Open water swimmer, coach and outdoor swimming expert, Rowan Clarke, tests women’s swimwear for swimming outdoors. Here are her best buys.What\u2019s the best swimwear for outdoor swimming? And how do you choose what to buy? From wild swimming dips to open water training and events, the right swimwear will make you more comfortable and confident.
\nIn its purest form, outdoor swimming doesn\u2019t require specialist swimwear. Put it this way, you could wear your undies. But loads of swimsuits claim to enhance your wild swimming experience. From adding a thermal silver lining (I\u2019m sceptical) to go-faster compression suits, it can be hard to cut through the waffle. But that\u2019s what these reviews are for \u2013 and for extra guidance, scroll down to my buying guide.
\nYour number one requirement is that your swimwear fits well. Comfort really is king. Why? Because the mental health benefits of swimming outdoors come from getting into a \u2018flow state\u2019. Uncomfortable swimwear will distract you and therefore detract from your swimming experience. So, try on swimwear and don\u2019t be afraid to exchange it if it\u2019s not right.
\nAt a glance
\nBest overall swimsuit for open water swimming: Deakin & Blue X-Back Swimsuit
\nBest sustainable swimsuit for pool and open water: Wallien Yemaya Swimsuit
\nBest long-sleeved open water swimsuit: Alpkit Dulsie
\nBest vibrant sustainable swimsuit: Batoko Swimsuit
\nBest two-piece for open water swimming: Deakin & Blue Sports Swimbra<\/p>\n
1\/ Deakin & Blue X-Back Swimsuit
\nBest overall swimsuit for open water swimming
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Reversible
\nAvailable in sizes 8-24, AA-HH cups
\nMade responsibly in East London, UK by seamstresses paid a fair wage
\nMade from waste fabrics and fibres, including ECONYL\u00ae \u2013 a regenerated yarn made from ocean waste
\nHyper-resistant to chlorine, salt water, UV rays and oils<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Soft, comfortable shape and fabric, inclusive sizing, supportive bust, beautiful design and tailoring, reversible designs, sustainably made, durable
\nReasons to avoid: Higher price point, otherwise no reason at all, we all love this swim suit!
\nThis is hands-down the most comfortable, supportive, beautiful swimsuit I\u2019ve found. On its own or underneath a wetsuit, it\u2019s an absolute joy to wear.
\nDeakin & Blue is an independent, sustainable brand founded by a swimmer. And it shows. From the X-Back shape and flattering tailoring to bust-sizing and durable eco-fabrics, it feels perfectly designed for outdoor swimming.
\nYou pick your size based on your dress size and bra cup size. This is great if you wear different sizes on your top and bottom. It also means that the swimsuit is super supportive even for a bigger bust.
\nThe cross-back shape isn\u2019t just beautiful, it also allows you to move your arms freely with no slippage. And the fabric is so soft \u2013 there\u2019s absolutely no chafing. I also love that the swimsuit\u2019s reversible \u2013 you kind of get two swimsuits in one.
\nDeakin & Blue\u2019s swimwear is on the pricey side. But with great eco-credentials and durability, and because it makes you feel like a million dollars, it\u2019s a worthy investment.
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2\/ Chilly Swim Star Bum
\nBest neoprene swimsuit for winter dipping
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Made of 2mm durable, limestone neoprene
\nWarmth for torso and chest
\nUltra-flex Lycra lining
\nAvailable in sizes 8-18<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Warm, flexible, feels\u00a0gorgeous to wear
\nReasons to avoid: A wriggle to get on, no good for swimming front crawl.
\nSometimes you put on a swimsuit that makes you walk a bit taller. This beautiful limestone neoprene swimsuit did just that. It\u2019s a right wriggle to get on, but once in, it feels incredible.
\nIf you\u2019re looking for extra warmth for your cold water dips, Chilly Swim has the answer. Made from a super-soft, stretchy limestone neoprene, it keeps your torso warmer for those winter swims.
\nFrom a sustainability point of view, limestone neoprene has the lowest carbon footprint of any wetsuit production. But it\u2019s also that you\u2019re shopping with a tiny cottage industry.
\nThe downside of this gorgeous, soft, stretchy limestone neoprene is that it gapes when you swim front crawl. But if you buy it for dipping, you won\u2019t be disappointed.
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3\/ Deakin & Blue Sports Swimbra
\nBest outdoor swimming bikini
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Super soft, high quality, sustainable Italian Lycra\u00ae
\nMade from recycled yarn ECONYL\u00ae from regenerated waste
\nHigh-quality, water-resistant YKK back zip.
\nDurable and designed to last.
\nTwice as resistant to chlorine, salt water and oils than standard Lycra. Full UV protection.
\nDesigned and manufactured responsibly in London, UK.<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Comfortable, supportive, inclusive sizing range, great sustainable credentials,\u00a0Facetime fitting help, repair service
\nReasons to avoid: Comes up small \u2013 we had to size up
\nSometimes I prefer to wear a bikini, especially under a wetsuit. So, it\u2019s a joy to find a supportive bikini that doesn\u2019t chafe.
\nBikinis aren\u2019t just for the beach. In open water swimming, they allow for mix-and-match sizing and easy changing. They\u2019re also great for the tall and long torsoed among us.
\nDisclaimer \u2013 I\u2019m a die-hard fan and long-time customer of Deakin & Blue\u2019s. I love their ethics, inclusive sizing and diverse models \u2013 they use actual customers and have a strict no-retouching policy. So, I was delighted when they updated their Swimbra design.
\nThe bikini is super supportive. Thanks to soft fabric and seams and the racerback design, there\u2019s no chafing at all. The bottoms are flattering with good coverage and a high waist, even on long torsos.
\nThe sizing was too small to get on over broad shoulders. This was solved by going up a size on the top, though \u2013 luckily, Deakin & Blue\u2019s customer care is great.
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4\/ Batoko Swimsuit
\nBest vibrant sustainable swimsuit
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Recycled fabric\u00a0content: 85% polyester 15% elastane (spandex)
\nDigitally printed
\nFully lined
\nScooped back
\nExcellent bust support\u00a0and coverage without the need for cups, wiring or shelf bra
\nDesigned to fit a variety of body shapes\u00a0and\u00a0lengths<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Gorgeous fun designs, inclusive sizing range, sustainably made, good value, supports charities
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0Only one style\/fit, no bust support
\nIf you\u2019re an outdoor swimmer, you\u2019ve probably seen Batoko swimsuits. These gorgeous sea-themed swimsuits are everywhere. And, with great eco-credentials and fun designs, it\u2019s easy to see why.
\nWe were drawn to the vibrant, bold designs. Crabs, jellyfish, narwhals or puffins \u2013 it was a struggle to choose one. But, in the end, we went for seals \u2013 a proportion of the proceeds from its sales goes to supporting grey seal rescue and rehabilitation at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
\nThe designs are just as vibrant in real life. And, with lined eco-fabric, the swimsuit feels super durable and great quality. We loved the choice of sizes from small to 3XL (UK 6-8 to 24) and found them to be true to size.
\nWhile they fit a variety of body shapes and heights, my largeish bust felt squashed. I also found that the scoop-back design means that the straps are liable to slip off your shoulders.
\nFor brightening up swims on a dull day and great eco credentials, we gave Batoko\u2019s swimsuit four stars.
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5\/ Wallien Yemaya Swimsuit
\nBest sustainable swimsuit for pool and open water
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Italian recycled fabrics
\nMade from discarded fish nets
\nSuper stretch & feather soft
\nMax shoulder mobility
\nLined
\nUltra-chlorine resistant
\nUPF50+ sun protection<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Stylish cut and colours, durable, great cut for swimming comfort, high quality, good sustainable credentials
\nReasons to avoid:\u00a0Higher price point, no\u00a0bust support
\nStylish, durable and sustainably made \u2013 we love Wallien\u2019s swimwear for wild swimming. The Yemaya swimsuit is a beautifully made piece: fully lined, flexible and comfortable.
\nOur tester loved the flattering cut, particularly around the shoulders, aloowing freedom of movement when she was swimming. Similarly, the cut around the bum provided good coverage and movement. And best of all, there was no chafing or slippage.
\nThe zip makes the swimsuit easy to put on and take off, even with cold hands. And the lining means that there\u2019s no chance of it going see-through, and it also gives a bit of extra warmth.
\nMade from ultra chlorine-resistant fabric, this swimsuit is fantastic for pool-to-open water training.
\nAt 5\u2019 8\u201d (173cm), our tester found it a little bit short in the body, and without defined cup support it \u2018streamlined\u2019 her bust. Having said that, for quality, comfort and sustainability, we can\u2019t fault it.
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6\/ Alpkit Dulsie
\nBest long-sleeved open water swimsuit
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Made in Italy from ECONYL\u00ae
\nShape-retaining stretch fabric
\nLined body panel
\nLong-sleeves and UPF 50+
\nDurable and long-lasting: chlorine and sun-cream resistant fabric
\nThe high-performance stretch fabric
\nLow-profile seams
\nExtra-long back zip<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy:\u00a0Comfortable, good coverage without being frumpy, quality fabric with smooth seams, flattering, great size range, value for money
\nReasons to avoid: Zip slips open a little on longer swims
\nComfortable and flattering, we love Alpkit\u2019s long-sleeved swimsuit for added protection and coverage when swimming outdoors.
\nA long-sleeved swimsuit is great for keeping wind chill at bay and saving time \u2013 and water pollution \u2013 by negating the need for suncream.
\nOur tester is a committed bikini-wearing cold water swimmer, so she was surprised that this long-sleeved swimsuit should become her favourite. It\u2019s a testament to how comfortable and flattering she found The Dulsie.
\nThe lined front panel gives confidence, helping the swimsuit keep its shape and coverage, and providing some bust support. It also has two-tone tailoring, which is subtly flattering making you feel good while you wear it. A big plus for our tester is its good bum coverage with no risk of slippage.
\nWith true-to-size fitting, the wide neck and long back zip makes it quick and easy to put on and take off. Unlike some swimsuits with a wide neck, the Dulsie doesn\u2019t gape.\u00a0Despite its long sleeves, it was easy to peel off when wet, even with cold hands.
\nThe only niggle we could find was that the top of the zip opened a little bit on a longer swim, which snagged our tester\u2019s hair when she sighted. Nevertheless, we gave it 4.5 stars as a great all-around open water swimsuit.
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7\/ Orca Women\u2019s Core One Piece Swimsuit
\nBest sporty one-piece swimsuit
\nSpecifications<\/p>\n
Ultra-resistant to chlorine
\nMade from recycled materials
\nCompressive fit<\/p>\n
Reasons to buy: Soft, comfortable shape and fabric, attractive shape for a sporty swimsuit, made from 80% recycled material, durable and good quality, reasonable price
\nReasons to avoid: Doesn\u2019t feel compressive, sizing comes up small
\nThe Core One Piece is Orca\u2019s good-looking, quality take on the classic, sporty swimsuit.
\nA big fan of the sea swimming brand, Orca, our tester was drawn to the swirly, oceanic animal print. Made from good quality fabric, she found it comfortable on its own or underneath a wetsuit.
\nThe swimsuit is cut to allow for free movement. And the racer back negates against strap slippage, so the swimsuit will stay put for your swim.
\nWhile she found the swimsuit very comfortable, she didn\u2019t feel that it was compressive. She also felt that the sizing was small \u2013 \u00a0she had to go up a size. However, the Orca website does advise choosing the size up, especially if you\u2019re between sizes.
\nIf you\u2019re looking for a simple, sporty swimsuit for pool or open water training, the Core One Piece is a great option.
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Buying guide: How to choose the best open water swimwear
\nThe key to maximising outdoor swimming\u2019s many health and wellbeing benefits is comfort. A pinching seam, rubbing fabric or flimsy strap will get you out of your \u2018flow state\u2019 and into your head. At best, this will distract you. And, at worst, it will make you self-conscious and damage your confidence.
\nYour swimwear should feel like it\u2019s not there at all. It should hold your body and support you, which makes you more streamlined, comfortable and warm. But it shouldn\u2019t pinch, squeeze, chafe or flap around.
\nSo, your priority when shopping for swimwear is to find somewhere with great customer service and hassle-free returns. Don\u2019t be afraid to shop online \u2013 there\u2019s a lot of value in trying on swimwear in the privacy of your own home.
\nUse the sizing guides and fitting advice. Better still, find a retailer that shows its swimwear on different bodies. This won\u2019t just give you an idea of how it looks on different women, it will also show that the swimwear has been made for a good size range.
\nSwimsuit or bikini?
\nChoosing a one or two-piece is down to preference. But it\u2019s also a matter of practicality. Depending on how you swim, you may find one works better than the other.<\/p>\n
Swimsuits: A one-piece is great for swimming \u2018skins\u2019 \u2013 without a wetsuit. It can work a bit like a swimsuit, offering gentle compression, streamlining and protection. If you usually swim in hot climates, consider choosing long sleeves for UV protection.
\nBikinis: Traditionally for sunbathing, don\u2019t discount the two-piece for serious swimming. Great for those of us who are taller or wear different sizes on our tops and bottoms, they\u2019re also fantastic under wetsuits for easy dressing.<\/p>\n
Wetsuit or skins?
\nIn addition to a great fit, think about your neoprene needs. Skins swimmers (those who swim without a wetsuit) should look for:<\/p>\n
Gentle compression to help blood flow
\nStreamlining
\nProtection from the sun and sea creatures
\nDurability
\nCut and style to allow freedom of movement<\/p>\n
As well as the above, wetsuit wearers should look for minimal fastenings and smooth seams. This will help you avoid chafing under your wetsuit.
\nIf you want extra warmth without wearing a full wetsuit, consider a thermal or neoprene swimsuit. Sleeveless or long-sleeved, these provide a thicker, warm layer around your core. Add neoprene gloves and booties for extra warmth.
\nThe best-fitting swimwear
\nWhen you try on your swimwear, it should feel comfortable. More than that, it should make you feel confident. Here are a few things to look for:<\/p>\n
Straps: Do they tug down or slip off your shoulders? Your straps shouldn\u2019t leave red marks or fall off.
\nBust: Are your breasts supported and secure? Your bust should feel held but not squashed. Avoid padding and underwires.
\nCrotch and bum: Your swimwear should fit your bottom how you like it and feel comfortable \u2013 you can choose anything from a thong to short legs.
\nSeams: You should have a smooth feel to avoid chafing while you swim.<\/p>\n
Sustainability: buy once, buy well
\nFinally, you have the buying power to make good choices for people, the planet and your purse. The buy once, buy well principle is that if you spend time and thought choosing the right swimwear, you won\u2019t waste money and resources on swimwear that doesn\u2019t last or isn\u2019t fit for purpose. Instead, think about:<\/p>\n
choosing swimwear made from recycled or deadstock fabric
\nbuying swimwear made by employees paid a fair wage
\nsupporting local and independent brands
\ninvesting in swimwear you really love and will wear again and again
\nrecycling your old swimwear<\/p>\n
The post 7 of the best open water swimsuits for women appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Open water swimmer, coach and outdoor swimming expert, Rowan Clarke, tests women’s swimwear for swimming outdoors. Here are her best buys.What\u2019s the best swimwear for outdoor swimming? And how do you choose what to buy? From wild swimming dips to … <\/p>\n