Top 5 Wetsuit Picks for Every Season and Activity

Introduction

Choosing the perfect wetsuit can make all the difference in your water sports experience. Whether you're catching waves in the summer sun, braving icy waters in winter, or gliding through open water on a swim, the right gear ensures comfort, performance, and protection.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of wetsuits with ease.

We’ve handpicked the top 5 options for summer, winter, swimming, and general water sports, ensuring that every recommendation is tailored to meet the specific demands of each activity and season.

Each section outlines what we believe are the key factors to determine when purchasing a wetsuit for a certain season or sport to help narrow down the essentials in your next wetsuit.

Top 5 Wetsuits for Summer

Picking the right summer wetsuit is essential for staying comfortable and flexible in warmer waters. The list of what to determine in a summer wetsuit is very different to what to look for in a winter wetsuit.

Fit is critical; your wetsuit should feel snug but not restrictive to ensure maximum mobility. Having a perfect fit will also allow longer time spent in your wetsuit without causing discomfort, rashes or rubbing.  

Key features to look for in a summer wetsuit:

• First, consider the thickness—summer wetsuits typically range from 2mm to 3mm, providing the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility. You do not want to go thicker then you need as you will overheat. The thinner wetsuits are generally more flexible and dry faster.
• Along with thickness, we recommend checking the seams — Glued and blind stitched seams are fantastic for flex, durability and feel, but in a summer wetsuit flatlock stitching is ideal, as it allows some water to enter for cooling, while still offering durability. This is a big difference to what you would look for in a winter wetsuit.
• A newer consideration which is also very important, is the material; neoprene is standard, but eco-friendly alternatives are increasingly popular for their performance and sustainability.
• Finally, think about the style and entry system—shorty wetsuits and back-zip designs are great for quick changes and added comfort in milder conditions. Chest zip wetsuits are great for fit and often are found to be more comfortable.
• Our Picks For Top 5 Summer Wetsuits

Brand	Model Name	Thickness	Best For	Notes
Rip Curl	E-Bomb	3/2mm	Surfing	An elite performance wetsuit that is flexible, fast drying and long lasting. Worth every penny.
O’Neill	Hyperfreak	3/2mm	Surfing	Potentially the best-selling wetsuit range in the last 5 years. The Hyperfreak never lets you down.
Billabong	Foil	3/2mm	Surfing	A lower price point that gives you everything you need for a summer wetsuit
Mystic	Star	3/2mm	General Water Sports	Perfect for surf, wake, foil, SUP and more! Flexible, durable and comfortable. You can easily spend all day in this wetsuit.
ZONE3	Yulex Long Sleeve Suit	1.5mm	Swimming	For swimming, a full wetsuit is not needed, the feeling of having a 1.5mm suit to dip or swim in is unbeatable. Being 1.5mm you reduce any chill without overheating and the suit dries quicker. *BONUS* Yulex is Eco-Friendly, which ticks the sustainability box.

 

Top 5 Wetsuits for Winter

When the temperatures drop, a quality winter wetsuit is your best friend for staying warm and extending your time in the water.

Fit is crucial with a winter wetsuit; a snug wetsuit minimises water flushing but should still allow for a full range of motion. If your wetsuit is not a good fit, issues with wetsuit bunching, rubbing, water ingress and heat loss all add up to an uncomfortable and cold time!

Key features to look for in a winter wetsuit:

• First, prioritise thickness—winter wetsuits typically range from 4mm to 6mm or more, offering superior insulation in cold conditions. Depending on your location will depend on your choice. If you are in colder winter climates a 6mm wetsuit is a must. Luckier water lovers in Southern France, Portugal and other locations can use a hooded 4/3mm or 5/3mm wetsuit year-round.
• Second, evaluate the lining—thermal linings, such as fleece or quick-drying materials, help retain body heat while keeping you comfortable. The fleece lining can be found on most of the best performing winter wetsuits, and this has become a must.
• Third, focus on the seams—look for glued and blind-stitched or taped seams to prevent water from seeping in, ensuring maximum warmth.

• Finally, choose the right entry system—chest-zip or zip-free designs are ideal for minimising water entry and providing a secure seal, even in rough winter waves. In the past chest-

• Top 5 Winter Wetsuits

Brand	Model Name	Thickness	Best For	Notes
Xcel	Infinti	5/4mm	Surf	Featuring new age technology, the stretch and heat retention properties are heard to beat.
Quiksilver	Everyday Sessions Hooded	5/4mm	Surf	Not as expensive as some other options but as warm and durable as you can get. The integrated hood adds at least 20% more heat retention too!
ZONE3	Thermal Aspire	N/A	Swim	ZONE3’s Thermal Aspire wetsuit is THE wetsuit to have if you are swimming year-round in colder waters. Every box is ticked.
C-Skins	NuWave Wired+	6/5mm	Surf	Innovative Dark Matter front and back panels plus the amazing Natural NuWave constructive featured gives you performance and sustainability with no compromise.
Mystic	Voltt / Gem Hooded	6/5mm	All Water Sports	We would challenge you to find a warmer wetsuit. You can take on the coldest of waters and conditions in Mystic’s Gem / Voltt wetsuits. Perfect for surfing, windsurfing, foiling, kite surfing and more!

Top 5 Wetsuits for Swimming

Swim-specific wetsuits are designed to enhance performance and comfort in open water, making them a must-have for triathletes and outdoor swimmers.

Fit is also essential; a swim wetsuit should be snug to prevent water flushing but allow for comfortable breathing and movement.

These below features will help you maximise your performance and enjoyment in the water.

Key features to look for in swim-specific wetsuits:

• First, look for buoyancy foam / panels—strategically designed buoyancy foam & perfectly placed panels help improve your body position in the water, reducing drag and boosting efficiency.
• Next, prioritise a hydrodynamic design; a smooth exterior coating or low-friction neoprene helps you glide effortlessly through the water.
• Third, pay attention to flexible shoulders—this feature ensures an unrestricted range of motion, reducing fatigue during long swims.
• Finally, consider the thickness distribution; many swim wetsuits feature variable thicknesses, offering warmth and support where needed without compromising mobility.
• Top 5 Swim Wetsuits

Brand	Model Name	Thickness	Best For	Notes
HUUB	Collective	N/A	Swim	HUUB’s Collective wetsuit has been designed to offer amazing flexibility while having the buoyancy required to offer the most natural and effective swim position.
Orca	Athlex Flex	N/A	Triathlon	Orca's Athlex Flex triathlon wetsuit combines everything you need in a swim / tri wetsuit, offering unrestricted movement, with comfort and durability.
ZONE3	Thermal Agile	2mm	Swim	The suit not only provides superior warmth, but incredible flexibility thanks to the 2mm Flex-Fit Panels which will keep you swimming for longer.
2XU	Propel	3/2mm	Swim	The Propel Wetsuit incorporates cutting-edge technology and design for maximum flexibility and minimal water resistance. A real performance wetsuit.
Nyord	Tempus Long Sleeve Shorty	2mm	Swim / Dipping	Smart, comfortable, understated and very good value for money. Perfect for spring, summer and autumn dips and swims.

Top 5 General Sports Wetsuits

For water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, foiling, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding, a versatile wetsuit is essential for comfort and performance. 

Choosing the right wetsuit will keep you warm, protected, and ready to take on any adventure.

Key features to look for in all-around wetsuits:

• First, consider the thickness—a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit is ideal for most conditions, offering warmth without restricting movement.
• Next, prioritise flexibility, especially in the shoulders and arms, to allow for dynamic movements and control over your equipment.
• Wind resistance is another key factor; smooth-skin or thermal-lined neoprene can help reduce wind chill when exposed to the elements.
• Fit is crucial—your wetsuit should be snug but not restrictive, ensuring comfort during long sessions.
• Finally, look for reinforced durability, particularly in high-wear areas like the knees and seat, to withstand the demands of board-based water sports.
• Top 5 General Sports Wetsuits

Brand	Model Name	Thickness	Best For	Notes
Rip Curl	Dawn Patrol	3/2mm + 4/3mm	SUP / Bodyboarding	Rated highly for a wide range of water sports, the Dawn Patrol gives you warmth, flexibility, comfort and durability at a great price point!
O’Neill	Epic	4/3mm	Wind Sports	One of the most popular picks for a wetsuit that you can use across all board sports and water sports. In a range of thicknesses too!
Billabong	Foil	3/2mm + 4/3mm	SUP / Bodyboarding	For the price, the Billabong Foil is a STAND OUT wetsuit to use when you are paddle boarding, body boarding or enjoying other board sports.
GUL	Response	3/2mm + 4/3mm	All Water Sports	Our customers love this wetsuit for any water activity you can think of. Surf, wind, foil, kite, swim, body board and more! An amazing wetsuit at an outstanding price.
Mystic	Motion (Mens) + Haven(Womens)	3/2mm + 4/3mm	All Wind & Water Sports	The Motion and Haven are the same wetsuit with different names. We have tested this wetsuit when foiling, wake surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing and more and it ticks all the boxes!

 

How to Choose the Right Wetsuit for You

Finding the perfect wetsuit depends on several key factors, ensuring you get the right balance of warmth, flexibility, and performance. 

By weighing the below factors, you can confidently choose a wetsuit that suits your needs and enhances your time in the water.

Factors to consider:

• First, consider your primary activity—surfing, swimming, and diving wetsuits each have unique features tailored to their specific demands.
• Next, factor in the water temperature; thicker wetsuits with thermal linings are essential for cold conditions, while thinner options provide flexibility in warmer waters.
• Fit and comfort are also crucial—a wetsuit should be snug but not restrictive, allowing for ease of movement without excessive water flushing.
• Finally, keep your budget in mind; while premium wetsuits offer advanced materials and durability, there are also great options available at more affordable price points.

Conclusion

In conclusion of this, choosing the right wetsuit is essential for comfort, performance, and protection in the water, no matter the season or activity.

Whether you're braving winter waves, training for a triathlon, or enjoying a summer surf session, considering factors like thickness, flexibility, buoyancy, and fit will help you find the perfect match.

Investing in a quality wetsuit suited to your needs ensures you stay warm, comfortable, and free to move, enhancing every adventure.

With so many options available, taking the time to assess your requirements will make all the difference—so gear up and make the most of your time in the water!

We really help this has helped you and your next wetsuit is perfect!

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