The 10 Best Wetsuits for Every Water Sport and All Conditions
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The Scandinavian adage of, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes,” applies to the underwater world, too. With a wetsuit that fits well, you can get out there even in the chilliest water. No matter if you’re a surfer, paddler, diver, or want to make the most of your time in the ocean, there’s a wetsuit that’s up for the challenge of keeping you warm.
Best Wetsuits
The Expert: I am in the ocean nearly every day and have traveled around the world in pursuit of ocean sports, so wetsuits are a staple in my wardrobe. I have tested tens of wetsuits in various water temperatures while surfing, kitesurfing, diving, and kayaking, and I know what features to look for in a suit designed for each sport. My writing has appeared in Scuba Diving Magazine, SurfGirl Magazine, Boating Magazine, The Standup Journal, and I am the founder of The Salt Sirens, a website all about ocean sports.
How Wetsuits Work
Almost all wetsuits are made from neoprene, a soft, synthetic-rubber material that uses closed air cells as insulation. When you wear a wetsuit, the neoprene traps a thin layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit. Your body heat warms this water, creating an additional barrier between your skin and the cold water around you so you can spend much more time in the water with a wetsuit than without one. Premium wetsuits designed for maximum warmth often have sealed seams, which prevents cold water from leaking in along the stitching.
Here’s what to look for and how to decide what’s right for you:
Types of Wetsuits
Manufacturers design wetsuits to meet the needs of a particular water sport. Surfing and swimming wetsuits are durable against abrasion and tend to offer maximum mobility, especially in the shoulder area. Scuba diving wetsuits are often thicker and tighter because the neoprene compresses—and loses some of its insulating ability—under pressure as you descend. More niche designs include spearfishing wetsuits, which usually have a camouflage pattern and a padded chest to prop the speargun against, and free diving wetsuits, which are made for compression and flexibility but are notoriously fragile. When choosing the best wetsuit for you, opt for one that will suit the sport you’ll be doing most of the time. Wetsuits marketed towards surfers tend to be the best all-around wetsuits for general water sports like casual swimming, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and paddling.
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Wetsuit Thickness and Cut
A wetsuit’s thickness refers to the thickness of the neoprene, which correlates to how warm it will be in the water. Like a jacket, the thicker it is, the more insulation it will provide. Wetsuits are often rated with two thickness measurements, for example, 3/2 mm. The higher number is the thickness around your torso, where maintaining warmth is key, and the lower number is the thickness of the wetsuit’s arms and legs. Thinner material in these areas gives your extremities more freedom to move. If you see a rating with three numbers, those refer to the thickness in the chest, legs, then arms.
Wetsuits also come in several cuts, with the most popular being springsuits that have short sleeves for warm water and full suits that have long sleeves for cold water. Full suits can be paired with a hood, gloves, and booties for added warmth.
Below are some general guidelines to help you choose the best wetsuit thickness and cut based on water temperature. However, insulation isn’t one-size-fits-all, and what works best for you might vary based on your metabolic rate (people with faster metabolisms generally run warmer) and other factors.
65–75°F: 2 mm springsuit or top
60–64°F: 2 mm to 3/2 mm springsuit or full suit
55–59°F: 3/2 mm to 4/3 mm full suit
50–55°F: 4/3 mm to 5/4/3 mm full suit
Below 50°F: 5/4/3 mm to 7 mm full suit
Sizing follows standard men’s and women’s apparel. The right suit should feel like a second skin. If there are air pockets around the underarms, lower back, groin, or neck, it’s likely too loose. You should be able to raise your arms and squat without feeling any pinching, chafing, or loss of circulation.
How We Evaluated
When evaluating wetsuits, I considered durability, warmth, fit, and value for the money as key factors. I consulted popular ocean sports forums, websites, and advice from industry professionals for options that stand out above the rest. Keep reading to find the right fit from my recommendations of the 10 best wetsuits.
O’Neill HyperFreak 4/3+ mm Chest-Zip Full
Key Specs
Thickness: 4/3+ mm
Cut: Full suit
Super soft and flexible pre-stretched neoprene along the shoulders and chest make the O’Neill Hyperfreak 4/3+ mm Full one of the most comfortable wetsuits to wear. Properly fitted, this wetsuit allows paddlers, surfers, and kitesurfers to be in the water for hours without chafing or running cold. Advertised as 4/3+ millimeters thick, the Hyperfreak’s extra half-millimeter of neoprene plus its tight fit makes it feel more like a 5/4-millimeter suit. The chest closure is warmer than a back zipper and becomes more intuitive to use after the first few tries. Glued seams add extra warmth.
O’Neill HyperFreak 4/3+ mm Chest-Zip Full
$379.95
rei.com
O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2+ mm Chest-Zip Full
Key Specs
Thickness: 3/2+ mm
Cut: Full suit
This is perhaps the most comfortable full suit for women around. High mobility areas, like the shoulders and chest, feature an ultra-flexible pre-stretched neoprene that almost feels like athletic wear. Kitesurfers, surfers, and paddlers will appreciate the comfort around the armpits especially. Although it is technically a 3/2 thickness, there’s an extra half-millimeter of neoprene throughout, allowing those of us who’d normally wear a 4/3 to opt for a more flexible 3/2 without losing much warmth. Triple-glued and blind-stitch seams keep water out. The chest zipper does take a few tries to get used to, but it’s an upgrade from O’Neill’s back zipper wetsuits.
O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2+ mm Chest-Zip Full
$359.95
rei.com
Henderson Thermoprene Pro 3 mm Back-Zip Jumpsuit
Key Specs
Thickness: 3 mm
Cut: Full suit
Henderson is making waves in the wetsuit world on account of its inclusive sizing that ranges from extra-small to 6XL in short and tall variations. The Thermoprene Pro line features front- and back-zip options, and shorty styles as well. The neoprene has a forgiving stretch, and there are fabric panels on the inside of the torso area for extra insulation. Double-glued and double-sewn seams prevent water from seeping in.
Henderson Thermoprene Pro 3 mm Back-Zip Jumpsuit
$287.99
scuba.com
Rip Curl E-Bomb 2/2 GB Sealed Zip-Free Springsuit
Key Specs
Thickness: 2 mm
Cut: Springsuit
Zippers are a primary pain point for many ocean athletes, as they’re one of the first places water will leak into. Rip Curl’s E-Bomb Springsuit forgoes a zipper completely, fastening with a neoprene panel and an adjustment cord across the chest. The 2-millimeter neoprene is soft and flexible, holding its shape even after heavy use.
Rip Curl E-Bomb 2/2 GB Sealed Zip-Free Springsuit
$199.95
ripcurl.com
O’Neill Reactor-2 2 mm Back-Zip S/S Spring
Key Specs
Thickness: 2 mm
Cut: Springsuit
With well-placed seams, this wetsuit keeps you warm without feeling like you’re wrapped in neoprene. O’Neill installs seamless panels under the arms, making it one of the most comfortable wetsuits to wear even for long paddling sessions. The back-zip entry makes the wetsuit easy to take on and off and ideal for surfing. Many surfers find a front zipper becomes uncomfortable because it can get jammed with surf wax, bunch up, and irritate skin.
O’Neill Reactor-2 2 mm Back-Zip S/S Spring
$79.95
amazon.com
Patagonia R1 Yulex Front-Zip Full Suit
Key Specs
Thickness: 3/2.5 mm
Cut: Full suit
Patagonia was one of the first major brands to move away from petroleum-based neoprene for wetsuits. Instead, it uses 85 percent Yulex, a material largely sourced from natural rubber, combined with 15 percent synthetic rubber. The torso and thigh area of the wetsuit have a quick-dry lining for additional warmth. Each seam is sealed, blocking cold water from creeping in. Some athletes find the Yulex material is less flexible than conventional neoprene, though most people get used to it within a few wears.
Patagonia R1 Yulex Front-Zip Full Suit
$274.99
patagonia.com
Body Glove Pro 3
Key Specs
Thickness: 2 mm
Cut: Springsuit
Ideal for warm water, the Body Glove Pro 3 offers insulation and comfort at an affordable price. A long back zipper and Velcro neck closure makes this wetsuit easy to slip in and out of, and it has durable seams. For a simple and comfortable wetsuit that will last more than one summer, this model is a top contender. However, if you’re in the water every day, you might want to invest in one with sealed seams for better protection against leaks.
Body Glove Pro 3
$59.99
amazon.com
Scubapro EverFlex Steamer 7/5 mm Wetsuit
Key Specs
Thickness: 7/5 mm
Cut: Full suit
Scuba divers, snorkelers, and free divers should take notice of the Scubapro EverFlex Steamer. Despite the thickness, this wetsuit is surprisingly comfortable. An inner thermal layer adds extra warmth around the core. Padded knees protect against rough surfaces, and the blind-stitched and glued seams keep water out. Sizes range from extra small to 4XL for women and 5XL for men, with short and tall options available.
Scubapro EverFlex Steamer 7/5 mm Wetsuit
$549.00
amazon.com
TYR Hurricane Wetsuit Cat 1 Sleeveless
Key Specs
Thickness: 5/3/2 mm
Cut: Sleeveless
Built to keep drag at a minimum, the TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Sleeveless Wetsuit strikes a balance between mobility and warmth. The sleeveless design helps prevent chafing under the arms, a common experience for swimmers wearing full-coverage suits. The neoprene thickness measures 5 millimeters around the torso, 3 millimeters along the back, and 2 millimeters along the neck and shoulders.
TYR Hurricane Wetsuit Cat 1 Sleeveless
$159.99
amazon.com
Cressi 1.5 mm Shorty Spring Wetsuit
Key Specs
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Cut: Springsuit
For added sun protection and insulation, the Cressi 1.5-millimeter Shorty is perfect for pool or beach days in warm water. Putting on the wetsuit is easy for kids, thanks to a large front zipper and wide leg holes. It’s also quite affordable should your little one grow out of it within a season. The thinner neoprene and lycra is stretchy, soft, and flexible.
Cressi 1.5 mm Shorty Spring Wetsuit
$35.61
walmart.com
Expert Chantae Reden on Why Wetsuit Fit is More Important than Thickness, Plus Other Tips on How to Find the Right Suit for You
PM: Are there any common misconceptions about wetsuits you can dispel?
C.R.: A common misconception is thinking that the thickness of a wetsuit is the number one factor when it comes to warmth. In reality, fit is the most important factor. If a wetsuit is too large, water will enter the loose sections of the wetsuit—often around the lower back, the groin, and the shoulder areas, drawing heat away from your body. It doesn’t matter how thick or well-insulated a wetsuit is, if it doesn’t fit snugly, it won’t do its job of keeping your body warm.
PM: What’s your preferred wetsuit thickness and why?
C.R.: Ocean athletes usually fall into two camps: those who prefer warmth over flexibility and those who prefer flexibility over warmth. This is because the thicker (and therefore warmer) a wetsuit is, the less mobility you have. I personally prefer to wear a wetsuit that is highly flexible, erring on the thinner side. I prefer to wear a 2-millimeter spring suit in the tropics and a 3/2 mm full suit in cooler waters, like the mid-50s Fahrenheit. For some activities, like scuba diving, it’s better to go for a thicker wetsuit because you won’t be moving as much as sports like surfing, swimming, and paddling. When in doubt, it’s best to go for a warmer wetsuit, you can always flush water through your wetsuit to cool yourself down. But once you’re cold in the water, it’s a challenge to warm up.
PM: What’s your preferred wetsuit cut and why?
C.R.: A full suit wetsuit is the most versatile wetsuit and will keep you warm in just about any activity. My go-to wetsuit is currently the O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2+ mm full suit, as it’s flexible and feels nearly as warm as a thicker wetsuit. So if I could only pack one wetsuit, it’d likely be that one. For surfing in warm, tropical waters, I prefer a spring suit with long sleeves for extra sun protection, though I know many paddlers and swimmers who prefer a sleeveless wetsuit for added mobility in the arms and shoulders. It’s worth renting or borrowing a few wetsuit types to see which one works for you. Once the water gets cold, however, almost everyone prefers a full suit no matter the activity.
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