The classic method for attaching race number (tyvek or cloth) to the jersey is with safety pins. There certainly must be a method that doesn’t leave a bunch of holes in the jersey, smooths out the number to reduce the sail effect and is removeable. Anyone tried spray adhesives like 3M Super 77 or 88? some other way?
be like bigzach and stuff it down the front of your shorts.
I have heard a new method, haven’t seen yet but I think it works better than safety pins. Click HERE
my favorite method, which does use safety pins (but only makes 1 hole w/ each, and I can’t notice them on my jersey) is to attach the number the number at the very bottom of the jersey (this only works for 2 piece suits), using only 2 pins, basically hanging it from the thicker band of material that goes around the bottom of the jersey. Then, you can flip the number underneath for the swim/bike, and flip it out for the run. Doesn’t feel uncomfortable at all, and 1 less thing to worry about in transition. I would be interested to hear if anyone else does this.
The classic method for attaching race number (tyvek or cloth) to the jersey is with safety pins. There certainly must be a method that doesn’t leave a bunch of holes in the jersey
Wow, how big are the safety pins in your part of the world? 
there is something called a race belt designed specifically for this purpose 
I have heard of people who wear 2-piece suits have it tucked in with their pants and when they get to the run they whip it out
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race belt (come in a couple of different models)
double sided tape
shoelace
think the glue and tape would leave marks on your jersey too
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Besides ruining the ozone, I think Super 77 would ruin your jersey in a way that safety pins couldn’t even touch.
I use a race belt.
But you’ve gotten me curious. If someone were to wear something like this: http://www.hunterkemper.com/attheraces-Pages/Image19.html can you just write your number on your belly with a marker or use the number blocks like at the fancy triath-a-lons?
For an inexpensive alternative to a race belt, try this:
Take out your oldest, rattiest, race striped Fruit of the Looms. With a sharp scissors, carefully remove all material below the elastic band. Dispose of the non-elastic portion. Step into the elastic band, and pull up to your waist (just like putting your F 'o Looms on). Attach race number using safety pins to the elastic band.
From this point, you have the option of leaving the race number on for the swim and the bike, or removing it until you complete the fore mentioned portions of the race.
I did precisely this with an old pair of Fruit-of-the-Looms, but, fortunately for everyone, the goodie bag at the race I was doing included a race belt, which I also used for my second IM. When using a racebelt, it’s a good idea (which I got from this forum) to crinkle it up a bit (either roughly, or prissy accordion-style) so it has a bit more flexibility and doesn’t get in the way. j
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For Hawaii 06 and 07, I sowed it into my jersey, lower back. that way I can swim with it and get on the bike without a race belt. I have a seperate number on a race belt for the run. Takes about 30min sowing, but thats never an issue during taper week. Very clean, no fuss.
JH
“I have heard of people who wear 2-piece suits have it tucked in with their pants and when they get to the run they whip it out”
My wife gets grumpy when I’m away for 3 days as it is…the last thing I need is to describe my race and tell her I had to whip it out on the run
I’ll throw another vote in for the race belt. If it’s too flappy on the bike, you can always just tuck in into your jersey pocket.
For triathlons a race belt is the best choice IMO. If they do not allow race belts then velcro (as in the below image) is a good choice. If you do it right you can even wear it during the bike with very little drag.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/3034/coachbrianandmegu8.jpg
For TT’s I use a 3M tape that has adhesive on both sides (forgot the name but it is sold in Home Depot).
I see no reason why bother to use something else than a belt if there is no rule that prevents that.
Sergio
For Hawaii 06 and 07, I sowed it into my jersey,
for IMs (long days for me) i’ve ended up being happiest with sewing my numbers on, too. i’ve done it with pins and the wind has either ripped them off or started to, which is annoying. i also sew the run number on my singlet as i don’t want a race belt around my waist for so long. since i’ve had the numbers sewn on i haven’t noticed them—which is exactly what i was after, so i think i’ll stick with this plan.
peggy
Just bandit the race, then you don’t have to worry about the race number.
I laughed so hard when I read that
jaretj
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You wouldn’t want to see me wearing something like that…