Suzanne Harrington: You need a thick skin to be a sea swimmer, but it's fun and free

"We do not do this because it is pleasurable. Walking into 8°C seawater in nothing more than neoprene booties, a bikini, and a bobble hat, could, under normal circumstances, result in psychiatric intervention."

You need a thick skin to swim in winter, says Suzanne Harrington. Picture: istock

WINTER 2021 style options have been narrowed down to a single requirement:  My garment of choice must stop me dying of hypothermia. Never mind your slouchy loungewear: We all have wardrobes full of that, having not dressed properly since March. (Can anyone remember what a bra looks like? Me neither).

No, what matters right now is not dying of exposure while exercising outdoors in January, as we try, indoors, not to die of Covid-19. Military-grade ponchos, wellies, trainers, and layer after layer of 'sweat-wicking' are required. (I have no idea what 'sweat-wicking' means.) 'Does it look alright?' has been replaced with 'Is it waterproof?’