Francesca Donovan finds a happy middle ground in the Finisterre Iris 1.2mm Yulex swimsuit – and is impressed by the brand’s commitment to the environment.
In a decade of outdoor swimming, I’ve struggled to find a happy medium between a summer wetsuit and a thicker costume that fits and feels comfortable. A summer shorty wetsuit gives extra warmth I favour in high bodies of water – or during a long lane session in my local geothermic pool, which drops to 15°C (59°F) in Winter. On the other hand, a cossie can mean freedom of movement. After testing over four months, I’m happy to report the Finisterre Iris 1.2mm Yulex swimsuit is that middle ground I’ve been hunting for.
Francesca Donovan’s Greener Choice
Overall, the Finisterre Iris is a suit I can feel good wearing – and feel good about wearing – in the shoulder seasons and into Winter.- comfortable fit
- soft fabric
- quick-drying
- eco credentials
- size range
- slight sagging when wet
- pricey
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| RRP: £105 (available from Finisterre) Weight: 242g (size UK16) Materials: 85% Yulex natural rubber / 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content; lining 100% recycled polyester Features: traceable natural rubber, racer back, visibility tape on back Sizes: UK 6-22 Men’s version? no finisterre.com |
The Iris is easy to pull on when dry underneath a towel or change robe. I also found it breathable enough to wear on a two-mile walk to a swim. Fit and comfort are great – it’s soft inside and out. While the stretch is excellent, it also manages to be incredibly supportive. Despite me wearing size 16/18 trousers and a size 10/12 top, the Iris doesn’t cut into my hips at all (a rare treat!) yet cups substantially in all the right places.
The stretch allows easy removal when wet, without the need for fiddly zips – hard to use with cold hands. It shouldn’t matter, but the Iris also looks flattering.
The racer back cut gives complete freedom of movement while swimming, regardless of stroke, and I’ve experienced no constriction or rubbing around the groin or upper legs after hour-long sessions.
I’ve bathed in the Iris in temperatures down to 10°C. The extra thickness offered by the 1.2mm suit has enabled me to stay in the water a little longer than in a standard cossie – although it’s worth noting cold water tolerance is dependent on many different factors, including what you’ve eaten that day, how rested you are, as well as mood and hormones.
I run very warm so I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing the Iris in summer months. For me, paired with 3mm neoprene boots and gloves, it’s ideal for shoulder season and British winter swimming.
Once wetted out, the suit does lose some elasticity and sags a little around the neckline. This billowing could have been prevented with a higher-cut neckline. It is my only criticism of the overall fit and design – and it’s why I’ve knocked off half a star. I would recommend sizing down if you’re across sizes.
The Iris is still smelling fresh and hasn’t developed that eggy wetsuit odour yet – nor that cardboard-like quality once dried out. I’ve only had to rinse it with fresh water after each use to keep it so, meaning the suit feels quite low-maintenance in comparison to thicker suits.
I’ve been impressed with durability, too. The stitching has proved strong so far, and the Yulex-and-synthetic combination is as tough as any thicker wetsuit I’ve swum in – if not tougher than some cheaper options.
This particular suit is part of the Yulex rubber range – a material sourced from Hevea trees for a more natural alternative to traditional materials. Finisterre is a British B Corp, offering good transparency on its website. Its latest initiative is a wetsuit rental programme – Rent, Wear, Return – which intends to help to break down some of the financial barriers to entry when it comes to open water swimming.
Overall, the Finisterre Iris is a suit I can feel good wearing – and feel good about wearing – in the shoulder seasons and into Winter.
How we tested
Francesca tested this swimsuit in various fast-flowing waterfall plunge pools and a geothermic spring-fed lane pool in the Peak District, high tarns in the Lake District, llyns in Eryri/Snowdonia, the Celtic Sea and her at-home outdoor ice bath. Temperatures bottomed out at 10°C (50°F). Weight measured on tester’s digital scales.
