Watersports Clothing Guide

For most watersports you wear more than just a pair of shorts. When it is too warm to endure a wetsuit, but not right for swimwear, waterwear offers you convenience, warmth and sun protection.

Waterwear is clothing designed to get wet so you can wear it in the water. There is often some confusion about anoraks, cagoules, ponchos and rain capes. Sometimes terms are used for garments that are neither or something different.

There is a purpose for each type of outfit. Some are better for boating and most watersports, others are better for swimming or hiking adventures. Depending on your chosen sports or activities you may want a short top to move freely and with good swimming ability, or a long garment for more cover.

Anoraks and Cagoules

No Swimwear

Swimwear is not needed. You can use unlined rain clothes as swimwear, because they dry quicker than shorts or swimsuits, and make good sun protection that doesn't wash off like sun lotion. Save the weight and help protect the environment.

Cost

If you’ve ever bought waterproof hiking equipment you already know it usually comes with a hefty price, but this doesn't have to be so. Don't go for expensive technical fabrics. Simple nylon and polyester is fine, as long as it is breathable. A good breathable anorak or poncho, rain pants, robust footwear, and a hooded rain cover for your pack have you prepared for wet days.

Test Reviews

On this website you'll find tests and reviews by our keen swimmers who will check out any kit we get our hands on and write a review with web links to suppliers.

First Look

When we see interesting new products we write a brief report for our readers, either as part of an article or on a page of its own. This might happen at a shop, a trade show, or some other event.

Full Reviews

Whenever we get our hands on new watersports gear we test it under realistic conditions for a detailed full review. These get updated over time after we've used the samples for a while.

First we try the products in the pool to see how they fit and feel to check how comfortable it really is. Next we see how it performs during watersports like canoeing, sailing, or surfing, and how good the design is for readers who really enjoy watersports, rather than wear it as a fashion statement.

Manufacturers: Promote !

If you're a manufacturer or supplier of swimming clothes or watersport accessories, send us products for review. You get publicity on a busy website for the cost of a product sample. Reviews carry a clickable link to the supplier's website so our readers can order the products we've reviewed. If a supplier provides more than one item, they get a dedicated section with a company profile.

Affiliate Partnerships

When we come across really good products, we like to share them with our readers who come here to find the best and most original swimwear. If you run an affiliate program, talk to us.