Breathable light weight shell suits are popular with both men and women in Asia. They cost very little, avoid sunburn and feel pleasant as they dry in the breeze after you've been in the water.

Design

Matching tops and pants make this a practical outfit on land or in the water. Tops with no zip or just a short zip are better as long zips add bulk. Make sure you get at least one zipped chest pocket so you can keep a locker key or small change in it.

Fabrics

Look out for a soft breathable fabric. Most are made of a soft windproof nylon fabric. The better ones are made of silky soft Pertex. Some suits may be waterproof, some not. When used as modest swimwear this is not important, so focus more on the feel of the fabric.

Advantages

Here are few advantages we've found while using a shell suit:


1. It dries very quickly, even while you wear it.
2. You can also wear it when you're not swimming.
3. The small front pocket takes keys or money.
4. You can fold it into the build-in stuff bag and take it anywhere.
5. Pools should have no problem as it sheds no fluff to block their filters.

If you have sensitive skin, a hooded sun suit may be what you want. You avoid sunburn when you wear these loose fitting garments with good air circulation.

The hood provides protection for the head, no need to carry a hat around. The silky soft fabric (either Nylon or Pertex) is quick drying and breathable but not waterproof.

Comfy Alternative

Sun suits are a comfortable alternative to traditional sun screen products. They remain wearable after you've been in the water and feel pleasant as they dry in the breeze. A wet sun suit keeps you cool on hot days.

Mix and Match

Matching pants make this a practical outfit on land or in the water. Combine different tops and bottoms for a new look every day. This swim suit packs into a small pocket that you can take anywhere, just in case you fancy a swim or other fun in the sun.

Modest Swimsuit

Muslim women may enjoy these hooded suits, as they are inexpensive and modest. Hooded sun shirts are becoming popular in Asia. People there don't want to get a tan, as it looks common and downmarket, so these sun suits provide a great solution for playing on the beach or in the water.

You can buy them cheaply in the local markets, even second hand. They maybe in the adventure or rainwear section of some shops.

Suppliers

Better department stores or sport shops may stock these suits. Check out the boating, golf or hiking sections. Costs ca. €20-40.

For this review I got hold of a soft shell suit from the golfing section of a big sports store. I was looking for a simple, uncluttered design, with no zip or just a short zip. Long zips add bulk. The fabric should be soft and very breathable.

After some searching I found an inexpensive suit with loose fitting pants (can be used as over-trousers) and a pullover type top (like an anorak) with zipped pockets.

Dry Test

I tried the suit on in the evening, with nothing underneath, like I would for swimming. It didn't feel sticky or sweaty at all. That evening I fell asleep on my bed while reading a book. I woke up the next morning still wearing this shell suit and feeling alright. It was so breathable, it could double up as sleep-wear, if you have no other choice. Next I went for the shower.

Waterproofing Test

In the shower with the hood up, this suit kept me dry for a short while. A bit of water seeped into the collar when you turn your face towards the water, but all rain-suits and ponchos do that. Since this was only labelled as windproof or showerproof, water started to soak in soon and I got completely wet. That was no problem as I wanted it just as a modest swimsuit. More importantly was that this suit felt good when wet and I could move easily. Afterwards I hung it up in a ventilated space and it was dry within an hour.

Swim Test

Next up was the swimming pool test where I wore it just like swimwear with nothing underneath. Like most in pools you should take a shower, so I only wore the bottoms and put the top on before I entered the pool hall. In the pool the fabric felt soft and light, it didn't chafe. Once all surplus air bubbled out I started swimming my training lengths.

As expected it slowed me down a bit compared to wearing shorts or a one piece lycra body suit. But the extra resistance is great for fitness training. After a short while I got used to the suit and barely noticed it at all.

The following day I wore this shell suit in the sea, on top of a tracksuit. Again, the lightweight suit is barely noticeable, but it did provide good cover against windchill. It may not weigh much but keeping the cool wind off your body can make all the difference.

Summary

A shell suit like this is probably one of the most versatile swimming outfit you can carry around every day. You can swim in it, sleep in it, avoid the sun, wind and rain, and pack it away into its small bag when you don't need it. All of this for about €20 is an absolute bargain.
Felix  

It was a warm but rainy day when I came past the local swimming pool (which allows for modest swimwear) and saw my friends playing around in there. Then I realised that I didn't bring my swim shirt and pants, or a change of clothes so I could have jumped in as I were. Too bad.

"Why don't you swim in your rain suit?" one of them asked. Great idea. I took off my clothes, put on just my unlined rain suit, and jumped into the pool. To my surprise the suit felt pleasant and comfortable. It was easy and fun to swim in.

Afterwards, I changed into my dry clothes, shook the water off my rain suit and put it back on. What a simple and practical idea. Why didn't I think of that earlier?

Now many of my friends and family do the same when we go swimming, instead of carrying around extra swimwear.

Jeroen (16) from Holland