The Guide to Choosing a Wetsuit

A wetsuit is a special suit worn by people who want to spend a lot of time in the water. Wetsuits are usually worn by swimmers, divers, or surfers who swim in cold water. Wetsuits insulate swimmers or help them to maintain their body temperature. This in turn helps swimmers avoid hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature. Wetsuits are made from a type of rubber called neoprene.

A wetsuit is a special suit worn by people who want to spend a lot of time in the water. Wetsuits are usually worn by swimmers, divers, or surfers who swim in cold water. Wetsuits insulate the swimmers or help them retain body heat. This, in turn, helps the swimmers avoid hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature.

Suits can cover the entire body or just the swimmer's legs or torso. Hoods, jackets, and vests can be added to provide additional protection.

Wetsuits are available in different thicknesses and styles to suit different water conditions and the needs of the wearer. Generally, the thicker the wetsuit, the warmer the wearer will be. However, the thicker the wetsuit, the more difficult it is to move around in it. Most wetsuits are between 3 and 5 mm thick.

Wetsuit thickness

One of the most important aspects when considering the warmth of a wetsuit is the thickness of the neoprene. Wetsuit thickness is expressed in millimeters, with two or three numbers separated by a slash. The first number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the torso area, the second number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the extremities (or legs only if there is a third number) and the third number (if available) represents the thickness of the neoprene arms. The thicker neoprene (first number) is used for your torso to maintain your core body temperature. It is important to maintain core heat in order to prevent hypothermia. The thinner neoprene (second/third digit) is used for your extremities. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer it is, but the less flexible it is.

Wetsuits for different activities

How you intend to use your wetsuit plays an important role in deciding which one to choose. Find out about surfing, triathlon, open water swimming, and paddling options.

Surfers have the widest range of wetsuit styles to choose from, and there are types designed to cover a wide range of temperature conditions from Indonesia to Iceland.

Short wetsuits

Also known as spring suits or shorties, this style is cut off at the knees and elbows. (Note that "spring" is definitely more Southern California spring than Canadian spring.) The relatively thin material and short arms make for easy paddling. This is great when it's too cold to surf in a swimsuit and rashguard. Shop surfing wetsuits.

 2mm Namliong Flatlock Back YKK Zip Shorty Custom Wetsuit

Full suits

Also known as steamers, these are often worn on surf breaks around the world. Full suits are usually thicker and more resistant to flushing than shorties. Usually suitable for summer sessions in the southern Great Lakes or on the east and west coasts of Canada. Worn with a hood, gloves, and boots, many surfers can also wear a 4/3mm full suit during the shoulder season.

 Wholesale Flatlock Front Zip Full Suits Freediving Custom Wetsuit

Hooded full suits

A full suit with a built-in neoprene hood designed for the coldest conditions a surfer is likely to encounter. Some have an internal fabric lining for added warmth. A 5/4 hooded suit can be used all year round in West Coast spots like Tofino and Atlantic resorts like Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, as well as the coldest times of the year in the southern Great Lakes. Thicken up in winter on Lake Superior or similar role-shaping extras (e.g. 6/5/4).

 Hooded 7mm Scuba Diving Wetsuit

How to choose a wetsuit？

Whether you're a surfer taking almost any break outside the tropics, a triathlete swimming in open water, or a paddler looking for an extra margin of safety, a wetsuit is essential. Wetsuits keep you comfortable in cool or cold water, keeping a thin layer of water near your skin and warming your body.

The range of options and opinions there seems overwhelming, but you can determine your ideal wetsuit by considering the following.

• What is the temperature of the water? : Choose the right thickness of the wetsuit for the temperature you are in. 

• What activity are you doing? : Surfing, swimming, or paddling requires a unique wetsuit design. 

• Find the right fit: A well-fitting wetsuit prevents extra cold water from entering and replacing the warm water already inside. 

• Wetsuit design features: Learn how zips and seams affect warmth.

• Useful accessories: fully equipped and keeping you warm.

  
  

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