The word "Anorak" comes from the Kalaallisut Eskimos. Designed for all sorts of wet fun, anoraks are practical pullover type garments with a short zip opening, with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs. Some have a large front pocket which is useful when travelling or to keep locker keys and money when you go swimming. They are a good compromise between bulk and versatility.

History of the Anorak

In the 17th Century, Anne of the Rack decided to make a coat with a convenient hood on it, that kept out the rain. Naturally she was accused of witchcraft from not getting her hair wet, and thus she was sentenced to death. She narrowly escaped the executioner's blade when he chopped her hood off instead of her head.

Then she escaped from the big castle by using the hood as a parachute. After many years in hiding she opened a shop in the woods to show others her wonderous creation, and thus the Ann-o-rak was born. If you believe this, you probably believe anything.


In Britain, the word anorak is also a term for people whose interests are perceived to be nerdy, or who have more expertise in an arcane topic than seems rational.

Anoraks Today

Anoraks are very fashionable these days. It's amazing how many people wear Anoraks. If you go to the right places you can suddenly see legions of them. An anorak is perfect for anything from pool training to fun on the beach. You may want something light and simple to handle uncertain weather.

Made of cotton, nylon, tactel or similar material, they are designed to get wet and thus can cope with frequent soakings. They are waterproof or at least windproof and usually come with a hood.

The zip placket is deep enough for easy on and off. You get a hood, snug elastic cuffs, and a large pouch pocket in front. Some have a mesh lining inside which is comfortable next to your skin and helps the air circulate.

Jackets

Jackets are a popular variant. The full length zip allows for easier ventilation but adds a bit of bulk on the front, espcially when sitting down.

Pants

Matching pants should come with elasticized waist, adjustable drawstring and covered side pockets with zipper closures. Without a drawstring waist they move about and slip down when you go swimming.

Pants often feature open bottom hem with zippers at ankle for easy on and off. Available with either elastic or zipper leg, the pants should have a full athletic cut.

Combined with rainpants anoraks make a quick drying swimsuit that is lightweight and keeps the windchill off you when you're hopping in and out of the water all the time.


Popular swimwear in Asia are lightwight anoraks and pants. They provide sun protection and modesty.

Resistance Swimming Training

For your next swim put on a light nylon anorak on top of your usual swimwear. Rainwear is great for swimming resistance training and should always be in your swimming bag. Most swimming pools have no problem with it because the fabric sheds no fluff to clog up their filters.

Once you have gained some confidence add rain pants or an overall for extra resistance. You can vary the resistance level by wearing extra sports clothes underneath.

Depending on the design your rain clothes hold more or less water when swimming. Canoeing cags sometimes have wider sleeves to allow for more freedom of movement. Some sailing anoraks have a tighter fit so they don't pick up too much water during a capsize or when dipping into the water whilst on the trapeze.

In warmer climates a breathable Pertex suit keeps various beasties off you when swimming. It dries very quickly and thus makes a nice amphibian outfit.