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 De Soto Sport Company Womens Triathlon Suit With Trisports Belt Worn Once $55.99 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 4m Buy It Now for only: $55.99 |
 Hind Lightly Padded Triathlon Cycling Tri Shorts BLACK Mens Womens Unisex Size M $3.80 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 46m |
 NEW PEARL IZUMI TRI TRIATHLON TOP WOMENS SMALL $22.00 Time Remaining: 15d 5h 53m Buy It Now for only: $22.00 |
 Zoot ULTRA Lightly Padded Triathlon Cycling Tri Shorts BLACK Womens Size S $5.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 52m |
 WOMENS ORCA SONAR SLEEVELESS TRIATHLON WETSUIT CLOSEOUT FREE SHIP $129.00 Time Remaining: 28d 2h 45m Buy It Now for only: $129.00 |
 WOMENS ORCA SONAR FULL SLEEVE TRIATHLON WETSUIT CLOSEOUT FREE SHIP $169.00 Time Remaining: 19d 42m Buy It Now for only: $169.00 |
 ZOOT Lightly Padded Triathlon Cycling Tri Shorts BLACK BLUE Womens Size S $15.50 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 45m |
 PEARL iZUMi Womens PRO Tri Speed Suit XS S With Bra Triathlon NEW NWT $64.99 Time Remaining: 17d 3h 11m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 |
 2XU womans triathlon singlet tankini size M $31.95 Time Remaining: 18d 4h 19m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 Pearl iZUMi Select Series Womens Triathlon Shorts Size L Large Black $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 5h 24m |
 Tri Jewelry Pewter Triathlon Pendant on Adjustable cord for Men Women 0968 $8.98 Time Remaining: 8d 1h 30m Buy It Now for only: $8.98 |
 Womens XL One Piece SUGOI TRIATHLON Cycling Swimming Running Padded Pants Jersey $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 6h 15m |
 TYR Splice triathlon womens WOB bottoms size S $19.95 Time Remaining: 5d 22h 24m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 NEW Louis Garneau Womens Medium Elite Lazer Tek Tri Triathlon Sleeveless Top $54.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 36m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 PEARL IZUMI TRIATHLON SUIT ONE PIECE WOMENS LARGE TRIATHLON JERSEY SHORTS NICE $27.99 Time Remaining: 5d 6h 49m |
 WOMENS SYNERGY ENDORPHIN 2011 FULL SLEEVE TRIATHLON WETSUIT CLOSEOUT FREE SHIP $169.95 Time Remaining: 28d 2h 45m Buy It Now for only: $169.95 |
 Louis Garneau Women Elite Triathlon Suit M Tri Race NEW $108.00 Time Remaining: 7d 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $108.00 |
 Louis Garneau womens triathlon 1 pc Shark Power Suit blue white XL MSRP 149 NWT $39.93 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 26m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 2XU womans feme hipster triathlon shorts size S $34.95 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 30m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 NWT Biemme Womens Triathlon Tri Shirt Top size XL Red NEW With Tags X Large $4.44 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 30m |
 TRIATHLETE PARKING Sign Triathlon Men Women FREE DECALS $9.99 Time Remaining: 7d 22h 17m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Zoot Sports Womens Recovery Pant Large Triathlon Yoga New w Tags Free Shipping $15.99 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 BNWT Xterra Vortex 3 Sleeveless Womens Triathlon Wetsuit Medium HALF PRICE $135.00 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 1m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 |
 De Soto Zip Tri Jersey Medium Womens New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $16.99 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 50m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 2XU womans feme hipster triathlon shorts size L $34.95 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 31m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 NWT Biemme Womens Triathlon Tri Shirt Top size Large Red NEW With Tags $4.44 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 2h 31m |
 ZOOT Womens Triathlon Running V Neck Stretch Fitness Top Pink MEDIUM $17.95 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 1m Buy It Now for only: $17.95 |
 2XU Womens Endurance Triathlon Singlet Medium White $49.99 Time Remaining: 28d 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 New ProMotion Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit Womens 6 Power Glide Skin Tri Suit $99.00 Time Remaining: 3d 23m |
 DeSoto Sport Womens Support Tri Top Small New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $17.99 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 I Love My Triathlete Triathlon Decal USA Red White Blue Woman Men Bumper Sticker $5.88 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 18h 55m |
 NEW 2XU Womens Small Running Fitness Tri Triathlon Shorts WR1231b Black $29.99 Time Remaining: 25d 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Louis Garneau womens Tri Top XLarge New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $17.99 Time Remaining: 7d 17h 56m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Lot of 4 Womens Cycling Triathlon T Shirts Zoot Pearl Izumi Conti Blue S $7.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 8h 5m |
 NEW Orca Womens Small Classic One Piece Swimsuit Tri Triathlon Swimming Black $29.99 Time Remaining: 25d 5h 38m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 2XU womans feme triathlon singlet size L $39.95 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 7m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 NEW Blueseventy Helix Iornman Triathlon Wetsuit Womens Medium Small $227.56 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 23m |
 Womens SUGOI Triathlon Cycling T Back Tank Top L $15.30 Time Remaining: 14d 21h 43m Buy It Now for only: $15.30 |
 De Soto Womens Triathlon Bra Top Size L Large Mesh Spandex Turquoise Silver Wht $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 39m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 2XU Womens Tankini Triathlon Singlet Medium White $42.99 Time Remaining: 28d 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 2XU womans triathlon endurance singlet size L $34.95 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 41m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 Womens ORCA triathlon tri suit 2 styles 5 sizes $12.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 7h 35m |
 2XU womans competition triathlon shorts size XL $34.95 Time Remaining: 14d 23h 44m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 2XU womans triathlon endurance singlet size S $34.95 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 40m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 BRAND NEW ORCA WOMENS EQUIP SLEEVELESS TRIATHLON WETSUIT MEDIUM BLACK WEQS10 $229.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 25m |
 NEW Louis Garneau Womens Medium Comp Tri Triathlon Sleeveless Race Top $19.99 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 22m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 NEW Womens Louis Garneau Triathlon Sports Top XL $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 48m Buy It Now for only: $16.92 |
 2XU R1 Womens Triathlon Wetsuit Medium Swimming Full sleeve $175.00 Time Remaining: 18d 21h 35m Buy It Now for only: $175.00 |
 WOMENS SYNERGY ENDORPHIN FULL SLEEVE TRIATHLON WETSUIT CLOSEOUT FREE SHIP $199.00 Time Remaining: 28d 2h 45m Buy It Now for only: $199.00 |
 new Champion System womens XS triathlon racesuit tri suit Body Zen msrp127 $48.99 Time Remaining: 3d 6h 11m Buy It Now for only: $54.92 |
 Triathlon Womens Shirt Long Sleeve Black Jersey Play2Hard $12.00 Time Remaining: 15d 20h 31m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 NEW 2XU Womens Medium Comp Tri Singlet Triathlon Running Swim Bra Top WT1770A $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 5h 51m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 K Swiss Womens WS Triathlon top USA Medium zip front $20.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 5m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 Zoot Sports Womens Cycling Jersey Large New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $19.99 Time Remaining: 7d 18h 11m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Orca RS1 triathlon womens race suit size 12 Medium $129.95 Time Remaining: 26d 4h 46m Buy It Now for only: $129.95 |
 K Swiss Womens WS Triathlon shorts USA Medium $20.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 9m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
 NEW 2XU Womens X Small Comp Tri Triathlon Running Shorts WT1842B Black $39.99 Time Remaining: 13d 4h 3m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 NEW ORCA WOMENS 38 FULL SLEEVE TRIATHLON WETSUIT BLACK ORANGE LARGE W38F08L $449.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 23m |
 SportHill Synergy Bra XL Womens New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $11.99 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 55m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 2xu Womens comp tri shorts triathlon new M GRY WT1842b $46.39 Time Remaining: 7d 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $46.39 |
 Zoot PERFORMANCE Ultra Triathlon Jersey Womens Medium $22.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 40m Buy It Now for only: $28.00 |
 2XU Womens Endurance Triathlon Singlet Medium Blue $49.99 Time Remaining: 28d 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 De Soto T Back Top Small Womens New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $13.99 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 59m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 new Zoot TRIfit 3 S womens triathlon shorts cycling swimmming running msrp59 $32.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 5h 48m |
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 2XU Womens Compression Tri Singlet Triathlon Jersey Size XS $35.00 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 1m Buy It Now for only: $70.00 |
 SportHill Tee Womens Small New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $10.99 Time Remaining: 8d 19h 45m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 DeSoto sport Womens T Black Top Large New w Tags Free Shipping Triathlon $16.99 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 38m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 new Zoot TRIfit 3 M womens triathlon shorts cycling swimmming running msrp59 $34.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 48m Buy It Now for only: $38.92 |
 NEW 2XU Womens Medium Comp Tri Triathlon Running Shorts WT1842B Black $44.99 Time Remaining: 25d 5h 39m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 2xu comp tri singlet womens BLACK triathlon XS run $44.00 Time Remaining: 7d 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $44.00 |
 Orca Evo full triathlon wetsuit womens small S $45.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 5h |
 Orca 226 Womens triathlon pant Women size 14 L $41.95 Time Remaining: 21d 22h 55m Buy It Now for only: $41.95 |
 New TYR Womens Cycling Triathlon Jersey Size Small $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 2m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Triathlon Snickers Team Marathon ZOCA Marathon Running Jersey Womens Medium VGC $29.00 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 31m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 |
 2XU Womens Endurance Triathlon Singlet 1 pocket Medium 2011 Blue New WT1a $44.00 Time Remaining: 7d 23h 20m Buy It Now for only: $44.00 |
 TRIATHLETE Girl PARKING Metal Sign Triathlon woman tri $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 19h 53m |
 Orca 226 triathlon womens triathlon Support Bra size 14 L $31.95 Time Remaining: 5d 22h 47m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 2xu Womens comp tri short triathlon new X Small BLK $35.00 Time Remaining: 18d 21h 25m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Sugoi BODY ARMOUR SleeveLess Triathlon Jersey Womens Medium $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 3m Buy It Now for only: $23.00 |
 2XU womans feme triathlon singlet size XL $39.95 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 8m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 NEW 2XU Womens Medium Comp Tri Triathlon Running Shorts WT1842B Royal Blue $39.99 Time Remaining: 12d 22h 41m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 womens triathlon suit nwt xs iron man $9.00 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 31m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |
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 6 Triathlon Decals USA + Purple Pink Black Womans Mens $5.88 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 9m |
 2012 Castelli Body Paint Donna Womens Black Triathlon Tri Cycling Shorts M NEW $142.45 Time Remaining: 12d 22h 10m Buy It Now for only: $142.45 |
 Sugoi IRON CHICKS Triathlon Jersey Womens Large Custom Unique $29.99 Time Remaining: 19d 4h 8m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 2 +1 PINK Triathlon Decals Womans Tri Girl Car Window $4.99 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 9m |
 2XU WT1627B womans triathlon competition shorts size XL $39.95 Time Remaining: 12d 1h 43m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 2xu endurance tri singlet womens grey triathlon med $52.00 Time Remaining: 21d 8h 15m Buy It Now for only: $52.00 |
 Nike Dri Fit Triathlon Cycling Jersey Tank Top Built in Bra Blue Womens Medium $0.99 Time Remaining: 5d 7h 10m |
 NEW Orca Womens Small 226 Support Top Athletic Running Tri Triathlon Bra Black $54.99 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 20m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 |
 TYR Competitor Triathlon Singlet Womens Sz S $23.99 Time Remaining: 4d 16h 30m |
 NEW 2XU Womens Large Comp Tri Triathlon Running Shorts WT1842B Black $49.99 Time Remaining: 14d 5h 58m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 Orca 226 triathlon womens triathlon Support Singlet size 14 L $47.95 Time Remaining: 5d 7h 7m Buy It Now for only: $47.95 |
 TRIATHLON ZOOT WOMENS padded SHORTS TOP JERSEY TRI COMBO all sizes bike run $44.95 Time Remaining: 1h 16m |
 NEW Orca Womens Small One Piece Swimsuit Tri Triathlon Swimming Black $24.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 24m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 2xu endurance tri singlet womens Black triathlon XS $56.00 Time Remaining: 7d 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $56.00 |
 TRIATHLON ZOOT WOMEN TRI COMBO TOP SHORT all sizes NEW padded tri short $54.95 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 18m |
 2XU womans competition triathlon singlet size XL $36.95 Time Remaining: 5d 25m Buy It Now for only: $36.95 |
Women's Triathlon Wetsuit – A Competitive Advantage
In western civilization, the subject of sport has historically been a primarily male activity. As societal attitudes toward gender have evolved, the concept of women engaging in sporting activity has slowly become more generally accepted within society. Modern competitive sports are mostly divided into various classes to allow for greater fairness of competition across a wide variety of ability levels. Being that gender is one of these dividers, sports equipment designers have developed a wide range of women-specific equipment that provide women with a level of competition virtually unprecedented throughout recorded history.
In the area of triathlon specifically, the triathlon wetsuit is a piece of equipment first designed with the male athlete in mind. Being that wetsuits are a fairly recent development in triathlon, it wasn’t long before companies began producing women's triathlon wetsuits as the market of female triathletes continues to expand.
Using wetsuits for triathlon events is a bit controversial for many athletes, but an overwhelming majority of competitors exist who fully embrace the idea of wearing a wetsuit during the swim portion of a triathlon. Both sides have been able to produce valid arguments for either side of the issue, but the fact remains that triathlon wetsuits provide a quantifiable edge over those traithletes who choose to swim without one. If you are a female competitor and are contemplating the purchase of a women’s triathlon wetsuit, there are a few things of which to be aware while searching for the perfect suit.
Be sure that what you are purchasing is truly a women's triathlon suit on not some type of unisex suit. Since women's and men's body shape differ a great deal, you want to be certain you are getting a suit that is best tailored to your body. Always look for women specific sizes as well, since the small-medium-large-xl type suits will most likely not fit properly.
Triathlon wetsuits perform best when the fit is snug, generally not more than a quarter inch between the body and the suit throughout. The greater room between you and the suit, the greater drag you will experience while swimming due to water and air pockets in the suit. Excess material also increases the possibility of chaffing and blisters, something that will be a great hindrance throughout the rest of your race. You'll know the suit you are wearing is too tight if it pulls up at the groin or down on the shoulders. If the suit does fit properly and you fear chaffing may still occur, use a good lubricant such as Bodyglide, which won't damage the suit like petroleum-based products.
Buoyancy is one of the great advantages of wearing a triathlon wetsuit for many reasons – aids weaker swimmers, conserves energy for the bike/run, provides warmth, hydrodynamic properties. That being said, buoyancy in wetsuits is a result of their primary construction material, neoprene. Triathlon in general does not allow suits with neoprene greater than 5 mm in thickness, and triathlon wetsuit manufacturers have pretty well gotten neoprene panel placement down to a science when it comes to wetsuit design. Thicker neoprene reduces flexibility but increases buoyancy characteristics, and the reverse of this is also true. Experienced triathletes will tell you the most efficient combination is approximately this - 5mm neoprene body panels, 1.5mm on the arms and 3mm for the lower legs. Once you find a women's triathlon wetsuit with these ratios, finding the proper fit and surface material is all you really need to worry about. Also, avoid sleeveless wetsuits as well, since arm opening on these suits allows in water, increasing drag and using up body heat.
If you are considering purchasing a women's triathlon wetsuit, also think about the time and energy the suit may save you during the swim in relation to the time and effort you will expend during transition. If you find that wearing a wetsuit saves you say two minutes on your swim, will you later lose this time during transition? Some swimmers claim to save around five seconds per one hundred meters, which can be particularly valuable on a long swim. Also some triathletes report a bit of placebo affect just knowing they're wearing a triathlon wetsuit, which may up your intensity level during a competition.
Triathlon wetsuits provide a distinct edge to those who choose to wear them, so why give up a legal advantage? If you find a women's triathlon wetsuit that best meets your budget and personal comfort level, you’re going to come out with an advantage, so make full use of it.
About the Author
Joel Henderson is an avid writer and fitness enthusiast. You can read more about the subject of this article at Best Triathlon Wetsuit. For other fitness related topics, here is a good site about Electronic Body Fat Scales.
Women's Triathlon - Singapore 2010 Youth Games