Best neoprene accessories for open water swimmers
Thermal socks, fleece-lined caps and baselayers: we review some of the best neoprene accessories (and natural rubber alternatives) for keeping you warm while you swim
The best neoprene accessories for wild swimmers
Best neoprene socks for stony ground | Orca Hydro Booties, £39
Best neoprene cap for visibility | Zone3 Orange Neoprene Swim Cap, £29
Best neoprene gloves for flexibility | LOMO Swimming and Triathlon Gloves, £21
Best neoprene vest for women | Orca, Heatseeker Vest, £54
Warmest neoprene gloves on test | ZONE3 Thermo-Tech Warmth Swim Mitts, £39
Most comfortable thermal swim cap | FINISTERRE Nieuwland 2mm Yulex® Cap, £50
FINISTERRE Nieuwland 2mm Yulex® Cap, £50
£50
They say: Our first range of Yulex® accessories keeps warmth in and cold out, allowing you to enjoy the ocean for longer. The 2mm Yulex® cap is designed to keep brain freeze at bay when the winter winds are howling. Offering optimal movement, the under-chin strap keeps the cap in place without restricting flexibility or vision.
We say: Although it’s hard to describe a thermal swimming cap as ‘stylish’, we were pleasantly surprised by how good this cap looked. While the material is thinner (2mm) and doesn’t have the smoothness of the Zoggs cap (which would be better if speed is your goal), the Finisterre cap felt just as comfortable in cold water as it covers more of the forehead and helped prevent ice cream headache. It’s got a good amount of stretch, too, which makes it easy to tuck longer hair into, and the hook and loop under-chin strap allowed us to adjust the fit.
HUUB Neoprene Swim Gloves
£34.99
They say: The HUUB Neoprene Gloves are designed to keep your hands warm during those cold water swims. Made from high grade 3mm neoprene for added warmth and protection for your hands. Available in three sizes.
We say: Our tester was impressed by the warmth of these 3mm neoprene gloves, which kept her hands warm for the duration of her swim when she’s used to her fingertips going numb in cold water. They feel thick and robust with durable stitching and waterproofing on the seams. Although they don’t have an adjustable fastening so you can’t tighten the seal, the stretchy nylon cuff makes it easy to take them on and off, and gives an extra feeling of comfort. While the cuff isn’t tightly fitted around the wrist when wearing them straight on your skin, we didn’t noticed much water ingress. Worn with a wetsuit, they do a great job of keeping water out without the bulk of extra neoprene around the wrist.
ORCA Neoprene Headband
£14
They say: Our neoprene headband is the perfect accessory to protect your head and ears from the cold, keeping you warmer for longer. Made of 2.5mm neoprene, and designed to fully cover your ears. A Velcro strap at the back of the headband allows you to adjust it for the perfect fit. Don’t let anything stop you on your Swimrun adventure, not even the cold.
We say: Super stretchy and comfortable, this neoprene headband covers the ears really well – protecting them from cold water and helping to hold ear plugs in place. If, like our tester, you can feel dizzy when swimming front crawl in cold water but don’t like wearing ear plugs, this neoprene headband provides an excellent solution – whether it’s because the tight-fitting headband keeps most of the water out of your ears or because it warms the water, we’re not sure, but it definitely had a positive effect on reducing dizziness in open water. We wore a bright mesh swim hat on top for visibility.
FINISTERRE Women’s Nieuwland 2mm Yulex® Swimsuit
£135
They say: Suitable for a range of cold water activities, the Nieuwland 2e Yulex® Swimsuit is designed for maximum movement and comfort. Flatlocked and zigzag stitched seams prevent slipping, whilst the 2mm natural rubber adds a layer of warmth whether you’re surfing or swimming.
We say: We’re always admired the style of Finisterre’s Nieuwland range, so we were delighted to try this sleeveless design with its eye-catching teal and khaki colour blocks. The racer back allows for a full range of movement, while low cut legs offer warmth and increased coverage. A long front zip makes it a breeze to take on and off, while zig-zag stitching means it doesn’t budge or ride up. It felt warmer than its 2mm material would suggest. It’s long enough for tall bodies and we appreciate their inclusive sizing, from size 8-22.
HUUB Hooded Neoprene Vest Unisex
£149.99
They say: A multi-function garment that can be layered up or used on its own. Whether you wear this under your wetsuit to add an additional layer and provide that extra warmth to keep you in the water during those coldest winter months, or wear as a singular item over swimwear in the summer, it’s a perfect addition to your open water wardrobe.
We say: We were rather impressed by this versatile neoprene hooded vest, which you can wear on its own, on top of swimwear or layer under or a wetsuit – so a really worthwhile investment. We wore it over a long Jane spring suit, and it added a good degree of warmth to our core as well as a little extra buoyancy. Despite being a unisex design with no zips, it fitted our female tester like a glove thanks to the four-way stretch, while the lining felt soft on the skin. It’s great for winter, as the hood covers more skin than a neoprene cap.
ORCA Women’s One Piece Neoprene Swimsuit
£79
They say: This neoprene one piece allows you to enjoy your outdoor activities with the thermal and solar comfort of neoprene. It can be used for different activities, such as surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming and snorkeling. Made from 1.5 mm thick neoprene and a highly durable outer fabric.
We say: The beauty of a neoprene swimsuit is that it allows you to swim ‘wetsuit free’ for longer into the winter season. Then when temperatures drop, you can wear it beneath a full wetsuit for an extra layer of insulation. Orca’s Neoprene Swimsuit is a fantastic choice. We tested it at our local swimming lake in 15ºC water and it kept our core well protected. We particularly liked the cut around the shoulders, which allowed for unhindered movement, while a low cut leg feels warm and comfortable. The 1.5mm neoprene feels flexible and sufficiently warm, while the long zip at the back makes for easy changing. Overall, we’re very impressed.
SPEEDO Adult Swim Gloves
£35
They say: Made from 3mm Yamamoto neoprene, our Swim Gloves are designed to keep your hands warmer for longer during outdoor swims. The snug, wrist-length design can be worn with or without a wetsuit and includes a Velcro-fastening wrist loop with gasket seal for a secure fit. Featuring external seams for comfort and gripped palm for easier removal.
We say: Trying out Speedo’s Swim Gloves at our local lake, they felt immediately comfortable and warm. They’re a good wrist length, long enough to tuck into a wetsuit sleeve without impacting flexibility, while the gasket seal and hook and loop fastening loop kept them in place while providing a secure and adjustable fit. They’re relatively easy to take off, with the grippy palm print having the added bonus of giving a little more traction when you’ve trying to wrestle them off with cold hands.
ORCA Thermal Undersuit
£99
They say: The Thermal Undersuit can be worn as a single layer in temperate waters or below a wetsuit in very low temperatures. The use of 100% Yamamoto material provides elasticity, a light weight and freedom of movement, while its 2mm thickness provides the thermal protection you need during long sessions in the water.
We say: We tested the men’s Thermal Undersuit beneath a wetsuit in 12ºC water and in warmer water as a single layer. The women’s version has a different cut around the arms and across the chest. It’s easy to get into as it has no sleeves, no zip and wide arm holes. It doesn’t restrict your arms or shoulders, while the lack of zip means there’s nothing digging into the back of your neck. We didn’t have any problem putting on a wetsuit over the top. We didn’t notice any additional buoyancy or higher body position, however the difference in thermal protection with the base layer is definitely noticeable.
SPEEDO Adult Swim Socks
£35
They say: Made from 3mm Yamamoto neoprene, our new Swim Socks are designed to keep your feet warmer for longer during outdoor swims. The durable, grippy sole is ideal for slippy riverbank entry points and offers protection underfoot. The optimised sock length can be worn with or without a wetsuit and includes a Velcro-fastening ankle loop with gasket seal for a secure fit.
We say: Whether it’s their Therma Change Robe, super visible tow float or thermal swimsuit, it’s fair to say we have been consistently impressed by Speedo’s wild swimming range – and these swim socks were no exception. The 3mm neoprene kept our feet remarkably well insulated, while a hook and loop strap secured the sock at the ankle and kept most of the water out – just remember to reattach the Velcro before storing them next to your wetsuit so they don’t snag. Walking over gravel or slippery steps, the soles felt grippy and robust.
ZOGGS Neoprene Cap 3
£39
They say: The Zoggs Neo Cap 3 is perfect for open-water swimming. Made with 3mm neoprene and an outer ‘Glide skin’ layer the Neo Cap 3 is designed to insulate and the lined inner layer to retain heat, whilst providing a comfortable fit.
We say: We really appreciated the smooth ‘Glide skin’ layer on this cap, which made us feel streamlined and efficient in the water. The 3mm neoprene thickness felt just right in the 12-15ºC water we tested it in, while the lining added an extra layer of warmth and felt soft and comfortable. The cap stays put with a seamless loop of neoprene under the chin, which on the one hand provides a good close fit with minimal water ingress, but those who feel a little claustrophobic in neoprene caps might prefer an adjustable hook and loop under-chin strap. We liked the vibrant colour stripe for visibility.
ZONE3 Thermo-Tech Warmth Swim Mitts
£39
They say: By keeping your fingers together, the Thermo-Tech Warmth Swim Mitts provide superior warmth on cold swims. Constructed using durable 3.5mm double-lined neoprene, the mitts are easy to pull on and off and feature a 3D printed palm for an enhanced grip. With the Thermo-Tech Warmth Swim Mitts you’ll have the confidence to tackle any cold swim head-on.
We say: We were very impressed by these neoprene mitts, which kept our hands significantly warmer than standard gloves – Raynaud’s sufferers may find them game changing. The stretchy 3.5mm neoprene didn’t feel bulky, and was easy to take on and off, while the red lining felt soft against the skin. Glued and blind-stitched seams are designed to create a waterproof barrier and we experienced very little water ingress. The grippy printed palms were great when clambering out of the water.
ZONE3 Neoprene Socks
£29
They say: If you’ve ever worn ill fitting socks, you are part way towards understanding the discomfort and frustration faced by many owners of swim socks, which fit with water and easily slip off. By increasing the length of the sock, so it could be tucked into a wetsuit, ensuring there was no exposed skin and adding hook and loop fastening to keep the sock in place we solved the problem – a simple solution, but an industry first!
We say: These fantastic neoprene socks were a great length, meaning we could tuck them into a wetsuit. The combination of the highly stretchy 2mm neoprene, tight ankle fit and elastic strap with hook and loop fastening, meant there was minimal water ingress when worn without a wetsuit and fully dry feet with a wetsuit. They’re a snug fit, which means you can kick in a natural and unhindered way, but still felt relatively easy to take off. We loved the bright red lining and design detail on the back, while the soles are grippy enough for the slippy entry point at our local lake.
HUUB Neoprene Swim Socks
£34.99
They say: The HUUB Neoprene Swim Socks have a protective reinforced sole which provides ‘non slip’ protection and abrasion resistance, and a split-toe design to avoid ‘rolling’ on the foot. They also have adjustable Velcro closures to make this neoprene sock suitable to be worn either over or under your wetsuit.
We say: The remarkably comfortable split-toe design of these HUUB socks allowed me to kick through the water with ease, while the reinforced and grippy sole provided a surprising amount of protection on gravelly ground. Their longer length means you can wear them over or under your wetsuit to reduce water ingress, while the Velcro adjusters provide a tight seal. In skins, some water still seeped in though, but overall I was impressed.
LOMO Neoprene Open Water Swimming Socks
£21
They say: Our soft and stretchy neoprene socks are comfortable to swim in and the glued, double-blind stitched seams have been liquid-seamed on the outside to keep as much water out as possible. Most neoprene socks let in a considerable amount of water and you often feel like you have large water bags attached to your feet. We’ve made a sock that keeps more water out by a combination of being tighter fitting, having better seams and an ankle gasket.
We say: LOMO takes a buckle and braces approach with glued, blind-stitched seams on the inside and liquid seams on the outside for minimal water ingress. All that engineering means a snug fit, like a second skin, which took a bit of wrestling to get on and felt tight across my toes on dry land but I soon got used to it in the water. The soft soles mean you feel the bumps on the walk in.
Orca Hydro Booties
£39
They say: These booties provide maximum thermal comfort to your feet. And thanks to their fit, they stay put and will not bother you while swimming. The pattern with a separated toe improves the fit, allowing the hydro booties to stay in place, thus preventing water from entering. In addition, the soft thermal lining provides added comfort and prevents chafing on the skin. This accessory should be worn under a neoprene wetsuit to minimise water entry.
We say: These booties kept my feet so snug and warm during my swim. They’re super flexible and comfortable – I barely noticed they were on – yet the soles were thick and sturdy enough for walking about on the shore. As with the HUUB split-toe design, they feel a bit strange at first but I soon got used to it. They’re also easy to take off with cold, numb fingers – something I’ve found tricky with other neoprene boots.
Zoggs Neo 3 socks
£30
They say: These Zoggs Neo 3 socks are perfect for the multi-sport athlete, especially when there is open water swimming involved. They are made of 3mm double stretch neoprene which provides great thermal insulation when in cold waters. This material means they have a longer life whilst still giving you breathability and freedom of movement. The 3mm neoprene is extremely robust with bonded outer seams.
We say: The stretchy 3mm neoprene fits snugly around the ankle, meaning minimal water ingress, and gives a good degree of flexibility and warmth in the water. Like the Huub socks, they have a nice long ankle length, meaning they can be tucked under your wetsuit leg (although I wore them without a wetsuit and they were fine, too). Unlike other socks tested, the sole doesn’t offer any grip, however.
C-Skins Freedom 4mm Round Toe Thermal Swim Sock
£29.95
They say: These superb 4mm neoprene socks are specifically designed to provide thermal protection while enabling freedom of movement making them ideal for open water swimming use. The dura flex finished sole provides improved abrasion resistance and protection. Made from thermo tech pro poly lining for added warmth and performance.
We say: At 4mm, these socks are extremely warm and suited to the coldest of waters throughout the winter months. Despite this, it still feels comfortable to wear and doesn’t impede on movement through the water. The material feels durable enough to withstand more tough terrain outdoors.
Finisterre Nieuwland 2e Yulex Pant
£50
They say: Our Nieuwland 2e collection has been designed for a growing community of cold-water swimmers and surfers around the UK. Built with Yulex natural rubber, manufacturing these wetsuit pants produces up to 80% less CO2 than using traditional neoprene. Designed with ergonomic panelling and flatlocked panel seams throughout, it’s built for maximum movement and comfort in the water. The 2mm suit thickness provides a layer of warmth without losing the feeling of the elements.
We say: These pants provide serious warmth without the faff that often comes with having to wear a wetsuit. I love the fact they’re made from Yulex, an eco-friendlier alternative to neoprene. There’s an accompanying jacket also available for the top half of the body. Together, they help you stay comfortable in the water for longer, while still being able to move freely.
Orca Base Layer Neoprene T-shirt
£55
They say: The Base Layer can be used as an outer layer or as an inner layer underneath the wetsuit. In temperate waters, it can be used as an outer layer, protecting you from the cold and the sun without any restriction thanks to its elasticity. In colder temperatures, it is the ideal accessory to wear underneath your wetsuit while swimming in open water.
We say: This is a staple for me throughout the winter; in the coldest of temperatures, I’ve worn this under my wetsuit and have noticed a considerable difference. There’s a pattern specifically designed for women and another for men, both of which conform to the body’s shape for greater performance and comfort.
Huub Neoprene Vest (Unisex)
£69.99
They say: The Neoprene Vest is a multi-function garment that can be layered up or used on its own. Whether you wear it under your wetsuit to provide extra warmthor wear it as a singular item over swimwear in the summer, it’s a perfect addition to your open water accessories. The super stretch four-way lined neoprene creates a soft and comfortable fit without impeding your swim stroke, providing a perfect solution to cold water races.
We say: This versatile vest is made from super soft and stretchy neoprene, and feels lovely to wear. I liked the high neck design and long length, which didn’t roll or ride up while swimming. I had reservations about how well a unisex vest, especially one without a zip, could fit and sure enough there was some gaping under the arms, which let water in. Next time, I would size down, as I felt the four-way stretch would accommodate it. I wore it over a swimsuit, and it kept my core warm.
Orca Heatseeker Vest
£54
They say: This vest is designed to be used with or without a wetsuit over it. In temperate waters, it can be used as an outer layer, protecting you from the cold and the sun without any restriction thanks to its sleeveless cut. In colder temperatures, it is the ideal accessory to wear underneath your wetsuit while swimming in open water. It has a pattern specifically designed for women, which conforms to the body’s shape for greater performance and comfort.
We say: This neoprene top is a lovely snug fit and is easy to pull on and take off. There’s lots of flexibility in the shoulders for a smooth, unhindered stroke. The vest kept my core warm for a good length of time in the water – I felt I could do a couple of extra lengths in the lake. I really like the cut and shape of the vest; it would be great paired with some neoprene pants for the illusion of a one-piece suit.
Orca Gloves
£47
They say: These gloves have liquid seams which prevent water from seeping into the panels, protecting your hands in the coldest conditions. With a 3mm thickness and an ergonomic pattern, the gloves adapt perfectly to the position your hand will take while swimming in open water. The extra-long pattern also allows the gloves to overlap the wetsuit for better insulation.
We say: While these gloves were superb for keeping my hands warm, I found the fingers a bit stiff and rigid, and they were quite difficult to take off after my swim. But there’s no denying the insulation they provide – the liquid seams protected against leakage, and the snug fit on my wrists also stopped any cold water getting in. These are top performing neoprene gloves, but could do with more flexibility in the fingers.
Lomo Swimming and Triathlon Gloves
£21
They say: These super stretchy neoprene gloves are very comfortable and feature a wrist gasket to minimise water ingress whilst swimming. The seams are glued, then blind stitched, then liquid seamed on the outside. The stretchy material allows the gloves to conform to the shape of the hand and the wrist gasket keeps water ingress down to a minimum.
We say: I really rated these gloves. As with the socks, they are skillfully designed to keep cold water out: the short cuff has a gasket seal that fits tightly to the wrist, while the 3mm neoprene is glued then blind stitched inside and there are liquid seams on the outside. All of this engineering means a snug fit (I had to wrestle with them a bit to get them on), but once in the water there was zero water ingress on a 750m swim.
Zoggs Neoprene Gloves 3
£30
They say: These Zoggs Neo 3 Gloves are perfect for the multisport athlete, especially when there is open water swimming involved. They are made of 3mm double stretch neoprene which provides great thermal insulation when in cold waters. This material means they have a longer life while still giving you breathability and freedom of movement. The 3mm neoprene is extremely robust with bonded outer seams.
We say: While the lovely thick double-stretch neoprene did a great job of keeping my hands warm, the gloves felt chunkier and less flexible than others on test. Also, without a gasket or fastener at the wrist, they let more water in, although sizing down would probably fix this. With bonded outer seams, they felt robust and hardwearing, warm and easy to get on and off, so still a great option at a good price.
Zone-3 Neoprene Heat-tech Warmth Swim Cap
£39
They say: Anyone who has experienced ‘brain-freeze’ when swimming in cold water will know how valuable triathlon skull caps can be to get you going! Our Neoprene Heat-Tech Warm Swim Cap offers fleece-lined insulation while maintaining optimal hydrodynamics through the water. Made of high quality 4mm Yamamoto Smoothskin material. Our design is focused on making this cap the best fit possible, with hook and loop fastening under the chin to cater for different head sizes.
We say: Very often when swimming, my head is the first thing that gets cold. This cap, with its fleece-lined insulation, keeps my head as toasty as the rest of my neoprene-clad body in winter months. I assumed the cap would be slightly clunky when compared to a silicone hat, but the hook and loop fastening allow for a really snug fit.
HUUB Neoprene Skull Cap
£17.99
They say: The HUUB Neoprene Skull Swim Cap is a fully adjustable swim hat. It has an adjustable chin strap for extra comfort when swimming in open water and high-grade 3mm neoprene for added warmth. The most comfortable neoprene swim cap on the market.
We say: This cap is made from super soft and stretchy 3mm neoprene, which feels comfortable and keeps your head warm with a fit that doesn’t feel claustrophobic. While the silver branding on the top delivers some degree of visibility, you can always pop a bright silicone cap on top for racing or for extra peace of mind in the water. The cap is available in three sizes, but consider sizing up; the medium rode up a little without a silicone cap to keep it in place. A super neoprene cap for the price!
Orca Thermal Neoprene Swim Cap
£35
They say: This neoprene cap offers extra thermal comfort thanks to its 3mm thick neoprene and thermal lining. The soft thermal lining provides added warmth, helping to trap extra heat and avoid heat loss, while preventing chafing which is common with these types of accessories. The Velcro chin strap allows you to adjust the cap to the shape of your head, providing our most comfortable cap.
We say: Usually I find swim caps too tight but the adjustable chin strap on this one makes it so easy and comfortable to wear. I’m prone to ‘brain freeze’ when I immerse my head in cold water, but the cap’s 3mm-thick neoprene protected me from any discomfort, while the soft lining – not present in other caps tested – felt like an added bonus, adding another element of comfort and warmth.
Zone3 Orange Neoprene Swim Cap
£29
They say: Our Neoprene Skull Cap provides warmth while maintaining good hydrodynamics through the water. The biggest complaint from swimmers who use one-piece caps is that they can feel ‘tight’ under the chin. Our design gives the best fit possible, with a hook and loop fastening to cater for different sizes.
We say: This bright orange swim cap is reassuringly visible. As well as keeping my head warm, the 4mm high-friction material didn’t budge and kept my goggles in place, while the fastening under the chin was the comfiest of the caps tested and offered a good amount of adjustability in terms of fit. As with all the caps tested, it can be tricky getting the right fit for long or thick hair. Measure your head while wearing a silicone cap to find the right size.
Find all the gear you need for open water swimming, from adventure bags and swimming togs to tow floats and changing robes, at the Outdoor Swimming Shop. Read more gear reviews. If you buy a product through a link on this page we may receive a commission. Last updated Oct 2024.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
