Field Testing Our Yulex® Swimwear

I love that we have made the switch to Yulex, which is a more sustainable neoprene alternative. It has loads of stretch, feels great and is really supportive, plus the panelling it is really flattering too.

The suits are really versatile and can be used across all water sports, from paddleboarding to surf and swim. I’ll probably be wearing them mostly for swimming, but they’ll be great for surfing on the really hot summer days, or in warmer waters.

The long sleeved Yulex suit was great, as it just takes the wind chill out of the arms if it’s a particularly deep winter day. Once you get in the water nothing matters but for before and after, having that extra warmth to the core and arms really helps.

Swimming in them just felt amazingly comfy. The flexibility meant you could move freely and the front zip is perfect for frozen fingers, instead of a tricky back zip or doing the wiggle dance to get it off!

The fit on these suits was so important. We really wanted to make a product that women would feel confident in. It was really important that they flattered all shapes and sizes, and were functional at the same time. Being able to test the suits on different bodies and different sports along the way was a no brainer, and we are really happy with the end result.

I’ve always swam in the summer but this year (like so many others!) I set myself the challenge to swim year round. For me it helps promote a feeling of calm and focus. Being in the water is a place to escape the day-to-day and feel completely free. I’ve had the best time swimming all through the seasons, and have connected with new friends and old.

It means a lot to have Jess and the other lunch time swimmers to all walk down have a chat and motivate each other. If it was just me i think it would require a lot more will power, but the chat and embracing the sea together is just the best feeling. And as a bonus, it gets done at lunch on a work day! I love it.

I think the best way would be to rope a friend in to do it with you, or find a local group or community page to go along and join. For safety, make sure to go somewhere where you are seen and not a secluded spot. It's also a good idea to check your tides and lifeguard patrol times.

Being prepared is key, so do your research into health risks and cold water immersion shock before you go. Maybe start in a wetsuit and work you way into it. Don’t be worried about going in with your wetsuit and not being hardcore by starting in your swim costume. Just getting in the sea is the main thing.

Honestly I can’t recommend it enough! I started in the summer and have just carried on through the winter, so it was less of a shock to the system. The outdoor swimming community really is a friendly bunch and there are so many groups out there who do coastal and inland (rivers, lakes, etc.) swimming for you to link up with. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, the benefits of cold water swimming are incredible. You got this!