butt ugly with hideous color palette but barring that don't care. However am now on a team so not much say....
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [meuf] [ In reply to ]
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I would wear a sleeveless one-piece if I could find one that fits right and looks good. I like the feel of having no waistband, especially when bent over in aero on the bike. However, it's tough to find a one-piece that fits well on both top and bottom. I'm 5'6", 135ish (less during the season). My problem is that I am top heavy, so I can fit into smaller shorts, but most tops either have that stupid built-in sports bra that does nothing for me, or they don't cover enough across the chest to cover my sports bra, or my chest takes up so much of the material that the top ends up looking too short and riding up to show my stomach (but only in the front).

In short, if you can design a one-piece that looks good and has enough coverage for someone with big boobs and a small butt, I'm all for it! Haha!
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I wear a one piece. So far I've been doing short course. Considering 2 piece this year because I'm gearing up for a 70.3. I like the comfort (e.g. no waistband) of the one piece, and not having to worry about things riding down or up. I don't bother with a bra underneath. Those who use 2 piece for long events, when you say 'convenience' is this for potty breaks or something else I'm not considering? I'll admit it -- I won't buy a suit that I don't like the look of. But poor fit, comfort, or quality is a deal breaker even if it looks great. A big thing for me is the chamois... I want something thin, and high quality (I prefer something more than a piece of fleece). Love the elite Louis Garneau one.

Edited to add that I would definitely consider some kind of Castelli body paint type shirt for the bike, provided it doesn't take too long to put on after the swim or take off after the bike -- and that it's comfortable (not constricting or too hot). I may be in the minority, but I can't stand tri shorts/suits that are short in the leg. I much prefer a long short. My suit goes almost to my knees.
Last edited by: surroundhound: Jan 25, 14 6:16
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [Tri3] [ In reply to ]
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Hi Tri3 - Is there a reason why you didn't buy the De Soto Sleeved Jersey?

Tracy M. De Soto
Femme Designer/CFO/Attorney
De Soto Sport
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [sdtrigirl] [ In reply to ]
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 I'm injured and all my tri clothing purchases are on hold.

No coasting in running and no crying in baseball
Last edited by: Tri3: Jan 26, 14 5:06
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Two piece always - I don't want to have to strip down to use the bathroom in a long course race and those one size fit all one-piece outfits rarely fit well on top AND the bottom.
Sleeves always. There is no cooling effect of bare skin when its' 100F and 80% humidity - sun coverage is priority one.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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2 piece, easier for pre-race potty, more pockets in the tri shirt. Sleeveless usually but I am wary of the sun, I would consider a sleeve with spf 50 fabric that is tight fitting like a cycling race jersey, no band around the arm, that would drive me nuts.

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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [jl2732] [ In reply to ]
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try the DeSoto one piece - they fit AWESOME
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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One piece for oly's and sprints. 2 piece for 70.3 and IM distance and definitely prefer sleeves, sleeveless makes for a bad sunburn on the longer distances on my fair Scandinavian skin. I have the de soto tri top with sleeves and really like it.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I always wear a two piece. Mainly its a fit issue. I have a really short torso (even more short than most traditionally size for women) and I can not get a good fit with a one piece. As I typically race long course races, I like having the option of switching shorts after the bike when transitioning to the run. And you mentioned wearing different brands. I also usually do this. I have yet to find a pair of shorts (from our team's uniform supplier) that are as nice as my desotos. I tend to wear my team jersey with my desotos.

I would love an option of a short sleeve jersey. I tend to train in short sleeves for added sun protection so it would be great to race in short sleeves.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I will always wear a 2 piece. Because it's easier to use the bathroom, even if it's only before and after the race if it's a short one.
Even if you made the most amazing looking one piece in the universe, I still won't wear it because I don't want to have to completely undress in the porta-potty.

AND, I prefer a built in bra - I don't have a 'crowded balcony' and I hate layers. So If it's one and done, great. I don't want to have to wear a tri top PLUS a sports bra. Ugh. That's just 'too much' going on. I feel for the larger chested ladies who have to do this. Must be a bummer.


I think one person put it well - there's no consensus.
Women come in far too many different shapes and sizes! It's wonderful on one hand, because variety is the spice of life... but it makes it TOUGH to create a clothing line.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [determination] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for the feedback. During my shop days, it seemed shelf bra's were unpopular even with "crowded balcony's"... it seems women just prefer to use what they like and works for them.

As for the "there's no consensus"... that was me :)
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I think I was trying to convey that I like the shelf bra and prefer something built in to nothing. Not sure if that was clear.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I prefer 2 pieces but I know some women who don't. Personally I think if shorts that worked for women were everywhere, there would be less women wanting a one piece tri suit. Whatever you do do not build in a bra. Let women pick the bra that works for them. And there is a trend towards cute but very functional women's gear (SOAS, Coeur and a couple others) so it seems more are going to same brand top/bottom.

I've recently started wearing (men's) bibs more and love them, I would love for women's specific bibs to be available, cycling and tri. I wouldn't race in them but I'd wear them a lot for training.

When I first started tris I wore a one pieced. But now I think even the most fit people look ridiculous in them. Especially if they aren't all one color. For some reason I don't think it looks bad on the ITU people, but on everyone else it makes me cringe.

I might be up for a sleeved top, mostly to keep sun off the shoulders, but I don't know I'd wear it in WTC non wetsuit legal races, having it pushed up over the shoulders seems uncomfy for the swim.
Last edited by: GhiaGirl: Jan 27, 14 12:06
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [determination] [ In reply to ]
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Duh... not sure what I was reading!
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Gotta love the lack of consensus - although there do seem to be trends!

I have worn both one piece and two. Lately more two piece because I am a mix and matcher (gasp!) AND I like the build in's - so if my one pieces don't have built in's I will often train in those, but race in a two piece that does have a 'jog bra' style top. don't care about ease of bathroom because getting sweaty spandex back on a sweaty body doesn't work anyway, so I just let it fly (gasp x 2!)

I would consider a cap sleeve option for sun and warmth. I admit, I think watching people run in bike jerseys looks weird, so unless it was designed really well I would opt for sleeveless.

styling matters to me because I hate looking like the brick shit-house I am - so anything that reduces that (black) is helpful!

Got the deSoto full back cooling sleeves last year and loved them for a non-humid race - suffered in a humid race (on the run) due to lack of evaporation - should have thought it through better! overall was super happy with the purchase!

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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [tridana] [ In reply to ]
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I prefer a 2 piece tri suit for all distances. Ideally any tri top would not have a built in bra. I could go without a sports bra and no one would notice. Support is not an issue. The problem that I've found with built in sports bras is that they are too short/tight at the top of the shoulders. The best tri and running shorts have a low and thicker waist band (SOAS tri shorts and Lululemon speed shorts). The only one piece tri suit that I've worn and liked was made by Kiwami. It's a unisex suit and not the most flattering (on me) but it was a great suit to wear for an Ironman. It felt like I wasn't wearing anything at all.. Wonderful fabric.
I would not wear any tri top with sleeves. But then again, I live in Texas.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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1pc swimsuit for racing through HIM; 2 pc for full IM. However... I'm now post baby and thinking of trying a 1 pc option... always sleeveless unless training temps require more.



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Last edited by: KT-tri: Jan 30, 14 11:26
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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Two piece always, sleeveless and preferably racer-back style and longer so I don't get the "tramp stamp" sunburn lines, for all distances.

I have seen very few one-pieces that I thought looked good, even on people with great bodies, and I know I'm going to have to hit the port-a-potty before, during, and/or right after a race of any distance.

After a couple of years of trial and error, I found some shorts that work well for me even for IM distance and I'll be wearing those until they're no longer fit to be worn in public. (Unfortunately, the company has a "new and improved??" version that I really don't like, so once I recover from an injury and drop the weight I've gained since I got hurt, I'll be in the market.) I alternate tops among a couple of clubs I belong to. I prefer the built-in shelf bra (lighter, dries faster) but none of my "official" tops have one since most of the women in my groups prefer not to have them. I'm in Houston with high temps and high humidity - I prefer a good sunscreen to more fabric.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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i wear one piece for sprint, shorts and something else for HIM and change for each leg of an IM (swimsuit, bibs/jersey, running shorts, new top). I would wear 2 piece but for teh flab factor and i like to have my shoulders covered here in the tropics to protect from the sun. winter time is when we drag out our sleeveless stuff.

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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [meuf] [ In reply to ]
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meuf wrote:
try the DeSoto one piece - they fit AWESOME

LOVE the compression but the chafing in the groin area killed it for me. i'm going to try it again in a sprint (and loss of weight) but i read the same complaint from a skinny girl too so not sure if that will do it.

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit


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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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AndresLD wrote:
Hello all,

Let me preface this by saying that I've got no concrete numbers/details, but it seems that women tend to prefer the two piece option for tri clothing instead of a one-piece racing suit (of course there's exceptions). Is this accurate? Is it a matter of convenience? Fit? Versatility (picking one brand for short, and a different one for the top)... I'm trying to gather some information and figured this is a good forum.

Also, with the trend we're starting to see of short sleeved options for tri tops/suits, is this something you (as a woman triathlete) see adopting? or will you continue to opt for the sleeveless options?

Thanks!
2-piece sleeveless only, when racing.



"Though she be but little, she is fierce" ~Shakespeare | Powered by HD Coaching | 2014 Wattie Ink Triathlon Team | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I keep revising what I do, but at moment this is what I am doing:
I would love to just race in tri shorts and a jogbra but my issue is sunburn. It's too hard to sunscreen my back by myself and you never know if volunteers will be there to put sunscreen on you.
So I do the swim (with a swimskin/wetsuit) in trishorts/jogbra, then slip on a bike jersey that zips up from the bottom. No pulling it over my head!! Quick and easy,
This is faster than trying to make sure I don't miss spots on my back with sunscreen. I do longer events (20+ Ironmans, 9x Kona) so ten extra seconds in transition typically is not crucial. I can't go from being inside all winter to suddenly having the sun beating down on my back for 5-12 hours.
I also like extra long jogbras that go well down onto my ribs so that I am not always yanking them down. Swimmers shoulders here.
I should confess, the last I looked I am the only one in my AG in my next 70.3 (Panama) so it does take the pressure off of fast transitions.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [NMGal] [ In reply to ]
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Quote:
I would love to just race in tri shorts and a jogbra but my issue is sunburn. It's too hard to sunscreen my back by myself and you never know if volunteers will be there to put sunscreen on you.

I do this, with this: http://www.amazon.com/...inuous/dp/B0063A432W

It's nice to get a cool spray in transition, but expect a lot of wolf whistles if you race long in just your sports bra.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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I bought an one piece as my first tri suit - Zoot. I chose it because of price and reasonable shipping costs to my country. Figured out that if I will get an incorrect size the money I lose isn't that big. After 2 seasons I definitely prefer a two piece, but probably I will discontinue tris because ofknee problems. Last year I bought a tri top but did not manage to buy separate shorts yet.
I prefer the two piece because:
easy to put on and take off, also easier for bathroom breaks
can get a light colored top and dark colored bottom - I do not want to go all black in hot weather but I look horrible in sky blue one piece sausage skin.
hope for a wider choice with longer inseam for the shorts
can get a different size shorts and top

And please - do not have the in built in bras for all the tops, they are really ridiculous! I have a C cup and the bra does not provide any support at all. At the same time the lower seam runs exactly across my breasts, really ugly.
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Re: Race Clothing Question for the Women of ST [AndresLD] [ In reply to ]
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AndresLD wrote:
Hello all,

Let me preface this by saying that I've got no concrete numbers/details, but it seems that women tend to prefer the two piece option for tri clothing instead of a one-piece racing suit (of course there's exceptions). Is this accurate? Is it a matter of convenience? Fit? Versatility (picking one brand for short, and a different one for the top)... I'm trying to gather some information and figured this is a good forum.

Also, with the trend we're starting to see of short sleeved options for tri tops/suits, is this something you (as a woman triathlete) see adopting? or will you continue to opt for the sleeveless options?

Thanks!

One piece for sprints & Olympic distance, 2 piece for HIM & IM - always sleeveless.

I don't like sleeves at the best of times so I don't see wanting to wear them while racing, however, I'm thinking of picking up DeSoto arm coolers to wear for some of the really hot days.

************************
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