Of leotards, unitards, spandex,lycra and other skin-tight garments...

Triathlon Gear Lesson One - Tri Suits

A Triathlon suit usually comes in either of 2 designs - a 1-piece or 2-piece. They are made from very stretchable, but breathable materials - which usually ends up in a merry mix of Lycra, Nylon, and other proprietary 'skins' which have their own claim-to-fames. Tri-suits usually have zippers - some in front, some at the back - which, at the end of the race, are most often zipped down and stuffed with all sorts of sponges to help fight dehydration.

I just recently found out why, in longer distance events (like a Half Ironman or Ironman distance), racers prefer to wear a 2-piece - simply because it is easier to take a leak.

On your right is a sample of a Cervelo 1-piece Tri-suit. Lovely.

A tri-suit IS NOT A LEOTARD. It is ALSO NOT A UNITARD. For those who don't know any better, here's the 411 on UNITARDS and LEOTARDS...

According to Wikipedia a Leotard is a 'skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso and body but leaves the legs free. It was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1842–1870), about whom the song "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze" was written.Leotards are worn by acrobats, gymnasts, dancers, thespians, and circus performers both as practice garments and performance costumes. They are often worn together with tights. There are sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved leotards. A variation is the unitard, which also covers the legs.'



Although some triathletes have been known to be acrobats in the water, and have been seen dancing whilst crossing the finish line, they DO NOT wear LEOTARDS.

A Unitard, on the other hand, is 'a skin-tight one-piece garment with long legs and sometimes long sleeves. It differs from a leotard in that a leotard does not have long legs. Superheroes are often depicted wearing unitards.






Although some triatheletes may be considered superheroes, they DO NOT wear UNITARDS.



A cycling bib is a 'pair of cycling shorts that are held up by a bib (integral suspenders/braces) instead of an elastic waistband. Pro and serious riders tend to prefer bibbed shorts over non-bibbed shorts, due to the discomfort that often occurs with an elastic waistband, such as tightness (digging into skin) and chafing. The bib part of the short is made of spandex and polyester with large sections of netting to help cool down the rider.'

Although some unitards may look like cycling bibs, cyclists DO NOT wear UNITARDS.

As a side note, Freddie Mercury (the legendary frontman of Queen) was known to wear alot of Unitards during their concerts (or were they really Cycling Bibs? :P).

Was Freddie Mercury an avid cyclist? How can we forget his song 'Bicycle Race' which came out in the album 'Jazz'. In the same album, he tells 'Fat Bottom Girls' to 'Get on your bikes and ride'. Avid Cyclist? Perhaps.

I want to ride my bicycle...I want to ride my bike...

Talk the talk, walk the walk. Next time you talk to, or about a traithlete or cyclist, do us all a favor and DO NOT use the words LEOTARD and UNITARD. Unless, of course, you want us to call you a RETARD.

End of Lesson One ;)

PS: Not all people look horrendous in UNITARDS and LEOTARDS. See below...