It’s clear by now the positive effects that exercise and spending time outdoors can have on both our physical and mental health. Whether you opt for weekend hikes or scenic runs or prefer to brave the elements and go for a sea swim, there’s endless options to get out and about all year round and enjoy the beauty that our little island holds. And as we prepare for holiday season, we’re planning great escapes around the country. The one thing you should add to your staycation packing list? A fleece-lined changing robe – the new post-swim essential.

Call it a pandemic trend or a lockdown pastime, but daily or weekly swims have been a mainstay for many over the past couple of years, and it seems these habits have continued in our post-pandemic world. In new research conducted by Empathy Research for Penneys, it appears that sea swimming really is here to stay – over 75 per cent of those surveyed who took it up during lockdown have said they’re sticking with it. But we know all too well that Irish weather doesn’t always play ball – it takes a brave swimmer to dive in all year round – which means having the right gear is essential. So it is no surprise then that one in five Irish people now claim to own a changing robe, though one in five also say they are currently priced out of this market with many styles costing upwards of €100.

Enter the latest Great Outdoors collection from Penneys which features wetsuits and changing robes for the whole family. High-performance, stylish, and crucially, more affordable wetsuits, changing robes and changing towels have landed just in time for the Irish summer. And with prices from just €14 everyone can ensure they’re keeping cosy while getting outdoors. We’ve become accustomed to Irish holidays – and the unpredictable weather they can bring – and are now experts in packing for every eventuality. With the new Great Outdoors collection from Penneys, now we can pack and plan on a budget.

The full range will be available in-store from this week and includes adults’ wetsuits made with 3mm 4-way stretch fabric for flexibility and warmth at €42 for full length and €35 for the short suit, and the much-coveted unisex quick-drying Changing Robe with waterproof fabric, priced at €50 for adults and €40 for kids – there will also be kids’ wetsuits for just €14. The collection has a stylish design with matching items for the whole family in line with the popular mum-and-me ‘twinning’ trend we’ve been seeing across social media.

The importance of inclusivity was key to the planning of the Great Outdoors collection. Speaking about the launch, Barbara Leonard, Head of Buying, Womenswear division at Penneys said: “Penneys has always been built around our belief that everyone should be included: That’s what’s behind the wide variety of clothes and products we have in stores, and we know that price, today more than ever, is a big part of what we offer.” Results of the survey undertaken by Penneys showed that half of those surveyed are still shivering on the shore, claiming the weather gets in the way, with 19 per cent claiming that the water is too cold and 15 per cent saying they don’t have the right gear.

Leonard continues: “Today’s research shows how access to the right clothing can be a genuine barrier for people to spend time outdoors and the role price can play within that. We’re excited and proud to offer more affordable options for families to make a splash in style this summer and bring our unique Penneys take on this growing trend.” Let’s face it, getting dressed for the great outdoors is as much a fashion statement as it is about practicality.

Following the sell-out success of the first Great Outdoors collection from Penneys last year, the brand has increased stock and widened availability this time round but the advice from Penneys is still “run, don’t walk”, if you are hoping to get your hands on the range for this year’s staycations. See a preview of the new collection below and head to selected Penneys stores near you to pick up the new range now.

Explore the Great Outdoors collection below: