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10 Best Tri Shorts Women 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SLS3 Tri Shorts for Women - Triathlon Shorts Womens - Super Comfy with Soft Chamois FX - Slim Athletic Fit (Black/Blue, L)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
111 reviews

Material
The shorts feel like a second skin with excellent compression and stretch, offering flexible muscle support without restricting movement.
Chamois Padding
The minimal chamois padding is thin yet comfortable for both biking and running, avoiding bulkiness and chafing.
Fit
The fit is true to size with a higher waist that sits above the belly button and mid-thigh leg length, providing good coverage and support.
Leg Grippers
The elastic waistband with drawstring and engineered leg grippers keep the shorts securely in place without causing tightness or riding up.
Pockets
The lack of pockets may be a downside for those wanting to carry small items during training or races.

The SLS3 Tri Shorts for Women are designed specifically for triathlon use, combining comfort and performance in a slim, athletic fit. Made from a stretchy nylon and spandex blend, these shorts feel like a second skin, offering flexible muscle support without restricting movement. The flatlock seam construction helps prevent irritation, which is important during long races. The shorts feature a thin but effective chamois padding that provides enough cushioning for biking while being slim enough to avoid chafing or discomfort during running segments. This padding also dries quickly, which is useful in a triathlon setting.

The elastic waistband with a drawstring helps keep the shorts securely in place, and the engineered single-layer leg grippers prevent the shorts from riding up without creating the tight 'sausage legs' feeling. These shorts do not have any pockets, which could be a downside for those wanting to carry small items during training or races. The fit is compressive and tight, so checking the size chart carefully is important to ensure comfort. Hand washing is recommended to maintain the shorts’ quality. These tri shorts are a strong choice for women looking for performance-oriented gear that balances comfort, style, and functionality throughout all stages of a triathlon.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,471
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
111 reviews

Material
The shorts feel like a second skin with excellent compression and stretch, offering flexible muscle support without restricting movement.
Chamois Padding
The minimal chamois padding is thin yet comfortable for both biking and running, avoiding bulkiness and chafing.
Fit
The fit is true to size with a higher waist that sits above the belly button and mid-thigh leg length, providing good coverage and support.
Leg Grippers
The elastic waistband with drawstring and engineered leg grippers keep the shorts securely in place without causing tightness or riding up.
Pockets
The lack of pockets may be a downside for those wanting to carry small items during training or races.
#2

SLS3 Tri Shorts for Women - Triathlon Shorts Womens - Super Comfy with Soft Chamois FX - Slim Athletic Fit (Black Rose, Medium)

Rating
10.0
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
111 reviews

Material
The quick-drying material enhances comfort across swim, bike, and run stages, although the chamois dries slower but remains unobtrusive.
Chamois Padding
The lightweight, minimal chamois padding provides enough cushioning for biking while remaining unnoticeable during running and swimming.
Fit
The shorts offer a comfortable, high-waisted fit that stays securely in place without riding up during races.
Leg Grippers
The leg grippers effectively prevent the shorts from riding up without creating uncomfortable tightness around the legs.
Pockets
The absence of pockets is noted as a downside for those wanting storage, but it helps keep the shorts lightweight and streamlined.

The SLS3 Tri Shorts for Women are designed specifically for triathletes looking for comfort and performance in one package. Made from an 80% nylon and 20% spandex blend, these shorts stretch in all directions, offering a snug, second-skin fit that supports muscles without feeling restrictive. The slim athletic fit includes compressive elements, which helps enhance your performance but means the shorts fit tighter than casual workout wear, so checking the size chart before buying is important.

Comfort is a key strength here, thanks to an elastic waistband with a drawstring that keeps the shorts securely in place during all race stages. The leg grippers are engineered as a single-layer band that prevents the 'sausage leg' tightness many triathlon shorts cause, while still stopping the shorts from riding up. The seams are flatlock stitched and smooth, helping avoid irritation, plus the longer leg length reduces chafing during runs.

A notable feature is the thin but effective chamois padding. Unlike traditional cycling shorts with thick padding, this one is slim to reduce discomfort and chafing when running and dries quickly, yet still provides enough cushioning for the cycling portion. However, if you prefer more padding for longer rides, these might feel a bit light. There are no pockets, which may be a downside if you want storage, but many tri shorts skip this to keep weight and bulk down. The shorts come in a stylish black rose color that combines performance with a flattering look. These tri shorts suit female triathletes who want a balance of comfort, style, and function, especially if you value a close fit and a chamois that won’t slow you down during the run. Just be sure to pick the right size and don’t expect heavy padding or pockets.

Rating
10.0
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
111 reviews

Material
The quick-drying material enhances comfort across swim, bike, and run stages, although the chamois dries slower but remains unobtrusive.
Chamois Padding
The lightweight, minimal chamois padding provides enough cushioning for biking while remaining unnoticeable during running and swimming.
Fit
The shorts offer a comfortable, high-waisted fit that stays securely in place without riding up during races.
Leg Grippers
The leg grippers effectively prevent the shorts from riding up without creating uncomfortable tightness around the legs.
Pockets
The absence of pockets is noted as a downside for those wanting storage, but it helps keep the shorts lightweight and streamlined.
#3

MY KILOMETRE Womens Triathlon Shorts 8” Inseam Tri Shorts with Side Pockets Adjustable Drawstring Pure-Black

Rating
10.0
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
548 reviews

Chamois Padding
The chamois padding is soft and well-cushioned without being bulky, providing great comfort for long rides and smooth transitions.
Fit
The waistline is comfortable, fitting true to size with a cut designed for female bodies, avoiding irritation even during long sessions.
Leg Grippers
Wide elastic leg bands with silicone grip help keep the shorts securely in place, though the leg band may feel a bit tight initially.
Pockets
Practical side pockets are a useful feature for carrying nutrition or small essentials on the go.

The MY KILOMETRE Womens Triathlon Shorts are designed with triathletes in mind, offering features that support comfort and performance across swimming, cycling, and running. The updated Stretchskin fabric is treated to stay dry and provides good muscle support, helping you feel aerodynamic and compressed during your workout. A standout feature is the MK TRI2.0 multi-density chamois padding, which is thicker and shaped to reduce pressure in sensitive areas, making cycling more comfortable without restricting movement when you transition to swimming or running.

The shorts have wide elastic leg endings with silicone grip, which help keep the shorts in place without pinching or discomfort, a key point for active use. Fit-wise, the waistline is specially cut for female bodies with soft material and strong, flat stitching to avoid irritation during long training sessions. Storage is practical too, with easy-to-reach pockets on each side, ideal for carrying nutrition or small essentials when you're on the go. The inseam of 8 inches offers moderate coverage that suits most women looking for a balance between protection and freedom of movement.

The care instructions require hand washing, which might be less convenient if you prefer machine washing. Also, while the drawstring closure allows adjustment, it may feel less secure compared to some shorts with elastic-only or zippered options. These shorts represent a solid choice for female triathletes who want comfortable padding, good fit, and practical pockets, especially if you don't mind the extra care needed when washing.

Rating
10.0
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
548 reviews

Chamois Padding
The chamois padding is soft and well-cushioned without being bulky, providing great comfort for long rides and smooth transitions.
Fit
The waistline is comfortable, fitting true to size with a cut designed for female bodies, avoiding irritation even during long sessions.
Leg Grippers
Wide elastic leg bands with silicone grip help keep the shorts securely in place, though the leg band may feel a bit tight initially.
Pockets
Practical side pockets are a useful feature for carrying nutrition or small essentials on the go.

Buying Guide for the Best Tri Shorts Women

When it comes to picking the right tri-shorts for women, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit and performance for your needs. Tri-shorts are designed to be worn during triathlons, which means they need to be comfortable, durable, and functional across swimming, cycling, and running. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the perfect pair for you.
MaterialThe material of tri-shorts is crucial because it affects comfort, durability, and performance. Look for materials that are quick-drying, breathable, and have good stretch. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and spandex blends. If you prioritize comfort and flexibility, opt for a higher percentage of spandex. For durability and quick-drying properties, nylon or polyester blends are ideal. Consider your typical race conditions and personal comfort preferences when choosing the material.
Chamois PaddingChamois padding is the cushioning in the seat area of the shorts, designed to provide comfort during the cycling portion of a triathlon. The thickness and type of padding can vary. Thicker padding offers more comfort for longer rides but may be less comfortable for running. Thinner padding is less intrusive during the run but may offer less comfort on the bike. If you are a beginner or have longer bike segments, opt for thicker padding. Experienced triathletes or those with shorter bike segments might prefer thinner padding.
FitThe fit of tri-shorts is essential for comfort and performance. They should be snug but not too tight, allowing for a full range of motion without causing chafing. Look for shorts with a good balance of compression to support your muscles and reduce fatigue. Consider your body shape and size, and try on different brands and styles to find the best fit. If you are between sizes, consider the type of material and its stretch properties to decide whether to size up or down.
Leg GrippersLeg grippers are the bands at the bottom of the shorts' legs that keep them in place during activity. They prevent the shorts from riding up and causing discomfort. Look for grippers that are comfortable and do not dig into your skin. Silicone grippers are common and effective. If you have sensitive skin, look for softer, wider grippers. Consider how the grippers feel during movement and ensure they provide a secure fit without restricting circulation.
PocketsPockets in tri-shorts can be very useful for carrying nutrition, keys, or other small items during a race. The number, size, and placement of pockets can vary. Some shorts have side pockets, while others have rear pockets. If you need to carry gels or other items, look for shorts with secure, easy-to-access pockets. Consider your race strategy and what you need to carry to determine the best pocket configuration for you.
Seam ConstructionThe construction of the seams in tri-shorts affects both comfort and durability. Flatlock seams are ideal as they lie flat against the skin and reduce the risk of chafing. Look for shorts with minimal seams in high-friction areas. If you are prone to chafing, prioritize shorts with flatlock seams and smooth construction. Consider the quality of the stitching and how it feels against your skin during movement.

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