What to wear for outdoor swimming

There aren’t any ‘best dressed’ awards in outdoor swimming, but you will need some basics to stay warm, stay safe and swim your best. Ready to find out what you should be packing in your swim bag? Let’s go… 

A Swim Cap

Start at the top with a brightly coloured swim cap. It improves your visibility in open water, helps keep your head warm, and keeps hair out of the way.

Goggles or Swim Mask

Open water can be cloudy or choppy, so a good pair of goggles is essential.

They help you:

• See your direction in water without lane markers

• Protect your eyes from debris, glare and splashes

• Stay comfortable over longer distances

Make sure that you choose goggles or a swim mask that fits snugly and doesn’t leak.

Ear Plugs

These are not essential for open water swimming, but many swimmers like them for comfort. If you don’t enjoy water in your ears or you’d prefer a calmer, quieter swim environment, tuck a pair under your cap.

Wetsuit

Your most important bit of kit. Why wear one…

• Provides warmth

• Adds buoyancy, helping you sit higher in the water

• Increases confidence and comfort, especially over long distances

At some events, wetsuits are optional above certain temperatures (for example, optional at 15°C+). If you choose not to wear one, a high-visibility tow float may be required.

Wetsuits are meant to be tight and snug – if they’re baggy they won’t retain the warmth. So be prepared to have a bit of fun getting into them… It’s also worth having a practice in your wetsuit before event day if you can, just so you can get used to how it feels when you swim.

There are loads of different kinds to choose from and it can be a bit of a minefield knowing which is right for you… But not to worry, you can find plenty of guidance and tips on finding the perfect one here.

What Goes Underneath

Be it a cossie or a pair of slim-fitting trunks, don’t forget your swimmers. You’re going to want to wear something under your wetsuit or else you risk serious chaffing! Plus, when you get out of the water when you’ve finished, it means you can easily strip down whilst saving your modesty! 

Extras that you may want to pack…

While not essential for every swimmer, these can make outdoor swimming more comfortable:

Swim Socks (Booties)

Great for cold-water swims. They help keep your feet warm and add grip when entering or exiting the water.

Hoods or Gloves

Swim hoods offer extra warmth around your head; neoprene gloves can help if your hands get cold easily.

Microfibre Towel

Compact, fast-drying and perfect for warming up quickly afterwards.

Specialist Shoes

Surfer-style shoes can protect your feet on rocky entries, though they may slightly restrict movement in the water.

 Safety Kit

If you’re swimming outside of organised events, especially in quiet or remote areas, consider taking:

• A whistle - to attract attention if needed
• A compass - to help you navigate if visibility drops
• A tow float - for visibility, safety and resting if required

And always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. At big events like the Great North Swim you’ll be surrounded by other swimmers and plenty of safety crews, boats and kayaks all the way around, whose number one job is to look after you. If you’re planning on training in open water, perhaps somewhere more isolated, the above suggestions are vital additions to your kit. If you need to attract attention or navigate your way to safety, job done.

With the right gear, from a bright swim cap to a reliable wetsuit, you’ll feel more confident, comfortable and safe in open water.

Pack well, practise in your kit, and enjoy the adventure.