Swimming in cold water - any advice for a super light wetsuit, probably a shortie, which will keep me a bit warm and not hamper movement??

[loveyouradvice]

That's it really... keen to swim and really exercise (including aqua aerobics) but know the water will be cold so keen to give my body a little extra warmth so I can stay in longer

I think they are out there... lightweight, not restricting movement or really feeling as if you're wearing anything... and I'm guessing a shortie but maybe not

What have you used and liked? Or what do your mates use?

For an indoor pool (you mention aqua aerobics) or for outdoor open water?

In an indoor pool you won’t need a wetsuit if you’re exercising not sitting around, as your body will provide the warmth. If you did want a wetsuit then you’d need less than 2mm thick or you’ll overheat.

If you’re getting into open water swimming then you’ll probably want a full body wetsuit and it will need to be warmer. Have a look here for a guide: https://www.advnture.com/how-to/choose-wetsuit

I have a light one from decathlon.

Sorry @NoSquirrels In an indoor pool you won’t need a wetsuit if you’re exercising not sitting around, as your body will provide the warmth. but this is just not true! You just shiver whilst you swim, most indoor pools are cold.

Look at summer wetsuits for triathletes. Light and flexible for swimming, warm enough for open water, stretchy enough to remove quickly in transition.
Brands like Huub, Blue70, Orca...even Décathlon or Wiggles DHB.

This. Triathlete ones are great for this as not too thick that you float up at the water's surface and can't swim, but still enough to help with some insulation. A lot of the open water ladies I swim with just wear normal swimming costumes (with gloves/swim shoes), with a rash vest sometimes.

Thin jacket from decathlon

I have the Dhb Hydron 2.0 wetsuit. It's flexible, easy to get on and off, with great buoyancy. Mind you, I haven't needed it recently, even here in the north of Scotland - i usually just wear a costume with gloves, hat and swim shoes, even into November.

www.wiggle.com/p/dhb-hydron-womens-wetsuit-2-0

If you are outside swimming and wanting to continue over autumn and winter I would look for a proper swim wet suit. I got one second hand and it was great. I “swim” without a wet suit over winter but when it gets really cold it’s just a few minutes dip…so if you are wanting to proper swim you’ll need something more substantial.

If you are talking about swimming in a pool I’d just look for a cheap neoprene vest or get a neoprene swimming costume.
like others said inside a pool you shouldn’t need too much.

I wear the surf t shirts from decathlon for swimming when it's aerobics or something.

They don't absorb the water and keep me warm.

I also wear them when we go on holiday and swim in the evenings because keeping my shoulders warm keeps me warm!

Or eat lots of cake and increase your bioprene 😂

Not what you asked, but lots of people wear neoprene socks and gloves with a normal swimsuit which really helps keep your extremities warm and means you can stay in for longer.

Re the wetsuits - I feel your pain! I think the only way is to find a shop and try lots of them on. So much is in how they fit on your body.

A common problem is that they chafe around the neck for which I would advise getting a light bandanna type fabric and putting it between your skin and the wetsuit

I have a neoprene vest I've worn for chilly mud run type things

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-top-anti-uv-short-sleeved-1-5-mm-neoprene-flower/_/R-p-309429
a quick search brought this up - you could wear something like this over your costume and quickly unzip to remove if you're overheating? my vest is a 5 min job to get out of without assistance

I just use a swimsuit and in cold weather add in neoprene gloves and a hat. I always wear swim shoes because I normally swim in rockier areas

Oooo what wonderful advice all - thank you!

And yes, I have neoprene gloves and feet - I used to do a lot of lake swimming through the year and found them invaluable...

I have this for sea- swimming (and the long legged one for winter, with gloves and boots). It's really light and flexible but gives noticeable protection from the cold.
finisterre.com/products/womens-natural-rubber-nieuwland-2e-yulex-shorty-black