Tri-Suit Care Guide

TRI-FIT Tri-Suit Care Guide

TRI-FIT tri-suits are engineered for peak performance, combining comfort, durability, and advanced features to help you excel in all three disciplines of triathlon. To keep your tri-suit in top condition and ensure it performs at its best, it's essential to follow proper care and maintenance practices. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to wear, clean, store, and care for your tri-suit, ensuring it lasts for many training sessions and races to come.

1. Proper Use of TRI-FIT Tri-Suits

Before discussing care, let's highlight a few key tips on using your tri-suit:

• Check Fit Before Use: Ensure your tri-suit fits snugly without being too tight. A well-fitted tri-suit minimizes drag in the water and chafing on the bike and run. Check all zippers, seams, and closures for comfort before race day.
• Avoid Excessive Stretching: When putting on or taking off your tri-suit, be gentle. Excessive pulling can damage seams and reduce the suit’s elasticity over time.
• Avoid Direct Contact with Rough Surfaces: Be mindful of sitting or leaning against rough surfaces (e.g., pavement, concrete walls) while wearing your tri-suit, as this can lead to abrasions or snags.

2. Cleaning Your TRI-FIT Tri-Suit

Proper cleaning practices are crucial to maintaining the integrity of your tri-suit’s performance features:

• Rinse Immediately After Use: After each use, rinse your tri-suit thoroughly with fresh, cold water. This helps to remove sweat, salt, chlorine, and other residues that can damage the fabric over time.
• Wash Gently: Hand wash, or machine wash your tri-suit on a cold, gentle cycle using mild detergent. Turn your tri-suit inside out to reduce friction and prevent fading. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh detergents, which can degrade the suit’s elasticity and water-resistant properties.
• Use Eco-Friendly Washing Sheets: For optimal results, use Ecoswah eco-friendly washing sheets designed specifically for performance sportswear. These washing sheets are gentle on delicate fabrics and help maintain the quality of your tri-suit while being environmentally friendly. Learn more about Ecoswah here.
• Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can weaken the fibers of your tri-suit, causing it to lose shape and elasticity. Always use cold or lukewarm water for washing.

3. Drying Your TRI-FIT Tri-Suit

The way you dry your tri-suit is just as important as how you wash it:

• Air Dry Only: Do not tumble dry your tri-suit. High heat can damage the fabric, reduce elasticity, and cause shrinking. Instead, lay your tri-suit flat or hang it to air dry in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid Wrinkling and Creasing: When hanging your tri-suit to dry, use a wide hanger to prevent creasing at the shoulders. Never twist or wring out your tri-suit, as this can damage the fibers and seams.

4. Storing Your TRI-FIT Tri-Suit

Proper storage helps protect your tri-suit from damage and extends its lifespan:

• Store Dry: Always ensure your tri-suit is completely dry before storing it. Storing a damp or wet tri-suit can lead to mould and mildew growth, which can damage the fabric.
• Hang or Fold Neatly: If possible, hang your tri-suit in a cool, dry closet. If you need to fold it, make sure it is folded neatly without sharp creases.
• Avoid Contact with Rough or Abrasive Materials: Do not store your tri-suit with items that could cause damage, such as items with zippers, Velcro, or sharp edges. Placing your tri-suit in a separate, breathable bag can help protect it.

5. Avoiding Common Tri-Suit Issues

Here are a few practices to help prevent common problems like snags, stretching, and fading:

• Do Not Leave in Kit Bags After Use: Leaving your tri-suit in a closed kit bag can cause it to retain moisture, which may lead to odours, mildew, and material breakdown. Always rinse and dry your suit promptly after each use.
• Be Mindful of Friction: Be cautious of anything that could cause friction against the suit, such as race belts, saddles, or Velcro. Over time, these can cause pilling, fabric damage, or holes. Use additional protective layers or accessories if necessary to minimize wear.
• Limit Contact with Sunscreens and Oils: While sunscreen is essential for outdoor training and racing, some lotions and oils can weaken the fabric’s elasticity and affect its water-repellent features. Choose a water-based, triathlon-friendly sunscreen and apply it sparingly.

6. Our Partnership with ecoswash: Caring for Your Gear and the Planet

At TRI-FIT, we are passionate about providing high-performance gear that helps athletes achieve their best, and we are equally committed to sustainability. That’s why we have partnered with ecoswash, a company that shares our vision for eco-friendly, effective, and responsible care for sportswear.

ecoswash Washing Sheets are designed specifically for performance apparel, providing a gentle but thorough clean that preserves the unique properties of your tri-suit. Unlike traditional detergents, ecoswash sheets are:

• Eco-Friendly: Made with biodegradable ingredients, ecoswash sheets are free from harsh chemicals, microplastics, and other pollutants that can harm the environment. They help reduce water pollution and minimize the carbon footprint associated with traditional laundry products.
• Gentle on Delicate Fabrics: High-performance tri-suits require special care to maintain their elasticity, water-repellency, and vibrant colours. ecoswash sheets are formulated to be gentle on delicate fabrics, ensuring your TRI-FIT gear retains its premium quality, even after multiple washes.
• Convenient and Travel-Friendly: ecoswash washing sheets are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Simply add a sheet to your laundry, and it will dissolve completely, leaving no residue behind. They are perfect for athletes on the go, providing a simple and convenient way to care for your gear, whether you’re at home or traveling for a race.

By choosing ecoswash washing sheets, you’re not only taking the best care of your TRI-FIT tri-suits but also making a choice that’s kind to the planet. We are proud to support and promote products that align with our values of quality, performance, and sustainability.

Learn more about ecoswash and how their products can enhance your gear care routine while caring for the environment here.

7. Tips for Extending the Life of Your Tri-Suit

To maximize the lifespan of your TRI-FIT tri-suit, follow these simple tips:

• Alternate Between Suits: If you train regularly, consider rotating between two or more suits. This allows each suit to fully dry and recover its shape between uses, prolonging their lifespan.
• Regularly Inspect Your Suit: Check your tri-suit for signs of wear, such as stretched seams, loose threads, or fading. Addressing small issues early can prevent bigger problems later.
• Be Prepared on Race Day: Make sure all adjustments are made before race day to avoid last-minute tugging or stretching. Having a comfortable fit will ensure better performance and less stress on the material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I machine dry my tri-suit?
A: No, we recommend air drying your tri-suit. Machine drying can damage the fabric and reduce its elasticity, leading to premature wear.

Q: My tri-suit has become stretched and baggy. Can it be fixed?
A: Overstretching can permanently damage the fabric’s elasticity. While it may not be reversible, following the care instructions carefully can prevent this from happening in the future.

Q: What should I do if my tri-suit gets a small tear?
A: Minor tears can sometimes be repaired. Contact our customer service team for guidance on how best to address the issue or consider using a local repair service that specialises in sportswear.

Q: How often should I replace my tri-suit?
A: The lifespan of a tri-suit varies based on frequency of use and care. With regular use and proper care, a high-quality tri-suit can last several seasons. However, if you notice signs of wear, such as thinning fabric, loss of compression, or excessive fading, it may be time to invest in a new one.

Conclusion

Your TRI-FIT tri-suit is an essential part of your training and race day gear, designed to help you perform at your best. Following these care instructions will ensure it remains in excellent condition, providing the comfort, durability, and performance you need. For further assistance or questions about your TRI-FIT tri-suit, please contact our customer service team on orders@tri-fitathletic.com.