The 15 Best Wetsuits for Men, Women & Kids [2024]

Worn by swimmers, divers, and surfers everywhere, these wetsuits have been designed to help you retain body heat in the water.

Simple and comfortable to wear, the skintight design keeps you warm by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene, providing close-fitting protection at all times.

Things To Consider With Wetsuits

There are many different types of wetsuits to choose from for your watery adventures. Before you buy, consider the following:

Material

Most wetsuits are made of a thick synthetic rubber material called neoprene that is highly regarded for its ability to retain warmth while keeping its shape. Padded and thick, it is incredibly waterproof, and the higher the grade of the neoprene, the warmer it will keep you in the water.

The highest quality wetsuits are made of the thinnest amount of neoprene to ensure that you can move around without feeling restricted, while still keeping you super warm and comfortable as you go.

Some wetsuits also feature a small amount of nylon or elastane, and while this may compromise slightly on warmth, it does ensure exceptional flexibility in the water.

Thickness

When buying a wetsuit, you will probably see lots of references to thickness and measures based on millimeters. The thicker the neoprene, the more protection it will offer you against the cold, but most wetsuits come with varying measurements that refer to different areas of the body.

A 3/2 wetsuit, for example, would usually mean that the main torso area is made from 3mm of neoprene to ensure that your core area is kept nice and warm, while the arms and knees may only be covered in 2mm of neoprene. The most common measurements include 3/2, 4/3, and 5/3 thickness.

Bottom Line: 3/2 suits are generally better for warmer summer weather, 4/3 is good for the springtime, and heavier 5/3 wetsuits will keep you nice and snug in the winter or in very cold water.

Style

Wetsuits can offer full-body coverage or come in a shorty style that doesn’t cover the full length of your leg. Different styles are suitable for different types of water temperatures and sporting activities, and of course, personal preference plays a big part in the type of wetsuit you ultimately decide to wear.

Full-length wetsuits cover your torso, legs, and arms and are best suited to cold water environments. They are usually made with a thickness of 3/2mm to 5/4mm to keep you warmer.

Shorty-style wetsuits have short legs and arms but still offer a thickness of around 3/2mm, and are a good option for surfers in warmer waters.

Stitching

For a garment designed for use in the water, the way it is held together is super important. The most effective wetsuits are made with super-secure fixings that will prevent water from getting in at the seams. There are 2 different types of seams to choose from:

Flatlock — These types of seams consist of neoprene panels stitched over each other that prevent the water from getting in and feel soft against the skin.

Blind-Stitched — These seams are joined together with glue and then stitched together on the inside, creating a stronger seal.

Usually found in thicker wetsuits, blind-stitching is considered the most effective way to comfortably keep the water out, which means that these suits can often be more on the expensive side.

Zippers

Most wetsuits come with a long zipper on the back that can be easily opened and closed using an extra-long strap that is attached to the zipper pull. However, some come with a front zipper that is obviously very easy to access and takes away the feeling of having a zipper running all the way down your back.

Both front and back zippers can be effective at keeping water out if they are tough and durable YKK zippers, and in the end, the choice is up to you.

Fit

The size and fit of your wetsuit are perhaps one of the most important considerations when you buy. A poorly-fitted wetsuit will not keep you warm or dry and will completely defeat the object of wearing one in the first place.

Your wetsuit should fit like a second skin but not be so tight that it restricts your movements. Long sleeves should end at the wrist bone to keep the water out, and the legs should end just above the ankles.

There should be no gaps, wrinkles, or rolls in the neoprene when you first try it on, and the zipper should do up without any gaps. The neoprene will loosen slightly over time, which is why it needs a tight fit to begin with.

The only place where you may find looser fabric acceptable is underneath the armpits, where many manufactures use a raglan gusset to offer an increased range of motion while you surf.

Bottom Line: Check the size guides for any wetsuit that catches your eye, and be prepared to try on many before you find the perfect one for you.

The 6 Best Wetsuits for Men

1. Shorty Wetsuit for Use in All Weathers

Seaskin 3mm Shorty Wetsuit

Specially designed for a wide variety of water sports, this shorty-style wetsuit provides excellent protection against UV rays and irritants found in the water. Designed to fit snugly against the body, it will help to trap your body heat to keep you warm while you swim.

Made from high-quality neoprene, it is incredibly stretchy, and after several years it will start to feel like a second skin. The heavy-duty YKK front zipper allows for easy access and removal, and the flat-locked seams help to prevent chafing and discomfort, even after many hours in the water.

Available in sizes XS right through to 4XL, the shorter leg design lets you surf, board, ski, and dive without restricting your movement.

What We Like

• This wetsuit comes in a huge range of sizes.

What We Don’t Like

• The zipper starts on the thigh.

2. Wetsuit for Easy Entry and Exit

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O’Neill Men’s Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

Made from super-soft neoprene that offers a high level of insulation, this full-length wetsuit is perfect for use while surfing, diving, paddleboarding, and a wide range of other water-based pursuits.

The back entry system with an extended pull-tab offers easy entry and exit, and the seamless paddle zones are designed for enhanced comfort, even after many hours of wear.

In addition, the wind-resistant smooth skin has been designed to offer maximum protection against the cold. It is available in sizes S through to 3XL with a choice of short or tall fittings and is an excellent choice for those who like to hit the water on a regular basis.

What We Like

• This wetsuit feels warm and thick.

What We Don’t Like

• The sizing is a little on the small side.

3. Wetsuit for Use in Cool Water

Lemorecn Men’s Wetsuits

Perfect for keeping warm while diving, paddleboarding, surfing, or even kayaking, this trendy-looking wetsuit is made from top-of-the-range neoprene and offers a practical and athletic fit.

Designed to offer a high level of protection without compromising on movement, this wetsuit has a 3mm chest panel for increased warmth in the water and 2mm sleeves for greater flexibility at all times.

With an easy-to-reach, extra-long leash and a heavy-duty YKK back zipper, it is easy to step in and out of, and available in sizes S to 4XL with regular and longer-length options, it’s a great choice for water lovers of all abilities.

What We Like

• This wetsuit is very easy to put on and take off.

What We Don’t Like

• It is more suitable for cool water than freezing cold conditions.

4. High-quality Wetsuit With a Big Brand Name

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O’Neill Men’s Epic 4/3mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

Perfect for use in really cold conditions, this wetsuit is comfortable to wear and offers incredible protection against the elements.

Made with wind-resistant FluidFlex panels and blind-stitched seams, it will keep you warm while keeping your skin safe from chafing in the water.

With a back-zip system that provides easy entry and exit, this wetsuit also comes with strong and durable watertight seals, and the soft and stretchy premium neoprene material offers incredible flexibility to increase your performance.

Available in sizes XS to 4XL, with a choice of short and tall options, this full-length wetsuit will keep you warm even when the water temperature plummets.

What We Like

• This full wetsuit does everything you expect it to.

What We Don’t Like

• It comes up a little on the small side.

5. Stretchy Wetsuit for High-octane Water Sports

Dark Lightning Full Body Wetsuit

This wetsuit is sleek and easy to wear, looks and feels like a second skin, and is made from high-quality neoprene with 10% nylon for increased stretch and versatility in the water.

Suitable for use in water temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees, the 3/2mm thermal full suit design will keep you warm while you are diving, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and so much more.

With flatlock stitching and a smooth collar, it won’t irritate your skin, even after many hours of wear, and the back-zipper system makes it easy to slip on or take off when you get to the water.

Available in sizes S through to 3XL, this is an awesome and affordable wetsuit for those who like to move more in the water.

What We Like

• This is a great value wetsuit.

What We Don’t Like

• The quality is not quite as good as some more expensive wetsuits.

6. Comfortable for Many Hours

ZCCO Wetsuits Men’s 3mm Premium Neoprene Full Sleeve Dive Skin

This wetsuit is made from a versatile mix of neoprene, nylon, and spandex to offer excellent protection and flexibility in the water.

With a smooth-skin inner at the collar, arms, and legs, it won’t stick to you when you are wet, and the 3mm neoprene areas will help to keep you warm even in cooler waters.

With a heavy-duty YKK zipper and an extended zipper pull, it is easy to get on and off, and the soft and stretchy feel of the wetsuit makes it comfortable enough to be worn while enjoying many hours of water sports.

Available in sizes S through to 3XL, this is a practical and comfortable option for everyday use.

What We Like

• The fabric is super stretchy and incredibly comfortable.

What We Don’t Like

• The sizing can be a little off.

The 6 Best Wetsuits for Women

1. Thermal Wetsuit for a Wide Range of Water Sports

Hevto Neoprene 3mm Wetsuit

These smart-looking wetsuits have been designed to keep you feeling nice and warm in the water, and the 3mm neoprene and nylon elastic fabric helps to keep you well-insulated while allowing you to move freely.

Soft and comfortable, this wetsuit is perfect for swimming, scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, and so much more, and the thermal-insulating design is suitable for use in water temperatures between 50 and 67 degrees.

Easy to get in and out of using the back-zipper system, this wetsuit comes in sizes S through to 3XL, and there is a choice of regular or tall lengths to choose from to ensure the perfect fit.

What We Like

• This wetsuit is super flattering.

What We Don’t Like

• It is a little bit tricky to unzip on your own.

2. Wetsuit for Beginner Surfers

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O’Neill Women’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

This super-protective wetsuit is built with wind-resistant smooth skin that offers a high level of insulation against the cold. Ultra-stretchy and soft on the skin, this wetsuit is comfortable to wear and suitable for use while swimming, diving, snorkeling, and so much more.

The back-zip system provides easy entry and exit, even on the go, and the water-resistant closure ensures that the water stays on the outside while the heat stays on the inside.

With flat seams to prevent chafing, and available in sizes 4 through to 16, this is the perfect entry-level wetsuit to keep you well-protected in the water.

What We Like

• The wetsuit has a great fit and is incredibly flattering.

What We Don’t Like

• It does come up a little small across the chest.

3. Sporty Wetsuit for Warmer Waters

XUKER Womens 2/3mm Wetsuit

Made from a soft and comfortable blend of neoprene and nylon, this sporty wetsuit has an athletic fit, thumb holes on the sleeves, and stirrups under the feet to prevent the legs from bunching up.

Easy to take on and off using the long strap on the back zipper, this 2mm neoprene suit is an excellent choice for when you are surfing, diving, paddleboarding, or even swimming in water temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees.

Flatlock seams help to prevent chafing, and the high-quality design is resistant to cracking or splitting, no matter how active you are. Available in sizes XS through to 3XL, this is a great everyday wetsuit for use at the beach, lake, or pool.

What We Like

• The stretchy design is comfortable.

What We Don’t Like

• It may not be suitable for shorter water lovers.

4. Beautifully Tailored Wetsuit for Stylish Surfers

Henderson Women’s 3mm Thermoprene Pro Front Zip Shorty Wetsuit

Beautifully tailored and incredibly stretchy, this wetsuit is comfortable, classy, and perfect for a wide range of water sports.

Offering a full 250% stretch factor, it feels like a second skin in the water, and the shorty design lets you keep your legs free for enhanced flexibility in the water. The carefully constructed flatlock seams won’t rub against the skin, and the double glued design will ensure that no water is able to get in.

With a front-zipper design, this shorty wetsuit is easy to get on and off at the beach, and available in sizes 4 to 24, this wetsuit will fit water lovers of all shapes and sizes.

What We Like

• The choice of sizes and comfortable design are perfect for all types of wearers.

What We Don’t Like

• The arms are quite slim in all sizes.

5. Heavy-duty Wetsuit for Extreme Sports

Seavenger Alpha 3mm Neoprene Wetsuit

Featuring anti-abrasion paneling, this wetsuit is super tough and durable and more than capable of holding up to the rigors of regular water sports.

Designed to fit you like a second skin, it comes with innovative super-stretch panels in the armpits for increased flexibility when swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, and the stretchy neoprene fabric ensures that this wetsuit will move through the waves with you.

Lightweight and easy to wear, this wetsuit comes with an extra-long leash and back-zipper system for easy on and off, and the 3mm thickness is perfect for use in water temperatures of 65 degrees and above.

Available in sizes S through to 5XL, it also offers a choice of lengths for water lovers of all sizes.

What We Like

• The wetsuit comes in a selection of pretty designs.

What We Don’t Like

• The sizing comes up small.

6. Everyday Wetsuit for Water Lovers of All Abilities

Dark Lightning Full Body Wetsuit

Made from a soft and comfortable blend of neoprene and nylon, this is a great choice for a multitude of water sports.

The 3/2mm thermal full suit design will keep you warm in water temperatures between 55 to 65 degrees and with a choice of sizes from XS through to 3XL, it is a great choice for water lovers everywhere.

Easy to put on and take off using the YKK zipper with an extra-long zipper pull, this wetsuit also features a premium Velcro closure that works really well at keeping the water out so you can stay warm while you enjoy the water.

What We Like

• This wetsuit fits beautifully.

What We Don’t Like

• The legs are quite baggy.

The 3 Best Wetsuits for Kids

1. Full-length Wetsuit for Kids up to 16 Years of Age

Hevto Kids and Youth Wetsuits

This awesome kids’ wetsuit has a comfortable design that will keep them warm, and the close-fitting neckline reduces the risk of water rushing in.

The flatlock stitching method ensures that this wetsuit won’t chafe your child’s skin, even when wet, and the high-quality metal zipper and hook and loop fasteners make it easy for your child to put on and take off.

Let your young water lover choose from a selection of brightly-colored contrasting designs, and available for ages 4 through to 16, this is a brilliant wetsuit for kids that love to surf, paddleboard, snorkel, and swim.

What We Like

• The good quality lasts through repeat usage.

What We Don’t Like

• The sizing is a little off.

2. Shorty Swimsuit for Younger Water Lovers

REALON Kids Shorty Wetsuit

Available to fit children from 2 to 15 years, this brilliant shorty wetsuit has been designed to protect your child from the cold and irritants found in the water.

The swimsuit design is perfect for both boys and girls to wear, and made from soft and breathable neoprene fabric, it offers excellent versatility in the water.

With a YKK back zipper and long pull strap, your child should be able to slip it on and off on their own, and available in a choice of bright and funky colors, with a mixture of 2mm and 3mm thickness, this is a brilliant choice for kids who love to surf, swim, snorkel and so much more.

What We Like

• The wetsuit feels super warm and protective.

What We Don’t Like

• The fit runs small, so size up.

3. Kid’s Wetsuit With UPF50+ Sun Protection

Lemorecn Kids Wetsuits

Affordable and easy to wear, this brilliant little swimsuit is a great choice for long days spent swimming, diving, surfing, kayaking, or just playing in the water.

Made with 2mm of neoprene, this wetsuit offers plenty of warmth for your little one, and with a built-in 50+ UV coating, it will also help to keep your kids safe in the sun.

The back zipper with an extended zipper pull makes for easy on and off, and available in a choice of colors and sizes age 4 to 14, this supercute shorty swimsuit is perfect for kids who want to spend more time in the water.

What We Like

• This is a good value and very warm.

What We Don’t Like

• The fit runs small, so size up.

Final Thoughts

Snug and comfortable to wear, a really good wetsuit should fit you like a second skin. Available in a range of different styles, thicknesses, and sizes, an effective wetsuit is a must-have addition for water sports enthusiasts of all ages.