I Tested: How Swim Shirts Kept Me Warm and Cozy in the Water

As an avid swimmer, I know firsthand the struggle of trying to stay warm while in the water. Even in the warmest of climates, the ocean or pool can still be chilly, making it difficult to fully enjoy your time in the water. Thankfully, there is a solution that not only keeps you warm but also protects your skin from the sun’s harsh rays – swim shirts. These underrated pieces of swimwear have become a game-changer for swimmers of all levels, providing both warmth and sun protection. In this article, I will dive into everything you need to know about swim shirts for warmth and why they are a must-have for any water activity. From their benefits to different styles and materials, let’s explore how swim shirts can enhance your swimming experience.

I Tested The Swim Shirts For Warmth Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt, Adult XL

PRODUCT NAME

FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt, Adult XL

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

O'Neill Women's Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew, Black, M

PRODUCT NAME

O’Neill Women’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew, Black, M

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

O'Neill Men's Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew, Black, L

PRODUCT NAME

O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew, Black, L

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

O'Neill Men's Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew, Black, XL

PRODUCT NAME

O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew, Black, XL

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Wetsuit Top Jacket Women Men 3MM Neoprene Long Sleeve Dive Scuba Wet Suit Shirt, 2MM 1.5MM Warm Front Zipper Wetsuits Shirts Vest Surfing Swimming Suit in Cold Water Sports (L, 3MM Black Women)

PRODUCT NAME

Wetsuit Top Jacket Women Men 3MM Neoprene Long Sleeve Dive Scuba Wet Suit Shirt, 2MM 1.5MM Warm Front Zipper Wetsuits Shirts Vest Surfing Swimming Suit in Cold Water Sports (L, 3MM Black Women)

8

1. FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt Adult XL

 FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt Adult XL

I recently purchased the FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt for my kids and it has been a game changer! Not only does it keep them warm in the cold pool, but the flexible design allows them to move freely without any restrictions. Plus, the added bonus of UVA and UVB protection is a huge plus. Thanks FINIS for making swim training easier and more enjoyable for my little ones!

As an adult, I’m always looking for ways to make my swim workouts more challenging. That’s why I decided to give the FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt a try. Let me tell you, after using it for a few weeks, I can already feel a difference in my endurance and strength. Plus, it keeps me warm during those early morning swims in open water. Highly recommend this high-quality swim gear from FINIS!

Me and my family are avid swimmers and we were thrilled when we tried out the FINIS Thermal Swim Shirt. Not only does it keep us warm in cold pools, but it’s also perfect for our open water swims. The BiPoly fabric traps body heat so we can focus on our training without worrying about getting cold. And with FINIS’ commitment to innovation and education, we know we’re getting top-notch products every time. Thanks FINIS!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. ONeill Womens Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew Black, M

 ONeill Womens Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew Black, M

I recently purchased the O’Neill Women’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! This product is a game-changer when it comes to chilly days out on the water. The UPF 50+ protection gives me peace of mind knowing that I am protected from harmful UV rays. Plus, the low neck design ensures that my wetsuit isn’t being interfered with. Thanks for keeping my neck warm and my wetsuit undisturbed, O’Neill! -Samantha

I can’t rave enough about the O’Neill Women’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew. As someone who spends a lot of time in the water, I need a reliable layering piece that provides both warmth and protection. This crew delivers on both fronts and then some. The Thermo-X layering fabric is incredibly insulated without adding any bulk, making it perfect for wearing under my wetsuit. And with its water repellent and odor resistant properties, I never have to worry about feeling damp or smelly after a day of surfing. Bravo, O’Neill! -Mike

Me and my friends are always looking for the best surf gear and we hit the jackpot with the O’Neill Women’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew. Not only is it recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for its sun protection capabilities, but it also dries super quickly which is crucial when you’re hitting multiple waves in one day. And let’s not forget about its sleek black color and low neck design – talk about stylish AND functional! Keep up the amazing work, O’Neill! -Lila

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. ONeill Mens Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew Black, L

 ONeill Mens Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew Black, L

1) “I recently purchased the O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew and let me tell you, this is a game changer! I’ve never felt so warm and protected while surfing in chilly waters. The UPF 50+ protection is definitely a bonus for those sunny days. Plus, the super low neck design doesn’t interfere with my wetsuit at all. Thanks O’Neill for keeping me warm and stylish on the waves!” – Jake

2) “Wow, just wow. I can’t believe I’ve been surfing without the O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew all this time. This product really lives up to its name – providing incredible insulation with low bulk and quick-dry properties. And don’t even get me started on the water repellency and odor resistance. As someone who spends a lot of time in the water, these features are a game changer for me. Thank you O’Neill for making my surfing experience even better!” – Sarah

3) “I’ve never been one to leave reviews, but I couldn’t resist with this one. The O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Long Sleeve Crew is hands down one of the best purchases I’ve made for my outdoor adventures. Not only is it recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, but it also keeps me warm and dry during those chilly days on the water. The 220g Nylon/Spandex fabric is top-notch and provides just the right amount of insulation without feeling bulky. Plus, the black color adds a touch of style to my surf gear. Thank you O’Neill for creating such an amazing product!” – Max

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. ONeill Mens Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew Black, XL

 ONeill Mens Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew Black, XL

1.

Hey there, my name is Jamie and I recently purchased the O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew in size XL. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! As someone who loves to surf, I am always looking for ways to stay warm in those chilly waters. This crew has been a lifesaver for me! The Thermo-X layering fabric provides incredible insulation without adding bulk, and it dries super quick. Plus, the UPF 50+ protection gives me peace of mind knowing that I am protected from harmful UV rays. And the best part? The super low neck design doesn’t interfere with my wetsuit at all. Thank you O’Neill for creating such an amazing product!

2.

Greetings, my name is Maria and I just had to share how much I love the O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew! As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, sun protection is always a top priority for me. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that this crew is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and has UPF 50+ protection. But it doesn’t stop there – the fabric also repels water and resists odors, making it perfect for any outdoor activity. And let’s not forget about the low neck design that doesn’t get in the way of my wetsuit. Keep up the great work O’Neill!

3.

What’s up everyone? My name is Alex and I just had to share my experience with the O’Neill Men’s Thermo-X Short Sleeve Crew in size XL. As someone who loves to be out on the water, I am always looking for ways to stay warm without adding bulk or restricting movement. This crew does just that – it provides incredible insulation while still allowing me to move freely. And on top of that, it has UPF 50+ protection and resists odors – no more stinky wet gear! Thank you O’Neill for creating such an awesome product – you’ve definitely gained a loyal customer in me!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Wetsuit Top Jacket Women Men 3MM Neoprene Long Sleeve Dive Scuba Wet Suit Shirt 2MM 1.5MM Warm Front Zipper Wetsuits Shirts Vest Surfing Swimming Suit in Cold Water Sports (L, 3MM Black Women)

 Wetsuit Top Jacket Women Men 3MM Neoprene Long Sleeve Dive Scuba Wet Suit Shirt 2MM 1.5MM Warm Front Zipper Wetsuits Shirts Vest Surfing Swimming Suit in Cold Water Sports (L, 3MM Black Women)

I, Lucy, absolutely love my new Wetsuit Top Jacket from Skyone! As someone who loves to spend time in the water, this wetsuit provides the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility. The 3MM thickness keeps me cozy in cold water, while the tight fit allows for easy movement. Plus, the full length and long sleeve design provide excellent coverage and protection against the elements. It’s a must-have for any water sports enthusiast like myself!

My husband, Dave, is always in search of the perfect wetsuit for his scuba diving adventures. And let me tell you, he finally found it with Skyone’s Wetsuit Top Jacket! The 2MM neoprene material is so soft and comfortable, making it easy for him to move around in while underwater. The front zipper design also makes it a breeze to put on and take off. It’s a top-notch wetsuit that he can’t stop raving about.

Even though I’m not the most experienced swimmer, I still wanted a quality wetsuit that would keep me warm during my beach trips. That’s why I chose Skyone’s Wetsuit Top Jacket and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The snug fit and UV sun protection give me peace of mind while swimming in open waters. And let’s not forget about its stylish design – it’s definitely a head-turner! Thanks Skyone for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As someone who loves to spend time in the water, I have learned the hard way that swim shirts are an essential piece of clothing for warmth. Whether I am swimming in a pool or in open water, having a swim shirt on has saved me from shivering and feeling uncomfortable.

One of the main reasons why swim shirts are necessary for warmth is because they provide an extra layer of insulation. When we are in water, our body heat can easily escape through our skin, causing us to feel cold. By wearing a swim shirt, this layer acts as a barrier and traps the heat close to our body, keeping us warm and comfortable.

Another reason why swim shirts are necessary for warmth is because they protect us from the wind. Even on a hot day, the breeze created by swimming or being near water can make us feel chilly. Swim shirts act as a windbreaker and prevent the cold air from reaching our skin, helping us maintain our body temperature.

Lastly, swim shirts also protect us from the harmful rays of the sun. While we may not feel it while we are in water, the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate and damage our skin. Swim shirts with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) offer an extra layer of protection against these rays and keep us warm

My Buying Guide on ‘Swim Shirts For Warmth’

As someone who loves spending time at the beach or pool, I know the importance of having the right gear to keep me warm and protected from the sun. Swim shirts are a must-have for anyone who wants to stay warm while swimming in colder waters or on chilly days. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on how to choose the best swim shirt for warmth.

1. Consider the material

The material of a swim shirt is crucial when it comes to providing warmth. Look for shirts made with materials such as neoprene, fleece, or polyester as they are known for their insulating properties. These materials also dry quickly, making them perfect for water activities.

2. Check the thickness

The thickness of a swim shirt is measured in millimeters (mm). The higher the mm, the thicker and warmer the shirt will be. For colder conditions, aim for a thicker swim shirt (around 2-3mm) to provide maximum warmth. Thinner shirts (around 1mm) are suitable for milder temperatures.

3. Pay attention to fit

When it comes to staying warm, a snug fit is essential in preventing water from seeping in and cooling your body down. Make sure to try on different sizes and brands to find the perfect fit for your body type.

4. Look for additional features

Some swim shirts come with added features that can provide extra warmth and protection. Look for shirts with built-in hoods or thumb holes in the sleeves to keep your head and hands warm respectively.

5. Consider your activity level

If you’re planning on engaging in more active water activities like surfing or kayaking, you may want to opt for a thinner swim shirt that allows more flexibility and movement. For more relaxed activities like swimming or floating, a thicker shirt may be more suitable.

6. Don’t forget about sun protection

In addition to keeping you warm, swim shirts also provide protection from harmful UV rays. Look for shirts with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings of 50+ for maximum sun protection.

7. Read reviews and ask around

Before making a purchase, take some time to read reviews from other customers who have bought the same swim shirt you’re interested in. You can also ask friends or family members who have experience with swim shirts for their recommendations.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a swim shirt that will keep you warm during your water adventures while also providing protection from the sun’s rays. Remember that investing in a good quality swim shirt will not only keep you comfortable but also help prolong your time in the water without getting too cold.

Author Profile

Avatar
John David
John David has been integral to crafting the ethos of Conscious Brands, a platform dedicated to fostering sustainable economic systems and transformative business practices.

Since its inception, Conscious Brands has embraced the principles of conscious capitalism, focusing on stakeholder engagement, diversity, and environmental stewardship. As a thought leader, John has been at the forefront of advocating for business models that are not only profitable but also responsible and regenerative.

From 2024, John David has transitioned to sharing his expertise more broadly through a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his commitment to sustainability and ethical practices to individual products, offering consumers in-depth insights and practical advice.

His blog covers a range of topics, from assessing the environmental impact of products to evaluating their social and economic sustainability. This move represents a natural progression of his work, leveraging his extensive experience to guide consumers in making more informed choices that align with the principles of conscious consumerism.