Fleece vs Toweling
Swim parka buying guide
Fleece or toweling?
Pick the lining that fits your life.
Both keep you warm and covered between swims — the difference is in the everyday details. Here's the comparison, framed around the questions you're actually asking.
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Option one
Polar fleece Soft, light and cosy |
What you're really asking |
Option two
Toweling Absorbent — a wearable towel |
| Dries quickly — ready for the next session in no time | Drying time "Will it be dry again before tomorrow's swim?" | Also dries quickly — our polyester toweling won't hold water like cotton toweling does |
| Less absorbent — you'll still want your towel first | Absorbency "Will it dry me off the moment I climb out?" | Highly absorbent — towel and parka in one |
| Good everyday warmth and comfort | Warmth "Will I stay warm on a cold pool deck?" | Warmth plus insulation for longer waits between races |
| Lightweight — easy to wear, easy to pack | Weight "Is it heavy in the swim bag — or once it's wet?" | A little heavier than fleece, though far lighter than old-style cotton toweling |
| Durable and long lasting, season after season | Durability "How many seasons will it survive?" | Less durable under frequent heavy use |
| Best suited to warmer climates | Climate "Where will I mostly be wearing it?" | Best suited to cooler climates |
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Choose fleece if… You want the lightest option to wear and carry, you're mostly in a warmer climate, and you're happy to towel off first. A soft, hard-wearing everyday choice that will last for seasons. |
Choose toweling if… You want to skip the towel and get dry the moment you step out of the water, you face cold early mornings or chilly galas, and you want maximum warmth between races. Being polyester, it still dries quickly for the next session. |
Still unsure? Think about your most common swim day — training laps or gala day — and choose the lining built for that.