Wet Suit Advice.

What to wear while wild swimming in cold water depends on personal preference and varies among swimmers. Some prefer to swim year-round in just swimsuits ("skins"), while others opt for wetsuits, gloves, socks, and multiple swim caps, mainly in the summer. It may take a few swims to find what works best for you.

Wetsuits help keep you warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. Your body heat warms this layer, providing insulation against the cold. They also offer buoyancy and protection from potential hazards like sharp objects, jellyfish stings, and hypothermia.

In Scotland, water temperatures can range from about 5°C (41°F) in winter to 15°C (59°F) in summer. Wetsuits are recommended for temperatures below 16°C (61°F), providing warmth, buoyancy, and protection in open water.

Most wetsuits are made from neoprene, which may have added thermal linings like fleece or synthetic fibers, or even titanium linings to reflect body heat. For an eco-friendly option, plant-based wetsuits like Yulex—derived from rubber trees—are available.

Wetsuit thicknesses of 3/2mm to 5/4mm are generally recommended, depending on the water temperature and season.