yet another tri-newbie clothing question

woohoo ;)

So I get the part about the shorts under the wetsuit. I won't be getting a specific tri short, it's just a sprint and I reckon my butt is so bike-hardened that I can ride for 22 km in a pair of wet running shorts.

But is the main reason to wear a wicking tee or sleeveless under the suit instead of a sports bra to do with how much skin you want to show? I ask because I tried wearing a very thin wicking tee under the wetsuit yesterday, and felt pretty cold riding and running with it on, still wet. I stripped it off running, and felt warmer in just a bra, since my skin dried faster.

I'm thinking that a bra might feel better, and if it's a bit cold I should throw on a dry biking vest at T1. My biking vest and one ss jersey are the only close-fitting tops I have with full zippers, and I don't feel like struggling with the snug sleeves on the jersey.

I'm not raving about the idea of running around in a sports bra, but I reckon I won't be the jiggliest one out there anyway.

the hardest part about wearing just a sports bra and wanting to put something on after the swim is getting dressed while wet. If you have a vest that is easy to pull on over a wet body and zips up- that might be just perfect. Jump in the shower with your bra on, get out, and try to put that vest on immediately and see if you have any trouble. If not- that might be a great solution.
I have seen so many people struggling in transition to pull on shirts over their wet bodies- and it never goes smoothly. ;)
As for running in a sports bra- you could just wear the vest, but you're right- there will be all shapes and sizes out there and nobody is going to be judging your outfit...or your skin/body. ;)

Right, I'll try the shower thing! Very entertaining for my guys at home :)

I should have been a bit more specific in my question. I meant - is it really any warmer to wear a full top than a bra, when they're soaking wet?

Normally a shortsleeved or sleeveless top is what I'd wear to bike or run at those temps, about 17-18 C/ 62-64 F, a little wind, sprinkling of rain. But I felt colder than I'd expected because of the wet material. So I'm thinking I'd should go for just a bra, and put on a dry layer if I'm worried about getting too cold.

No, a top is no warmer if it's going to remain wet. And if you don't need the sun protection, then I'd do the sports bra thing. Pulling on a wind vest type top in T1 for warmth on the bike is a good idea. You can just drop it again for the run if you want.

My first tri (pool swim) I wore just a sports bra on top and then pulled on a very loose tank over it in T1 just for modesty sake. It was floppy in the wind on the bike, but I think that was ok because my bra was better able to dry. It was pretty hot that year though. The second year for the same race, I wore a tri suit and pulled on a rain jacket (that is too big for me) in T1 for a little warmth on the bike (it was quite cold and rainy that year). It worked perfectly and I dropped it for the run.

Brilliant, thanks!