Wild swimming is not a sport for the faint-hearted by any means, but it certainly has the power to invigorate the mind, body, and soul.
Following the pandemic, wild swimming saw a massive increase in popularity across the UK, with many onlookers confused by the wetsuit-clad, beanie-wearing bunch who’d plunge themselves into the ocean during the middle of winter. Rightly so, from the outside it’s a rather bizarre hobby.
Yet few can argue against scientific reports of the positive impact that exposure to cold water can have.
According to a 2020 study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, swimming in water colder than five degrees can have a positive effect on haematological and endocrine function, mood and general well-being.
The study stresses that these positive effects are widely seen in participants who are already well. Cold water swimming can pose various risks depending on your age and medical history, including neurogenic shock and hypothermia. Always check with your doctor before you get into the challenging sport.
If you’re a seasoned cold-water swimmer, we’re sure you’re already aware of all this, and you’re simply looking for a decent replacement swimsuit to accommodate your adventures. We’ve got you covered – literally. You can scroll past the below FAQs.
What should I look for when purchasing a swimsuit for wild swimming?
- Neoprene: Most wetsuits and cold-water swimsuits are made from the highly-insulating neoprene. It works by trapping an extra layer of water between the suit and your body, which is subsequently warmed up – and kept warm – by your body’s temperature. In other words, it keeps your body wet at all times, which is why it’s called a wetsuit.
- Long sleeves: Keeping your arms covered is a sure-fire way to retain some extra body heat. Though many swimmers prefer the feeling afforded by having their arms free, they are willing to sacrifice the flexibility for complete upper-body warmth. Many cold-water swimsuits have bare legs to ensure the utmost kick-ability, so it’s especially important that at least half of it offers full coverage.
- Flexibility: Neoprene wetsuits and swimsuits can often feel bulky, so it’s important to widen your search terms to include the type of neoprene, how many layers of it are used, and the suit’s inner insulator material.
When should I upgrade from a swimsuit to a full wetsuit?
It’s all about the climate and the average water temperature where you’re swimming. This varies massively depending on your location – even if you’re staying in the UK. It’s also dependent on your level of swimming and whether you’ll be swimming long distances.
Wetsuits offer more buoyancy, making them a good option for weak swimmers, or long-distance swimmers who could use extra support. Likewise, if you’re a confident wild swimmer who is used to colder temperatures and prioritises movement above all else – a combination piece that offers the warming quality of a wetsuit in swimsuit form would be your best bet.
Let’s dive into our round-up of the best swimsuits for wild swimming.
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Swimsuits
Deep Sea Xtra Life Swimsuit
An ideal option for comfortable wild swimmers who are used to slightly warmer climates, this sleeveless number is sleek and skin-tight, offering fantastic flexibility without riding-up. Made from Lycra rather than neoprene, the Xtra Life swimsuit features a long back zip with pull-cord aids, an in-built bra and is resistant to damage from chlorine and UV50+ rays. We’re also big fans of the stylish, retro-inspired navy, pink and green colourway. It’s available in sizes XXS to XXL.
Buy now £57.00, Sweaty Betty
Zone 3 Women's Yulex Long sleeve Swimsuit
At 1.5mm thickness, plant-based neoprene long-sleeved swimsuit from Zone 3 will keep you warm while offering fantastic flexibility. With full upper-body coverage and perfectly placed seams for freedom of movement, this swimsuit provides essential core warmth without inhibiting your performance, allowing you to achieve that new PB.
Plus, thanks to the fact that this suit is made from natural rubber, its CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 80 per cent – demonstrating Zone 3’s mission to support a greener future for generations of wild swimmers to come.
Buy now £150.00, Zone 3
Premium Surf Boyleg UV Suit
This attractive high-heck, shortie design from popular surf retailer Rip Curl, though designed for surfing, is a fantastic choice for wild swimmers. Despite its high level of coverage and UPF 50+ rating, the textured wide rib fabric has been designed to reduce drag and increase your efficiency in the water. It is made from 89 per cent polyamide and 11 per cent elastane.
Buy now £79.99, Rip Curl
Recycled Lycra Long Sleeve Swimsuit - Black
Fabricated from recycled materials and fully recyclable itself, this long sleeve swimsuit is nevertheless suited for both surfing and wild swimming. The recycled Lycra is made from regenerated waste from the like of old fishing nets and industrial plastic scraps. It fits true to size and has built-in bust support, including an under-bust elastic for extra lift. The 25cm back zip further makes getting in and out of this gorgeous piece extremely easy.
Buy now £130.00, Rainbow Life
Women's Arabella 2mm Superstretch Neoprene Swimsuit
This extra-thick, 2mm premium neoprene wetsuit also has a micro-fleece wicking lining for the utmost comfort and warmth. Super stretchy and ultra flattering, the detailed reviews of this product from customers across the country speak for themselves. It is available in navy, burgundy and black from sizes XS-XXL.
Buy now £44.99, Amazon
Patagonia R1 Lite Wetsuit
This stylish short wetsuit is the perfect blend of swimsuit and wetsuit. The 2mm of yulex and long sleeves add warmth and also give good protection from strong sunlight – ideal if you’re on a water sports holiday.
The shorts-style bottom doesn’t restrict movement but also doesn’t ride up, even if you’re swimming distances for fitness, going diving or trying water sports. The chest-zip version of the R1 Lite is ideal for surfing, while this front-zip version is better suited to wild swimming. A great shortie for the ethically-minded.
Buy now £160.00, Patagonia
Vivida Linda Reversible Wetsuit
We like the sleek looks and good cut of Vivida’s Linda suit, which is also fully reversible (one side has a grey graphic top, the other a black top and grey shorts), so you get two suits by packing just one piece for your swimming holidays. The suit’s bottoms aren’t too high cut, so you get good coverage as you swim. The Linda’s lining is made from plastic bottles, and we like that this design is available in a wide range of sizes.
Buy now £169.00, Vivida
Slo Active Soneva Surf Leotard
It may be expensive but this suit is beautifully made from yulex. Slo Active’s leotard-style Soneva suit is a lovely premium option for summer swims. The Soneva feels soft and supple to wear, with a sleek fit, high neck and front zip that offers a figure-hugging fit for less drag in the water. The Soneva is marketed towards surfers, but its front zip makes it less ideal for board sports and better for swim sessions in warm climates. Not everyone will like the high cut of the legs of this suit.
Buy now £350.00, Slo Active
Fina Skinvolt Open Back Swimsuit
The perfect combination of swimsuit and wetsuit, Jammer swimsuits have open backs for full movement of your arms coupled with longer coverage for your legs, for warmth and comfort. At the recent World Ice Swimming Championships, we noticed many of the hardy swimmers competing opted for these jammers over skimpy swimsuits.
If you want to join them for summer swim sessions or for winter dips where you’re going without full coverage, look to Fina’s comfortable and form-fitting Skinvolt suit from Decathlon, which feels like a second skin and offers good muscle compression.
Buy now £199.99, Decathlon
Wetsuits
Zoot Kona Sleeveless Wetsuit
Zoot’s sleeveless wonder is ideal for open water swimmers and triathletes who want some protection from the cold but need their arms free for speed and range of movement. This suit is streamlined and has a slick finish for added hydrodynamics but isn’t restrictive. It feels comfy even when you clock up hours in the water. You can trim the legs for the perfect fit, and we like the pops of pattern and colour, guaranteed to cheer up a grey day of training.
Buy now £334.00, Zoot
Alpkit Lotic Swimming Wetsuit
Alpkit call the Lotic their ‘all rounder’ women’s swimming wetsuit, and we’d agree – if you aren’t sure what suit to pick from the myriad choices online, this is a great first choice for budding open water swimmers. Thicker neoprene on the back and upper legs of the suit reduces drag, while thinner shoulder and underarm panels help you reach freely in the water. Red flashes make you more visible in open water, and on test we found the Lotic easy to pull on and off on the go. A great all-rounder for any level of swimmer, and for a decent price.
Buy now £149.99, Alpkit
Tri UK GUL Petrel Wetsuit
‘Open water is calling’ say GUL of their Petrel suit, and on test we found this comfy suit was ideal for clocking up distances in the ocean or your nearest lake. Good drag reduction and well-placed neoprene panels make gliding through the water a pleasure, and blindstitched seams keep warm water tucked around your body, keeping you cosy for longer. A great suit for swimmers and would-be triathletes working on their swim fitness.
Buy now £135.00, Sports Direct
