Outdoor Swimming Society review our open water swimming wetsuits

Looking for your first swimming wetsuit - the Outdoor Swimming Society review our swimming wetsuits for performance, fit, and suitability for that genuine experience with open waters

Choosing a swimming wetsuit is something you should take your time over. Achieving a good fit is essential for warmth, the right amount of buoyancy and a natural swimming stroke.

In their Great Wetsuit Test the Outdoor Swimming Society put their many years of outdoor swimming experience to testing 3 of our swimming wetsuits.

First up is the Lotic. The Outdoor Swimming Society regards the Lotic wetsuit as a cost-effective choice for open water swimming designed to cater to both seasoned and newbie open water swimmers. The OSS found the Lotic offers a good fit around the trunk and the more generous cuts for arms, hips, and legs differentiated it from the snug tri suits, making it easier to wear and remove. A notable feature is the thicker neoprene around the trunk and legs, enhancing buoyancy and thereby elevating the swimmer's position in water, counteracting drag. Added visibility is ensured by red panels on the forearms and ankles. In essence, for those embarking on their open water swimming journey. In summary the Lotic stood out as an affordable swimming wetsuit that doesn’t compromise on buoyancy, warmth, or mobility.

Next in test is the Terrapin wetsuit. They found its thinner construction set it apart, aiming to replicate a more natural body alignment in water, resonating with the essence of a natural swimming experience. The team identified it caters to both proficient swimmers and novices who are beginning their journey in open water swimming. Given its thinner neoprene, it’s not as insulated as the other wetsuits in the range. In terms of fit, swimmers can expect spaciousness around the shoulders, snugness around the legs and waist. Performance-wise, the OSS concluded the Terrapin is tailored for swimmers who desire to stay close to the feeling of being in direct contact with water and aren't necessarily looking for additional buoyancy or warmth. The flexibility of the neoprene aids in movement, allowing swimmers to feel more water flowing around them. In summary, the OSS found the Terrapin to be economically priced, promotes a more authentic swimming posture, and is suitable for spontaneous wild swimming escapades.

Finally, the Silvertip was seen as the ultimate solution for cold water swimmers, equipped with a fleece-lined interior and thicker neoprene panels for superior warmth. The Silvertip stood out with its commitment to facilitate year-round adventurous open water swimming. Its design aesthetics also captivated the testers, highlighting the unusual silver hexagon pattern on the legs and silver blocks on the arms.

In terms of performance, even when water penetrates the upper part of the wetsuit, it remains static rather than circulating, thanks to the soft inner material that aids in heat retention. As one female swimmer noted, Love the quality and fit of this suit and use it across most of the seasons. It gives me good shoulder mobility though I did switch to a men’s suit to get the required length in the body.

If you are looking for your first swimming wetsuit or you are a seasoned swimmer looking for your next wetsuit we recommend you check out the The Great Wetsuit Test.