I'm a skins gal. Something about the feel of the water on your skin (either skinny dipping or in a simple swimsuit) can't be beaten. You feel more connected to the water.
Saying that, here at Davy J we're advocates of feeling comfortable first and foremost and wearing what works for you. Whatever gets you in the water!
If you're a die-hard swimsuit gal like me then going wetsuit free might be important to you. This article might help...
The short answer
A neoprene-free swimsuit gives you extra warmth in cold water without using neoprene, the synthetic rubber wetsuits are made from. Ours use a bonded fabric: two layers of recycled swim fabric joined into one 1mm material.
What neoprene is
Neoprene is a foamed synthetic rubber, made from petrochemicals or from limestone. It's warm because the foam traps tiny pockets of gas. It's also energy-hungry to produce, doesn't break down and is very hard to recycle, which is why so many old wetsuits end up in landfill.
Why some swimmers look for an alternative
- Feel. Neoprene seals you off from the water. Plenty of cold water swimmers want to feel it.
- Faff. Thick rubber is slow to get on and off, and slower with cold hands.
- Materials. Some people would simply prefer not to buy new neoprene.
What we use instead
Our bonded pieces are made from regenerated nylon, spun from waste including recovered fishing nets, blended with elastane for stretch. Two layers are bonded together to make a thicker fabric that holds a little more warmth than a standard swimsuit and adds very little buoyancy.
What it isn't
It isn't as warm as a wetsuit, and we won't pretend it is. It's also still a synthetic fabric. Recycled is better than new, but it isn't the same as natural, and you should rinse it, dry it flat and keep it for years.
Is it right for you?
If you dip or swim for minutes and want a bit more cover on your arms and core, yes. If you swim distance in very cold water, wear a wetsuit. Our post on bonded swimsuits and wetsuits compares the two.
Our neoprene-free pieces
The Bonded Long Sleeve Swimsuit and the Bonded Long Sleeve Swim Top are in our cold water collection while stock lasts.