Triathlon - Best thing to wear?

I'm going to be doing a half-ironman (my first triathalon) in September. I might do a couple shorters ones to tune up before-hand.

I'm an accomplished bicycle racer, and an experienced runner - so the swim is the only concern. But I'm taking swim lessons this summer so that should be okay.

My question is.. what do you wear? If I wear a speedo on the swim, will I be able to change into bike shorts in the transition without exposing myself to the throngs of people?

I know it's a total newbie question, but I'm a total triathanewb.

For sprints I just wear Speedos the whole distance. For Oly's I have done the same, but my wife and adult daughter insist that I bow to fashion and at least get tri-shorts. I probably will.

I'm 55 and gray and have no pride.

I will be about the only one on this forum that does this. Most wear a one-piece tri-suit for the shorter races and almost all wear wetsuits on longer tris. They look better than I and probably go faster. Very few of them use a 1968 Peugeot U08 as their tri-bike. Nonetheless, by the end of the day, Mimi and I will pass quite a number of cool bikes and guys with flat bellies.

Tyson
Cushing, Oklahoma

If you're in for a half iron race, I'd opt for a minimum of Tri shorts. They dry quickly coming out of the water and provide adequate padding for the bike. Add some body glide for those pesky chaffing points and you'd be set. Just throw on a top and away you go. You could opt for the one piece body suit...cool, swimmable but more expensive. Have fun and good luck!

Thanks for the advice. :)