What you should wear when open water swimming

Layer when swimming in open water to regulate your body temperature, keep you warm without restricting mobility, improve speed and your swimming efficiency in the water.

As wild swimmers, we know that feeling of diving into refreshingly cool waters on a warm summer day. As the seasons change those same waters can feel a lot less inviting. That's where the concept of layering comes in - allowing you to keep exploring nature's swimming spots year-round in total comfort.

In this guide we are going to run through a summary of wetsuits, swimsuits and associated swim accessories to keep you and your extremities warm.

The benefits of a wetsuit or swimsuit for open water swimming

Swimsuits and wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between each layer. This layer of trapped water remains in contact with your body and insulates you from the surrounding waters. It is a versatile system that allows you to:

• Self-regulate temperature by removing or adding layers as needed
• Enjoy superior flexibility and freedom of movement
• Avoid that dreaded "full-body brrrr" when exiting the water
• Extend your wild swimming season through spring, summer, autumn and winter

Wild swimming clothing: From nude to fully layered

How to layer for swimming outdoors

In this section we are going to look at how you can build up a great layering solution for swimming all-year-round, right down to your birthday suit:

• Single piece wetsuits
• Two-piece wetsuits
• Swim suit / swimshirt
• Swim trunks/board shorts
• The birthday suit

The swimming wetsuit

A swimming specific swimsuit provides complete coverage and comes in a variety of styles. When temperatures plummet, a full wetsuit is the wild swimmers' best defense. Wetsuits provide head-to-toe protection and warmth via insulating neoprene.

A swimming wetsuit is the ultimate layering solution for swimmers. Available in a range of thicknesses, with different densities of neoprene mapped around the body it allows you to effortlessly adapt your gear for ultimate comfort, warmth and swimming efficiency.

We recommend 3-5mm thickness for warmer waters and 5-7mm for cold water winter swimming.

Versatile layers & accessories

But don't stop there! Maximise you comfort by layering accessories like swimsuits, gloves, hoods and booties underneath or alongside your wetsuit. To extend your comfort range, strategic layering with swimwear accessories is key.

• Neoprene vests and shorts - Add insulating power
• Swim caps & bonnets - Traps heat while allowing freedom
• Neoprene socks & booties - Shields feet from rocks/cold
• Gloves/mittens - Prevents numb fingers and hands

With this mix-and-match system, you can self-regulate temperature and easily adjust for any water or weather condition. No wild swimming spot is off limits when you master the layered approach!

So don't let cold waters limit your adventures. With smart swimwear choices and strategic layering of swimming accessories with suits and wetsuits, you can keep plunging into nature's swimming spots year-round in comfort.

Our wetsuits are specifically designed for open water swimming. To help you get started we have a guide to choosing the perfect outdoor swimming wetsuit.

The outdoor swimming swimsuit

There are several advantages to wild swimming in a simple bathing costume/swimsuit:

Freedom of Movement

Basic swimsuits provide maximum flexibility and freedom of movement in the water compared to wetsuits or heavier layers. The minimal and stretchy material allows for uninhibited swimming strokes.

Quick Drying

Lightweight swimsuit fabrics like nylon, Lycra, and polyester dry much faster than wetsuits after getting out. This prevents that heavy, waterlogged feeling. we use ECONYL®, a recycled material made from ocean plastics and nylon waste in our Dulsie one-piece and Nefyn two-piece swimsuits.

Easy Temperature Regulation

With just a thin layer, it's easy to warm up or cool down by removing or putting on your swimsuit. You can quickly adapt to changing weather without wrestling bulky gear.

Minimalist Immersion

For some, open water swimming in just a bathing costume offers the most back-to-basics connection with nature (other than skinny dipping!). There's no cumbersome equipment separating you from full water immersion.

Sun Protection

Rash guard swimsuits provide built-in UV protection to shield your skin during long swim sessions. Look for a swimsuit with UPF 50+

Travel Friendly

Swimsuits pack down to an ultra-portable size, making them easy to carry to remote swimming spots. No lugging heavy gear is required.

While swimsuits don't provide much insulation for colder conditions, their simplicity offers key advantages. The unencumbered flexibility, quick-drying convenience, and minimalist connection to the water make swimsuits a freeing wild swimming choice.

Post swim layering

When getting out of the water after a wild swim, having the right layers to throw on is crucial for staying warm and comfortable. The fleece dries quickly and the wind resistant outer shell keeps the windchill at bay. Here are some specific swimming options:

A large towel or a changing robe is perfect for quickly wrapping up in after a swim. Changing Robes in particular offer a convenience that is hard to beat. Look for ones made from cozy materials like fleece or microfiber that insulate while allowing airflow. Many have handy waterproof outer layers as well. Changing robes have clever designs that let you easily change underneath them.

If you are an outdoorsy type you may already have an insulated jacket like our Jura fleece lined jacket. This is great for just throwing over the top of your swim kit, even when you are still wet.

The beauty of layering

At its core, layering involves using multiple lightweight garments that trap heat far better than one thick layer. This simple approach provides exceptional warmth and versatility, allowing you to easily adjust to changing conditions. By adding or removing layers, you can stay perfectly comfortable before, during, and after your wild swim.

The core benefits

• Insulation - Trapping air (or water) between layers creates superior insulation.
• Temperature Regulation - Easily cool off or warm up by removing/adding layers.
• Quick-Drying - Lightweight technical fabrics dry much faster than traditional fabrics.
• Comfort - Avoid that cold, clammy feeling during or after activity.

Baring it all

At its purest, wild swimming can be done 'au naturel' with no clothing at all. This allows you to fully immerse in nature and eliminates any clothing inhibitions. However, skin swimming may not be ideal for colder waters or compliant with local regulations. Be sure to check before you dip.