Comfort and ease of mobility are important considerations when choosing clothing for competing in a triathlon. A triathlon starts with a swim, moves on to a bike race and ends with a running race. Triathlon distances vary from sprint triathlons with shorter distances to full-fledged Ironman triathlons, but the race order remains the same for all triathlons. Competitors often change clothing between race segments, which makes a fast transition important, because that time is included in the total race time.
Swimming
You should investigate what the temperature of the water is likely to be when planning what to wear for the swimming portion of a triathlon. A bathing suit is usually perfectly fine, but wetsuits are allowed under the rules of USA Triathlon, the governing body for the sport. However, if the water is over 78 degrees and you use a wetsuit, you won't be allowed to receive awards or prizes. It's possible to wear a bathing suit for the entire race for quick transitions. Wear a sports bra under your bathing suit, because you will be changing in the open if you choose to use different clothing after the swim.
Biking
After the swim you will head to the bicycle transition area where your gear is located. You can pull on bike shorts over your swimsuit, but keep in mind that they will get wet and may be uncomfortable. Specially made triathlon shorts are designed to be worn for swimming, biking and running, cutting down on the changing time. You can wear any kind of tank top or shirt. Balance your need for comfort, modesty and speed. Now is the time to put on socks, regardless of the shoes you choose to cycle with. You will want the extra padding for the run. You can wear special cycling shoes or the shoes you will wear for the run. A helmet is required.
Running
By the time you transition from biking to running, you will probably already be wearing most of the clothes you need to finish the race. If you wore cycling shoes you will want to change into durable, comfortable and broken-in running shoes. Bike shorts are acceptable for running, but keep in mind that some bike shorts have extra padding that might be uncomfortable during a run. You can change into running shorts in the transition area. You may want to consider a hat or sunglasses, depending on conditions.
Trisuits
For serious athletes and those who just don't want to deal with the hassle of changing too many clothes during the transitions, a trisuit is ideal. A trisuit is a one-piece garment that closely resembles a wetsuit, but is constructed more like a bathing suit -- it's a hybrid bathing suit and racing clothing combination. Trisuits are thinner and more flexible than wetsuits and are designed to be worn for an entire race. With a trisuit, most of your transition time will be spent on footgear. Wearing a trisuit for swimming does not affect eligibility for awards and prizes.
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