The best thermal swimsuits for outdoor swimmers
There are plenty of ways to make a swimsuit warmer whether neoprene, Yulex, thermal silver lining or thick bonded material. Read on for reviews of our favourite thermal swimsuits to help you spend more time in the water
CHILLY SWIM Shark Bite
£159.99
They say: This swimsuit is inspired by the thrill of open water swims and icy dips, and what better sense of thrill than… Jaws! With its flatteringly figure hugging design, and a playful flourish of colour, the streamlined cut allows you to have the shoulders and high thighs exposed, while keeping the body wrapped up warm. (Size: 8-18).
We say: There is a lot to love about this suit. The shark-bite detail gets a lot of comments and always makes us smile. This limestone neoprene swimsuit has become a favourite, despite it being tricky to get on and off – it really needs a zip! Once you have managed to get it on, though, it’s lovely to swim in. It’s figure hugging, so naturally supportive around the bust. We like the cut around the legs and the extra warmth the neoprene offers. This is a super hybrid suit, keeping your core warm while still having exposed arms and legs. Great for winter swimmers who want to get a bit more time in the water.
DAVY J Bonded Long Sleeve Swimsuit
£160
They say: A staple piece to see you through dips during the chillier months, this Bonded Long Sleeve Swimsuit features a flattering mid-high leg and is made from a 1mm bonded material that gives you the feeling of wearing something half-way between a wetsuit and a swimsuit but with no neoprene in sight. (Size: 6-20).
We say: A beautifully-made swimsuit, in a recycled 1mm bonded material that not only feels really premium but also provides extra warmth without needing to wear neoprene. The ocean blue is a glorious and vibrant colour. The long front zip made changing easy, which is not always the case with long sleeve swimsuits! The sleeves are long – great for tall folk and for allowing flexibility when swimming, but they can equally be folded back for those who don’t need the length. The higher leg cut felt great in the water and allowed fantastic freedom of movement.
ZONE3 OWS Renew Long Sleeve Swimsuit
£60
They say: Designed with women at mind, centre zip for ease, swan hook behind zipper to aid fastening, long sleeves for added warmth in colder conditions. Specifically for open water swimming, the OSW renew range offers a more generous fit and diverse size range than our performance collections. (Size 6-20).
We say: This is a well priced suit that will keep the wind chill off your upper body and arms. The fabric isn’t especially warm, but it does make a difference having a high neckline and fabric covering your back and shoulders. It has a lovely cut and is a decent suit to get some serious swimming done. The swan-hook is a clever and useful addition, and the zip is robust. We love that Zone3 has extended their sizing this year to enable more swimmers to get decent kit. This would also be a great suit for sun-protection in warmer months.
WALLIEN Horizonia Yulex Jacket
£169
They say: Our new 1.5mm Yulex Wetsuit Jacket. Crafted to the female form with neoprene-free Yulex natural rubber, this jacket delivers second-skin comfort while reducing carbon emissions by 80%. Layer it over your swimwear for additional warmth during summer and autumn surfs and year-round ocean swims or snorkel adventures. (Size: 6-16).
We say: We love the versatility of this Yulex jacket, which we wore layered over a swimsuit for extra core warmth, and another time over a Long Jane spring suit as the water temperatures dropped. It’s cut beautifully, sitting just below the waist, the super soft and stretchy Yulex moulding to the body almost almost like a second skin. Feeling so much warmer than the 1.5mm thickness would suggest, it’s a perfect layer for spring and autumn..
ZOGGS Florish Blue Silver Lined Swimsuit
£65
They say: This bold range is designed with performance in mind and features Zoggs’ latest fabric innovation: Thermal Silver Lining. This unique patent pending technology helps retain body heat for 60% longer than normal swimwear! The Florish Crossback offers support and freedom of movement with its high front and cross back design. (Size 8-22).
We say: We loved the silver lined swimsuits when they first launched, and we appreciate the new styles and prints being developed each winter. This cross-back design is ideal for speed and winter-swim galas. It is supportive around the bust, while keeping great flexibility in the shoulders. The padded bust cups can be removed without losing support. The high front helps keep your core warmer and reduces drag. The back straps, which get thicker at the side of the body, make a huge difference to the support and secure feeling when swimming.
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. (Size 8-22).
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.
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.
VIVIDA Linda Reversible Wetsuit
£185
They say: Made for swimming and surfing, the reversible shortie Linda Wetsuit is the perfect match for year-round water adventures. The Linda Wetsuit’s flexible, sustainable 2mm neoprene offers the ideal mix of insulation, ease of movement, elegance and connection with nature. The unique fully reversible design gives you two suits in one.
We say: We tried this out in 12ºC water and it kept our tester remarkably warm. We put this down to the snug fit and high elastane content, which meant it stayed put, alongside other well-designed features such as a secure collar seal and medium leg rise with stay-put binding, all contributing to minimising water ingress. The new version of the suit now features a longer front zip, which makes changing very smooth and easy. We love the ‘Map of Dreams’ design, with a subtle two tone grey on the reverse.
WALLIEN Horizonia Yulex® Springsuit Wetsuit
£209
They say: 1.5 mm Springsuit from our new Horizonia line. Made with Yulex plant-based rubber with 80% lower carbon footprint. Co-designed by Madeleine Wallien and water sports professionals, it’s ideal for a variety of water activities. It’s stylish swimwear cut fits to form, without cutting or disappearing up your behind. (Size 6-16).
We say: Made with 1.5mm plant-based Yulex, this bright aquamarine springsuit is designed for water temperatures around 18-22ºC but kept us warm well into the low teens. The Yulex is so supple, buttery soft and stretchy, giving exceptional range of movement while being easy to wriggle out of even when wet. Made with surfers in mind (but plenty flexible for open water swimming), this is a robust and ocean-ready suit with reinforced seams and stretch points, so it should last.
SCALES Swimskin Flex
£335
They say: Featuring 2mm premium Japanese neoprene and smooth skin technology for maximal manoeuvrability, the Swimskin Flex offers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. With its short sleeve design and advanced materials, this suit provides flexibility and freedom of movement. (Size 6-14*).
We say: We were blown away this beautiful suit, inspired by the Caribbean eagle rays that populate the coral fields the brand is helping to restore in the Bahamas. The front and back panels are constructed from limestone-based Japanese smooth skin neoprene, lined with soft, super stretch nylon lining. A long back zip makes for easy changing and we loved the hidden pocket on the side. The cut blends performance and comfort, with low legs and a cheeky bum. A little extra coverage around the shoulders kept us warmer than a slim racer back while still feeling perfectly flexible in the water. *Generous fit – if you’re between sizes, consider sizing down.
SPEEDO Sleeveless Thermal Swimsuit
£89
They say: Stay warmer during your cold water swim wearing our stylish new Sleeveless Thermal Swimsuit. Made from lightweight, petroleum-free chloroprene rubber, it provides the same warmth as neoprene and offers superb stretch memory, fitting your body like a second skin. Ideal for outdoor swimming, the racerback design allows maximum shoulder movement. (Size: 6-14*).
We say: We really liked the fit of this Speedo suit. Its slim racer back gave us exceptional freedom of movement, the high neck kept the nip of cold air at bay, while the material – not actually neoprene but lightweight, petroleum-free chloroprene rubber – felt just as warm but was remarkably stretchy. It felt noticeably lighter than other suits and fit our tester’s body like a glove. The pops of neon kept us visible and match Speedo’s range of gloves and socks. *Generously sized.
ZONE3 Yulex Sleeveless Swimsuit
£110
They say: The Yulex Natural Rubber Sleeveless Swimsuit is made for all your open water adventures. Featuring 1.5mm thickness throughout, it provides core warmth and protection from the elements while allowing great freedom of movement. It is eco-friendly too; by using natural rubber, the suit’s CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 80%, paving a greener future for our hobbies. (Size 6-20).
We say: Another fantastic cut for open water swimmers: the racer back and low cut around the arms made for an unhindered stroke, while it’s low over the legs and modest on the bum. The Yulex felt thick and kept our core exceptionally warm, while a long front zip made for easy changing. It’s generously sized so if you’re between sizes you might like to size down. This could be a real staple for shoulder season swimming and the cut should be comfortable for longer distances in the summer.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews. Main image: Zone3.
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.
