Some of the top kayak swimwear brands in the USA are Bonobos, Agon Swim, Catalina Swimwear, Hurley International, Onia, Tom& Teddy, etc.
Key Takeaways
- When choosing what to wear when kayaking, you have to consider comfort, versatility, and durability
- O’Neill is a very popular surfwear and surfboard brand and it is in the business since the 1950s
- U.S Divers s known for snorkeling gear, but they also make wetsuits that work excellently when kayaking in the sea or in cold weather
- NRS was started in Moscow, Idaho, and has been making swimwear and other water garments for long enough
Top 15 Notable Swimwear Brands In The USA
1. Bonobos
Bonobos is a men’s clothing brand that also makes swimwear for men. They help men find their perfect fit and also provide personalized garments. We love their swim trunks since they are stylish, of excellent quality, and quite affordable. If you are looking for affordable and elegant swimwear for men, we highly recommend this brand.
2. Agon Swim
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for your family’s swimwear needs, then this is the place to go. They have garments for men, women, and children of all sizes. Their swimwear is uniquely designed to suit different water activities and makes you stand out on the deck and in the water.
3. Catalina Swimwear
This brand makes swimwear for women who enjoy looking trendy on the water. Their garments are comfortable and versatile, making them ideal for women of different tastes and preferences. Their swimwear is perfect for anyone who wants quality, fashionable yet affordable garments.
4. Hurley International
Hurley is an American corporation that deals with designing, manufacturing, and selling surfing apparel, accessories, and swimwear. The company was a subsidiary of Nike but was later sold to Bluestar Alliance LLC. They are known for making quality and functional swimsuits to make all your adventures worthwhile.
5. Onia
Onia is a clothing company based in New York that focuses on men’s swimwear. The brand makes swimwear for men who love stylish but minimal garments. Their collection consists of artsy garments with unique prints on them—anyone looking to make a fashion statement while kayaking should try out this brand.
6. Tom& Teddy
This is a premium swimwear brand that is well known for its matching father-and-son swimwear. The brand makes UV-protected garments such as swim shorts that are quick-drying and resistant to chlorine and salt. For paddlers looking to enjoy kayaking with cute swimwear together with their sons at the beach, Tom & Teddy swimwear is your best bet.
7. O’Neill
O’Neill has been famous since the 1950s when it comes to surfwear and surfboards. This brand makes a variety of kayaking garments ranging from swimwear to wetsuits. Whether you want kayaking gear for summer or winter, this brand has something for you. They also make garments for men and women making them an excellent one-stop-shop for your whole family’s kayaking gear.
8. U.S Divers
This brand is known for snorkeling gear, but they also make wetsuits that work excellently when kayaking in the sea or in cold weather. They also make kid’s kayaking gear and swimwear that are affordable and of excellent quality.
9. Neo Sport
If you’ve been searching for good-quality wetsuits for kayaking in cold weather, you’ve come across this brand. They are popular for making quality and affordable wetsuits that will last you years.
10. NRS
This company was started in Moscow, Idaho, and has been making swimwear and other water garments for long enough. Their garments are built for better rafting, kayaking, and SUP adventures. This brand has a variety of swimwear for men, women, and children and is also quite affordable.
11. Kokatat
Kokatat prides itself on making world-class paddle sports garments and equipment. Their range of kayaking gear also includes PFDs and dry suits. This brand has a lot to offer and is also quite affordable. You can get kayaking swimwear for men and women from them.
12. Patagonia Outdoor Clothing & Gear
If you fancy designer kayaking swimwear and outdoor gear, Patagonia is your go-to brand. They design garments for different outdoor sports, including surfing, skiing, and kayaking. Their garments are a bit pricey, but they are designed to be environmentally friendly and perform excellently.
13. Marmot
Marmot is a great brand that makes quality and high-performing swimwear and outdoor gear. They are famous for their weather-resistant jackets that work excellently to keep you warm and dry throughout your kayaking adventure. This brand has kayaking gear for all seasons, including rainwear and insulated jackets. They make garments for women, men, and kids, which are moderately priced.
14. Columbia Sportswear
this brand mostly makes sportswear for the cold season. They have various kayaking swimwear that can also be used for hiking and fishing. If you are looking for quality garments at a very affordable price, be sure to check them out.
15. La Sportiva
the last brand on our list is La Sportiva which you have probably heard of already. They make affordable and great-quality outdoor gear for all your kayaking adventures. They even make shoes and boots to keep your feet protected as you enjoy your favorite watersport.
There are lots of other brands selling swimwear and kayaking gear; our list only has a few. If you need to buy kayaking swimwear from a different brand, you will need to know the indicators of great quality garments. Let’s take you through some things to consider when buying kayaking swimwear and what you need to wear kayaking.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Kayaking Swimwear
Before you buy kayaking swimwear for any adventure, you need to consider several factors. They will play a significant role in determining what is necessary and what is not. Here are the factors to have in mind:
1. Weather Conditions
Do you intend to kayak in the summer or winter? When kayaking in the summer, you will need light clothes that don’t make you feel too hot; you will also need sunglasses and a sun hat to keep the sun away. If you intend to kayak during the colder months, you need garments that keep you warm and protected from hypothermia.
2. Material Of Garment
Before you buy any swimwear, check its material and ensure it is abrasion-resistant. Kayaking swimwear needs to be rugged enough to withstand wear and tear caused by water and sand. It is also advisable to stay away from cotton fabrics. Choose quick-drying materials such as polyester or nylon.
3. Avoid Metallic Hardware And Fasteners On Garments
Water and especially salt water is known to cause rusting on metals. Avoid garments with metallic accessories as they can corrode and damage the rest of your swimwear. We advise going for plastic zippers and fasteners to be on the safe side.
4. Comfort
Always choose garments that fit correctly and feel comfortable enough for you. You should be able to move comfortably. Your attire should also be designed to be comfortable when you wear a PFD. Extra tight or loose garments are not recommended when kayaking.
What To Wear When Kayaking In Moderate Weather
When kayaking in warm weather conditions, you want to keep your garments light and loose. Also, ensure you choose a quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry during those sweaty moments.
We recommend wearing a swimsuit or sports bra as underwear. You can choose to wear a rash guard or water shirt for the top, depending on the type of fit you want. Quick-drying pants or board shorts will come in handy for the bottom. Ensure whatever you choose is comfortable and doesn’t chaff.
Depending on your personal preference, you can choose to wear a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun away. Remember to choose comfortable and protective footwear such as paddling booties or waterproof socks.
What To Wear When Kayaking In Cold Weather
When kayaking in cold water, it is always best to dress for submersion because of the risks involved. If you capsize in cold water, you risk drowning, heart and lung shock, or hypothermia. You need to be wise and dress for any eventuality.
We recommend wearing a wetsuit or dry suit made of neoprene or any waterproof material. This way, you will be warm enough in case of anything. Layering will also work perfectly to ensure you stay warm and dry throughout the adventure.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right gear for kayaking is critical for a safe and enjoyable adventure. Always ensure you go for quality over aesthetics and your dress according to the weather. There are numerous brands in the market, and you are guaranteed to find something that suits your needs.
References:
- https://www.watersportswhiz.com/best-kayak-brands-kayak-brands-to-avoid/
- https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayaking-what-to-wear.html
Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!