A swim parka is a versatile, comfy, and cozy piece of clothing that makes keeping warm and changing on the pool deck easy. Part winter jacket, part towel, and part changing room swim parkas are often one of a swimmer’s most valued pieces of gear outside the pool. They are ideal for staying warm before jumping in the pool and after warm-ups and between events at meets; they can be used for a quick change on the pool deck, and are perfect overcoats for keeping cozy in bad weather.
While swim parkas might not be the sleekest piece of swimwear seen on the pool deck and can take up a lot of space in your swim bag, they can be really useful, especially when swimming outside in cold weather.
Designed to keep core body temperature at optimal levels to ensure that swimmers can swim as fast and efficiently as possible, swim parkas have a thick, warm fleece lining on the inside, a water-resistant outer shell, large pockets, a big hood, and a zipper down the front. Swim parkas can range from basic jackets to high-tech styles that incorporate fancy features like ventilation pockets and customized detailing.
How to Choose a Swim Parka
When it comes to choosing the best swim parka, there are a couple of features to take into consideration. Styles range from basic to high-tech and selecting the right swim parka for your needs is important as you want to last for a long time.
The essential components of parkas don’t vary much from brand to brand, but different models have some unique features.
Parka Lining
Swim parkas are designed to be worn wet, so most swim parkas have fleece or faux fur lining. Swimmers tend to prefer fleece lining as it is more water-absorbent and tends to dry faster than polyester or microfleece. Swim parkas with faux fur lining are preferred by swimmers and coaches who are looking for a parka to wear on the pool deck in bad weather without the inner lining getting wet.
Parka Pockets
Basic swim parkas have two hand pockets on either side, but newer models now have a multitude of pockets for storage of phones, iPods, or Mp3 players, goggles, caps, and nose clips. Some models have special inner pockets that have a zipper and Velcro™ closures for keeping items safe and coaches who wear parkas on the pool deck will enjoy the extra storage space.
Parka Ventilation
While swim parkas are designed to keep swimmers warm, they also need ventilation to prevent overheating and sweating. New models have underarm vents and back flaps that allow for extra air circulation.
Parka Customization
Swim parkas can be customized with swimmer’s names, team names, and colors, mascots, or logos. They can be bought in basic colors like black, blue, and red, and customized with embroidery.
Swim parkas are designed to keep swimmers warm. Swim parka by Whampoa Sports Club / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Best Swim Parkas for Swimmers
Here are some of the best swim parkas on the market to keep you warm while on the pool deck.
Speedo Swim Color Block Swim Parka
The Speedo Swim Color Block Parka is a fun, colorful parka that adds some brightness to the pool deck. The parka has a water-resistant shell to keep you dry from splashes of water or rain on an outdoor pool deck. An inner lining of fleece keeps you cozy and warm before and after your swim.
The swim parka is manufactured from high-quality polyester with Speedo’s unique design, and it has a back vent opening for air circulation. The parka has two zip pockets for storing accessories and keeping your hands warm, an internal goggle pocket, a two-way front zip, and an adjustable drawstring hood.
Pros
- A water-resistant outer shell protects from splashes and rain
- Insulative inner fleece lining for good warmth
- Made from high-quality polyester fabric
- Back vent for air circulation
- Two zip pockets
- Internal goggle pocket to protect your goggles
- Adjustable drawstring hood
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive swim parkas on the market
No products found.
Arena Team Line Parka
The Arena Team Line Parka is a stylish and great-looking swim parka and one of the best swim parkas on the market. It is made from durable and high-quality polyamide fabric with a water-resistant outer shell and a soft polar fleece inner lining that keeps you snug and warm in the coldest weather.
The Arena Team Line parka has several large storage pockets with zippers for extra security and to keep your belongings safe. The main front zipper has a flap-over to maximize the warmth of the parka and an adjustable hood can fit all head sizes.
Pros
- A super comfortable and stylish design
- Adjustable hood for a comfortable fit
- Soft polar fleece inner lining
- Made from durable and quality polyamide fabric
- Several large zipper pockets
- High-tech flap-over zipper for extra insulation
- Internal goggle pocket to protect your goggles
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive swim parkas on the market
No products found.
Speedo Elite Swim Parka
The Speedo Elite Swimming Parka is a sleek and functional parka made from high-quality polyester fabric that promises to keep swimmers warm on the pool deck and before and after races. The parka has a water-resistant outer shell and a soft, comfortable quilted fleece lining for extra warmth.
The parka has a double front zipper and an adjustable hood with pull cord bungees to create the perfect personalized fit. The Speedo Elite parka has a 12-inch internal zip pocket for storing race essentials such as goggles and nose clips, and there are vents at the back of the parka to allow for air circulation.
Pros
- Made from high-quality polyester fabric
- Water-resistant outer shell
- Adjustable hood with pull cord bungees
- Comfortable and soft quilted fleece inner liner
- Double front zipper
- Vents for air circulation prevents overheating
- Large internal front pocket
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive swim parkas on the market
- Comes in a limited range of colors
No products found.
TYR Alliance Swim Parka
The TYR Alliance swim parka is one of the most popular parkas on the market. Better known for manufacturing goggles, tech suits, and swim bags, TYR has impressed once again with this parka. The parka has an outer shell of nylon and an inner lining of polyester microfleece to maximize comfort and heat retention.
The TYR Alliance swim parka has plenty of storage space, including an inside zipper pocket with an opening for headphones. Other pockets are large enough for smartphones, music players, goggles, nose clips, and swim caps, and an adjustable hood makes for a perfect fit.
The swim parka has front and back venting for air circulation and large customizable velcro flaps on the front and back of the jacket.
Pros
- Made from high-quality polyester fabric
- Inner microfleece lining for extra warmth
- Adjustable sleeves made from raglan
- Exterior and interior zipper pockets
- Interior zipper pocket with headphone opening
- Specialize mobile phone pocket
- Vents for air circulation prevents sweating
Cons
- Slightly slimmer fitting than other swim parkas
- The zippers tend to stick and are difficult to use
No products found.
Nike Swim Parka
Nike was never known as a big swimming brand, however, over the past few years, they have made an entrance into the swim industry and have some great swimwear and goggles. The Nike Swim Parka has a stylish, modern design with white stripes down the arms and Nike’s signature swoosh logo on the left chest.
It has a water-resistant outer shell made from 100% polyester shell and 100% polyester fleece lining, which provides super warmth and comfort. The swim parka has two front pockets, a front zipper that conveniently works in both directions, mesh ventilation sections for airflow, and an adjustable hoodie with toggle pulls.
Two front pockets offer plenty of room for storing music players and headphones, smartphones, goggles, nose clips, and racecards. Elastic cuffs offer a comfortable fit, and chest and back flaps offer extra water repellency.
Pros
- Made from 100% polyester
- Inner polyester fleece lining for added warmth
- Toggle-adjustable hoodie
- Elastic cuffs for super comfort
- Convenient two-way front zipper
- Mesh ventilation sections for maximum ventilation
Cons
- Slightly slimmer fitting than other swim parkas
No products found.
Speedo Unisex Team Swim Parka
The Speedo Unisex Team Parka is another version of Speedo’s swim parka which offers all the superior features of the other Speedo Swim Parka models. It has a water-resistant shell to keep you dry from splashes of water on the pool deck or rain and snow in an outdoor swimming pool complex. A well-made inner lining of fleece keeps you cozy and warm before and after your swim.
The Speedo Unisex Team Parka is manufactured from high-quality polyester with Speedo’s own unique swim parka design, and it has a back vent opening for air circulation. The parka has two zip pockets for storing accessories such as music players and headphones, smartphones, goggles, nose clips, and racecards. It also has an internal zipper pocket, a two-way front zip, and an adjustable drawstring hood.
Pros
- A water-resistant outer shell protects from splashes and rain
- Insulative inner fleece lining for good warmth
- Made from high-quality polyester fabric
- Back vent for air circulation
- Two zip pockets
- Internal goggle pocket to protect your goggles
- Adjustable drawstring hood with toggle drawstrings
Cons
- It has a narrow body so will need to be fitted for size
No products found.
Great Aussie Robe Swim Parka
The Great Aussie Robe Swim Parka is a great swim parka with a slight difference – this parka has a cotton towel lining instead of a fleece or faux fur lining. The outer shell has been specially treated to be extra water-resistant and the parka has a two-way heavy-duty YKK zipper, two pockets with zippers, and a fitted hood.
This parka is also slightly longer than other swim parkas and reaches beneath the knees for added warmth and comfort. It has an inner name label and is available in a variety of sizes.
Pros
- Specially treated outer shell for added water-resistant
- Cotton towel lining for super absorbency
- Customized fitted hood
- Two-way heavy duty YKK zipper for extra space and comfort
Cons
- Slightly slimmer fitting than other swim parkas
No products found.
Adoretex Swim Parka
Adoretex is a smaller, lesser-known brand in the swimwear industry, but the swim parka made by them is super comfortable, has all the bells and whistles, and is well-priced. The parka has a water-resistant nylon outer layer and an artic fleece interior for superior warmth, and an adjustable drawstring hood is ideal for all head sizes.
It has two front pockets and a pocket on the shoulder with a Velcro flap for storing music players and headphones, smartphones, earplugs, or heat cards at a meet. The parka has a two-way zipper at the front, a pre-sewed name label, and is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. This parka comes in at a great price and is perfect for swimmers on a budget.
Pros
- Water-resistant outer fabric for staying dry
- An arctic fleece interior for superior warmth
- Adjustable hood for all head sizes
- Shoulder pocket with Velcro flap for storage
- Pre-sewed name label
- This is a well-priced swim parka
Cons
- Simple design – nothing fancy
- Small fit so it’s recommended to get one size up
No products found.
Sporti Comfort Fleece-Lined Swim Parka
The next swim parka on the list is the Sporti Comfort Fleece-Lined Parka, which is a great swim parka coming from another non-traditional swim brand known as Sporti. Sporti makes a fantastic range of goggles, including prescription goggles, nose clips, and swimwear.
The Sporti Comfort Fleece-Lined Parka does the job of keeping you warm on the pool deck with a comfortable fleece inner lining. An outer shell made from high-quality and long-lasting fabric is water-resistant and protects swimmers from getting wet from splashes and the rain in inclement weather.
The parka includes large front and back velcro flaps and has a zipper pocket specially designed for MP3 players and headphones. An exterior pocket is designed to carry smartphones and other accessories and has a Velcro flap for added security. The parka has a hoodie with adjustable drawcords for personalized fitting and has a double zipper at the front of the swim parka.
Pros
- Made from high-quality polyester fabric
- Inner microfleece lining for extra warmth
- Interior zipper pocket with headphone opening
- Adjustable hoodie with drawcords
- Specialize mobile phone pocket with Velcro flap
- Double front zipper
- This is a well-priced swim parka
Cons
- Sizing is slightly off so fitting is advised
No products found.
Dolfin Unisex Swim Parka
The Dolfin Unisex Swim Parka is a simple-looking swim parka with good features and a comfortable overall design. The parka is water-resistant to ensure you stay dry on the pool deck or in rainy weather and it features an internal fleece lining that offers excellent insulation and warmth. Fully taped seams add to the insulation of this swim parka and ensure maximum heat storage.
The parka is made from an 89% polyester and 11% elastane material composition which makes it durable and long-lasting, and the parka has a comfortable fleece backing for extra comfort. A built-in air circulation vent makes sure heat stays in and prevents overheating and sweating. Large pockets are perfect for storing smartphones, music players, goggles, nose clips, and swim caps.
A fleece-lined hood is adjustable with a drawstring and a zipper closer is easy to use and makes for a comfortable fit. The sleeves are adjustable with Velcro straps.
Pros
- Made from 89% polyester and 11% elastane fabrics for durability
- Internal fleece lining keeps you warm
- Fully taped seams add to the insulation
- Comfortable fleece backing for extra comfort
- Built-in air circulation vent prevents overheating and sweating
- Adjustable fleece hood with drawstring
- Can be custom-fitted with adjustable Velcro cuffs
- Well-priced
Cons
- Basic design with a limited range of colors
No products found.
Surf-fur Water Parka
The Surf-fur Water Parka is a fantastic swimming parka from a less traditional swim brand known as Surf-fur. This high-quality swim parka is manufactured from wind- and waterproof fabric that provides a maximum amount of comfort and warmth.
One of the best features of this park is that it is reversible and can be flipped inside out if needed. It has a deep molded hood, deep front pockets for storing smartphones, music players, goggles, nose clips, and swim caps, and an internal pocket that is ideal for keeping your iPod and headphones safe.
The Surf-fur swim parka has high-quality snaps instead of zippers, which are easy to use and longer-lasting than zippers, which tend to stick after a few years.
Pros
- Made from high-quality polyester fabric
- Superior wind and waterproof construction ensure maximum insulation.
- The deep and comfortable hood
- Front and internal pockets for super storage
- Reversible and can be worn either way for versability
- Snap closures maximize warmth and are more durable than a zipper
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive swim parkas on the market
No products found.
Zone3 Polar Fleece Parka Robe Jacket
The Zone3 Polar Fleece Parka Robe Jacket is another excellent swim parka that provides all the warmth and functionality needed to stay warm before and after swimming. Zone3 is a popular triathlon brand and has introduced a swim parka for triathletes for keeping warm during training and racing.
The swim parka has a convenient and comfortable three-quarter length that keeps body heat locked in and is easy to move around in.
A water-resistant nylon outer layer repels water and snow, and an inner fleece lining offers superior warmth. An adjustable drawstring hood is ideal for all head sizes and two front pockets are large enough for storing music players and headphones, smartphones, earplugs, or heat cards at a swim meet.
Pros
- A water-resistant Outer Water-Block fabric protects from splashes and rain
- Insulative inner fleece lining
- Heat regulated properties add extra insulation and warmth
- Stylish three-quarter length
- Two front fleece pockets
- Large hood with cord fasteners to trap heat
Cons
- This is one of the more expensive swim parkas on the market
No products found.
AquaDash Swim Parka Unisex
The AquaDash Swim Parka Unisex is a super comfortable, well-designed swim parka that is well-priced and does the job of keeping swimmers, surfers, and triathletes warm before and after being in the water.
The parka has a water-resistant nylon outer layer and a thick cotton towel lining that provides superior warmth and super water absorbency. An adjustable drawstring hood is ideal for all head sizes and two front pockets for storing music players and headphones, smartphones, earplugs, or racecards. The parka has a two-way heavy-duty YKK zipper for extra space and comfort at the front which makes for a comfortable fit and a built-in air circulation vent makes sure heat stays in and prevents overheating and sweating.
Pros
- Water-resistant outer fabric for staying dry
- A thick cotton lining for superior warmth and super water absorbency
- Adjustable hood for all head sizes
- Front and internal pockets for super storage
- Two-way heavy duty YKK zipper for extra space and comfort
Cons
- Small sizing
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Final Thoughts
Swim parkas are a great way to keep you warm and cozy on those training or racing days. They help to keep your muscles warm which is good for maximizing your performance in the pool. They also have features like inner and outer pockets for storing swim gear like goggles, nose clips, swim caps, and racecards. So, whether you choose a basic swim parka to keep warm or a top-of-the-range parka with all the bells and whistles, it’ll soon be your favorite piece of swim clothing!
Happy swimming!
Mia Russell is currently the head swim coach at Aquasharks Swimming Academy in South Africa. She has worked as the head swim guide at SwimQuest Open Water Swimming Holidays in London and was previously a Swim Coach at Cybersmart Aquatics. She has a AIDA International Level 3 Freediving Certification, PADI Open Water Advanced Certificate, SSI Level 1 Free Diver Certificate and RYA Beach Lifeguard Certificate.