Whether it is dinghy sailing, diving, surfing, stand-up paddling or kayaking, a wetsuit is an essential piece of clothing for water sports. When you are wearing a wetsuit underwater, a thin layer of water gets trapped between your body and the suit, which then gets warmed to a comfortable temperature through your body heat. Thus, the better your suit fits and the thicker its material is, the warmer and longer you’ll be able to stay in water.
And it not just keeps you warm (thus improving blood flow and reducing cramps & injuries) but also provides greater buoyancy, flexibility and balance for your underwater moves. A good wetsuit can thus ensure absolute comfort, speed and safety. However, it’s not easy to decide on the perfect buy, which is why we step in. To help you with your search, we have compiled a list of the 10 best wetsuits in market. Stay tuned to find that best wetsuit for your next adventure.
Top 10 Best Wetsuit Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Womens Wetsuit - Lycra Full Body Diving Suit & Water Sports - Ivation | UV protection No fold suture needle Foot stirrups design Drawstring cuffs design Low price | 3 | $$ |
 | Wetsuit for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing- 2.5mm Neoprene | Wetsuit for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing- 2.5mm Neoprene | 3 | $$ |
 | Hyperflex Wetsuits Men's Access 3/2mm Full Suit | Suitable for warm & cold waters Chill breaker mesh skin panels Bomb-proof flat lock seams Abrasion resistant textile 5 color options | 3.5 | $ |
 | U.S. Divers Mercury Full Adult Wetsuit, Small | Titanium blend side panels Flat lock stitching Neoskin seals 6 color options 2-year warranty Low price | 3.5 | $$ |
 | NeoSport Full Body Sports Skins - Diving, Snorkeling + Swimming | UV protection Unisex design Foot stirrups 5 color options 1-year warranty Low price | 3.5 | $$ |
 | NeoSport Wetsuits Men's Premium Neoprene 3mm Shorty | Flat lock seams Lycra trimmings Adjustable Velcro collar 2 color options 1-year warranty Low price | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Cressi Summer 2.5mm Men's Back Zip Full Wetsuit | Glued & stitched seams Aquastop seal 2 color options 1-year warranty | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Rip Curl Omega Back Zip 3/2 FL Wetsuit | Flat lock seams Adjustable Velcro neck seal Mesh skin on chest and back S-Flex knee pads Accurate size chart | 4 | $$ |
 | Mares Mens Flexa 8/6/5mm Full Wetsuit | Trilastic neoprene Therma Plush interior Custom neck closure Skin-On-Skin zip seal Scratch-resistant knee pads | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Bare 5mm Velocity Full Suit Super-Stretch Wetsuit, Men's | 100% Super-Stretch neoprene Glideskin collar Double glued seams SECURE-LOCK seam stitching Scratch-resistant knee pads Internal skin-in flip seals 2-year warranty | 5 | $$$ |
What Type of Wetsuits are There?
There are four common types of wetsuits: full, short, dry and swimming wetsuit.
A full wetsuit, also referred as steamer, is a one piece wetsuit that covers your entire body, including arms, wrists, legs and ankles, thus ensuring greater warmth. Some models even have hoods for extra protection. These suits are thick (about 5mm and 7mm) and are used for diving in very cold waters.
A short wetsuit has short sleeves and covers your legs only up to knees. These are used for diving in warm tropical waters (over 27°C) and are a common sight in hot summer days for beach water sports.
Dry suits are different in the sense that they maintain total isolation. They have valves that eliminate the water between the suit and your body, keeping you dry and warm for long hours. These are used for diving in waters below 10°C or for very deep dives. User need to be an experienced diver as controlling buoyancy can be tricky wearing these suits.
Swimming wetsuits, as the name suggests, are specifically designed for swimming and are made of neoprene. These offer thermal protection, buoyancy and superb flexibility, which is why they are also a common sight in triathlons.
Benefits of Best Wetsuit
A high quality wetsuit helps you make better moves in water and enables covering more distance in less time, that too with least effort. It also contributes to your safety, which is why we suggest you to buy only the best wetsuit. Ideally, the suit should be made of soft, light weighted material that’s comfortable for skin and compresses more with depth.
The material can be a high quality neoprene, treeoprene or any other innovative natural material but it must be highly rated. If possible, avoid nylon wetsuits as these aren’t very durable. What water temperatures you surf in is an important consideration, so if you need a suit for very cold temperatures, buy taped and non-stitched suits as these are much warmer.
However, these are also more expensive and break down faster. Stitched suits aren’t as warm but they tend to last longer. Similarly, back zip suits aren’t as warm as front zip suits but they are more durable. Whichever wetsuit you choose, make sure that it has solid seam construction, fit, flexibility and comfort level. Make sure that the suit has a well-fitted seal around the neck as this is an area that can let in a lot of water.
The seal should be tight but also not so tight that it makes you feel restrictive and uncomfortable. Buying a high quality wetsuit is also important because most low quality suits aren’t much elastic. Their elasticity further loses and they tend to shrink a bit over time.
Downsides of Wetsuits
The downside here is that removing the odor in wetsuits can be very difficult at times. This odor can be the result of a myriad of things including sweat and urine. You will need to use wetsuit shampoos and specially formulated products such as Mirazyme which flatten odors from bacteria and mildew in wetsuits. Wetsuits aren’t thus maintenance free and require constant effort on your part.
10. Womens Wetsuit – Lycra Full Body Diving Suit & Sports Skins for Running, Exercising, Snorkeling, Swimming, Spearfishing & Water Sports – Ivation
This is a full body wetsuit made of a fine weave that offers reliable protection against high UVs, common water irritants and insects. And since the suit comes in nice blue, black and white shades, it makes you look beautiful and bright even in water. The material used is Lycra, so the clothing is well-fitted, ventilated and also it lasts longer than the regular nylon-made wetsuits.
It has a great anti-corrosion front zipper, so it will always look like it’s newly bought. This high quality zipper can be repeated over 10 million times and still it’ll function even at -30 °C environment. The overall design is such that it allows high flexibility when in water.
For instance, its foot stirrups and drawstring cuffs design prevents the suit from folding up your legs and arms and its no-fold suture needle gives improved form fitting despite your body structure. It is a nice low-priced product and is ideal for diving, swimming, surfing and even yoga.
Pros:
- UV protection
- No fold suture needle
- Foot stirrups design
- Drawstring cuffs design
- Low price
Cons:
- The material is too thin to last for long.
9. Wetsuit for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Windsurfing- 2.5mm Neoprene | PLAYA by Cressi: quality since 1946
Cressi is one of the most reputed diving companies that make wetsuits for women. So, if you are looking for a short suit that’s specifically sized for women, the Playa Women’s Shorty is an excellent pick. With its narrower shoulder area and extra room in hips, thighs and chest areas, it offers anatomical, snug fit, thus also ensuring high comfort and thermal protection while underwater.
Made from 2.5mm double-lined, high-stretch neoprene, it offers perfect balance between warmth and flexibility. The arms and the legs on this wetsuit have an elastic, neoprene-based braided seal to minimize water infiltration. It also has added protection on knees and chest areas to prevent abrasions.
This is a very trendy suit that comes in black and pink color combination and is perfect for use in all water-sport activities. Also, it is light weight and easy to slip on and off, thanks to its front YKK zipper. If you are a woman looking for style and comfort in your wetsuit, this is the best wetsuit for you.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for women
- High-stretch neoprene
- Double lined material
- Elastic seal on arms and legs
Cons:
- High price
8. Hyperflex Wetsuits Men’s Access 3/2mm Full Suit
Hyperflex Wetsuits Men’s Access is a highly versatile full body suit that is suitable for all water sports and for use in warm as well as cold waters. Made from 3mm premium, ultra-supple neoprene, it provides superior insulation and quickly warms you up even when the weather is freezing cold.
It has innovative chill breaker mesh skin panels and proves that wetsuit material does not necessarily have to be thick to be effective. Another good thing about this suit is that it is highly durable. It has bomb-proof flat lock seams and its outer surface is abrasion resistant. These features add to comfort level as well. The seamless armpits allow easy arm-movement and the abrasion-resistant textile adds extra protection to the knee area.
The design also incorporates a durable YKK #10 back zipper for easy entry and dependable service in frigid conditions. The suit pattern is anatomically cut and the neck is also adjustable, ensuring a consistent fit and comfort level. The product is great and comes in a great range of sizes and colors (black, blue, silver, green and red) to choose from. If you are looking for a budget-friendly versatile wetsuit, this one is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- Suitable for warm & cold waters
- Chill breaker mesh skin panels
- Bomb-proof flat lock seams
- Abrasion resistant textile
- 5 color options
Cons:
- Some users complained that sizing isn’t accurate by chart.
7. U.S. Divers Mercury Full Adult Wetsuit, Small
It is a full body wetsuit designed to keep you warm in colder waters. The wetsuit is made from nylon 2 neoprene rubber and has 3/2 construction: 3mm neoprene in the torso and 2mm neoprene in arms and legs. The 2mm side panels are made of titanium blend material that reflects from water the heat produced by your body back to you for maximum warmth.
It is built with flat lock stitching for extra comfort and also has a heavy duty, corrosion-free zipper with pull cord for easy on-and-off. Its Neoskin seals at the neck, arms and legs areas seal out water, thus keeping the warmth in and moisture out. The U.S. Divers Mercury suit comes in multiple sizes and nice black, grey, blue, green, red and yellow color schemes. It is an aesthetic, high quality suit and unlike the case with most wetsuits, it comes with a 2-year warranty as well.
Pros:
- Titanium blend side panels
- Flat lock stitching
- Neoskin seals
- 6 color options
- 2-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users complained that sizing isn’t accurate by chart.
6. NeoSport Full Body Sports Skins – Diving, Snorkeling & Swimming
The NeoSport Full Body Wetsuit is made from a soft, super stretchy Lycra spandex which acts as a UV protection and guards the skin against sea lice and other biological irritants. However, since the material is very thin, do not expect it to protect you against Jelly Fish as they can easily sting through it.
The suit is light, fits comfortably and is great for swimming in lakes, scuba diving and snorkeling. It is not a suit that gets you warm underwater and is usually worn as a wetsuit liner. As a base layer, it makes it easier for you to slip into wetsuits and also increases the warmth.
It is a unisex wetsuit with a very convenient design. Its long, front zip makes it easy to put on and remove while its foot stirrups prevent it from riding up your legs. The NeoSport Full Body Wetsuit is low priced and comes in multiple color schemes (black, blue, lavender, purple and yellow). If that’s not enough, it also comes with a 1-year warranty, making it really worth buying.
Pros:
- UV protection
- Unisex design
- Foot stirrups
- 5 color options
- 1-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- It is too thin to last for long.
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5. NeoSport Wetsuits Men’s Premium Neoprene 3mm Shorty
This is another best selling wetsuit from NeoSport. Constructed from premium 3mm thick neoprene, it manages to keep your torso and core well-insulated in cold waters. Also, since it is contoured to fit all body shapes and sizes, getting the right fit is always easy.
The design is such that it fits snugly and limits the amount of water entering through the suit. For instance, it has Lycra trimming which fits around varying arm and leg sizes, creating a seal. Similarly, it has Velcro collar that can be adjusted for all sizes and this again minimizes water infiltration. Its anatomical cut pattern and flatlock seams ensure supreme comfort even during prolonged use.
For extra durability, it has abrasion-resistant outer surface, spot tapings at the intersecting seams and a heavy duty #10 YKK zip at back. This suit also looks trendy in its blue and black color schemes. It is suitable for all water sports as it does not inhibit movement when in water. When it comes to functionality, it is a reliable, highly rated product and it comes with a one-year warranty as well.
Pros:
- Flat lock seams
- Lycra trimmings
- Adjustable Velcro collar
- 2 color options
- 1-year warranty
- Low price
Cons:
- The sizing chart isn’t accurate, so you may need to buy a larger size.
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4. Cressi Summer 2.5mm Men’s Back Zip Full Wetsuit
The Cressi Summer full wetsuit is made from a 2.5mm thick neoprene material which is excellent for temperate waters and it also provides adequate protection against stinging jellies, crabs and other biological irritants.
The material is very stretchy, which not just gives a great fit but also unhampered movement and flexibility underwater. Another good thing is that it has perfectly glued and stitched seams that provide great insulation, even at 80 ft under water. To prevent water from entering the suit, the single-lined neoprene in the neck area acts as a seal.
The front YKK zip is corrosion-resistant and it also has an Aquastop seal under it for water infiltration and durability. Zips are also incorporated at ankles and wrist areas, making it easier to put on and off. It comes in black and blue colors and both look equally good. Overall, the wetsuit is adequately thick, comfortable, flexible and dependable. It’s a great suit for the tropics as well as for the price.
Pros:
- Glued & stitched seams
- Aquastop seal
- 2 color options
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- The sizing chart isn’t accurate and you may need to buy a larger size.
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3. Rip Curl Omega Back Zip 3/2 FL Wetsuit
The Rip Curl Omega is a multi-purpose wetsuit constructed with neoprene and flatlock stitching on seams. The flatlock stitches penetrate both pieces of neoprene in the manufacturing process, making the seams more durable and breathable.
The 3/2mm thick neoprene used here is a combination of Freeflex and Ultralite neoprene. Freeflex is used in the shoulder and arm areas as it is super stretchy while Ultralite is used in legs and torso areas due to its exceptional warmth. Also, the suit has mesh skin on chest and back for greater insulation and form fitting. Its S-Flex knee pads offer protection as well as comfort during prolonged use.
Reviews show that users have worn it comfortably in waters up to temperatures of 45oF which is great for a wetsuit of this thickness. It has an adjustable Velcro neck seal for water infiltration and a heavy duty back zip for easy donning & doffing. It comes in 8 different sizes to choose from and unlike many other wetsuits, it has an accurate sizing chart. This is a highly rated suit from a well-reputed company and offers great value for your money.
Pros:
- Flat lock seams
- Adjustable Velcro neck seal
- Mesh skin on chest and back
- S-Flex knee pads
- Accurate size chart
Cons:
- It is too thin and may not last for long.
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2. Mares Mens Flexa 8/6/5mm Full Wetsuit
The Mares Flexa is a full body wetsuit that manages to keep you warm even in the coldest of waters and for this, it is composed of trilastic neoprene having varying thickness throughout the suit.
For the torso or core, it uses 8mm neoprene while for arms and legs, it uses 6mm neoprene and for neck, wrists, and ankles, it uses 5mm of material. This variation helps achieve better balance between insulation and flexibility. The Therma Plush interior, custom neck closure and Skin-On-Skin zip seal under the back zip further add to insulation and warmth.
For knee areas, the suit has distinctive Supratech knee pads which are made of anti-scratch polyurethane. These not just protect the knees of the suit from wearing out or from being scratched but also add to user’s comfort. It has a long back zip and the way the zip as well the entire suit is designed, it makes donning and doffing a lot easier. It is a super-effective and durable suit and though it’s a bit expensive, it’s worth investing in.
Pros:
- Trilastic neoprene
- Therma Plush interior
- Custom neck closure
- Skin-On-Skin zip seal
- Scratch-resistant knee pads
Cons:
- High price
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1. Bare 5mm Velocity Full Suit Super-Stretch Wetsuit, Men’s
The Bare Velocity is a tremendous all-around wetsuit that offers excellent features for the money. At 5mm, it is really thick and more than capable of keeping you warm in moderate to cold waters. Having said this, its thickness doesn’t hinder mobility in any way.
If you need a suit for very cold waters, this is the best wetsuit to consider. It is made with advanced three dimensional fit patterns and 100% Super-Stretch neoprene for superior fit and flexibility. What’s unique about the material is that it stretches 200% more than standard neoprene. It also consists of a contoured Glideskin collar that forms a seal around the neck and prevents water infiltration.
There are similar skin-in flip seals in mid-forearm and mid-calf areas as well. Even the seams are double glued and have SECURE-LOCK seam stitching. There are minimal seams throughout the suit and the underarms are kept seamless for superior comfort. Kicking through it is very comfortable, thanks to its highly resilient and scratch-resistant ProTekt knee pads.
For easy entry and exit, the manufacturer has incorporated heavy-duty zippers in the back, ankles and wrists. The product works great and looks great in all the black, blue and red color options. Moreover, it comes with a 2-year warranty, so you really have nothing to lose.
Pros:
- 100% Super-Stretch neoprene
- Glideskin collar
- Double glued seams
- SECURE-LOCK seam stitching
- Scratch-resistant knee pads
- Internal skin-in flip seals
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- High price
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Editors Choice of Best Wetsuit
If we have to pick one, it would definitely be Bare 5mm Velocity Full Suit Super-Stretch Wetsuit, Men’s. It is the best wetsuit in market right now. It is thicker and hence warmer than most suits but it is high on flexibility. Its material stretches 200% more than standard neoprene, which makes it really stand out.
Moreover, it has all the standard features like adjustable collar, knee pads and zips for user’s comfort. The existing customers seem to be very happy with it, which is why we think it’s worth recommending. We rate it 9/10 and would like to know your views as well.
If you have used any of these products or would like to recommend one that you think is the best wetsuit, do drop your comments in the box below. As always, we want everyone to make an informed choice.
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