The Best Wetsuits For Scuba Diving, Surfing, and More

Using wetsuits for water activities is incredibly popular.

They’re perfect for keeping you warm when surfing or scuba diving in colder waters and protecting your skin from the sun’s brutal rays when sitting on your surfboard.

Whether you’ve owned several wetsuits throughout your life or are interested in purchasing your first one, there are hundreds on the market to go through.

How do you know what wetsuit is the best for you?

We’ve narrowed down some of the best wetsuits money can buy and outlined a guide to help you know what you should be looking for.

What We Looked For

When searching for a new wetsuit for yourself, you’re going to want to consider several factors.

We looked for the following factors to narrow down some of the best options.

Use Case

Not all wetsuits are created equal.

Some are better for use in cold water, others for scuba diving, and some for surfing.

Not all wetsuits are going to be suitable for every single water activity.

You’ll want to keep the water activity you’re going to be doing in a wetsuit as you shop around to ensure you’re getting one that’s going to work well for you.

Thickness Available

Most of the time, the thickness will be a personal preference.

But, some activities, such as cold water diving or surfing, require a thicker material to provide warmth in harsh temperatures.

On the other hand, a thinner material may be better if you’re in warmer waters, so you don’t overheat.

Material

The general consensus in the wetsuit industry is that neoprene is the best material for any wetsuit.

This material feels like a second skin and is the best option for any type of wetsuit.

Neoprene is a type of durable rubber that the majority of wetsuit manufacturers use.

Price

We considered the price of all the best wetsuits too.

Wetsuits come at different prices, and there are several that are fantastic but cost quite a bit.

The good news is that several excellent wetsuits

won’t break the bank either. We’ve included some middle-of-the-road priced suits too.

Best Wetsuit Brands

When you’re searching the internet for quality wetsuits brands, there are several that stand out amongst the competition.

These six brands are the best ones and are highly recommended by other wetsuit users and us.

1. O’Neill Wetsuits

O’Neill Wetsuits has been around since 1952.

Their experience in the industry has earned their place as one of the best wetsuit brands in the world.

Besides their long-standing credibility in the industry, one of the biggest reasons we’d recommend them is because it’s said that Jack O’Neill, the founder, is credited with inventing the modern-day wetsuit.

2. Rip Curl Surf Wetsuits

Rip Curl is another well-known brand in the industry.

Since 1969, they’ve been creating wetsuits for almost all water activities for both men and women.

One of our favorite things about Rip Curl is that surfers designed its wetsuits and other products.

There’s a difference between using wetsuits designed by surfers and ones created by those who don’t, so Rip Curl is a great option.

3. Hurley Wetsuits

In 1999, Hurley was founded in Huntington Beach, California.

Even those who aren’t surfers have most likely heard of this famous brand.

Hurley offers a variety of wetsuits, from full coverage to spring suits.

We love Hurley because the vast majority of their newer wetsuits are environmentally friendly and made with sustainably sourced materials.

4. Xcel

Xcel is a top-notch wetsuit brand that opened in 1982.

The owner grew up surfing in the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean but has plenty of experience in Hawaiian waters too.

His knowledge about the different water temperatures and how thick the neoprene needs to be to keep someone comfortable in the water is one of the many reasons we love Xcel.

5. Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the most famous outdoor brands in the world.

This fantastic brand began selling high-quality wetsuits in 1973 and has been ever since.

We love Patagonia wetsuits because they’re making a transition to using natural rubber rather than oil and limestone-based neoprene for their products.

6. SCUBAPRO

SCUBAPRO is known for making some of the best scuba diving wetsuits.

Since the 1960s, everyone from amateur divers to professional marine biologists has been using their wetsuits to have a better experience underwater.

Something we love about SCUBAPRO wetsuits is that they’re always looking for the newest and best technology to use for their wetsuits.

Best Wetsuits for Diving

A wetsuit is an important tool to have for scuba diving or free diving.

Here are our top picks for the best wetsuits for diving.

SCUBAPRO Everflex Wetsuit

The SCUBAPRO Everflex is a line of wetsuits for both men and women.

When you shop the Everflex line, you’ll notice that you have the option of different neoprene thicknesses.

You may want to check their guide on their website to find out what level of thickness you need for where you’ll be diving and their size guide.

Sizes have all standard options but tall and short too.

Specs

• Price: The prices range from $394 to $549, depending on the thickness of the neoprene.
• Material: Neoprene and solvent-free Aqua glue
• Seams: Double-stitched
• Entry: Diagonal back zipper
• Thickness Available: 3/2mm, 5/4mm, and 7/5mm
• Main Use: Diving

What We Like

• We like that the Everflex wetsuit is available in three different thickness options.
• In addition to the thickness options, we love that fewer seams allow for a better range of motion while diving.
• Lastly, we love that it has one of the largest size ranges available.

What We Don’t Like

• Due to the high-quality and reputable brand, the prices may be a little steep for some people’s pockets.
• On top of this, we dislike that you don’t have any color options besides traditional black.
• Finally, there’s a slight price difference between the men’s and women’s wetsuits.

Mares Flexa Wetsuit

The Mares Flexa Wetsuit line is a very popular line of wetsuits because they come in several options, making them great for almost all water temperatures.

Each Flexa wetsuit is available for men and women, and there are three options for thickness.

The Flexa line is the perfect combination of stylish and functional.

The wetsuits have thermo-plush technology around the chest to ensure you stay warm throughout your dive, a hood keeper, and an extra neoprene cushion to keep you comfortable with a scuba tank on.

Specs

• Price: Their thickest option will cost around $349.99.
  • The 5/4/3mm costs anywhere from $292.00 to $319.99 depending on where you purchase it from, and the thinnest option costs around $229.99.
• Material: Ultra-stretch neoprene.
• Seams: Blind-stitched and glued four times
• Entry: Front zipper
• Thickness Available: 3/2/2mm, 5/4/3mm, and 8/6/5mm
• Main Use: Scuba diving or other diving

What We Like

• We love that you can choose from three thickness levels, ensuring you’re comfortable in almost any water temperature.
• In addition to the thickness options, we like that Mares designers added an extra cushion on the back where the oxygen tank can cause friction.
• Lastly, we love that the seams are glued four times in each spot.

What We Don’t Like

• Something we’re not a fan of is that each Flexa suit only comes in one color option.
• Secondly, their size options are somewhat limited compared to other top brands.
• Finally, there’s no warranty guarantee when you purchase the Mares Flexa wetsuit online.

Bare Velocity Wetsuit

The Bare Velocity wetsuits are perfect for male divers.

Something to note is that there isn’t any women’s sizing for this particular line of wetsuits.

This extremely comfortable wetsuit has a glide skin collar that Velcro’s to reduce flushing.

There are three thickness options for the Velocity wetsuit, and each one comes with knee protection to avoid wear and abrasions.

In addition to the glide skin collar, it has glide skin wrist and ankle seals.

Specs

• Price: The Bare Velocity Wetsuit varies in price.
  • The variation comes from the thickness and then the color options available for the 3 and 5mm—the 3mm wetsuit costs between $259.00 and $305.95.
  • The 5mm wetsuit costs $370.00 to $409.95, and the 7mm wetsuit is the most expensive at $429.95.
• Material: Infrared technology on the torso and full-stretch neoprene
• Seams: F​​lat seam construction and seamless underarms
• Entry: Back zipper ​​
• Thickness Available: 3, 5, and 7mm
• Main Use: Diving​​

What We Like

• The main thing we love about the Velocity wetsuit is that there is a glide skin seal for the ankles and wrists.
• Secondly, we appreciate the thought that went into the knee pads. These additional pads help to prevent abrasions and let the wetsuit last longer.
• Finally, the seamless underarms allow for even more flexibility and comfort in the water.

What We Don’t Like

• The main thing we dislike about the Bare Velocity wetsuit is that it’s only available for men. There is no women’s sizing.
• Secondly, you can choose between black, blue, and red only on the 3mm and 5mm wetsuit, not the 7mm.
• Lastly, we don’t like how the price varies between color options for the 3 and 5mm options.

Best Wetsuits for Surfing

Surfing is exhilarating, and using a high-quality wetsuit can make your outing even more enjoyable, especially if the water is chilly.

Here are our top three favorite wetsuits for surfing.

O’Neill Hyperfreak Wetsuit

O’Neill is one of our favorite brands for wetsuits, especially for surfing.

Their Hyperfreak line comes in four options, three full wetsuits and one short sleeve full suit.

Each option comes in men’s standard sizes as well as tall and short options to ensure the perfect fit for all surfers.

Each Hyperfreak wetsuit comes with a 360-degree barrier, including drain holes.

The collars on the wetsuits are double sealed to ensure your body temperature isn’t affected by the water.

Specs

• Price: The Hyperfreak Wetsuit varies in price, much like other wetsuits.
  • The cheapest option is $239.95, and the most expensive ones are $339.95.
• Material: Pre-stretched, hydrophobic neoprene and a foam rubber core
  Seams: Techno butter fully taped and triple glued
  Entry: Chest zipper and zipperless
  Thickness Available: 4/3mm, 3/2mm, 3/2+mm and 2mm
  Main Use: Warm water sports

What We Like

• We love that they included a short-sleeved full wetsuit in the collection.
• The pre-stretched neoprene allows for extra flexibility when you’re out catching waves.
• Lastly, we like that they’re relatively affordable when compared with other wetsuits on the market of similar quality.

What We Don’t Like

• We wish that they would create the Hyperfreak line with women’s sizing since their men’s line has done so well.
• Another thing we don’t like is that they don’t offer a wetsuit appropriate for cold water surfing.
• Finally, they’re only offered in one solid color, black.

Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2 Chest Zip Wetsuit

Another fantastic wetsuit for surfing is Ripcurl’s Flashbomb 3/2mm chest zip wetsuit.

It’s constructed with E6 flash lining tape, making it extra comfortable while keeping all the water outside of the wetsuit.

The material is super stretchy, warm, and is quick-drying, so you don’t need to wait hours for your wetsuit to dry off.

The extra mesh skin panels help to absorb the sun’s rays and reduce the wind chill.

Specs

• Price: This wetsuit will cost you $449.95.
• Material: E6 flash lining and mesh paneling
• Seams: E6 flash lining tape
• Entry: Chest zipper
• Thickness Available: 3/2mm
• Main Use: Surfing

What We Like

• The mesh panels provide protection from the sun’s rays and wind chill.
• We also love that the material is very stretchy, allowing proper movement while out surfing.
• The zipper on the chest makes it easy to get in and out of.

What We Don’t Like

• One of the things we’re not a fan of with this wetsuit is that it can expose you to chloroprene, a carcinogen.
• We would’ve liked to see more than one thickness option.
• We don’t like that the material doesn’t include neoprene.

Quiksilver Highline Pro

Quiksilver’s Highline Pro wetsuit is another perfect wetsuit for surfers, swimmers, triathletes, and more.

The wetsuits are made with environmentally friendly materials and are sealed well so water can’t leak into the wetsuit.

The thickness of the wetsuit is perfect for average and chilly waters.

Specs

• Price: The Highline 3/2mm costs $279.95, while the 4/3mm costs $299.95.
• Material: Nylon and elastane
• Seams: Glued and blind-stitched, only partially penetrating the neoprene
• Entry: Chest zipper
• Thickness Available: 3/2mm and 4/3mm
  Main Use: Surfing and chilly water activities

What We Like

• We love that the Highline Pro wetsuit uses all eco-friendly materials.
• The glued seams are perfect for flexibility and keeping most water from getting in.
• The thickness options are perfect for most waters that surfers flock to.

What We Don’t Like

• You may be too warm wearing this wetsuit in warmer waters.
• The Highline Pro doesn’t come in women’s sizes.
• Some people say that the wetsuit doesn’t run true to size.

Best Cheap Wetsuits

We know that wetsuits aren’t always cheap.

Sometimes you can’t rationalize spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a high-quality wetsuit, but you know you need one.

If you’re searching for affordable yet high-quality wetsuits, check these out.

NeoSport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit

One of the best and most affordable wetsuits on the market is the NeoSport Premium Neoprene Wetsuit.

It’s available in black and blue for men and black and lavender for women.

It’s perfect for almost all water sports and comes with a lengthy warranty should anything happen to the suit.

Specs

• Price: The NeoSport Premium wetsuit will only cost you $109.95 for the 3/2mm, $139.95 for the 5mm, and $179.95 for the 7/5mm.
• Material: Neoprene and elastic nylon
• Seams: Flatlock seams
• Entry: Back zipper
• Thickness Available: 3/2, 5, or 7/5mm
• Main Use: Coldwater activities

What We Like

• We love that there’s men and women’s sizing.
• The price is exceptional at under $200 for any thickness option.
• Finally, it comes with a ten-year warranty.

What We Don’t Like

• While they offer men and women’s sizing, we wish they would offer short and tall size options.
• The back zipper isn’t the easiest for getting into and out of.
• The suit may compress too quickly when you use it for diving.

Henderson Thermoprene Wetsuit

Henderson’s Thermoprene wetsuits come in two thickness options, making them great for various water temperatures.

Most people use these wetsuits for diving in deep and/or cold water.

Even the thinner wetsuits are made with heat retention in mind to keep you warm.

Specs

• Price: Pricing varies depending on where you purchase the wetsuit, but you can expect each one to be less than $300.
• Material: Spandex and neoprene
• Seams: Glued and blind-stitched
• Entry: Long back zipper
• Thickness Available: 3 or 7mm
• Main Use: Diving

What We Like

• We like that it has a seven millimeter thickness option.
• There’s an adjustable collar for the neck.
• The zipper along the back follows the length of the spine.

What We Don’t Like

• It would be nice to have more variety in the thickness options.
• Pricing varies depending on what retailer you purchase it from.
• Customers have reported variations in their size chart.

Lemorecn Neoprene Wetsuit

Lemorecn’s Neoprene wetsuit is by far the most affordable option without compromising quality.

There are two thickness options and several color options, which is unique for many wetsuit brands.

There’s an extra-long leash, knee pads, and an adjustable Velcro neck collar.

Specs

• Price: The Lemorecn wetsuit costs $58 to $99.
• Material: Neoprene.
• Seams: Flatlock stitching at the seams and other stress points
• Entry: Front zipper
• Thickness Available: 3 and 5/4mm
• Main Use: Multi-use

What We Like

• We love that there are multiple color options.
• High-quality wetsuits are rarely under $100, so we appreciate the Lemorecn wetsuit.
• The thickness options allow it to be used in a variety of water temperatures.

What We Don’t Like

• You’ll need to size up according to several customers.
• Abrasions occur when you hit the water too hard.
• Customers report that the 3mm didn’t keep them as warm as other 3mm wetsuits.

Best High-End Wetsuits

If you have some money burning a hole in your pocket, you may want to take a look at these high-end wetsuits.

O’Neill Psycho Tech Full Wetsuit

O’Neill’s Psycho Tech combined their TechnoButter 3 and added heat-generating TechnoButter Air-Firewall.

They use an additional 0.5mm of material to provide extra layers of warmth during all water activities.

The zipper is water-resistant to prevent corrosion and an anti-flush barrier.

Specs

• Price: The thinner option is $489.95, and the thicker one is $499.95.
• Material: Aqua alpha solvent-free neoprene lamination
• Seams: Stitchless seam technology with a fluid seam weld
• Entry: Back zipper
• Thickness Available: 3/2+mm and 4/3+mm
• Main Use: Surfing

What We Like

• There’s only a $10 price difference between the thickness options.
• There’s a size to fit almost everyone.
• There’s an additional 0.5mm of thickness in both wetsuits.

What We Don’t Like

• It may be too warm to wear in warmer weather or extended periods of time.
• The tape doesn’t lap over the seam to the chest panel.
• You may have to pay to have your wetsuit returned to you after repairs.

Aqualung SolAfx Wetsuit

Aqualung’s most advanced wetsuit is the SolAfx.

Unlike the other wetsuits we’ve mentioned on this list, this one has an integrated hood and internal arm and leg cuffs.

It’s one of the warmest wetsuits available and is environmentally friendly.

They’re also tailored for both men and women.

Specs

• Price: This wetsuit costs $569.
• Material: Non-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons neoprene
• Seams: Blind-stiched, glued, and liquid
• Entry: Chest zipper
• Thickness Available: 8/7mm
• Main Use: Scuba diving in 42-degree water or colder

What We Like

• We love that the materials are eco-friendly.
• It’s one of the warmest wetsuits you can purchase for those cold dives.
• The seams are reinforced by three different bindings.

What We Don’t Like

• The wetsuit will be too warm in waters above 42 degrees for most people.
• It may take longer to dry than wetsuits with quick-drying technology.
• Only certain standard sizes are offered in long or short.

Patagonia R3 Yulex Wetsuit

If you’re looking to spoil yourself, you need to look at this suit.

Patagonia’s R3 Yulex wetsuit has a special lining which increases the stretching ability.

These Fair Trade Certified wetsuits are one of a kind and can be used in water temperatures from 48 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Specs

• Price: The R3 Yulex wetsuit costs $489.
• Material: 85% Yulex and 15% natural rubber
• Seams: 100% seam-sealed externally
• Entry: Front zipper
• Thickness Available: 4.5/3.5mm
• Main Use: Cold water sports

What We Like

• They’re made with recycled materials.
• This is the only Fair Trade Certified wetsuit on the market.
• They’re incredibly high-quality and will last for years.

What We Don’t Like

• Getting out of the wetsuit isn’t as easy as other options.
• The heat retention properties will degrade over time and possibly faster than other suits.
• It’s not as flexible until you break it in.

Buying a Wetsuit

Buying a wetsuit isn’t something you should do on impulse.

You’ll need to know what exactly you’re looking for and for what you’ll be using the product for.

What Types of Stores Sell Wetsuits?

You’ll want to look at outdoor stores, online retailers, and reputable wetsuit brands to find where to buy these products.

Many people opt for purchasing their wetsuit from the brand’s website, but you can sometimes find their products listed elsewhere where shipping may be more affordable, or the product itself is on sale.

What Thickness Wetsuit Should I Buy?

This depends heavily on the water temperature you’ll be in.

The colder the water, you’ll need a thicker wetsuit to trap your body heat in.

Here’s a guide to help you choose in degrees Fahrenheit:

• 72+ degrees – thickness doesn’t matter
• 65-75 degrees – 0.5 to 2/1mm
• 62-68 degrees – 2 to 3/2mm
• 58-63 degrees – 3/2 to 4/3mm
• 52-58 degrees – 4/3 to 5/4/3mm
• 43-52 degrees – 5/4 to 5/4/3mm
• 42 degrees and below – 6/5mm +

You’ll want to consider these factors:

• The temperature with wind chill
• How easily you get cold
• The temperature outside

What Should I Look for When Buying a Wetsuit?

You’ll want to look for a wetsuit that’s going to suit whatever water activity you’re doing.

If you’re going to be in colder waters, a thicker wetsuit that is full coverage is a great idea.

For those surfing or diving in warmer waters, you can get away with long johns or shorties.

Another thing to look for is the entry.

You’ll find back zip, chest zip, and zipperless wetsuits.

For the most part, choosing what type of entry will be up to your personal preference.

How Do You Know if a Wetsuit is Good?

What you believe is a good wetsuit may differ from your friend.

Generally speaking, the qualities that make a wetsuit good include:

• Being comfortable
• Being flexible
• Being sealed properly to keep water out

Wrapping Up

There’s a wetsuit out there for everyone.

Whether you’re searching for a thick wetsuit to wear on your coldest dives or a thinner one for those warm surfing days, there are options.

As long as you look into high-quality brands, comfortable and flexible materials, and a thickness that suits your activity, you can’t go wrong.