To make your shopping decisions easier we have been working closely with suppliers, our sponsored athletes and passionate cyclists to produce an easy-to-follow, useful and informative guide to help you make the correct choice when choosing Tri Shorts.

Any products featured in this guide will have been actively researched / tested to find the qualities that sets them apart from others. Spend a few minutes to read through and if you still need a little extra help simply contact us and we will be glad to help

Introduction to Tri Shorts

Like a trisuit, tri shorts can be worn for an entire triathlon together with a tri top and are made from the same quick-drying, breathable material. By wearing a pair of tri shorts and a tri top underneath your wetsuit, you are more than adequately dressed to swim, bike and run without the hassle of having to change outfits between disciplines – saving you precious time in transition.

Tri shorts and tops, often referred to in triathlon as a ‘two-piece’, differ very little to trisuits, with the obvious exception that trisuits are all-in-one outfits. For this reason, whether you opt for a one-piece or a two-piece largely comes down to personal preference. Many triathletes prefer the sleek, ‘racer’ feel to an all-in-one trisuit, while others prefer the two-piece look. It is worth noting, however, that if you are taking part in a triathlon which could feature a non-wetsuit swim, trisuits are by far the better option.

Tri shorts usually have a micro-chamois in them which is thick enough to provide comfort while in the saddle but thin and discrete enough to allow you to run unimpeded. They are made from material which is breathable and dries quickly once you’re on the bike and should be tight, but not so tight that they are uncomfortable.

Some tri shorts feature pockets in the sides or rear which can be handy for stowing away energy gels or bars, but for sprint or supersprint distance races it is unlikely you would need them. With Ironman and 70.3 races enjoying such a surge in popularity recently, tri gear manufacturers are responding to this by producing apparel aimed at both shorter and longer distance races. When looking for a pair of tri shorts for a longer distance race, it is vital they have good size pockets which will be able to hold the nutrition (gels, bars, etc) which you will need to carry with you on the run and/or bike.

Other features to look for in tri shorts include flatlock stitching and leg grippers. Seams which have been flatlock stitched shouldn’t rub or chafe you while leg grippers will keep the shorts from riding up as you bike or run.

It is also important to highlight the fact that all of the leading brands have their own women’s specific tri shorts, so women looking for a pair would be foolish not to opt for one of these which have been designed especially for the female form.

Tri shorts are usually quite long in the leg and will vary in price according to the number of features they offer and the material which they are made from. Wiggle’s tri shorts and briefs range in price from £10.99 to £55 with the top-end shorts geared towards speed and performance. To help you make your decision about which pair is right for you, here’s a quick guide to what to look for in each of our three price-determined categories: entry level, intermediate and performance.

Click here to view our complete range of Tri Shorts.

Click here to view all Wiggle Buyers Guides.