A swim parka (also called a deck coat or changing robe) is a long, towel-lined coat you zip on over wet swimmers after a swim. It keeps you warm while you dry off, saves you from the change rooms, and means you can go straight from the pool to the car without leaving a wet patch on the seat.
If you've ever stood on a windy pool deck holding a damp towel and a cold, cranky kid, you already know why people use them.
What does a swim parka do?
Three things, mostly:
- Keeps you warm. Once you're out of the water, you cool down fast. A parka stays on, covers you head to calf, and holds the warmth in while you dry off.
- Lets you skip the change room. No queues, no wet floors, no wrestling a wriggly child out of soggy togs in a crowded cubicle. Zip up and go.
- Helps keep the car seat dry. The outer shell prevents water from soaking through to the seat on the drive home.
How does a swim parka work?
There are two layers doing two different jobs.
The inside is a 100% cotton towelling lining. It soaks up water and holds in body heat, so you warm up rather than just dry off. The outside is a water-resistant shell (ours is made from recycled materials) that stops the wet coming through.
You put it on straight over wet swimwear.
Who are swim parkas for?
Mostly people who swim regularly and want the trip home to be easier:
- Kids at swim lessons, and the parents who carry the bags
- Swim teachers, coaches and clubs standing around on the deck
- Hydrotherapy and aqua aerobics participants (short-sleeved and wide-sleeved options make dressing easier)
- Carnival days, where kids are in and out of the water all day
- Beach and camping trips, anywhere you're wet and the amenities are a walk away
Swim parka or towel?
A towel dries you off. A parka dries you off and keeps you warm, and you don't have to hold it in place.
That said, if you're happy to use the public change rooms at the pool, a towel does the job. A parka earns its place at outdoor pools, early mornings, cooler months and any time you'd rather skip the change room altogether. We've compared them properly in swim parka vs towel.
Are swim parkas waterproof?
No. They're water-resistant, which is a different thing. A parka is designed to be worn over wet swimwear and keep that water from reaching the car seat. It isn't a raincoat. More on that in are swim parkas waterproof?
What to look for when you're buying a swim parka
- Length. Longer is warmer. For kids, going long also means it lasts more than one season. Mid-calf is a good guide.
- Lining. Towelling absorbs water and warms you up. Microfibre towelling or fleece-lined coats tend to dry faster but don't dry you off in the same way.
- Zip. A two-way zip is handy when you're sitting in the car or simply want easier manoeuvrability.
- Sleeves. Short-sleeved and wide-sleeved styles are worth a look for summer, hydrotherapy or anyone with limited mobility.
- Size. Check the parka's measurements, and for kids look at the length in particular! Our size guide will help.
How do you look after a swim parka?
After each swim, turn it inside out and let it air dry. In our experience you can go 8 to 10 uses between washes if it's aired properly. When it does need washing, turn it inside out, use a cold cycle with a mild detergent, and check the care instructions.
Swim parka FAQs
What's the difference between a swim parka and a deck coat?
Nothing much. Swim parka, deck coat, changing robe and swim coat are all names for the same kind of coat. The main difference between brands is the lining, which is usually towelling or fleece.
Can you wear a swim parka over wet swimmers?
Yes, that’s what AquaDash swim parkas are designed for. Not every swim parka is built to keep the car seat dry, so if that matters to you, check the product description before you buy.
Are swim parkas worth it?
If you swim weekly, swim outdoors or in cooler months, or have kids in lessons, most people find they are. If you only swim occasionally and don't mind using the public change room, a good towel is probably enough.
Can kids wear a swim parka in the car seat?
Our kids' parkas have an opening at the back for five-point harnesses in sizes 2 to 8. Always follow your car seat manufacturer's instructions. The details are in our kids swim parka guide.
What age are swim parkas for?
All ages. Our kids' range runs from size 2 to 14, and adults from S to 3XL.
Ready to choose one?
Have a look at our kids swim parkas or adults swim parkas.
Prefer to ask someone first? Our team is happy to help on 1300 860 797 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm).
