Anoraks and Cagoules

You need rain gear. The office type has the trench coat. The outdoors type has rain capes. But what about the watersports type?

The humble anoraks and cagoules have long suffered from a crisis of misidentity. Not all pullovers and hooded jackets are anoraks, but all anoraks are by definition hooded pullovers.

You can buy anoraks in local markets, even second hand. They maybe in the adventure or rainwear section of some shops. Better department stores or sport shops may stock them too. Check out the boating, golf or hiking sections. Cost ca. €20-40.

The word "Anorak" derives from a Greenlandic for a garment worn in the early 1900s, but was later co-opted by the fasion world to describe zipperless parkas that resembled those worn by the Inuit and other near-Arctic peoples.

The style was popularised in England in the 1980s and ’90s, the word even becoming an epithet of sorts to describe niche enthusiasts like trainspotters, groups among whom the anorak jacket was popular.

In recent years the anorak has increasingly found a footing as both a streetwear and as a technical essential. You’re just as likely to see one on a sneakerhead as on an open water swimmer. The former loves it for its billowy proportions, bold styling and nods to ’90s fashion, while the latter embraces its underrated functionality.

Anoraks for Swimming

Anoraks and pants make comfy swimsuits that are quick drying and breathable, but not always waterproof. They are designed to get wet and cope with frequent soakings. That makes them a nice amphibian outfit for playing on the beach and in the water.

In the sea this bathing suit keeps various beasties off you when swimming or snorkeling, and protects you from sunburn. If you carefully choose the right suit for your needs, you can wear it all day long, wet or dry, for any activity from pool training to open water adventures.

Combine different tops and bottoms for a new look every day. This suit packs into a small pocket that you can take anywhere, just in case you fancy a swim or other wet fun in the sun.

Muslim women may enjoy the hooded suits, as they are inexpensive and modest. On some anoraks you can adjust the size of the hood with a toggle on the back, for a better fit. Breathable lightweight hooded sun suits are popular in Asia, where people don't want to get an unfashionable tan.

An unlined anorak is likely the most versatile training tool in your swim bag, serving as a quick-drying outfit perfect for resistance swimming to enhance strength and endurance. Its lightweight design allows you to wear it comfortably during all aspects of your swim training sessions.

1. Enhanced Strength and Endurance
The snug fit provided by an anorak helps simulate real-world conditions, making it easier for swimmers to build strength and endurance in a resistance swimming environment.

2. Versatility for Various Activities
Since you can wear this garment not only during swim training but also for other water sports like surfing or paddleboarding on the beach, it becomes a multipurpose item that saves space in your bag.

3. Comfort During Open Water Swimming
The anorak’s lightweight and breathable nature ensures comfort when swimming in open waters, where temperature fluctuations can be challenging. This makes it ideal for both training sessions and competitive events.

4. Quick Drying
An unlined anorak dries quickly after use, reducing the time needed to change between activities or during breaks, which is crucial for maximizing your workout efficiency.

5. Familiarity with Equipment
Regularly wearing an anorak helps you get used to its fit and how it affects your swimming technique, making transitions smoother and more natural over time.

By incorporating an unlined anorak into your swim training routine, you not only improve your strength and endurance but also streamline the logistics of multi-sport activities. This makes it a valuable addition to any swimmer’s gear bag.

Your Comments

Traditional Long Cagoule

by Denis, London, England

For me personally it has to be an original long cagoule. I've seen kids in the water in newer ones and it just does not look right. They are too short and don't always fit well, limiting their swimming skills. The simple long cagoule with a short zip, or no zip, and simple drawstrings is what really makes these stand out.

Dozens

by Christine, Cumbria, England

I've have over a dozen or so of these anoraks, collected over the last few years, from smocks to three quarter lengths, to multi-coloured ones, bought in and then sold on, but I always revert back to them every so often. Perhaps this is a result of living in an area famous for it's rain.

Simplicity

by Ronald, Edinburgh, Scotland

I just love the simplicity of anoraks and cagoules, an ideal layer in the cooler months and great in an unpredictable summer. They have an everlasting cool in my personal opinion, so uncool, it's cool. Reminds me of geography teachers on school field trips. Nice bright layer of nylon over a tweed jacket, that emergency layer that can be thrown on over anything for twenty solid years, or perhaps over a Fred Perry/Lacoste polo as worn by late seventies northern hooligans and mid eighties anti-suss post sportswear casualists.

Adventure Swim Training

by Sascha in Austria

Adventure swimming in clothes is easy if you practice often. To prepare for my summer adventures, I do regular swim training in my adventure kit. It consists of a long cagoule, matching rain pants, with thermal clothes underneath.

The local pool lets me swim in my clean adventure clothes as long as I wear them in the shower first to rinse them thoroughly. No problem.

For endurance training I only wear a full body Lycra suit, which speeds up my swimming because it streamlines my shape and makes me more aqua-dynamic. It feels nice on my skin and allows me to move swiftly when I swim many lengths in the pool.

For my resistance training I put on my slightly oversized cagoule, made of thin nylon. Front crawl is fairly easy as the cagoule just hugs my body and creates just a bit of drag.

Breaststroke comes up with a lot more resistance. My cagoule reaches below my knees, so when I bring my legs forward it works like a sail, slowing me down. Swimming like this requires a lot more effort.

Lifesaver's backstroke is quite easy as the cagoule just stays put from shoulders to below my knees. Sidestroke is also quite easy. I get a good workout from all of this swim training.

Afterwards I wear all the clothes in the shower to rinse the chlorine out. Then I shake the water out and wear my cagoule on the way home, ready for my next adventure.

Outdoor Centre

from Craig, Wales, UK

Outdoor adventure centres are great fun. Every year I visit several venues for wet and wild action. Canoeing, kayaking, and adventure swimming are my favourites.

On the first day, before any adventures, we go into the pool to practice swimming in our adventure cagoules and other clothes. This is huge fun when we play wet and wild games for two or three hours, mess around in boats, or swim around.

We have to keep full clothes on for the whole time to make sure it all fits well and feels good, but we can change into different clothes to find out what works best in the water. I did that a lot to check out whatever was available.

On warm days I prefer to get wet in T-shirt, track pants, and a hoodie. On cooler days I wear one of my canoeing cags and pants on top of thermal clothes. My clothes are easy to swim in. Dressed like this I'm ready for any wet adventure.

On hot days I jump into the water before any watersport session, just to get my clothes wet and keep cool. That gives me more confidence when I fall in during a capsize or other water games. It's a constant in and out of the water. Serious fun if your clothes keep you warm in the water.

Fun on the Beach

by Alistair, Devon, England

Outdoor adventure sports are my passion. I live near the beach and often run down to see what's happening.

In the summer I drive with my friends to outdoor centres where we enjoy survival swimming, canoeing, rafting, and muddy assault courses. There is nothing more exciting than splashing around in open nature. This is extreme fun when you wear the right kit.

To stay warm I wear my long adventure cagoule and pants, made from tough nylon which avoids cuts and bruises. Underneath I wear thermal clothes or a tracksuit or both. Dressed like this I can jump into the water or a mud pit whenever I want.

If I feel like it, I run to the beach for a quick swim or go rock hopping at low tide. Most times I come home soaking wet after my adventures. My cagoule keeps me warm.