What is a swim parka?
A swim parka is a long coat (typically knee length or longer) that provides warmth, comfort, and protection to swimmers when they are out of the water.
You lose heat quickly through your wet skin and hair. A swim parka is what you need to reduce the post-swim shivers. It is a specialized coat designed with a water-resistant outer shell, a warm fleece or towel lining, a large fleece or towel-lined hood, a two-way zipper, and at least 2 large pockets for storing your swim goggles and keys.
Most swim parkas have an athletic relaxed silhouette and come in bold basic colors such as red, green, and blue. The outer shell fabric is slightly shiny and noisy. Some have stripes running down the sleeves, or color blocking designs.
Few niche brands, such as our brand (Tingting Athletics), design minimalistic swim parkas that are more versatile. At Tingting, we use technical fabrics that are matte and quiet. We offer swim parkas in two lengths: knee length, and mid-thigh length for swimmers who prefer a shorter parka that can double up as an everyday coat.
When can you wear a swim parka?
You can wear a swim parka for going to and from the pool.
A swim parka can cut down on the time spent in the changing rooms. You can easily wear it on top of your swimsuit, zip up, and go home for a private shower. You'll appreciate the water-resistant shell and cozy fleece lining on those rainy wintery days. The large fleece lined hood protects you from the wind chill especially if your hair is damp. Pop on a beanie for extra warmth! If you're walking or making a long drive home in the cold, socks and shoes are recommended! The water-resistant shell will keep your car seats dry too.
You can wear a swim parka at a swim meet.
If you're looking into competing, a swim parka is a must-have! Once you've warmed up, a hooded fleece-lined swim parka is exceptional at keeping your muscles warm and loose for optimal performance. The swim parka is convenient to slip on and off in between events. The two-way zipper gives you extra leg room. You can store your phone, snacks, goggles, and cap in the large pockets. The fleece liner is moisture-wicking and quick drying. Make sure to dry off the excess water on your body with a towel before putting it on, so that you can keep the parka dry for multiple uses throughout the day. No more shivering at those long swim meets!
You can wear a swim parka when you're walking or waiting on the pool deck.
Indoor pools and changing rooms can be drafty and cold, and that definitely takes the fun out of swimming! A swim parka can reduce those post-swim sniffles and help prolong the serenity you've just gained from your swim. It's also helpful for swim instructors and guards who spend a long time in a damp suit and wet hair. The Original sPARKA by Tingting Athletics is a shorter swim parka that comes in three colors: White Samoyed, Navy, and Black Leopard. Instead of juggling a wet towel and your swim gear, drape on a sPARKA, and slip your swim cap and goggles into those large easy access pockets.
You can wear a swim parka to stay warm before and after open water swimming.
It keeps you comfortable before you wade into the water, and helps you retain heat when you exit from the water. Certain brands make swim parkas that are so big that you can change underneath them.
You can wear a swim parka for going to and from the gym, tennis, or pilates.
You love to sweat! A swim parka's benefits as a post-workout commuter jacket extend across a multitude of popular physical activities, including pilates, tennis, yoga, barre, gym, and more. Tingting's Original sPARKA is lightweight, water/wind-resistant, cozy and comfortable for your post-workout commute. You can make it your designated jacket and get ride of all the extra layers. Save your nicer coats from the sweaty goodness.
Swimming is an amazing activity for managing your stress and improving your health. Why don't more people swim? Because the cold weather, chaotic and chilly changing rooms and pool deck can be unpleasant. This is why a swim parka is an essential gear for anyone who wants to commit to a healthy lifestyle.
Check out our swim parka collection today and get started on building a consistent habit of swimming.
