Comments on: Plus Sized Triathlon Clothing (Yes, It’s Out There…)

By: Foob

Foob — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:12:56 +0000

I’m doing my first sprint in 2 weeks and was really starting to freak about attire until I found this. Since I train alone I haven’t really focused on attire and transition until the last few weeks. Now my training regimen consists of clothing as well as timing. Thanks for the great suggestions and experiences. For what its worth, I’ve found the Ex-Officio travel brief fits well under any compression or bike short I’ve tried, with no chafing and quick drying.

By: Lara

Lara — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:59:08 +0000

Awesome, thanks for this site. I’m a size 16/36ddd runner and swimmer and just got talked into a tri. Was trying to figure out wtf to wear!

By: Twink

Twink — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:47:47 +0000

Thanks so much for all the valuable information! I will be completing my first sprint triathlon this Spring and have been going crazy trying to figure out what to wear. My husband is still laughing knowing i will have to go ‘commando’ that day – ha ha!

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:14:48 +0000

It’s interesting to read all of this. Thank you for the information!! I have done several tris and half marathons. I am 5’6″ and weight about 190. I can fit into women’s XL in tri clothing and wetsuits. But honestly, why isn’t there more variety in plus size triathlon clothing and wetsuits??? I don’t think curvy women should have to wear a men’s wetsuit. A men’s wetsuit is built for a man…no room for curves! Same with tri clothing. Actually, most active wear seems to be designed for skinny girls with a with either very plain or very sleezy taste. Where is the cool stuff with great patterns/colors for the curvy girls?? I’m very tempted to attack this problem myself and have had lots of encouragement to do so!! Good to know there’s a market out there that’s probably bigger than we realize. It’s interesting to note that L and XL clothing sells fast in stores. I usually have to buy online. More and more women of all sizes are getting into these sports which is awesome! Congrats to all the ladies taking the plunge. One thing to always remember ladies…..be proud of your bodies! It can do amazing things You’ll find plenty of encouragement at these events!!

By: plusrunner

plusrunner — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:53:37 +0000

Sarah – glad to be of help!!!! You’ll be fine in October – just prep, check out some listings, and find a few options Good luck!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:55:55 +0000

Thank you so much!
I am participating in my 1st beginning tri in Oct. and was totally depressed, you now give me hope
“not even an L or XL in the stores around here”….

By: plusrunner

plusrunner — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:07:15 +0000

Ah Smiley, good question (and sorry it’s taken me awhile to get back to you!) Shirts – the only thing I’ve found is that you can wear a tighter but lightweight and wicking tank in the water, or wear something that doubles as a swim shirt and workout shirt. Land’s End makes “board shirts” or “rashguard” shirts sometimes that fit this bill but I haven’t tried them. These are a bit looser but you’d wear a normal sportsbra under them.

As for the folks in the bras, most people wedge themselves into a tight tri-style tank (or a bra/tank combo – Nike has some in an XXL but they’re not really enough to run in if you have a chest) – so yes, you’ll feel awkward and out of place slightly in a sea of minis. Depending on what you’re comfy with, I’d recommend adding one of those rashguard style tanks or even one of the Nike, Danskin, or New Balance options on top.

Sallie

By: SmileyV

SmileyV — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:53:16 +0000

Thanks for the great advice! I did a few triathlons last year, and unfortunately found out some of what doesn’t work. Chaffing from the wrong bra and shorts, plus seriously long T1 times. Have you found any shirts that work for after the swim that may have extra support but not tight around the gut area? Plus, the last few I did, I never saw anyone swimming in just their bras…is this typically a faux pa or am I just the only bigger girl in a sea of skinny minis?

By: Catharine

Catharine — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:04:15 +0000

Thank you for your insight! I had a terrible expereince at a local tri expo where no one was willing to help me find something that would work and most of the the people in my tri club are the classic tri-atheles so can’t really help me.

PI has XXL shorts thaat have been a god sent that I was able to get at Amazon for $50.

By: JJBOG

JJBOG — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:30:51 +0000

Hi! I just saw the post about the Aero shorts. I bought some a couple of months ago and I do really like them. They have stretched out a bit and so I will have to get a smaller pair for race day, so they don’t come off (YIKES) during the swim, but I have found them to be pretty good for what I am asking them to do. I have done several brick workouts in them and while I don’t enjoy the “long” waist in them, I haven’t found it terribly uncomfortable.

I am going to look into the danskin ones as well because the stitching is starting to unravel a bit by the pad on the inside. Not terrible for a pair of $35 cycling shorts though. If I’d paid $80 I’d be livid.

Just didn’t want everyone to rule out the Aerotech ones… they have worked well for me.

Blessings!!