I just went through my Triathlon T-Shirt drawer, and I have numerous 100% polyester T-shirts that I never wear because they make me feel too hot, difficult to sweat, and generally uncomfortable. I do a lot of outdoor farm work in T-Shirts, but I can not stand to wear polyester.
So does anyone actually wear these T-Shirts that come with each Triathlon? What for?
I notice some race organizers give out a blend of 50% cotton/polyester, which I find I can wear comfortably.
Is there some underlying reason why many race organizers go with 100% polyester?
Are polyester Trisuits faster than other fabrics?
What about nylon and spandex?
As a River Guide I wore a lot of polyester because it keeps you warm when it is wet and it wicks body cooling moisture during cold weather, but during August in the Southeast USA, I do not need to be any warmer.
I just went through my Triathlon T-Shirt drawer, and I have numerous 100% polyester T-shirts that I never wear because they make me feel too hot, difficult to sweat, and generally uncomfortable. I do a lot of outdoor farm work in T-Shirts, but I can not stand to wear polyester.
So does anyone actually wear these T-Shirts that come with each Triathlon? What for?
I notice some race organizers give out a blend of 50% cotton/polyester, which I find I can wear comfortably.
Is there some underlying reason why many race organizers go with 100% polyester?
Are polyester Trisuits faster than other fabrics?
What about nylon and spandex?
As a River Guide I wore a lot of polyester because it keeps you warm when it is wet and it wicks body cooling moisture during cold weather, but during August in the Southeast USA, I do not need to be any warmer.
Most RDs gave them out because it was the cool ‘premium’ thing to give a technical run tun. The smart (IMO) RDs did the 50/50 blend, with the vintage heathered look.
I admit it - I’m too cheap and lazy to wear anything BUT those t-shirts. I wear them all the time - under my work clothes, as well as during all my workouts. I couldn’t give a hoot about the “Ironman” or any other logos on the shirt - I just wear it because I have it and it fits.
That said, I don’t think they’re particularly amazing, and yes, can sometimes get uncomfortable.
Most of my tech Tees are 100% poly but Some of the fitted ones are 15% spandex. I run in them in the summer and they work great. I just hate the ones with large plastic screenprints (that don’t breathe).
Once in a blue moon I’ll wear one on a run. But normally, it’s too warm so I’ll wear a singlet or it’s too cold so I’ll wear a full sleeved mock T-shirt.
When I’m not working out, I wear the 100% cotton T-shirts from races all the time during the summer. During the winter, I’ll wear them under my dress shirts. They’re so much more comfortable. (And when they’re worn out, they make for great cleaning rags.)