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10 Best Tri Shorts Women 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Zoot Women’s LTD 6-Inch Triathlon Shorts, Endurance Cycle Padded Shorts for Swim, Bike, Run with Quick Drying UPF 50+ Fabric - Club Aloha - Large

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,301
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
36 reviews

Chamois Padding
The shorts offer a comfortable fit with a thinner cushion that feels barely noticeable, making them ideal for long rides without the bulky padding of typical cycling shorts.
Fit
The adjustable waistband with a tie allows for a secure, customized fit that stays put during swimming, cycling, and running.
Leg Grippers
Excellent grip around the legs prevents slipping or riding up during intense activity, ensuring confidence and stability throughout the race.

The Zoot Women’s LTD 6-Inch Triathlon Shorts are designed specifically for women who participate in triathlons, making them a solid choice for training and racing in swimming, cycling, and running. The material stands out with its quick-drying and breathable Italian-designed fabric that also offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which helps keep you comfortable and safe during long outdoor workouts.

These shorts provide a mid-rise fit with a wide, flat waistband and an inseam drawstring, allowing you to adjust for a secure and comfortable fit that won’t shift during movement. The shorts include two hip pockets, which are great for carrying small essentials without interfering with your activities. The seams use Seamlink stitch construction to reduce chafing, supporting all-day comfort.

These shorts are an excellent option for triathletes looking for versatile, breathable, and comfortable gear with useful pockets, offering reliable performance across swimming, cycling, and running activities.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,301
Chamois Padding
Fit
Leg Grippers

Most important from
36 reviews

Chamois Padding
The shorts offer a comfortable fit with a thinner cushion that feels barely noticeable, making them ideal for long rides without the bulky padding of typical cycling shorts.
Fit
The adjustable waistband with a tie allows for a secure, customized fit that stays put during swimming, cycling, and running.
Leg Grippers
Excellent grip around the legs prevents slipping or riding up during intense activity, ensuring confidence and stability throughout the race.
#2

SLS3 Tri Shorts for Women - Triathlon Shorts in Womens - FX Slim Athletic Fit (Black/Sunrise Blooms, XLarge)

Rating
8.8
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
110 reviews

Material
Fabric dries quickly and resists riding up or slipping down, maintaining a smooth fit on the thighs throughout activity.
Chamois Padding
The minimal chamois padding provides comfort without the usual bulk, making it easy to forget you're wearing them during long sessions.
Fit
Compression fit is strong but comfortable, perfectly supporting movement through swimming, biking, and running stages.
Leg Grippers
Fabric dries quickly and resists riding up or slipping down, maintaining a smooth fit on the thighs throughout activity.
Pockets
The absence of pockets is a notable downside for those wanting to carry small items during training or races.

The SLS3 Tri Shorts for Women are designed specifically for triathletes looking for a slim, athletic fit that supports performance. Made from a stretchy Nylon and Spandex blend, these shorts offer a second-skin feel that moves with you. The fabric’s flexibility and flatlock seams enhance comfort and reduce irritation during long races. The chamois padding here is thinner than typical cycling shorts, which helps prevent chafing and dries quickly — ideal for the transition from cycling to running.

An elastic waistband with a drawstring ensures the shorts stay in place, while the engineered single-layer leg grippers prevent the fabric from riding up without creating tightness or the 'sausage leg' effect. These features make the shorts comfortable for all three triathlon stages. However, the fit is quite compressive and tighter than regular workout shorts, so checking the size chart before buying is important to avoid discomfort. The shorts do not include pockets, which might be a downside if you want to carry small items during training or races.

These tri shorts provide a solid balance of comfort, performance, and style, particularly for women who want a close fit without sacrificing mobility or comfort on race day.

Rating
8.8
Material
Chamois Padding
Fit

Most important from
110 reviews

Material
Fabric dries quickly and resists riding up or slipping down, maintaining a smooth fit on the thighs throughout activity.
Chamois Padding
The minimal chamois padding provides comfort without the usual bulk, making it easy to forget you're wearing them during long sessions.
Fit
Compression fit is strong but comfortable, perfectly supporting movement through swimming, biking, and running stages.
Leg Grippers
Fabric dries quickly and resists riding up or slipping down, maintaining a smooth fit on the thighs throughout activity.
Pockets
The absence of pockets is a notable downside for those wanting to carry small items during training or races.
#3

Zoot Women’s Core 6-Inch Tri Shorts, Quick Dry Performance Triathlon Short with Cycling Chamois Pad, Pockets & UPF 50+ Fabric - Jet Black - Large

Rating
8.5
Chamois Padding
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
179 reviews

Chamois Padding
The padding strikes the perfect balance—comfortable on the bike without causing any issues during running or swimming.
Fit
The fit is true to size and designed specifically for triathletes, making movement easy and unrestricted.
Pockets
Dual hip pockets are a practical feature for carrying nutrition or small essentials during long workouts.

The Zoot Women’s Core 6-Inch Tri Shorts are designed specifically for female triathletes who want comfort and performance across swim, bike, and run. They use a high-quality Italian fabric that dries quickly and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, which is great for long outdoor training or races. The mid-rise fit is streamlined and athletic, helping you move easily without restriction. A standout feature is the updated ultra-plush chamois padding, which is thick enough to provide good cushioning on the bike but thin and smooth enough to not cause discomfort when swimming or running. The leg grippers are non-restrictive, so the shorts stay in place without feeling tight or pinching your legs.

Practicality is considered with dual hip pockets that can hold nutrition or small items, a nice touch for keeping essentials close during long workouts. Additionally, the seam construction uses a special stitching technique to prevent chafing, enhancing comfort during extended use. On the downside, while the minimalist style is sleek, some users might find the 6-inch inseam a bit short if they prefer more coverage on their thighs. Also, the price point and brand reputation suggest these are aimed at serious or competitive triathletes rather than casual users.

These shorts provide solid support, quick drying, and smart features that suit endurance athletes looking for reliable gear designed to perform well through all triathlon stages.

Rating
8.5
Chamois Padding
Fit
Pockets

Most important from
179 reviews

Chamois Padding
The padding strikes the perfect balance—comfortable on the bike without causing any issues during running or swimming.
Fit
The fit is true to size and designed specifically for triathletes, making movement easy and unrestricted.
Pockets
Dual hip pockets are a practical feature for carrying nutrition or small essentials during long workouts.

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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