Would like to get a tri suit but dont know where to start

Some of the "big name" brands are Zoot, De Soto, Louis Garneau.  Also, a lot of brands that I think of as being "primarily" running or cycling brands have been making some nice looking tri clothing (Sugoi, Pearl Izumi).  

I would definitely try to find a local shop that sells some tri gear (LBS or LRS is a good place to start), because the sizing is really variable between brands, and you will most likely need a larger size of tri suit than you would in street clothes.  

Also, the tops of one-piece tri suits tend to run REALLY small.  My tri shorts are a size L, but the top is an XL.  And I usually wear a size 10 in jeans and a Medium in t-shirts.  So it might be worth it for you to look into getting a separate tri top and tri shorts.

Edited by kat_astrophe 2009-06-22 4:04 PM

As a guy I have really liked my Louis Garneau tri suit (2 piece) the tops are definately designed to be ultra snug at this point but that is ok, motivates me to loose the last of my flab. For a good idea of what is out there check out the large section on tri clothing at Trisports.com

I have a sugoi and a Desoto Tri short and I think they are both good. I like the Desoto's more because the Sugoi have the annoying rubber band at the end of the shorts.

I love 2XU and DeSoto...both are great quality!

If you're in Omaha go to Highgear in La Vista. That's honestly the only multisport store in the city that I can even think of. Or buy online as people have said. If you go to Highgear they're reasonably priced and you can at least try on things so you don't get it in the mail and hate it.

Have a louis garneau skinsuit, and am pretty happy with fit/comfort. And yeah, it will absolutely motivate you to eat only coffee and air for the whole season. yikes.

I have two trisuits by Zoot that I got from Trisports.com.  I feel they run exactly by their size/measurement charts.  Cute styling, comfortable. LOVE them both.  I really disliked the Louis Garneau suits I tried...legs too long for my taste, and very thin, somewhat see through fabric.

Orca, Zoot, 2XU.

You can get one piece or two piece suits.

I have an REI near me but the store did not have a big selection of tri suits especially in one piece so I chose to order a few from trisports.com.  They had every brand and like another poster mentioned if you follow the size chart they are pretty accurate.  I ordered a desoto, a zoot and a craft. I am keeping the desoto and sending the other 2 back but I also liked the zoot. They were easy to order from and easy to send back. As a side note I also noticed recently that city sports has a decent variety of trisuits if you have one near you.

I will run by there and see what I can find. Thanks

I have an LG and love it.  It is thin but I am male so not an issue for me.  But it is the only tri suit I have ever had so have nothing to compare it to.  I am purchasing a Zoot and will be able to compare.  I would love to purchase the Zoot Ultra TX but the damm zipper is in the back.  That is a problem for me.  I like to take down the top on runs so I need a front zipper.