Tenola’s female ITU tri-suit. The tri-suit has been designed to meet ITU requirement and has been designed with improving performance in the swim, improved cooling, breathability and comfort on the bike, and run.
The main fabric choice for the tri-suit was 390 Vita from Carvico in Italy. 390 Vita ((LYCRA® XTRA LIFETM) is a used throughout sporting apparel industry. Vita is a sustainable techno-fabric, made of a ECONYL® regenerated Nylon that turns waste problems into yarns. Vita is versatile, hyper-resistant, thin, stretch, soft and breathable: a unique mix of muscular compression and comfort. Thanks to its innovative construction, 390 Vita provides excellent recovery power and always the perfect muscular compression aimed at decreasing the production of lactic acid, thus boosting a faster recovery of energy. Soft and pleasant on the skin, compact and breathable, it is also highly UV protective (UPF 50+). 390 Vita is two times more resistant to chlorine, suntan creams and oils than competitors’ fabrics.
The other material used on the tri-suit is Carvico Spider: an innovative bi-elastic micro-mesh made of polyamide which is naturally moisture wicking and leaves the skin fresh and dry, consequently preventing unpleasant itches. Used alone or matched with other fabrics. The spider fabric allows creative ergonomic and aerodynamic sportswear.
Supplier and fabric decided we set about designing the suit maximising the fabric performance qualities. The design was to be a multi-panel tri-suit which provided a comfortable fit like a second skin without causing any restriction in movement. The main fabric is super soft against the skin making the tri-suit very comfortable to wear: unique mix of muscular compression and comfort. Compression is provided through the legs and core due to the multi-panel design of the suit and helps prevent the build up of lactic acid.
The fabric is ultra flat and has been coated with a water repellent treatment (WRT) CO. WRT stops water being absorbed by the fabric and creates a "slippery" surface which allows water to flow around the suit aiding the swimmer to maintain correct body position in the water which in turn creates faster swim times. Water will bead up and flow straight off the suit. Without WRT coating the fabric absorbs water and the fabric becomes heavier, which in turns means your body position in the water changes, and means you have to work harder to maintain correct body position in the water.
On the bike and run the 390 Vita is fast drying, has excellent breathability and provides muscle compression to reduce muscle fatigue where it is needed without restricting movement.
The chamois is from the world renowned manufacturer, Elastic Interface Cytech. We upgraded the chamois to a Super Tri 2 and is the evolution of the Super Tri pad we fitted to the Inspire range of tri-suits. This new version has a smoother top surface providing close and continuous skin contact and perforated foam for maximum breathability and quick dry properties.
The women’s version has a central section (perineal area) specially shaped for female anatomy and is dual density version, with central reinforcement, for greater comfort over long distances.
The Tenola ITU Triathlon tri-suit is available to buy here >>>
Tenola founder and CEO Ian Nolan has a lifelong love of all things active and has competed in a variety of sports over the years involving mud, sweat and tears – the latter following various serious sporting injuries! But it was the challenge of the dual or tri-disciplines of Triathlon, testing not only fitness but endurance and skill that truly captivated him and led to an ongoing passion for the sport. Read More >
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