Swim parkas aren't the sleekest piece of swimwear seen on the pool deck, nor are they the cheapest … but they just may be one of the most useful. Parkas are part winter jacket, part blanket, part changing room, and part gear storage unit. Kind of like a wearable blanket for people who work out a lot. And smell like chlorine.

Swim parkas are unisex outerwear pieces, designed to keep swimmers warm before and after practices, and also between events at swim meets. The universal components of a parka are a water resistant exterior, a large hood, fleece lining, pockets, and a zipper down the front. Using that basic framework, many companies have taken their swim parkas one step further, incorporating new fabrics, extra pockets, customization options, and lightning rods.

Just kidding about the lightning rods.

The parkas in this review range from traditional to high tech. Some are quite basic, some feature subtle updates of classic styles, and some incorporate newfangled features that swimmers will be sure to appreciate.

Speedo Swim Parka: The Classic

Lots of swimmers opt for a Speedo parka because of brand loyalty. Speedo swimwear has been around for so long that it's pretty much guaranteed their products are well designed. However, despite the slightly higher price tag, the construction quality and "extras" (just an inner goggle pocket in this case) of the Speedo Swim Parka are right on par with other brands.

• Hood
• Two front pockets, plus extra inner goggle pocket
• Front zipper that zips in both directions
• Elastic cuffs
• Comes in red, black, navy blue, and royal blue
• Chest and back flaps for additional water repellency and customization surfaces
• Polar fleece lining
• 100% nylon twill shell is water resistant
• Sizes range from Adult XS to XXL

Nike Swim Parka: Sleek & Modern

Nike's swim parka features a modern style with chest and back flaps, design details such as vents for air flow, striking white stripes down the arms, and Nike's signature swoosh on the left chest.

• Hood with toggle pulls
• Two front pockets
• Front zipper that zips in both directions
• Elastic cuffs
• Chest and back flaps for additional water repellency and customization surfaces
• Comes in red, black, and blue
• Includes mesh ventilation sections for air circulation
• 100% polyester fleece lining
• 100% polyester shell is water resistant
• White Nike swoosh on the left chest and white stripes down the sleeves
• Sizes range from Youth XS to Adult XXL

TYR Alliance Parka: Hi-Tech & High Comfort

Possibly the slickest looking and most technologically advanced of all the parka options, TYR's Alliance parka is dramatically different from the traditional styles of other brands. With a slimmer fit, electronics-friendly pockets, customizable fit, and customizable embroidery options, the Alliance parka is the most modern and user-friendly swim parka on the market today.

• Hood with bungee-style drawcord
• Two front fleece-lined zipper pockets, plus:
• Interior microfleece-lined accessories zipper pocket
• Interior microfleece-lined zipper pocket for CD or MP3 player with headphone opening
• Exterior fleece-lined zipper pocket for easy cell phone access, with Velcro closure
• Front zipper with pull tabs that zips in both directions
• Velcro cuffs for adjustable fit
• Comes in red, black, navy blue, and royal blue
• Front and back Velcro flaps for easy customization
• Includes front and rear ventilation sections for air circulation
• Raglan sleeves
• 100% polyester microfleece lining
• 100% nylon shell is water resistant
• Sizes range from Youth S to Adult XL

Sporti Custom Swim Parka: Colors, Colors, & More Colors

Sporti's custom swim parka itself is uncomplicated: Generous hood with a drawstring, fleece lining, pockets, and a zipper front. Aside from its reliable design, what makes Sporti's custom parka stand out are the many color choices and customization options. These features—along with its low price—make it a great parka for individuals as well as teams.

• Hood with drawstring
• Two front pockets
• Polar fleece lining
• Front zipper
• Elastic cuffs
• 18 color choices for both the shell and the lining
• Embroidery options for the front and back
• Sizes range from Youth SM to Adult XXXL

USMS Parka: A Masterful Parka

Designed specifically for Masters swimmers, the USMS parka has all the high-quality basics swimmers expect, along with its fair share of modern extras. This parka also features the USMS logo across its back.

• Hood with toggle pulls
• Multiple inner and outer pockets include:
• Two front fleece-lined zipper pockets
• Interior microfleece-lined accessories zipper pocket
• Interior microfleece-lined zipper pocket for CD or MP3 player with headphone opening
• Exterior microfleece-lined zipper pocket for easy cell phone access, with Velcro closure
• Front zipper with pull tabs that zips in both directions
• Velcro cuffs for adjustable fit
• Comes in red, black, navy blue, and royal blue
• Includes front and rear ventilation sections for air circulation
• Split back section for better range of motion
• USMS logo on back
• Raglan sleeves
• 100% polyester fleece lining
• 100% polyester shell is water resistant
• Sizes range from Adult XS to L