It’s been a recent project for our patterns department to develop a new, Sleeved Tri Suit. Adding sleeves helps provide athletes with extra sun protection, which is important during long events. One of our sponsored athletes Mike is competing in the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand in March 2017, so we thought this would be the perfect deadline! Here’s how we did it.

The starting point – our sleeveless Tri Suit 

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Our men’s sleeveless Tri Suit is constructed using Poly Spandex, with Nylon Lycra bottoms, and features a front zipper and leg grippers. It can be made with or without a back pocket. The suit above is what Mike wore during the Singapore Triathlon in 2016. It was the starting point for developing a new Sleeved Tri Suit for our patterns department.

Let’s get digital 

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This is a sneaky shot of our product coordinator’s screen as she works on developing the Sleeved Tri Suit. Tek Gripper has been added to the sleeve and leg hems. This is a soft, high-stretch silicone band, which offers maximum hold and comfort, and secures the suit in place. The side and rear panels are constructed using Trimesh – our most top quality mesh. It’s an open weave lightweight fabric with high stretch and optimal air flow.

The first prototype

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The first prototype of the Sleeved Tri Suit arrives. Here you can see the Trimesh panels, as well as the two back pockets. You can also see the Tek Gripper on the sleeve hem.

Now customise it! 

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This is the digital version of the final Tri Suit, with added design, colours and logos. Like our other products, this can be fully customised. We chose these colours and graphics to match Mike’s bike!

Final fitting…

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Aaand it looks great!  After months of development and testing, our athlete Mike will be trialling our new Sleeved Tri Suit at the NZ Ironman. After receiving his feedback, we will work on making it available for everyone!

Check him out! 

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Mike is all set for his Ironman! We wish him all the best for the race. Check out the whole kit we put together for him below. From left to right: Stadium Jacket, Track Pants, Sleeved Tri Suit, Compression Sleeves, Sublimated Cycling Socks, Long Sleeve T-Shirt.

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Done and dusted

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