What to pack in your swimming bag

Short answer: A set of dry clothes, a pair of socks, and something easy to pull on over damp skin is enough. Tight materials stick, smooth ones slide on with ease.

Damp skin makes tight clothing hard

After a shower the skin is never fully dry, no matter how long you stood under the water. A smooth fabric slides on without sticking, while a tight material takes several minutes of struggle. Choose something loose rather than something that looks smart but is hard to put on. See bamboo t shirt for women.

Underwear needs to be dry

A spare set in the bag means you do not put on damp clothes after swimming. Even a swimsuit that feels almost dry holds enough moisture that the discomfort lasts the rest of the afternoon. Always pack a full set, not just one item. See bamboo underwear for women.

Feet get cold after swimming

Dry socks straight after is the simplest form of comfort you can give yourself after a session in the pool. Cold, damp feet inside shoes are one of the most common complaints after swimming. See bamboo socks for women.

Hair leaves the neck wet

Choose something where a damp neck does not show clearly, especially if you are heading somewhere else afterwards. A darker fabric or a loose collar hides it better than light, tight fitting material. See bamboo clothing for women.

Pack the bag in the order you need it

Underwear and socks at the bottom, the outer layer on top, means less rummaging in the damp changing room. That saves time when others are waiting for space at the bench, and you are less likely to forget something in a hurry.

A separate bag for the swimsuit

A wet swimsuit in the same compartment as dry clothes makes the whole bag damp within a few minutes. A separate bag or a waterproof compartment keeps the rest of the contents dry the whole way home.

Sandals make the shower area easier

The floor by the showers is rarely pleasant to walk on barefoot. A pair of light sandals in the bag makes the move from pool to changing room more comfortable and cuts down the time spent waiting.

The towel takes up the most space

A thin, fast drying towel takes up less room in the bag than a thick bath towel, without giving up function. It is often the single item that decides how much space is left for the rest.