What To Look For
Like the people who wear them, triathlon suits have to do a variety of things. They need to provide mobility and minimize water resistance on a swim, the need to dry quickly and provide comfort and support on a bike ride, and they have to wick away sweat and prevent chafing on a run. When shopping for a triathlon suit, opt for one that's composed of water-repellent fabrics like Louis Garneau's Tiger Shark suit, which one of Bicycling's reviewers called "the most hydrophobic suit I've ever pulled on." It should also have a microfiber chamois pad that keeps you comfortable on the saddle during the bike portion of the race.
Common Pitfalls
Due to their tight fit, triathlon suits tend to have very specialized fits. Many websites provide specific torso lengths and widths to allow for a specific fit, but make sure to try on your suit before you race in it. If you purchase your suit online, make sure to buy it from a site that has a good return/exchange policy if it doesn't fit the way it should.
Where To Buy
Triathlon-specific stores like Fleet Feet Sports usually carry a variety of triathlon suits, but some of the best deals can be found online. Websites like Triathletesports.com and Amazon.com have a selection of decently-priced suits to choose from as well as solid return/exchange policies if the suit doesn't fit properly.
Cost
Triathlon suits can range in price from around $50 for a basic model to the $300-plus range for a high-tech suit. Unless you're looking for a top of the line model, you can expect to spend somewhere around $100 for a suit that will keep you comfortable during a race.
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