What to Wear for Outdoor Swimming

From warm summer dips to bracing winter swims, here's exactly what to wear for outdoor swimming in the UK in every season, plus what to put on afterwards.

One of the most common questions new outdoor swimmers ask is simply: what do I wear? The answer changes through the year. UK water temperatures swing from pleasantly cool in late summer to properly cold in winter, and what you wear can make the difference between a joyful swim and a miserable one.

In the warmer months, it is simply swimsuit and I am ready to do! In the cooler winter months and once the water temperature has chilled down, I have been known to grab my wetsuit, and even neoprene gloves and socks. I quite like the shock of the cold, and giving yourself a few minutes immersed in the water usually lets ones body adjust but I have friends that will always wear their neoprene gloves and socks, so it really is personal preference. My absolute GO-TO is my robe after swimming, I have had my dryrobe for quite some time and it always comes on any beach holiday in the UK.

As a rough guide, UK water is often around 14–18°C in late summer and can drop to 5–9°C in winter. Temperatures vary a lot by location.

Summer (roughly June to September)

Summer is the easiest time to start. Many swimmers wear just a swimsuit.

• Swimsuit: a comfortable, well-fitting costume or jammers.

• Bright swim hat: for visibility, even on warm days.

• Swim shoes: useful for pebbly beaches and muddy riverbeds.

• Optional wetsuit: if you feel the cold or plan to swim for longer.

Autumn (roughly October to November)

Autumn is a beautiful season to swim, and the water holds some of its summer warmth for a while. As it cools, many swimmers start adding layers.

• Neoprene gloves and socks: hands and feet feel the cold first, and these help you stay in comfortably.

• Thermal or neoprene swim hat: a lot of heat is lost through your head.

• Wetsuit: worth considering if you want longer swims as temperatures fall.

Winter (roughly December to March)

Winter swims are usually short dips rather than long swims. For many people, the cold is the point. Swim with others, stay close to the edge and keep it brief. I would avoid rivers with strong currents and always check with the likes of the environment agency as if on a red warning, swimming is a no go- you are better off with a lake at this time of year.

• Neoprene gloves and socks (3–5mm): close to essential for most winter swimmers.

• Neoprene hat: keeps your head warm and many swimmers find it makes a big difference.

• Swimsuit or wetsuit: some swimmers prefer "skins" (no wetsuit), while others feel safer and more comfortable in neoprene. Both are fine.

Spring (roughly April to May)

Spring can catch people out. The air may feel warm, but the water is often still very cold after winter. Dress as you would for late autumn, and build your swim time up gradually.

What to wear after your swim

What you put on afterwards matters just as much as what you swim in. Getting warm quickly is the priority.

• A changing robe: a long, warm, waterproof robe you can change under. [Link to Article 3: The best changing robes for outdoor swimmers.]

• Easy layers: loose tops, a fleece and joggers you can pull on with cold hands. Avoid tight jeans and fiddly buttons.

• A warm hat and thick socks.

• Slip-on footwear, such as warm boots or sliders.

Put your clothes in the order you'll need them, with your top layers on top. Cold fingers make everything harder.

My Favourite season to swim...

I'll be honest, I am a fair weather swimmer and prefer the warmer weather for a swim. I will be out on and in the Thames during the summer months from swimming, to paddle boarding, to a dive off the boat. However, saying that, there is nothing like the rush of a dip in the sea or lake in the midst of February. There is no better way to reawake your soul! Wetsuit to hand, and a lovely fluffy dryrobe to wrap you up after with a warm cuppa- it is a great seasonal escape from the weather. My favourite February dip is at the beach in St. Ive's, Porthgwidden Beach to be precise, small cove and have come across a seal or two with the same swim ideas in mind. Very peaceful and easy for the kids to run in and out, or simply play in the rock coves or in the sand as you have a sneaky dip in!