Swim Tests

by Lee Fung

Can one make a swimsuit out of a low cost anorak and pants? Let's find out.

My task was to find low cost bathing suits for modest swimmers. They should work well for men and women, dry quickly, look good on land or in the water, and feel comfy in any weather.

For long days on the beach I prefer thin and light clothes with good UV sun protection that dry quickly. I go into the water often for swimming or play watersports and don't want to change clothes every time.

Loose fitting hooded bathing suits are better for me than tight fitting Spandex suits which may rip when going over rough surfaces. They also provide much better ventilation due to the loose fit.

Below are two reviews, one of an anorak and one of a long cagoule.

Anorak Swim Test

In a local shop I found a simple unlined nylon windbreaker and black nylon pants. So let's see if this makes a comfy swimsuit.

Like any swimwear, I wore this suit without anything underneath. The fabring felt soft on the skin. It is not waterproof, just a breathable sun cover. On dry land it felt good while moving around the beach or looking cool in the shade. But one doesn't wear a swimsuit to stay dry, so I was keen to go into the lake and get it wet.

Swimming

Wading into the water I was surprised how good this bathing suit felt. Swimming was so easy, it felt really lightweight, like wearing almost nothing. The loose fabric floated around my body without getting in the way. When I came out of the water it dried quickly in the warm breeze, ready for another swim.

Hood

The hood provides optimal sun protection. Ventilation is better than some tight Spandex shirts I tried. A good sized hood stays in place when splashing around. The drawstring lets you tie it close around your face on windy days, or for swimming under water.

However, when you wear the hood down, it often fills up with water which can be a drag. The solution is to tie it up tight around your neck, or wear it up as intended. I found that wearing the hood up works better when swimming as long as it doesn't obstruct my vision. It also gives better sun protection.

Summary

This is a really comfy swimsuit for modesty and sun protection, consisting only of an unlined anorak and pants from the thrift store. It is so lightweight, you barely notice it, except for a sensual touch on your skin when you move around.

This is now my regular sun protection swimwear. I really enjoy swimming in this suit on the beach and in the pool. I bought several of these suits and wear them whenever I go into the water. Somehow I appear stronger in this outfit. Maybe swimming in this builds more muscles.

Adventure Cagoule Swim Test

A long cagoule with matching unlined pants might be the optimal watersports outfit. Let's take it for a swim.

This simple swimming outfit consists of a long hooded top and matching pants. That's all. No need to wear anything underneath if it is too hot. The generous cut allows for plenty of ventilation.

Read below why this is one of the most comfortable swimsuits I've tried.

Wading

Most of my adventures like nature watching involve moving through shallow water. My clothes must not get in the way. The lightweight pants of this suit didn't slow me down much when wading into the lake.

Swimming

In the water this swimsuit felt lightweight and pleasant, didn't get in the way. It didn't hinder my swim strokes and gently hugged my body as I moved forward, or floated loosely around when I stayed in one place. The hood filled up with water until I decided to wear it up for better sun protection. Coming out of the lake, the water ran off quickly. The wet cagoule and pants felt good on my skin while they dried in the sun and breeze.

Summary

This cool suit for many watersports packs so small it can go anywhere, in case you want to go for a swim or it starts to rain. The fabric feels soft both wet and dry, on land and in the water. It is the most comfortable bathing suit I've found.