Triathlon suits are expensive and in order to make them last, you need to know these basic care steps.After all, your suit has special duties that include keeping your body warm and protect your skin from abrasives.
First it is important to know the proper way to put on a triathlon wetsuit. Suits are meant to form to your body regardless of your shape or size and this is also what makes them difficult to put on. Your finger nails are the first place to start so make sure they are trimmed or covered so they do not snag or puncture your new suit. Ok, now you will begin by entering the suit feet first and then slowly working the suit up your body until you reach the hips. Once you have reached this point make some adjustments so that the front and back fit right.
Then you insert your arms in the sleeves one at a time, bunching the suit up to your shoulder before moving on. Next ensure that the internal flap lies flat against your back. Like the back flap; there will be a neck flap that also lays flat against your neck like a collar. Pay close attention to how the suit feels at your torso and upper chest and adjust as needed. A properly fitted wetsuit will be manufactured in a way so that it stretches in all the right spots to allow full movement.
Now that you are done with using your suit for the day, you will need to learn how to care for it after wards so that it will last you many years to come. The first aftercare step is to wash it immediately after use. Salt and chlorine can build up and slowly weaken the neoprene material. You should hang it to dry with a padded hanger to ensure no creases are created. Creases are bad news for your suit because it means they could lose the ability to prevent keeping cold water out. You should also keep it away from heat and sunlight which can also slowly eat away at the material.
If you follow these outlines steps on caring for your suit, you will keep it in pristine condition. In return your tri suit will continue keeping you warm and help you compete in many triathlons to come.
