What to Wear Wild Swimming: A Complete Guide to Wild Swimming Gear
One of the first questions almost every new wild swimmer asks is:
"What on earth am I supposed to wear?"
And honestly it’s a very valid and fair question.
Walking into a lake in your normal swimming costume can feel very different from walking into a heated pool.
The good news is that wild swimming gear doesn't need to be complicated. What you need depends on where and when you're swimming, how cold the water is and how your body responds to it.
Here's our guide to what to wear wild swimming, from the basics to the extra bits that make a cold-water swim much more comfortable.
–
What do you wear wild swimming?
The simplest answer is:
Swimwear + whatever you need to stay comfortable and safe in the conditions.
That might mean:
- Swimsuit
- Wetsuit
- Swim hat
- Wild swimming socks
- Swimming gloves
- Tow float
- Changing robe
- Warm layers
There isn't one perfect wild swimming outfit.
–
Swimsuit or wetsuit?
This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. A swimsuit is the most minimal option and is popular with swimmers who are comfortable in cold water AND is easier to get off. A wetsuit provides additional insulation and can be particularly useful when the water is colder or when you're planning to stay in the water for longer.
The right choice depends on your experience, the water temperature, the weather and what you're comfortable wearing.
The goal isn't to prove how little you can wear. It's to have a swim you actually enjoy.
–
Do you need a swim hat?
A bright swim hat is a very sensible bit of wild swimming kit. It can make you easier to spot in open water and can also help keep your head warmer. However if you're not actually putting your head in the water it’s not always needed. A bobble hat is a great alternative to keep you a little warmer and has added viability too.
Choose something comfortable and highly visible.
–
What are wild swimming socks for?
Wild swimming socks are designed to do two useful jobs: keep your feet warmer and protect them underfoot.
Wild swimming rarely involves walking over a perfectly smooth pool floor. You could be stepping over shingle, stones, rocks, sand or uneven lake edges.
Swimming Wild's socks use 3mm neoprene with reinforced soles, designed to provide warmth while remaining flexible enough for swimming.
The EasyOff™ range adds an adjustable fastening designed to make getting them on and off easier.
–
Do you need swimming gloves?
Again, not necessarily.
But if you find that your hands get cold quickly, swimming gloves can make a big difference to comfort, particularly as temperatures drop.
They're especially useful for swimmers who want to continue swimming into autumn and winter without immediately reaching for a full winter wetsuit setup.
–
What should you wear after wild swimming?
This is the bit beginners often underestimate. Getting out of cold water is only half the job. You want to be able to get warm and dry quickly.
Pack:
- Large towel
- Changing robe or poncho
- Warm jumper
- Coat
- Dry trousers
- Thick socks
- Hat
- Gloves
- Warm drink
–
What to wear wild swimming in summer
Summer doesn't automatically mean warm water. You might be perfectly comfortable in a swimsuit, but you should still check conditions before getting in.
A typical summer kit could include:
- Swimsuit
- Bright swim hat
- Tow float
- Swimming socks if needed
- Towel
- Changing robe
- Warm layer for afterwards
- Water safe SPF
–
What to wear wild swimming in winter
Winter wild swimming requires more thought.
You may want:
- Wetsuit or appropriate swimwear
- Neoprene socks
- Neoprene gloves
- Warm hat
- Tow float
- Changing robe
- Plenty of warm layers
- Hot drink
And remember: the colder the water, the more important it is to understand your limits.
–
Do you need shoes or socks for wild swimming?
This depends on the swimming spot.
If the entry is rocky or uneven, you'll probably appreciate something on your feet.
Swimming socks are particularly useful when you want protection without sacrificing flexibility in the water.
Swimming Wild's socks have reinforced soles designed for uneven open-water entries while retaining a flexible swimming feel.
–
The wild swimming gear checklist
If you're wondering what wild swimming gear to buy first, start with the things you'll actually use every time.
Essentials:
☐ Swimwear
☐ Swim hat
☐ Tow float
☐ Towel
☐ Warm clothes
Worth considering:
☐ Wild swimming socks
☐ Swimming gloves
☐ Changing robe
☐ Body warmer
☐ Waterproof phone storage
ULTIMATE WILD SWIMMING KIT LIST
The best wild swimming gear isn't necessarily the gear with the longest shopping list. It's the stuff that makes getting into, swimming in and getting out of the water easier. And that's exactly what you want.