Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need help with today?
Shipping & Delivery
How long does delivery take?
We offer Standard UK Shipping with Royal Mail tracked delivery, which usually takes 2-3 business days. For Ireland, shipping usually take 2-7 business days. And for Europe, shipping can take up to 11 business days.
How much does shipping cost?
Standard UK Shipping with Royal Mail tracked delivery is £2.99. For UK & Ireland, standard shipping is £9.99.
Do you ship to Europe & Ireland?
Yes, we ship to Europe and Ireland and no customs or duty fees will apply once your order has been placed. Simply select your country of choice within the main menu, and your currency and shipping preferences will be updated.
When will my order be dispatched?
Orders placed before 12:00 midday will be dispatched on the same day. If placed after 12:00, the order will be dispatched the following day.
Order Tracking
Where is my order?
To track your order please following the Royal Mail tracking link here and enter your reference number - you should have received this via e-mail.
https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item
Where can I find my tracking reference number?
You'll find your order number in your order confirmation e-mail. If you have lost it you can contact us HERE quoting your order number and we can find that for you.
Returns & Exchanges
How do I return my item?
We're so sorry you didn't love your Swimming Wild kit!
We are able to accept returns for store credit or a refund. We have a 30-day return policy after receiving your order. Your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn in the water and unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the order number as proof of purchase.
Returns should be sent to Swimming Wild c/o, ParcelPlanet, Unit 2F & 2G Mucklow Park Innovation Drive, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 3RE.
Please include your dispatch note with your return.
Please also provide feedback by selecting the reason code so we can improve our products and service.
Can I exchange my item?
If you wish to exchange an item, we recommend processing a return for 'store credit'. This will allow you to place a new order sooner without waiting for a full refund.
What is your returns policy?
We have a 30-day return policy after receiving you order. Your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn in the water and unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the order number as proof of purchase, and returns will incur a delivery fee of £3.50 which is deductable from your refund amount.
Further details can be found here: REFUND & RETURNS POLICY
When will I receive my refund?
Refunds are processed within 5 working days of receiving your return.
Can I cancel my order before I receive it?
If you wish to cancel your order, please contact us as soon as possible through our Contact & Help form HERE. If the order hasn't been dispatched yet, we will do our best to cancel your order immediately. If the order has already been dispatched, we will arrange a return & refund on you have received the item.
I can’t generate a return slip on the Royal Mail website, what should I do?
If you’re having trouble submitting the form, please use a desktop device instead of a mobile device and check that all fields are filled in, pop-ups are not being blocked, and that you’ve checked your email inbox (including your Junk folder) for any messages.
Product & Sizing
What size is best for me?
You'll find guidance on sizing in our size guide linked here: SIZE GUIDE
Still unsure and need some help? Feel free to reach out to us directly HERE for advice.
I'm between sizes, what do you recommend?
Our Easy Off™ products (socks, gloves and body warmer) all feature a wide velcro fastening for adjustability. Please refer to our SIZE GUIDE for more details on sizing per product.
Which items are waterproof?
The Wild Waterproof Woolly Hat is waterproof to ensure comfort and practicality. It's Three-Layered DipProof™ structure guarantees warmth and waterproofness. An exterior waterproof coating makes water bead on the surface, providing a first layer of defence. The DipProof™ membrane then enforces the garment’s waterproofness. A warm, micro-fleece lining makes the Woolley breathable and comfortable.
Can I wear your swimming gear in the winter?
Yes, our products are ideal for winter sea swimming and cold plunges.
Can your swimming socks be used on rocky terrain?
Yes, our swimming socks are designed for rocky or pebbled beaches, offering grip, protection and insulation when you need it the most. Our 'Easy off' socks feature a Kevlar sole for cushioned steps on pebbly beaches and rocky outcrops, this is the same material they make bullet proof vests from, so it offers maximum protection and flexibility. The socks have a 3mm upper for warmth and freedom of movement in the water.
How should I wash my swimming gear?
To keep the integrity of your item, we advise rinsing after use with clean water and air drying only.
Are your swimming socks & gloves easy to use?
Our swimming socks and gloves have been designed with ease, functionality and comfort in mind. That's why we created Easy Off™ innovation: a unique design feature to help you slip on and off with ease — no struggle, no fuss.
I have wide fit feet, will the swimming socks fit me?
Our stretch-fit design accommodates most wide feet comfortably.
How durable is your swimming gear?
With proper care, they will last multiple cold seasons. We are the only sock on the market with Kevlar soles which means they will last much longer than competitor products.
Order Issue
I've received the wrong item
We're so sorry that you've received the wrong item. Please complete our Contact & Help form HERE, uploading a photo and providing your order number. We will be in touch to resolve the issue.
My item is damaged or faulty
We're so sorry that your item is damaged or faulty. At Swimming Wild we pride ourselves on quality, so we want to make it up to you. Please complete our Contact & Help form HERE, uploading a photo and providing your order number. We will be in touch to resolve the issue.
An item is missing from my order
We're so sorry that your order didn't arrive as expected. Please complete our Contact & Help form HERE, uploading a photo and providing your order number. We will be in touch to resolve the issue.
I didn't receive an order confirmation
If you've checked your junk & deleted folders and can't locate your order confirmation email, please get in touch. Just complete our Contact & Help form HERE, uploading a photo of your payment transaction. We will be in touch to resolve the issue.
My order hasn't arrived within the expected delivery window
Please double check any safe places or alternative addresses, then reach our to your courier via your original tracking link to locate your parcel. If the issue is not resolved, please contact us through our Contact & Help form HERE.
Payment & Discount
My discount code isn't working
Double check the expiry date and ensure only one code is applied. If you still need help, feel free to reach out to us directly here.
The payment failed at checkout, what can I do?
Please try another card or contact your bank provider.
Website Navigation
I can't find the page I'm looking for
Here, you'll find links for all of our active pages on our website. Simply click the one you're interested in and you'll be taken right there:
I'm having issues with the website
We know it can be frustrating when a website isn't working as expected. If you're sure that your internet connection is strong and your device isn't causing the issue, you can reach out to us via out Contact & Help form HERE explaining the issue you're facing and we'll do our best to help.
I want to change my currency whilst I shop. How do I do this?
To update your shipping country and currency, simply look for the country/currency selector in our main menu and select your country. On desktop, this is located at the top right of the screen, and on mobile, you'll need to tap the 3 lines in the top left of your screen to expand the menu.
Do Swimming Wild swimming gloves and socks keep your hands and feet warm?
Yes, that's the whole point of them. Neoprene swimming gloves and socks trap a thin layer of water against your skin which your body heat warms up, so your hands and feet stay insulated even in cold water. Hands and feet lose heat fast because they're a long way from your core and have very little natural fat or muscle to protect them, which is why fingers and toes are usually the first thing to go numb on a cold swim.
Not all neoprene is equal though. Limestone neoprene is warmer than traditional petroleum-based neoprene at the same thickness, so a 3mm limestone neoprene glove or sock can keep you just as warm as a standard
5mm version, without sacrificing the feel for the water that thicker neoprene takes away. Limestone neoprene is also more flexible and more durable, so it lasts longer and moves with you rather than against you.
Our EasyOff™ gloves and socks are fleece lined too, which adds another layer of insulation, feels more comfortable against the skin, and wicks moisture away from your hands and feet so you're not left with that clammy, waterlogged feeling. Wide, easy-on cuffs (like our EasyOff™ design) also help, since fumbling with tight gloves and socks on numb hands and feet is nobody's idea of fun.
Are swimming socks worth it?
For wild and open water swimming, yes. Wild swimming socks do two jobs at once: they keep your feet warm in cold water and protect your soles from sharp stones, shells and rough riverbeds when you're getting in and out. Feet are especially vulnerable to the cold because they're a long way from your core, so a lot of swimmers find their feet go numb long before the rest of them does.
The sole matters as much as the neoprene. Ours use Kevlar®, the same material used in bulletproof vests, so it's built to handle serious wear and tear without giving way underfoot. As far as we're aware, we're the only wild swimming socks on the market using it, which means you get a level of grip and protection on rocky or uneven ground that standard rubber or neoprene soles can't really match.
A decent pair of neoprene swimming socks with a sole like that means you're not tiptoeing across gravel or wincing your way into the water, which makes a real difference to how much you actually enjoy the swim.
What thickness swimming socks should I buy?
It depends on the water temperature and time of year. As a rough guide:
- 2–3mm — spring, summer and early autumn swimming
- 3–5mm — autumn and winter, or anyone who feels the cold quickly
- 5mm+ — dedicated winter and ice swimmers
That guide is for standard neoprene though. If your socks are made from limestone neoprene, you can generally go a size down on thickness for the same warmth, since limestone neoprene is warmer, more flexible and more durable than traditional petroleum-based neoprene at the same thickness. So a 3mm limestone neoprene sock can perform like a 5mm standard one, without the extra bulk.
Fleece lining makes a difference too, regardless of thickness. It adds another layer of insulation, feels softer against the skin, and wicks moisture away from your foot so you're not left swimming in a clammy, waterlogged sock. If you're only buying one pair, a 3mm limestone neoprene, fleece-lined sock is the most versatile option and covers most of the UK swimming season. Fit still matters just as much as thickness though, since a loose sock will let cold water flush in and out no matter what it's made from.
Can you swim wearing Limestone neoprene socks?
Yes, neoprene socks are designed to be swum in, not just worn for walking to and from the water. They're different from bulky dive boots, which aren't designed for swimming and will give you a worse experience in the water. Neoprene socks are slimmer and lighter, so they don't get in the way of your kick the way a chunkier dive boot can. Most wild and open water swimmers wear them for exactly that reason.
They're not designed for pool swimming or competitive racing though. They're built for open water conditions, riverbeds, lake bottoms and rocky beach entries, where a bit of grip and protection makes the swim easier.
Are swimming gloves & socks allowed in open water races?
It depends entirely on the event, so always check the race rules before you enter. Many open water and wild swimming events allow neoprene gloves and socks, particularly non-competitive or lower temperature events where organisers want swimmers to stay safe rather than shave seconds off a time. Wetsuit-legal races often follow the same logic on gloves and socks as they do on wetsuits.
Stricter or higher-level competitive races, especially those following official governing body rules, tend to ban neoprene aids like gloves and socks because they can be considered a swimming aid. If in doubt, email the race organiser directly.
How do I choose my swimming socks and gloves?
A few things to think about:
- Thickness — 3mm is the best all-rounder for most UK wild and open water swimming, covering you from spring through to late autumn without the bulk of a thicker glove or sock
- Material — look for limestone neoprene over standard petroleum-based neoprene. It's more eco-friendly, more sustainable, more durable, warmer and longer lasting
- Fit — our limestone neoprene is super-stretch. To make it, the bonds in the neoprene are broken down during manufacturing, then put back together again during lamination, which makes it twice as stretchy as standard neoprene. That means a better, more secure fit across our socks, glovesand body warmers, without the neoprene fighting you
- Cuff design — a wide, stretchy cuff makes a real difference when your hands and feet are already cold and fumbly, which is why our socks and gloves use an EasyOff™ cuff designed to go on and off easily even with numb fingers
Try to avoid sizing up "for comfort." A loose sock or glove actually performs worse in cold water than a snug one, since it lets more cold water flush in and out with every stroke.
What do I need for wild swimming?
A basic wild swimming kit for a UK swimmer usually includes:
- Wild swimming socks — for warmth and grip on rocky or uneven entries
- Wild Swimming gloves — for hand warmth, especially in autumn and winter
- A changing robe or swim poncho — for getting warm and dry quickly afterwards
- A tow float — for visibility to other water users and boats, plus somewhere to stash keys and a phone
- A body warmer — for extra core warmth without limiting arm movement
- A woolly or waterproof hat — a lot of body heat is lost through the head, so this matters more than people expect
What you need really depends on the season and how cold-adapted you already are. Someone swimming through a British winter needs a lot more kit than someone doing a warm lake swim in July.
Can you wear socks instead of swim shoes?
You can, and for a lot of wild swimmers, socks are actually the better choice to swim in. Neoprene socks are far more flexible than swim shoes and hug the shape of your foot in the water, so there's none of the drag you get from a bulkier shoe fighting against your kick.
Swim shoes often have hard plastic soles, which aren't great for the environment and aren't great to swim in either, since they don't bend naturally with your foot the way your body moves through the water. Swimming Wild socks use a Kevlar® sole instead, the same material used in bulletproof vests, so you get that same level of toughness and protection underfoot without losing flexibility. The sole moves with your foot rather than against it, so it feels natural to swim in while still standing up to sharp rocks and rough ground.
For most UK rivers, lakes and beaches, a good pair of socks with a Kevlar® sole covers both jobs well. If you're regularly swimming somewhere genuinely rough underfoot, it's worth having shoes on standby for the entry and exit, then socks for the swim itself.
Need more help?
If you'd like to speak to us directly we're more than happy to help.
Please reach out through our Contact & Help form here: CONTACT & HELP FORM