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You probably know how important it is that you wear high-quality clothing when you are in and on the water.
Especially in an environment that is not natural for our body, a wetsuit of high quality to make your underwater experience more enjoyable.
When diving underwater, it is critical that you choose a wetsuit that can handle it.
This is unlike the best wetsuits that allow for much more buoyancy and mobility.
When choosing the best wetsuit, it is important to find one that is built to last.
Deciding what to use your wetsuit for and getting one designed specifically for your use will ensure you get the highest quality materials and best performance from your suit.
Even if you go into warmer waters, a wetsuit will not only keep you warm but also protected from the underwater world.
The best tested wetsuit at the moment is this O'Neill Reactor II† For versatility, I'd recommend the full body, but it also comes in a half, and it's the best-selling wetsuit in the world.
But there are more choices of course, and a lot of things to watch out for.
For example, if you buy a light suit of 1 – 2 mm, you can still protect yourself against jellyfish, sun and coral without completely isolating your body.
To help you in your search, I've put together a list of the best wetsuits on the market.
This will help you make the perfect purchase for your next underwater adventure.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 How to choose a wetsuit – Buying guide
- 2 Best wetsuits reviewed: in-depth reviews
- 2.1 Overall Best Wetsuit: O'Neill Reactor II
- 2.2 Best Wetsuit for Cold Water Diving: O'Neill Epic 4/3mm
- 2.3 Wetsuit with best fit for women: Cressi Lido Lady Shorty Wetsuit 2 mm
- 2.4 Best Wetsuit for Surfing: BARE Velocity Ultra Full 7mm
- 2.5 Best Wetsuit for Kayaking: Henderson Thermoprene Jumpsuit
- 2.6 Best Wetsuit Boots: XCEL Infiniti Wetsuit Boots
- 2.7 Best Sleeveless Wetsuit: ZONE3 Mens Sleeveless Vision Wetsuit
- 2.8 Best Front Zipper Wetsuit: Cressi Playa Man Wetsuit 2,5mm
- 2.9 Best Wetsuit for Paddle Sports: O'Neill O'Riginal
- 2.10 Best Cheap for Swimming: ORCA Openwater Core HI-VIS Wetsuit
- 2.11 Best for Cold Open Water Swimming: Zone3 Men's Advance Wetsuit
- 2.12 Best wetsuit for paddle boarding: Mystic Brand Shorty 3/2mm Wetsuit
- 2.13 Best Wetsuit for Sailing: Cressi Morea Man
- 2.14 Best Wetsuit for Tall People: O'Neill Hyperfreak Comp 3/2mm
- 2.15 Best Hooded: Seac Black Shark Wetsuit
- 2.16 Best High Buoyancy: Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit
- 3 FAQ
- 4 Conclusion
How to choose a wetsuit – Buying guide
When choosing the best wetsuit, it is important that you look for a few important features.
This ensures that you only have to make this expensive purchase once and gives you the most bang for your buck.
It is important to choose a wetsuit that is specifically designed for what you will be using it for.
This is because the amount of buoyancy in your suit affects every activity from diving to surfing.
Hartbeach has here an article written about how wetsuits work and why you need one.
Diving wetsuits are also designed to handle significant depths and colder situations.
Thickness of the wetsuit
This is the most important thing to consider when buying your suit.
One of the biggest factors that should determine this is the waters you will be doing most of your dives in.
The thickness used for diving in the coastal waters of the Netherlands will be vastly different from the thickness needed in the Gulf of Mexico.
Usually wetsuits are between 3 mm and 7 mm thick, but there are also wetsuits that are only 1-2 mm thick and are therefore suitable for very warm water.
To make things even more confusing, some wetsuits have a thickness represented by two numbers, for example 4/3 mm.
- The first number will be the larger of the two representing the thickness of the hull
- while the second number indicates the material thickness of the arms and legs.
This is to protect your vital organs as a priority.
These suits offer you more freedom of movement and mobility than the wetsuits that use the same thickness for the entire body.
The thinner material around the shoulders, elbows and knees allows your joints to bend more naturally and with less resistance.
As a general rule, it is recommended to follow the following table. You can find the recommended thickness based on the temperature of the water.
It is also important to take into account your individual tolerance to being cold. If you are a cold-blooded person, you may want to buy a thicker wetsuit.
What thickness wetsuit should I buy?
| Thickness wetsuit | Water temperature |
|---|---|
| 2 mm | > 29°C (85°F) |
| 3 mm | 21° C to 28° C (70° F to 85° F) |
| 5 mm | 16°C to 20°C (60°F to 70°F) |
| 7 mm | 10° C to 20° C (50° F to 70° F) |
If you are diving in colder water, it is recommended that you wear a dry suit. This adds extra protection making your cold water dive safer and more enjoyable.
Wetsuit style
Just like any other piece of clothing you put on, you can also buy a wetsuit in a certain style. There are three different styles to choose from.
It is important that you try them all on and find the one that is most comfortable for you.
Shorty
This is a short sleeve wetsuit. It is also cut just above the knee and is only recommended for warmer waters.
This type of wetsuit is much more comfortable and significantly easier to get in and out of.
Surfers who like to visit the coast of California or Spain ideally go for this style in the summer.
Full
A full suit covers your entire body for more protection. It also adds a significant amount of heat to your dive.
This type of suit is great especially for new divers as it also protects you from corals and jellyfish.
These suits are generally made of thicker material and may even have extra insulation.
Pattern
When choosing a wetsuit, color, or rather pattern, is a consideration that goes beyond aesthetics.
If you're looking for wildlife (even if you're not looking for a potential dinner), a camouflage suit is probably a good idea.
This is purely because you don't startle the underwater creatures as quickly as you would with a black or colorful suit.
Also note that camouflage is relative:
- if you are in open water you want a blue pattern,
- and if you're going to be diving into kelp, coral, or rocks, you'll probably want to look for a more greenish-brown pattern.
Placement of the zipper
- Suit with zipper on the back: Back zip wetsuits are the original design and are almost always cheaper than chest zip or no zip suits. They are fine for swimming in temperate waters on relatively warm days, but having cold water on your back on a colder day or in the middle of winter can be annoying.
- Suit with zipper on the chest: The usually more expensive chest zip wetsuits often keep you warmer thanks to a smaller, well-protected zip on the front of the suit. They usually last longer and some even allow the neck piece to be replaced, which is often the first thing to replace.
- Zipperless: I haven't tried a zipless wetsuit yet, although I hear positive buzz about O'Neill's Hyperfreak Comp zipless model. It would be more of a performance suit than most require, and it's hard to tell if the lack of a zipper in turn will stretch the suit more or keep you warmer, but we'll see how it goes with time and this guide update with our findings.
Materials
There are also many different types of materials used in making wetsuits.
Open cell neoprene
This is the highest quality material used to make wetsuits as it is soft and incredibly flexible.
The neoprene material effortlessly molds to your body for better insulation and keeps you warmer.
This material moves effortlessly with you, offering more comfort and freedom of movement.
It's also more expensive and delicate than other materials used to make wetsuits, so companies combat this by adding extra padding to areas that experience the most wear and tear, such as the knees.
Closed Cell Neoprene
The most commonly used material to make wetsuits is closed cell neoprene.
It is a very cost effective option which makes it more attractive for novice divers and surfers.
This material has a rubbery feel that is quite stiff, making it very durable. The stiffness makes these types of suits a bit more difficult to put on and take off.
A disadvantage of this type of material is that it does not insulate to the same extent as an open cell. For this reason, I recommend using this in warmer waters.
The main downfall of many closed cell suits is that they are made of or covered with a softer, more delicate rubbery neoprene skin which, while it keeps you warmer and makes you more agile in the pressured depths, is very prone to tearing.
Also, always make sure your wetsuit is wet when you put it on, and follow the care and maintenance instructions like these from AquaLung.
Lycra
Lycra is only used for lightweight wetsuits for warm water diving.
Being extremely lightweight, this type of wetsuit is not designed to insulate your body, but rather to protect you from the sun and any underwater corals and rocks.
It is a material used in short suits and used for the thinner arm and leg material.
seam construction
There are four different constructions used by manufacturers to secure the seams. This is an aspect that can also affect the comfort of your suit.
Thick seams can add pressure and discomfort to your dive, something you want to avoid at all costs.
Overlock stitch
This is a seam stitch technology used on warmer water suits. It is desirable because the stitch is on the inside and the wetsuit looks tight.
Overlock stitches are recommended for water 18°C or warmer, as some water will seep through the seams.
flat stitch
Often referred to as a flatlock stitch; this is visible on the outside of the suit.
The inseam sits flat across your body, making it a much more comfortable option over the overlock stitch.
This is an option that does not add extra bulk to the thicker parts of the suit. It's a high-tech feature that will make your day on the water more comfortable and enjoyable.
Because some water penetrates into your suit here too, it is again recommended for use in warm water.
Glued and blind stitched (GBS)
This is similar to the flat stitch in that you will see visible seams on the outside of this wetsuit, but it will be much narrower.
The seams are glued together and then also stitched, greatly reducing the chances of water seeping through the seams.
This is an excellent option for those diving in colder waters.
GBS with seam tape
This is a liquid seal. The GBS is similar to a standard GBS, but has a tape on the inner seams.
This creates an even stronger bond that is better at preventing water from seeping into your suit than any other type of construction.
This is one of the best technologies that allows you to withstand extremely cold water of 10°C or lower.
Size
This is a very important factor to consider when finding the best wetsuit.
Not only will it determine your comfort underwater, but buying a suit that doesn't fit properly won't protect you well from the cold.
- A suit that is too large allows more water to pass through and therefore offers insufficient insulation.
- If you take a suit that is too small, it will be difficult to put on and the seams of the suit will also be unnecessarily stressed, which means that it will probably not last as long.
Pricing
It is worth noting that wetsuits are not cheap. Ranging in price from $100 to well over $500, this purchase should be seen as an investment.
Since the price is higher than your average clothing purchase, it is important to buy a quality piece that will last for years to come.
Underwater comfort and protection will help you get the most out of your underwater experience, so it's important to buy one that fits well, even if that means spending a little more money.
Best wetsuits reviewed: in-depth reviews
Let's take a closer look at each of the choices.
Overall Best Wetsuit: O'Neill Reactor II
O'Neill is known for its high quality wetsuits and this 3/2 millimeter option is no exception.
With a “Superseal neck” and flatlock seals, it ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
Not only is this a perfect surf or paddle boarding suit, but it can also be used for scuba diving.
- Thickness: 3/2mm
- back zip
- full wet suit
- Ultra stretch neoprene
- Flatlock seams
- Knee pads
- Smooth skin technology
- Different colors
With a thickness of 3/2 millimeters you can go in water with this suit where your body would of course not feel comfortable.
There's extra protection for places you need, like the knees.
O'Neill Reactor is considered the best men's wetsuit you can
take it with you for your next adventure wherever you go.
The back zip system makes for easy on and off and the closure is water resistant. The premium material (neoprene) feels soft against the skin, is flexible and increases performance.
The minimal seam also provides extra comfort and mobility. Finally, the wind-resistant Smoothskin technology offers extra insulation and protects well against the cold.
The suit is available in black/black, black/abyss, black/ocean, black/graphite. So plenty of choice!
Check prices and availability here
Best Wetsuit for Cold Water Diving: O'Neill Epic 4/3mm
Are you looking for a wetsuit especially for cold water diving? Then the O'Neill Epic 4/3mm is one of the best choices you have.
The suit can be used for surfing, diving, paddle sports, or just beach days. The suit has a neutral, black color.
- Thickness: 4/3mm
- back zip
- full wet suit
- Ultra stretch neoprene
- Glued and blind stitched seams (GBS)
- Black
The wetsuit is equipped with a backzip system (at the back) that limits the water supply and the suit has a double neck closure.
The ultra stretch neoprene material provides a superior feel, makes the suit flexible and has a high functional capacity.
The seams are glued and blind stitched. They ensure that the water is kept out of the suit and that the product lasts a long time.
Thanks to the wind-resistant FluidFlex Firewall panels, extra protection is offered against the cold. In any case, there is no shortage of insulation!
This suit from O'Neill is thicker than the O'Neill Reactor II, which I just reviewed, and therefore much more suitable for cold water.
In addition, the O'Neill Reactor II is equipped with knee pads and available in different colors. The O'Neill Epic is a bit cheaper than the O'Neill Reactor II.
Wetsuit with best fit for women: Cressi Lido Lady Shorty Wetsuit 2 mm
The Cressi Lido Lady Shorty is a beautiful wetsuit for women available in different colors. This suit will protect you against the cold and wind, but also against the sun.
It is perfect for scuba diving in tropical waters and it is also ideal for snorkelling, swimming and other water sports.
- Thickness: 2 mm
- Zipper at the front
- full wet suit
- Neoprene
- Flat seams (GBS) with anti-scuff thread
- Different colors
The wetsuit is made of 2 mm double lined neoprene that keeps you warm and also has an excellent ability to keep your torso extra warm.
The suit is also available with short sleeves and shorts and has an attractive price.
The zipper is located on the front of the suit and is resistant to external influences.
Thanks to the flat, glued and blindstitched seams with anti-abrasion thread, 100% comfort is guaranteed.
The wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin. Please refer to the size chart to find the most suitable size for you.
The suit easily adapts to most body shapes for a great fit.
The lack of seams under the arms prevents the ingress of water.
The legs and sleeves are finished with a simple and reliable overlock cuff (where the edges are rolled and sewn together).
The wetsuit is available in the colors black/pink (full wetsuit), black/lilac (short sleeves, shorts), black/orange (short sleeves, shorts), black/aquamarine (short sleeves, shorts), black/ gray (for men).
The reviews show that it is sometimes a bit difficult to get the suit off.
In addition, people had some trouble finding the right size. So take that into account if necessary.
Out of the list, this is probably the only suit made especially for women. This suit will give you some extra shape, which is a must for some women.
But as a woman you can also just go for a 'men' or 'unisex' suit.
Other suits that have turned out to be a nice fit – but not necessarily designed for women – are the BARE Velocity wetsuit, the Henderson and the O'Neill Hyperfreak, which I'll discuss further below.
Best Wetsuit for Surfing: BARE Velocity Ultra Full 7mm
Are you looking for a suit that works especially well for a game of surfing?
The Bare Velocity Full Ultra features progressive full stretch, and the OMNIRED technology keeps you warm at all times.
This material is on the inside of the suit, on your upper body and ensures that heat flows back to the body.
This way your body stays at a pleasant temperature and you will lose less energy. In addition, it stimulates the oxygen uptake in the red blood cells.
- Thickness: 7 mm
- Back zip with internal sealing flap
- full wet suit
- Neoprene
- Double glued seams, with a secure lock
- adjustable collar
- Knee protection
- With zippers on ankles and wrists
- Black
You can adjust the collar of the wetsuit thanks to the "booklet-style" flap with Velcro.
There are no seams on the forearms, which offers a lot of comfort. The suit is also equipped with 'Protekt' knee protection.
Halfway up the forearms and calves, the suit is equipped with internal 'flip seals' to prevent water ingress as much as possible.
The backs of the knees are embossed with panels to reduce material build-up during fin strike and squat.
The back zip with 'skin-to-skin' internal sealing flap keeps water out.
The suit is double glued and provided with a secure lock construction, so that no water will penetrate through the seams.
Furthermore, there are zippers on the ankles and on the wrists. The suit has a neutral, black color.
It is clear that this suit is specially made for surfers: the thickness of 7 mm, adjustable collar, knee pads and the double glued seams and zippers on ankles and wrists for a personal fit.
Depending on the activity or sport, one suit is more suitable than the other.
For example, the suit below, the Henderson Thermoprene jumpsuit, is much thinner (3mm) than the BARE Velocity Ultra Full suit.
The Henderson suit is designed for kayakers, and because you are out of the water more often, the suit does not necessarily have to be very thick.
Like the BARE wetsuit, the kayak wetsuit offers extra protection for the knees.
So it is certainly useful to choose a suit that is made for the activity that you do or will be practicing.
Check prices and availability here
Best Wetsuit for Kayaking: Henderson Thermoprene Jumpsuit
Are you a kayak fanatic and are you looking for a new wetsuit that keeps you warm during exercise?
The Henderson Thermoprene jumpsuit is made of the best materials and has 75% more stretch than standard wetsuit material.
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Backgrits
- full wet suit
- High Quality Nylon II Neoprene
- GBS-Glued & Blindstitched Seams
- adjustable collar
- Knee protection
This flexibility significantly improves freedom of movement and diving comfort.
In addition, it is easy to put on and take off the suit. Much less hassle than the standard wetsuits!
The suit is 3 mm thick, has a black color and the zipper is at the back. It features an adjustable collar.
In addition to 3 mm, you can also get the suit with a thickness of 5 and 7 mm. The seams are glued and sewn, sealing stitched areas and drastically reducing water ingress.
Your knees are also well protected with this suit thanks to the Freedom Flex Kneepads. They immediately give the suit a cool look!
The Henderson wetsuit has a preformed fit that limits water exchange. Thanks to the neopropene, your body will retain maximum heat.
There is a back cushion over the zipper to limit water exchange there too and reduce discomfort from any diving tanks.
The suit is suitable for both local waters and exotic destinations. In warmer areas, the 3mm version will come in handy.
However, if you are in a colder environment, or if you also want to go into the water a lot, then a thicker suit (5 or 7 mm) may be a better choice.
Best Wetsuit Boots: XCEL Infiniti Wetsuit Boots
Some people like to add boots to their wetsuits to keep their feet warm as well.
Xcel has designed a pair of perfect boots that can come in handy. They are made of 100% neoprene, black in color and 3mm thick.
- Thickness: 3mm
- Neoprene
- Split toe boots
- Black
The boots ensure that you keep as much feeling as possible in your feet, while they stay warm in the cold water.
The shoes are made of quick-drying fibers and have an ergonomic design. Thanks to the adjustable ankle loop, you can easily put them on.
Best Sleeveless Wetsuit: ZONE3 Mens Sleeveless Vision Wetsuit
You can also get wetsuits without sleeves. It gives you a little more freedom of movement and in some cases can be more useful than one with sleeves.
Perfect for beginner and intermediate swimmers, the ZONE3 Vision sleeveless wetsuit is made from neoprene.
- Thickness: 5mm / 2mm
- Backgrits
- sleeveless wetsuit
- Neoprene
- Glued and stitched seams
- Extra flexibility at shoulders
- Full freedom of movement
- Full Speed Flo coating
- black with blue
The Vision Wetsuit, which has twice won the 220 Triathlon “Cutting Edge” award, offers unparalleled performance for its price.
The suit offers maximum buoyancy for swimmers with heavy legs.
It is equipped with 5 mm neoprene panels on the torso, legs and hips: this will give you more core stability, will make you swim faster and keep your body in line while swimming.
Furthermore, this wetsuit maximizes the distance per stroke and you enjoy increased flexibility.
The sleeveless suit features a 2mm Free-Flex (super stretchy) shoulder panel with added mobility that improves endurance and swim speed.
Full freedom of movement is allowed and any shoulder pain is minimized.
Full Speed-Flo coating has been applied to reduce drag and increase speed through the water.
In addition, the suit is equipped with the characteristic pro-speed cuffs.
These unique silicone-coated cuffs ensure that you can take off the suit very quickly after use. The perfect suit for match day!
Performance and comfort have always been paramount to the Zone3 brand and this sleeveless suit combines this with great look and value.
The makers of the suit were inspired by the top of the range – 'Vanquish' – and translated some of the key features that made the suit so successful into the world's fastest entry-level wetsuit; the 'Vision'.
If you are on a budget but still want to swim fast and save energy while swimming, this is the suit for you.
The suit is designed not only for performance and comfort, but also for durability. The wetsuit is fully stitched and glued and has a black color with beautiful blue details.
If you'd like to see yet another high-quality sleeveless suit, there's the O'Neill O'Riginal, which you'll read more about in the best paddle sports wetsuit category.
The difference, however, is that the O'Neill O'Riginal has short pipes instead of long ones.
Both the ZONE3 Vision and the O'Neill O'Riginal feature a back zip and flatlock seams. They are also approximately the same in price.
If you are looking for a wetsuit for, for example, paddle sports – where you move a lot – then a sleeveless wetsuit can be a suitable choice.
This also depends on the water temperature and whether you are mainly in or outside the water.
A sleeveless wetsuit comes in handy if you make a lot of use of your upper body + arms and want to prevent chafing and overheating.
Best Front Zipper Wetsuit: Cressi Playa Man Wetsuit 2,5mm
There are people who prefer a wetsuit with a zipper at the front.
Especially if you often go into the water yourself and you therefore have no one who can zip the suit closed for you, it is useful to go for such a wetsuit.
The Cressi Playa is a good example of such a wet bounce. This shorty wetsuit has short sleeves and reaches above the knees (short legs).
- Thickness: 2,5 mm
- shorty wetsuit
- YKK zipper on the front
- Double lined neoprene
- Different colors
The brand has a separate anatomical cut for both men and women.
The wetsuit is made of 2,5mm double lined neoprene that guarantees warmth and durability.
It is the ideal suit for tropical water. It also offers excellent thermal protection for all types of water sports.
Cressi is a true Italian-made diving, snorkeling and swimming brand, since 1946.
The ykk-zip front zip is attached to a pull tab for easy on and off, while also ensuring durability.
The cut is designed to adhere completely to the body, like a second skin. The Flex zones facilitate movements and ensure complete comfort.
On the arms and legs is a highly elastic Ultraspan Neoprene braided seal to minimize water ingress.
The suit is available in the following color combinations: black/blue/silver, black/yellow/silver, black/lime/silver, black/orange/silver and black/red/silver.
However, buyers report having some problems with the size; he seems to run small. Maybe something to keep in mind!
If you don't care whether the zipper is on the front or back, but you would like a shorty model, you can also go for the Mystic Brand Shorty 3/2mm Wetsuit or the O'Neill O'Riginal .
The Mystic brand Shorty has about the same thickness, but the zipper is at the back.
These and the Cressi Playa are excellent wetsuits for sup athletes, among others.
The Cressi Playa does have a Wind Mesh chest piece to keep out any cold wind; something the Mystic brand Shorty doesn't have. Both suits offer enough freedom of movement.
The O'Neill O'Riginal is a sleeveless paj and also has short legs, and like the Cressi Playa, it features rubber chest and back panels for wind resistance.
If price is an issue for you, the Mystic Brand Shorty will probably be your best bet or the Cressi Playa. The O'Neill O'Riginal is a bit more expensive than the other two.
Best Wetsuit for Paddle Sports: O'Neill O'Riginal
If you're tired of putting down your paddles for the winter, O'Neill's original spring suit is just enough to keep you comfortable when the water temperature hits 16 to maybe 14 degrees.
- Thickness: 2 mm
- Sleeveless and short legs – Shorty
- Backgrits
- Neoprene
- Flatlock seams (glued and blindstitched seams)
- Rubber chest and back panels for wind resistance
- Black
Since our bodies are usually out of the water when paddling, we tend to sweat under a neoprene wetsuit.
While any combination of layers can work, I've found that a farmhouse style (sleeveless) wetsuit with flatlock seams works best unless you're dealing with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius or something similar.
Because you get such a thorough upper body workout, I recommend avoiding sleeves, which in addition to overheating you, also tend to constrict movement and cause chafing.
The original O'Neill paddle suit is 2 millimeters thick and comes with flatlock seams.
If it's a bit cooler, you might want one with a long leg (the women's model, the Bahia, comes in a 1,5mm) or a 3mm.
O'Neill doesn't make the sleeveless suit in a 3mm, but Aqua Lung possibly does, for men and women.
Anything above 3mm often gets a little too hot for paddle sports, at least if you don't get in the water.
The suit has UPF 50+ sun protection, features a back zip fastening and rubber chest and back panels for wind resistance.
However, there are some complaints about the sticky rubber on the chest and the suit comes in a nice, black color.
Another suit that gives you enough freedom of movement and in which you do not easily overheat is the ZONE3 Men's Vision sleeveless wetsuit – which I have already discussed in this article.
However, this one has long pipes, and is therefore more suitable for colder waters.
Check prices and availability here
Read in my post here also everything about stand-up paddleboards so that you can also make a well-thought-out choice.
Best Cheap for Swimming: ORCA Openwater Core HI-VIS Wetsuit
Do you have a budget that is not too high, but are you still looking for a nice and good suit to swim in?
The Orca Openwater Core Hi-VIS wetsuit has a neon orange surface on the arms which gives you extra visibility in the open water.
- Thickness: 2-2,5mm
- full wet suit
- Ykk back zipper
- Neoprene
- Infinity Skin
- Black/Orange
Because the thickness of the suit is between 2 and 2,5 mm, you have enormous freedom of movement.
This suit is specially designed for open water swimming and training to ensure maximum safety.
The suit also offers heat insulation to always maintain the ideal body temperature.
The Infinity Skin inner lining gives a feeling of absolute freedom.
Designed from a highly elastic nylon that incorporates bamboo fibres, this technology is applied to the liner of the wetsuit to give you greater flexibility with every stroke.
The ykk zipper is a strong zipper with guaranteed quality. With the ykk seal, the suit is more durable and sturdy than others on the market.
The Orca wetsuit has a beautiful black-orange color.
If we compare this suit with the O'Neill Epic, the latter is a bit thicker (4/3 mm) and therefore perfect for cold water.
What the O'Neill Reactor II (3/2 millimeters) also has and the Orca wetsuit does not, is knee protection.
The Henderson suit has a thickness of 3 mm and, like the O'Neill Reactor II, has knee pads. The suit also offers a lot of stretch.
Of the four, the O'Neill Reactor II is the cheapest, so if budget is an issue – and you're looking for a full wetsuit to swim in – this might be the one you need.
If you don't mind spending a little more, the O'Neill Epic, the Orca and the Henderson are also options.
The price of the Henderson suit can be high: if you need the largest size, you unfortunately pay a lot more, namely 248 euros.
Best for Cold Open Water Swimming: Zone3 Men's Advance Wetsuit
Long recognized as the best entry-level suit, the Advance Wetsuit is made from the world's best performing Yamamoto Super Composite Skin Neoprene.
It's the perfect choice for beginner to advanced swimmers looking for a comfortable/performance wetsuit.
- Thickness: 4 / 3 / 2 mm
- full wet suit
- Zipper
- Yamamoto SCS neoprene
- Black with blue and silver details
Ideal for training, competitions or just exploring the open water.
The suit has a high flexibility, and offers great comfort and efficiency on every stroke thanks to the neoprene and the free-flex shoulder panel.
The flexible shoulder pads help reduce arm fatigue and allow you to reach further during your swimming strokes.
The SCS coating on the neoprene provides almost zero air resistance.
The coating also helps prevent the suit from absorbing water, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the water and improve your speed.
The suit features 4mm core support panels on the thighs to keep the legs on the water surface and increase buoyancy.
This helps keep your body in line and reduces resistance and fatigue.
An innovative 'Free Flex' lining material has been used for the underarm panels to improve the fit and allow more distance with each stroke, improving endurance and swimming speed.
The 'SpeedFlo' fabric – used on 70% of the wetsuit – minimizes drag through the water, increases speed and improves durability.
The remaining 30% is made of high quality rubbery smooth neoprene.
The black suit also features eye-catching blue and silver details that help to be seen more clearly in the water.
The thickness is 2mm around the shoulders and under the arms, 3mm on the chest and upper back, 4mm on the torso, legs and side panels.
The suit is 16% lighter in weight compared to the 2020 version of this suit. This wetsuit also delivers higher performance and has a premium look.
However, they have the same buoyancy and offer the same amount of heat.
Another good example of a full wetsuit suitable for cold water is the O'Neill Epic with a thickness of 4/3 mm. This suit is a bit cheaper than the ZONE3 suit.
Best wetsuit for paddle boarding: Mystic Brand Shorty 3/2mm Wetsuit
For the sup fanatics, there is the Mystic Brand Shorty 3/2 mm Wetsuit. The suit has a shorty style (with short sleeves and legs).
- Thickness: 3/2mm
- shorty wetsuit
- Zipper on the back
- M-Flex neoprene
- Mind Mesh chest piece
- Flatlock seams
- Black
It features a Wind Mesh chest piece to keep out the cold wind.
The flatlock seams ensure that no water gets through the seams and the zipper is located on the back.
The suit has a Glideskin closure at the neck. Furthermore, M-Flex technology has been used for a lot of stretch and freedom of movement.
This wetsuit is the perfect match for warmer weather conditions and will make your sup adventures even more fun!
For a wetsuit with the same model, you can also take another look at the Cressi Lido Lady Shorty Wetsuit, the O'Neill O'Riginal or the Cressi Playa Man Wetsuit (see below).
These suits all have a thickness of 2 or 2,5 mm. The Cressi Lido Lady Shorty and the Cressi Playa Man are the budget models among these three suits, the O'Neill O'Riginal unfortunately costs a bit more.
Freedom of movement is a must, keep this in mind when choosing your favorite suit!
Best Wetsuit for Sailing: Cressi Morea Man
Of course you also want to stay warm when you go sailing. So if you are looking for a nice wetsuit for sailing activities, then I have a nice option for you here: the Cressi Morea.
- Thickness: 3 mm
- full wet suit
- Ykk zipper on the back
- Nylon liner with Ultraspan, neoprene
- Flat seams, in anti-fray thread
- Knee protection
- Different colors
The suit is equipped with a nylon lining and Ultraspan in the areas where the joints are located.
High durability is guaranteed with these materials. The suit is made of smooth neoprene on the outside of the chest.
This wetsuit improves hydrodynamics, elasticity and will also dry quickly out of the water.
Thanks to the 120 º Anatomic Shape pattern, the suit gives you the ideal shape of the collar in relation to the chest, preventing constriction of this area.
The seams are flat and anti-fray thread has been used. The fabric around the legs and arms is finished with the simple yet reliable Overlock cuff.
A suit made from 3mm neoprene, the Morea is perfect for light warm water SCUBA diving, snorkelling, swimming, tropical seas and any water sport.
The suit is modest and elegant at the same time, and thanks to the large neoprene panels, the natural elasticity is increased.
To reduce water leakage, the dorsal YKK zipper features an Aquastop flap.
The suit is available in various color combinations: blue/grey/silver, black/blue/silver, black/yellow/silver, black/grey/silver, black/red/silver.
To be able to sail, you want a suit that keeps you warm, but also not too warm because you are mainly outside the water and are active.
A suit with a thickness of 3 mm is then perfect, preferably not thicker.
Other good examples of wetsuits that could also be suitable for sailing are the O'Neill Reactor II (thickness: 3/2 mm, also full wetsuit), the O'Neill O'Riginal (thickness: 2 mm, shorty model) , and the Henderson (thickness: 3 mm, full wetsuit).
Both the O'Neill Reactor II and the Henderson also feature knee protection, if that's important to you.
Best Wetsuit for Tall People: O'Neill Hyperfreak Comp 3/2mm
Finding the right clothes – or in this case a wetsuit – if you are tall can sometimes be a challenge.
Fortunately, O'Neill also thought of the tall people and designed a suit that is available in size LT, or 'Large Tall'.
- Thickness: 3/2mm
- full wet suit
- Without zipper
- Neoprene
- Seam Construction: TB3X, Minimal Seam Design
- Double Seal Collar
- Black
The black O'Neill Hyperfreak suit is made of neoprene and has a zipperless closure. The suit is made of super stretchy material and offers great comfort.
This suit will keep you warm and will also improve your performance. The collar is fitted with a double seal.
The exclusive O'Neill Techno Butter 3 shell provides maximum stretch and keeps you dry and warm.
The Techno Butter 3X (TB3X) technology is the lightest, softest and warmest inner you will find, as well as the most stretchy neoprene seam tape.
It's 9,5mm split neoprene applied to triple-glued seams to keep your body dry at all times.
With its minimal seam design, the suit offers insane flexibility and a perfect fit. The O'Neill Hyperfreak is a fully enclosed and lightweight suit.
Are you curious if there is another suit that is available in an extra large size for tall people?
The answer to that is: yes, there is! The ORCA Openwater wetsuit, which I reviewed in the 'best cheap for swimming' category above, is available in the size 'M Tall'.
The ORCA suit is slightly thinner than O'Neill's, but the model corresponds (full wetsuit).
Best Hooded: Seac Black Shark Wetsuit
Do you want to be kept completely warm and are you therefore looking for a wetsuit with a hood? Seac Black Shark offers a perfect solution.
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Style
- Without zipper
- Neoprene with nylon lining
- Glued and stitched
- With rib and chest protection
- Knee and shin protection
- Black
The suit is made of neoprene with a nylon lining and open cells inside.
The suit is also available in 5mm and 7mm thicknesses, making them very suitable for colder waters.
The 3 mm version is the lightest wetsuit in the Seac Black Shark series and is especially useful for the beautiful season and warmer waters.
The 5mm version is for more versatility, and the 7mm wetsuit is the right choice if you don't want to lose heat while floating in colder waters.
The black wetsuit has a flannel tail closure, with rib and chest protection made of Melco Tape material.
In addition, it has Powertex protectors on the knees and shins.
The suit is glued and sewn with comfort cut (without seams) at the hood and around the wrists and ankles.
Make sure you always wear the hood, as the greatest heat distribution is on the head.
It is recommended to rinse the wetsuit with water after use. You also make sure that the suit is dry when you store it inside.
Similar wetsuits (full wetsuit) but without hood are the O'Neill Reactor II (3/2mm), O'Neill Epic (4/3mm), Henderson (3mm), Zone3 Mens Advance Wetsuit (4/3/ 2mm), Cressi Morea (3mm) and the O'Neill Hyperfreak (3/2mm).
Best High Buoyancy: Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit
The Orca Athlex Float suit has a high buoyancy and also a high stretch.
Perfect for swimmers who need buoyancy to correct their body position in the water.
- Thickness: 2/3/5mm construction
- full wet suit
- Zipper at the back
- Neoprene
- Black with red details
It is made from a combination of Yamamoto 39 neoprene, Infinity Skin 2 liner and smoothskin surface for maximum flexibility.
Thanks to this combination, 35% less force is required for fast movements than is the case with the neoprene commonly used for wetsuits.
Slow movements and wider strokes require 45% less force.
The SCS coating helps to reduce friction and water resistance, improving hydrodynamics and increasing speed.
The thinner material for the upper body and the thick material for the legs allows swimmers to tackle triathlons with confidence.
Yamamoto 38 offers more compression for a better fitting wetsuit, for more comfort when swimming in open water. The suit has a black color with red details.
Another high buoyancy suit is the ZONE3 Men's Vision Wetsuit. However, this suit has no sleeves compared to the Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit. Both suits offer a lot of flexibility and freedom of movement.
FAQ
How do I care for a wetsuit?
Wetsuits can cost you a lot of money, but more importantly, they offer great protection. You want to take good care of it for both reasons.
When your wetsuit is exposed to a lot of salt water, it can get damaged.
After you take off your wetsuit, you need to rinse it off as soon as possible.
Use fresh water to rinse the salt water out of the suit (and to rinse off any other debris).
Make sure to rinse both the inside and the outside of the suit. You then need to hang your wetsuit to let it dry.
You can let the wetsuit dry in the sun if you wish. Once dry, keep it in a dry and cool place. However, do not try to fold it.
Never leave a wetsuit in the sun, especially not a suit with skin material as it will melt and stick to itself, a tragedy not covered by any warranty as far as I know.
Why do I need a wetsuit?
A wetsuit keeps you warm in the water and provides a barrier against any sharp objects under water.
When you take part in a water sport like surfing, you will bounce off the water a lot. Then good protection is extra important.
When you're in the water, a wetsuit will keep you warm. It only takes a drop in temperature of a few degrees before the risk of hypothermia kicks in.
What is the difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit?
A wetsuit helps you to form a layer between the suit and your body. This layer will cause the temperature of your body to drop more slowly.
A dry suit creates a complete barrier between you and the water to keep you completely dry.
Conclusion
A wetsuit should be seen as an important investment in any water activity.
Buying a high-quality, well-fitting suit will not only make you feel more comfortable, but will also keep you warm and safe while doing water sports.
While surfing, a wetsuit should offer a lot of mobility and keep you warm. A wetsuit that has multiple thicknesses, such as 3,5 / 3 mm, is ideal.
While diving you don't need as much range of motion, while good insulation takes precedence.
Buying the best wetsuit will make your underwater experience comfortable and safe, making it that much more enjoyable.
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