Dear Swimmer,

Let's talk post-swim recovery. It's arguably more important than how you dip in the winter - certainly in terms of your kit.

Do you have a strategy for getting dressed? The Outdoor Swimmer team were chatting about this. We all put our clothes in our bags in reverse order to make them easier to put on, but we also have our own rituals, habits and strategies - which we share below.

We also have favourite bits of kit for layering. This is a nice chance to tell you that our pre-order deadline for Outdoor Swimmer clothing has been extended - order by November 17th for delivery by December 20th.

Getting dressed after a freezing dip is a fine art. It really is! With many decades of winter swimming under our bobble hats, we have some excellent rituals, habits and strategies for getting dressed and avoiding the dreaded after drop.

1. Layering is key (more of that in a minute)

2. Get your clothes ready before your swim - layers the right way around, in reverse order

3. Keep a hat on at all times - Simon puts his bobble hat on first, Rowan leaves her swim cap on until she's dressed and then swaps

4. Have a mat or towel to stand on

5. Underwear is optional - especially bras!

6. Hot water bottles are great - wrap your base layers around yours to make it extra cosy when you get dressed 

HOW TO LAYER UP

With numb fingers, damp skin and scant shelter, it can be hard to get dressed and warm after a cold water dip. Understanding the benefits of layers and the right materials can make all the difference.

We explore the benefits of layers, the science behind how they help us stay warmer and what's important when choosing layers. Plus, find reviews of some great bits of kit to add to your keeping warm arsenal.