Try before you train... wetsuits
Team Cosmo took the plunge into some (very) cold water to give you the lowdown on the best suits out there. Brrrrrrrr…
Zone3 Women’s Azure Wetsuit, £140 at Wiggle.co.uk
The last time I wore a wetsuit, I ended up with burst blood vessels due to inadequate boob-fabric allocation. When I first tried on Zone3’s, I had flashbacks – but once I was in the lido, the fit felt divine, with super-flexible fabric. Kate, Beauty Writer
Perfect Moment Imok Neo Full Wetsuit, £380
At first glance, this wetsuit looked incredibly thin, so I wasn’t convinced that it would keep me warm in the middle of December. I was wrong. It was also so breathable that it made moving in the water easy. Lottie, Entertainment Director
Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit, £339.95 at Wetsuit Outlet
I’m a wimp when it comes to outdoor swimming, but in this suit, I felt so confident. I considered sizing up, as I’m 5ft 10in, but my normal size was fine. It felt secure, but not restrictive – like a second skin. Sophie, Bookings Editor
Gul Response 3/2mm Back Zip Wetsuit, £79.95 at Wetsuit Outlet
I’m a 16-18, and many wetsuit brands simply don’t offer suits in my size – but affordable label Gul goes up to an 18. This wetsuit fitted well and protected me from bitter December temperatures. Catriona, Features Director
Roxy 3/2mm Performance Chest Zip Wetsuit, £280
Incredibly lightweight, this suit moulded to my body perfectly. Despite it being thinner than some other wetsuits, it still protected me from the cold – it uses technology that traps air against the skin for added warmth. Fiona, Snapchat Editor
Speedo Xenon Fullsuit, £250
If you have a bit of a need for speed in the water, this is the suit for you. The purple core stabiliser helps keep you in a good swimming position, while the mega-buoyant material lets you glide along smoothly. The neon designs keep you visible when wild swimming, too. Amy G, Executive Editor (Print)
PSST… WANT TO BE EVEN WARMER IN THE WATER?
Try popping a rash vest under your wetsuit for extra protection against the cold. Gul Swami Long Sleeved Rash Vest, £27.50 at Wetsuit Outlet