Swim Parka vs. Towel: Which One Keeps You Warmer After a Swim?

For swimmers, triathletes, and parents of little swimmers, staying warm after a swim is just as important as the swim itself. Whether you're diving into the pool, competing in open water, or watching from the sidelines, keeping warm post-swim can prevent discomfort and even health risks like hypothermia in colder conditions.

But when it comes to drying off and warming up, which is better: a swim parka or a towel?

Let’s break down the pros and cons to see which one truly keeps you warmer.

The Traditional Towel: A Quick Fix, But Is It Enough?

A towel is the go-to choice for most swimmers when drying off.  It’s simple, lightweight, and easy to pack. Towels are designed to absorb water quickly, but their effectiveness in keeping you warm is limited. Here’s why:

✅ Pros of a Towel:

• Absorbs water quickly
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Can be used for multiple purposes (e.g., sitting on it, drying hair)

❌ Cons of a Towel:

• Does not retain body heat
• Requires constant rubbing or wrapping, which isn’t practical in cold weather
• Water soaks through so while it might dry you off, if doesn't protect anything you sit on such as car seats on the drive home
  

A towel does the job of drying you off, but it does very little in terms of retaining warmth.
This is especially noticeable if you’re swimming outdoors in cool or windy conditions.

The Swim Parka: A Game Changer for Warmth & Comfort

A swim parka is designed for swimmers who need to stay warm before and after
swimming. It’s a long, insulated coat made from water-resistant materials with a warm
cotton towel lining. Originally designed for competitive swimmers, swim parkas are now a must-have for anyone who swims regularly—especially in cooler climates.

✅ Pros of a Swim Parka:

• Superior warmth: The thick cotton towel lining with outer shell traps body heat, keeping you warm even after getting out of the water.
• Water-resistant outer layer: Protects against wind and rain, preventing chills.
• Full-body coverage: Unlike a towel, a swim parka covers your entire body, including
  arms, legs and head.
• Hands-free warmth: No need to hold it in place—it zips up and stays on, allowing
  you to move freely.
• The outer shell protects prevents water soaking through to the other side.

❌ Cons of a Swim Parka:

• Bulkier than a towel (but lightweight considering its warmth benefits)
• Higher upfront cost (but long-lasting and worth the investment)

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re just stepping out of the pool into a warm environment, a towel might be enough.
But if you’re swimming outdoors, competing in open water, or dealing with cooler weather, a swim parka is hands down the better choice for keeping warm and comfortable.

And consider if you want the added bonus of being able to wear it home and keep your car seat dry.

A towel dries you off, but a swim parka dries you off AND keeps you warm. So if you
want to avoid shivering, especially during colder months, investing in a high-quality swim
parka is a no-brainer.

Stay Warm with AquaDash Swim Parkas!

Looking for a high-quality, eco-friendly swim parka designed for Australian swimmers?
AquaDash Swim Parkas are made to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable no matter
where you swim.

Check out our latest collection here and experience the warmth for yourself!