Whether you're searching for mens wetsuits, ladies wetsuits or children's wetsuits, a good place to start is with some good, old fashioned buying advice before you part with your heard earned cash.
Neoprene is the primary choice of material for wetsuits, because of it's superb insulating properties. Wetsuit panels are often different thicknesses; thicker around the torso, and thinner on the limbs. The thickness of the material is measured in millimeters and described in numbers; a 3/2 wetsuit will be 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs. The panels are welded or stitched together.
Because Neoprene is expensive, many manufacturers substitute with other materials on some of the panels. Occasionally other materials are used to add extra insulation too; a good example would be a merino wool lining
Choosing the appropriate wet suit for the conditions:
Warm water (75F / 24C) - A shortie wetsuit is the ideal choice. Constructed from thinner material, they are ideal for those seeking a good range of movement for active sports (like surfing).
For spring conditions (65F - 75F / 18C - 24C) a three quarters suit "Spring suit" is ideal. These wetsuits have three quarter length sleeves and legs. They're usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
For winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) you're almost certain to require a Full wetsuit "steamer". Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs. They come in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Some modern winter suits are available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for extra warmth.
Extra warmth can be achieved by layering. A rash vest is a good choice for adding extra warmth to your torso, this thin, tight vest helps to trap more heat next to your body. If you're still cold, you may want to consider adding a neoprene hood and boots.
Choosing the appropriate wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.
Sports like Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing require a wetsuit which allows a good range movement. Super stretchy neoprene and thinner panels will afford you more enjoyment from your wetsuit (unless it's really cold). Choose welded seams over stitched seams, as they help prevent heat loss from losing water through the seams, that your body has already warmed up.
SCUBA Diving - When choosing a diving wetsuit, just ensure you have the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Some diving suits also have extra padding on the back where the bottle goes, to protect your back.
Triathlon - Triathlon wetsuits are extremely specialized. They require maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. They're also cut differently to improve your range of movement.
There are additional influencing factors, beyond the scope of this article, for choosing a sport specific wetsuit. However, the advice here should be enough to get you started.
To surmise:
a) Decide on the temperature of the water that you'll be using the wetsuit in. If you're only going to be using the wetsuit in the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a bit more temperature range, you might want to consider a spring suit. You can use a 3/2 full length suit for all but the extremes of hot and cold water, and if you're planning to mainly operate in cold water you're going to be looking for a thicker full length suit 5/3 or thicker.
b) Budget - More expensive suits will use better materials and will give you more flexibility, but they will usually wear out faster. If you're on a budget, bear this in mind. If you want to use your suit really often and you don't want to have to keep replacing it, you might to choose a more durable but less comfortable wetsuit. If your wallet is bulging and you perhaps don't plan to use the wetsuit as often (or you can afford to replace the suit every year) you can go for the best quality, most comfortable wetsuit.
c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport or choice.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
Neoprene is the primary choice of material for wetsuits, because of it's superb insulating properties. Wetsuit panels are often different thicknesses; thicker around the torso, and thinner on the limbs. The thickness of the material is measured in millimeters and described in numbers; a 3/2 wetsuit will be 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs. The panels are welded or stitched together.
Because Neoprene is expensive, many manufacturers substitute with other materials on some of the panels. Occasionally other materials are used to add extra insulation too; a good example would be a merino wool lining
Choosing the appropriate wet suit for the conditions:
Warm water (75F / 24C) - A shortie wetsuit is the ideal choice. Constructed from thinner material, they are ideal for those seeking a good range of movement for active sports (like surfing).
For spring conditions (65F - 75F / 18C - 24C) a three quarters suit "Spring suit" is ideal. These wetsuits have three quarter length sleeves and legs. They're usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.
For winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) you're almost certain to require a Full wetsuit "steamer". Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs. They come in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Some modern winter suits are available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for extra warmth.
Extra warmth can be achieved by layering. A rash vest is a good choice for adding extra warmth to your torso, this thin, tight vest helps to trap more heat next to your body. If you're still cold, you may want to consider adding a neoprene hood and boots.
Choosing the appropriate wetsuit for your sport:
Each sport has its own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.
Sports like Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing require a wetsuit which allows a good range movement. Super stretchy neoprene and thinner panels will afford you more enjoyment from your wetsuit (unless it's really cold). Choose welded seams over stitched seams, as they help prevent heat loss from losing water through the seams, that your body has already warmed up.
SCUBA Diving - When choosing a diving wetsuit, just ensure you have the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Some diving suits also have extra padding on the back where the bottle goes, to protect your back.
Triathlon - Triathlon wetsuits are extremely specialized. They require maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. They're also cut differently to improve your range of movement.
There are additional influencing factors, beyond the scope of this article, for choosing a sport specific wetsuit. However, the advice here should be enough to get you started.
To surmise:
a) Decide on the temperature of the water that you'll be using the wetsuit in. If you're only going to be using the wetsuit in the warmest temperatures you'll want a shorty. If you want a bit more temperature range, you might want to consider a spring suit. You can use a 3/2 full length suit for all but the extremes of hot and cold water, and if you're planning to mainly operate in cold water you're going to be looking for a thicker full length suit 5/3 or thicker.
b) Budget - More expensive suits will use better materials and will give you more flexibility, but they will usually wear out faster. If you're on a budget, bear this in mind. If you want to use your suit really often and you don't want to have to keep replacing it, you might to choose a more durable but less comfortable wetsuit. If your wallet is bulging and you perhaps don't plan to use the wetsuit as often (or you can afford to replace the suit every year) you can go for the best quality, most comfortable wetsuit.
c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport or choice.
Good luck, enjoy your new wetsuit
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