Enchanted depths, gentle tides, and that unbeatable weightlessness. Ocean lovers, we’re sure you’re not ready to stop swimming in the sea. The good news is: you don’t have to. Just because the hot weather is over doesn’t mean you can’t slip into an excellent winter swimsuit and brave the waves. In fact, doing so will feel even better during the colder months! We’ll be exploring the wonderful world of winter swimming, offering several recommendations from our own swimwear collection, and explaining why we think winter swimwear and swimming are both essential.
While we’re well aware that outdoor swimming might not be for everyone, it's certainly not without its perks and supporters. Click here to jump straight to our swimwear stock and get the gear you need.
Top Reasons To Keep Swimming In Winter
1. For the joy of it
Meet any outdoor swimmer and they’ll likely tell you that the main reason they do it is for “joy”. In winter, the euphoric feeling provided by outdoor swimming only deepens, due to the added shock of the cold which makes way for the purest of natural highs. As reported by the Observer, 94% of respondents to an outdoor swimming survey said they reported feeling happier and less stressed after a dip.
That result alone is enough reason to stock up on winter swimwear this year.
2. To rewire your immune system
Sick of getting sick in winter? Then the answer to boosted resilience might lie not in staying warm, but getting (temporarily) very cold! Short-term exposure to cold water has been proven to increase immunity, and white blood cell count. On the other hand, long-term exposure to cold water can have a detrimental effect on immunity - so this is all a question of moderation. From what we’ve read, a 10 minute swim session in colder waters is about right.
3. To upgrade your metabolism
According to Men’s Health exposure to ice-cold temperatures can improve your body’s circulation and create enhanced metabolic capacity. Meaning? It can help your body adjust to colder and warmer temperatures more readily, and increase the rate at which you burn calories.
4. To enhance mental well-being
“We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken.” - Blue Mind, 2014
The psychological benefits of outdoor swimming are perhaps the most widely touted and talked about. A 2018 case study from the University of Portsmouth showed that a short spell in cold water led to ‘an immediate improvement in mood [...] and gradual reduction in symptoms of depression’. It’s also been claimed that immersion in cold water primes you to handle everyday stress better in what’s called “cross-adaptation.”
5. For peace and quiet
Let’s face it, there’s a big chance you’ll be one of only a few brave souls wading out into the winter swell. So make the most of it! Winter sea swimming offers a unique opportunity to become totally immersed in the nature around you.
Winter Swimwear Highlights
Not convinced? Then these sustainable swimwear styles are sure to seal the deal. Each one is made from a favourable blend of ECONYL© recycled polyamide and elastane. ECONYL© is an innovative eco textile made from disused nylon from various sources such as industrial waste, factory cut-offs and even rescued ghost nets. We love it because it offers excellent resilience and is a bold step in the right direction for recycled fashion, which makes use of existing materials rather than allowing them to pollute our most precious environments.
Two of our women’s styles are especially adapted to offering more protection from the waves. The Trinket is a zip-up one-piece with surfer sleeves. It features flats seams to engender flexibility and extra UV protection to prevent unexpected sunburn!
Meanwhile the Meti top deconstructs the look and comes in a beautiful suede texture.
For enthusiasts of outdoor swimming, we’d recommend the Auskerry. A beautiful grape-coloured bikini set that comes with an olympic back design to facilitate movement and prevent slippage.
On the other hand, there’s the Koch: a similar sporty style that comes in a thicker terry fabric, making it more likely to keep the heat in. We love the fashionable two-colour design that adds a touch of individualism to this winter swimwear style.
Lovers of outdoor swimming will know that it’s just as important what you wear out of the water as what you wear to go in! Wrap up warm and bring with you plenty of sustainable layers to make use of as soon as you come out of the waves. Think recycled sherpa jackets, wool knits and thick organic sweats. We’d love to join you at the water’s edge, by becoming your go-to eco-friendly clothing brand this winter.
We also make a range of sustainable bikinis, that involve printed designs, bold colours, and delicate detailing. One of the benefits of ordering winter swimwear is that it’s available on sale, meaning it’ll arrive quickly and at a discounted price. Next year’s holiday look and this year’s swimming costume sorted in one swoop.
A Note On Safety
After singing its praises, we’d be remiss if we didn’t offer basic safety advice on outdoor winter swimming! It’s always best to go with a group - for the camaraderie as well as the safety - who know the local area. The colder the water is, the longer you’ll need to do warm-ups. Contrary to what you might expect, it’s better to ease yourself into cold water rather than jumping straight in - so that your body has time to adjust. People with heart conditions and asthma should talk to their GPs first: and if you have any doubts about your health, it’s best to get a medical assessment before taking the plunge.
