15 Best Cold Water Swimming Gear at Amazon

One chilly winter morning in my early twenties, I decided to trek across London’s Hampstead Heath to the Ladies’ Pond for a swim in the frigid 8-degree water. After moving to Berlin, I often found myself at one of the many lakes in the area, swimming all year round to boost my mood. Soon after, my thirst for adventure grew, and my job provided me with opportunities to explore chilly waters around the world, turning it into my personal mission to tackle as many cold water swims as possible.

From the icy Arctic to the Nordic seas and across Europe’s mountainous lakes and moody waters, I’ve bathed everywhere possible and have never regretted a single swim. I’ve learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t when it comes to swimming gear and accessories. I’ve done the research in those brisk conditions so you can avoid the discomfort of dampness, chilblains, or any other issues — beyond the water’s invigorating shock and health benefits. This includes suggestions for keeping warm and protected in the water, the best swimwear for visibility, and what to wear afterward to stay cozy — from $15.

Xuker Neoprene Dive Gloves

The sci-fi look of these dive gloves feels decidedly Blade Runner — and I love it. While I normally don’t rely on gloves when cold dipping, there were days when I swam regularly in Copenhagen when my extremities really took the brunt of the shock. Gloves became especially handy when I was in the water doing Wim Hof-inspired breathing exercises to activate my circulatory system. The thermal neoprene gives me an extra layer when I’m in the water, and the adjustable wrist closure ensures that I won’t have to dip and dive underwater for them. I also appreciate that the palm grip gives sturdy support for climbing gently and safely in and out of the water using steps or a ladder.

Xuker Neoprene Water Socks

I really enjoy these water socks, not so much for keeping my feet warm — because that’s not really possible — but they’re super handy when you’re walking or wading into the water since rocks and seaweed are tricky to navigate. While they aren’t waterproof and won’t necessarily trap warmth, they do offer a bit of insulation for the soles.

Lahtak Silicone Swim Cap

I think most cold bathers love to feel the cold on their head and face, but if you’re ice swimming more than a few times a week, this can wreak havoc on your hair and scalp. When I would bike home early in the morning or late at night from Scandinavian sauna clubs, having long, wet hair wasn’t ideal, so this swim cap became my friend. It’s also a great way to be spotted by friends in the water and to protect your ears if you’re prone to ear infections or have sensitive canals.

Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 Swim Goggles

For those who like to do more than a plunge and take actual strokes, I tip my sauna hat off to you. I tend to plunge head-under when it’s not too close to zero degrees. These sleek swim goggles feel part Air Force pilot, part Balenciaga. I’ve been known to do 15 minutes when the water is above 12 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s a rare sighting. The color and design of these goggles are enough to up my ante, though.

Suvimuga Two-piece Color-block Swimsuit

This bold two-piece swimsuit is a great option for plunges where you really want maximum cold water contact that a one-piece might hinder. Even when your swim is brief, and on darker, more overcast days especially, it’s smart to wear something bright that stands out in the water. Plus, you should always ensure there is someone else around in case you need help. Just remember to check the local cultural dress code and etiquette wherever you’re swimming in the world.

Baleaf One-piece Swimsuit

For a bit more coverage, this athletic one-piece swimsuit from Baleaf is a great option. It has adjustable straps and a four-way stretch for a comfortable fit while you’re in the water. Again, a bright color is preferable, especially when in the wild, and red is a great pick for standing out.

Askold Wool Sauna Hat

One of my favorite ways to enjoy zero-degree waters is the promise of a sauna afterward or between plunges. It’s something I’ve enjoyed in Norwegian fjords, Danish harbors, and even English and Irish lakes over the years. I recently learned that researchers are exploring the benefits of wearing a felt or wool hat in a sauna to protect your head, and I’ve noticed it does, in fact, keep my head cooler.

Malo’o Surf Poncho Changing Robe

This plush, absorbent cotton robe is basically a modesty tent for changing in public areas where you don’t otherwise have access to cubicles or privacy tents. After a decade in Europe away from the shy and sometimes prudish British Isles, I was used to changing freely, but it’s good to have an item like this on hand for times when you’re not feeling so footloose. It’s also convenient to have a changing robe when lounging and drying off if the sun is out but it’s not quite lotioning-up weather.

Dock & Bay Beach Towel

I would have found this quick-dry towel especially helpful during long hiking days with cold swims in fjords across Norway, where limiting your load and dampness is key to an expedition, no matter how small. I had a propensity for leaving towels across wild swimming spots over the years, but the bright striped design is eye-catching and would be trickier to leave behind. Plus, it rejects sand and is 100 percent recycled. I wish I’d had one years ago to avoid the sodden bags I had from heaving wet towels home.

Fjällraven Kanken Backpack

Years ago, I found myself at a campfire on the island of Ulvön in the High Coast of the Sweden archipelago in the Gulf of Bothnia. I deliberated over launching into the intimidating Baltic waters with someone who designed the iconic Fjällraven bags. I was almost starstruck because my experience with the brand had been decades-long, including the canary yellow number I’d carried around Antarctica’s deserts. I got another Kanken backpack on this climbing trip, and it still looks brand new — as does the rest of my collection. They’re ideal for cramming all your cold swimming gear into, Mary Poppins-style, and catching sight of what you need right away.

Yanekop Half-zip Fleece Pullover

This fleece half-zip pullover is the perfect cozy sweatshirt to toss on after drying off. I’ve lived in places where I swim close to home and others where I need to get ready for the day without going home after a swim. A pullover like this pairs well with jeans or slacks and can work for a day around town while staying warm. Plus, the cropped design is super flattering. I’ve found sweaters like this great for swimming in places like Italy’s Lake Iseo and Lake Orta, where the water is always chilly and the afternoon quickly turns cold, calling for a cozy, insulating pullover.

Yeokou Fleece-lined Sweatpants

Your skin is soft, alert, and sensitive after a cold swim, so you’ll want to wear something warm and loose-fitting, which, for me, rules out jeans or leggings. The fleece lining of these sweatpants is like Uggs for your legs. I love the unique design, which look great in every colorway. The oversized fit allows for layering, while the cargo pockets and adjustable waistband allow you to cinch the waist and dress them up with a nice coat.

The North Face Women’s Thermoball Shoe

You can still be stylish when you’re on your cold water swimming game. You might need a traditional muck boot if it’s snowing, but really any shoe with good traction works well in wet zones or reasonable swim environments. A thermal, insulated shoe is a great option as, like your hands, your feet will need some extra attention after a cold swim. I prefer the Thermoball mules after my swims since they’re cozy, durable, and easy to slip on and off for quick changes.

Dickies Cuffed Fisherman Beanie

The insulated lining of this knit beanie stands the test of time in most climates. The ribbed design makes it ultra warm, which is vital to keeping your ears protected from chilly winds. In fact, your ears might actually feel hot after a cold swim, as your circulation is trying to regulate your core temperature. Keeping your ears warm and allowing your body to do its job without getting shocked or sick is vital.

Bodvera Convertible Wool Gloves

It’s important to keep your baseline temperature happy after a swim, and your hands are likely to have taken longer to warm up than your core. Still, the adaptability of these gloves is practical for when you need to both use your phone and keep your digits warm.

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