Clothes for winter bathing

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: With winter swimming, the water is not the problem. It is the minutes before and after, when your body has to go from cold air to warm clothes as fast as possible, so lay your clothes out in the order you will put them on.

The minutes after matter most

The dip itself is short. What decides whether it feels good is how quickly you get into dry, warm clothes afterwards. Your fingers stiffen, your skin is wet and the wind cools you. The less you need to think about, the better. If you have questions about winter swimming and your health, talk to your doctor first.

Clothes you can handle with cold hands

Anything with buttons or zips becomes hard when your fingers are cold. Choose clothes you can pull over your head without opening anything. A soft long sleeved top as the inner layer is easy to put on and covers your arms at once. See the long sleeve bamboo T-shirt.

Lay out your clothes in order

Before you go into the water, lay out your clothes in the order you will put them on. Socks on top, then the inner layer, then the rest. Keep them in a bag or on a bench where they stay dry. That way you do not have to search with cold, wet hands.

Feet first

Warm feet make your whole body feel warm again fastest. Stand on a small towel or mat while you dry off, so your feet are not directly on cold stone or wood. Dry your feet and put your socks on first. See bamboo socks.

Layers that go on over damp skin

A soft layer that does not stick to damp skin is worth a lot. You rarely manage to dry off completely, and rough fabric catches on your back and arms. Smooth fabric slides on more easily, even when your skin is still wet. See the bamboo sweatshirt for men as a warm layer.

Hat and hands

Your head and hands lose heat quickly when you get out. A hat that pulls on easily and gloves or mittens ready to hand make a big difference. Put them on as soon as your upper body is covered, and keep them in a pocket while you swim.

Moving afterwards

Once you are dressed, a little movement helps. A brisk walk home or a few minutes of moving warms your body from within. Do not stand chatting in the wind before you are fully warm again. A flask with something hot to drink is also nice to bring.

Washing your clothes

Clothes from winter swimming often get damp and may have salt water or sand on them. Rinse them in clean water and wash them at a moderate temperature with a mild detergent. Let them air dry. Hang your towel up as soon as you get home.

Frequently asked questions

What should you bring for winter swimming

Clothes that are easy to put on with cold hands, plus a pair of warm socks for straight afterwards. A hat and a towel to stand on are also a good idea.