Wetsuit Buyer's Guide

Essential for any water sports enthusiast, wetsuits help to keep you warm in cold water, improve buoyancy, and offer significant protection for the skin from cuts & abrasions. 

In this guide, we will examine the properties of wetsuits and how to choose the perfect design & thickness for yourself or a family member.

Please note - that whilst wetsuits do help to keep you warm and improve buoyancy, always have warm dry clothes nearby and don't use a wetsuit instead of a life-jacket/buoyancy aid. Never participate in outdoor watersports alone, especially during the colder months.

This complete wetsuit buyer’s guide is extensive. You can read the entire guide, or navigate to a specific section by clicking on the relevant heading from the list below:

• Introduction to wetsuits
• Wetsuit properties & benefits
• Wetsuits versus Drysuits
• Wearing a Wetsuit
• Caring for a Wetsuit
• Repairing a damaged wetsuit
• Wetsuit FAQs
• Choosing a Wetsuit

A wetsuit is a tight-fitting, neoprene-foam garment worn by water sports participants, including surfers, paddle-boarders and outdoor swimmers, for thermal insulation and prevention of hypothermia - a dangerous condition that can result from cold exposure when the core body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F).

Wetsuits can help to prevent water sports participants from becoming dangerously cold, allowing them to enjoy outdoor sports like surfing and wild swimming, all year round. 

Excessive/prolonged cold exposure can result in hypothermia. Hypothermia is a serious issue in the UK, with dozens of people succumbing to the cold and passing away as a direct result each year, with thousands more dying as an indirect result of cold exposure. Wearing a wetsuit makes watersports including wild swimming significantly safer and more fun for people who aren't fully adapted to (or don't enjoy) the cold.

Whilst wetsuits can help people to keep warm, they can also provide protection against UV rays from the sun, cuts from coral, and stings from jellyfish. 

Because wetsuits contain tiny nitrogen bubbles that are less dense than water, they can also make it easier for people to float and swim on the water’s surface.

Wetsuits are made from layers of neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that has nitrogen gas bubbles trapped within its structure. Nitrogen gas is a very good heat insulator, and as a result, the neoprene keeps the wearer warm, even though their body will still get wet. 

Designed to prevent any heat from escaping, most high-quality wetsuits are made from two layers. There is a top layer that is partially water-resistant and a second inner layer made of neoprene foam, with lots of small pockets of nitrogen gas bubbles within it.

Wetsuits are actually designed to allow some water to penetrate the exterior material and remain trapped next to the user’s skin. The body then warms the trapped water, which in turn helps the body to maintain the ideal temperature of approximately 37°C by making it more difficult for body-heat to escape.

Like swimmers and paddle boarders, surfers tend to wear wetsuits to stay warm. Wetsuits also reduce the amount of chaffing on the chest and torso that can occur when surfers are lying and paddling on their boards. 

As life jackets are bulky and impractical for a lot of surfers, a wetsuit aids in buoyancy and makes it easier for a surfer to stay afloat if they fall in the water. 

Most surfers choose not to wear life jackets because they prevent duck diving and restrict movement too much. 

*Always ensure you wear or have some form of life jacket or buoyancy aid whilst surfing*

A wetsuit is not an alternative to a lifejacket or a water safety flotation device. 

No, wetsuits are not waterproof. As outlined above, wetsuits actually work by allowing a layer of water to penetrate the suit. The layer of water gets trapped between the user’s skin and the wetsuit and provides a thermal layer, helping the user to retain his/her body heat and core temperature. 

Temperature regulation can also be more difficult for elderly individuals, who tend to have lower resting body temperatures than younger adults. Scientific studies suggest that as people get older, their bodies also tend to respond in a delayed or insufficient manner to hot or cold environmental temperatures. With this in mind, older adults may require a thicker wetsuit than a young adult, and may require close supervision, especially if they are new to water sports. 

The majority of high-quality wetsuits are made from foam neoprene, also known as polychloroprene. Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is made from a substance known as chloroprene. Foam neoprene provides a high level of insulation against the cold, as it contains a high concentration of small pockets of nitrogen gas which also make neoprene relatively buoyant. It’s the flexibility, insulation, buoyancy and comfort of neoprene that makes it the ideal material for wetsuits.

Wetsuits come in various designs, with different specifications in terms of thickness. In addition to thicknesses and sizes, wetsuits are also commonly categorised into “shorty” and “full” wetsuits.

Full wetsuits provide more warmth than a shorty wetsuit that is the same thickness, but some people prefer shorty wetsuits as they are easier to put on and take off. Shorty wetsuits are popular with triathletes as they allow full movement around the shoulders whilst swimming and are generally quicker to take off during the transition phase from swimming to cycling. 

Wetsuit Properties & Benefits

In this section we will look at the specific benefits of wearing a wetsuit for various watersports and how the properties of a wetsuit create these benefits for the user.

Wetsuits don't really keep the body warmer by a particular range of celsius or Fahrenheit. Instead, they help the user to maintain their core body temperature at the optimal 37°C

The amount of body heat and warmth generated/maintained by a wetsuit will depend on the thickness of neoprene, the temperature of the air & water, the wind speed, the time spent in the water, the user’s levels of body fat & muscle, the user’s physical activity levels, and the overall size of the user. 

Interestingly, due to a factor known as “the surface area to volume ratio”, children and people who are particularly tall and slim tend to lose heat quicker than the average adult. In addition, an individual’s level of adaptation to the cold and the amount of “brown fat” they have, can dramatically influence how cold or warm they become with and without a wetsuit. This in turn will have an impact on how much warmer the wetsuit keeps the user, relative to doing the same activity without a wetsuit.

Yes, neoprene is the main material used in most wetsuits and this is an excellent insulator of heat on, or in, any terrain. Whilst wetsuits work in the water primarily by trapping and heating a layer of water, wetsuits worn on land will trap a layer of air between the user’s skin and the neoprene, which will also keep the user warm. Having said that, it's a good idea to always have dry clothes and a towel nearby.

In addition to wearing the wetsuit at home, you can also try soaking it in warm water before wearing it. Perform some basic upper body stretches and some partial or full squats to stretch the legs. If practical, you can try this whilst the wetsuit is still wet. Take care not to slip or damage the floor with excess water.

Don't over-stretch a new wetsuit. Whilst you don't want it to be too tight around the shoulders and chest, stretching it too much will impact the thermal properties. Wetsuits need to be snug and tight-fitting, but you should also be able to move freely whilst wearing one - for example, you will want to be able to lift your arms up straight above your head wearing one. Try on your wetsuit before you first use it, remembering that a wetsuit will tend to feel significantly tighter when it is dry. 

Wetsuits Versus Drysuits - Which Are Better?

Whether or not you should invest in a wetsuit or a drysuit depends on what activity you are planning on doing, and your budget. Drysuits are not ideal for surfing or swimming, because of the amount of drag that they create in the water. In fact, some people state that it's virtually impossible to swim in most drysuits, as they trap a large volume of air between the body and the interior of the suit which makes swimming very awkward. Drysuits are, however, well suited to sailing, and can prevent users from getting wet.

One further consideration is the relative cost of drysuits, which tend to be several times more expensive than wetsuits. Drysuits can also be costly to maintain. Whilst a wetsuit should last several years as long as it is washed and dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions, drysuits often need the watertight seals around the neck, wrists and ankles replaced or mended. 

You should wear a wetsuit, not a drysuit for any cold water/wild swimming. It is very difficult to swim in a drysuit. Wetsuits are far superior to drysuits for any sport or activity that involves submerging into or swimming in water. Whilst drysuits are popular with sailors and some kayakers, wetsuits are the preferred choice for cold water swimmers.

A wetsuit keeps the user warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the user’s body and the inner layer of neoprene material. On the other hand, drysuits work by keeping the water away from the user, by providing a waterproof layer. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are not suitable for any activity that involves swimming.

Streamlined and often designed for swimming in, wetsuits are the preferred choice for surfers. Drysuits are too bulky and trap air in and around the body which makes it difficult to swim and produces more drag in the air and water. 

Whether or not you use a drysuit or a wetsuit for kayaking ultimately comes down to personal preference. Because drysuits are waterproof, it’s possible to wear additional clothing and base-layers underneath to add extra thermal protection on cold days. Drysuits are more bulky than a wetsuit however, and can feel more awkward and restrictive to paddle in. 

When people have the budget for both a wetsuit and a drysuit, they will often wear a wetsuit during spring, autumn and summer, and a drysuit with additional clothes underneath, during the winter. 

If you are paddleboarding in the winter months however, and you are an experienced paddleboarder, a drysuit can be a great option, as it keeps the body completely watertight. A drysuit also has room for the user to wear more layers underneath, making it versatile in terms of the amount of heat you are able to retain. Having said that, if you opt for a wetsuit, it is possible to wear a rash vest underneath to provide additional insulation.

Both wetsuits and drysuits are good options for sailing. Drysuits are the preferred option during winter months. A drysuit can work well in a wide range of temperatures, as it’s possible to add and remove layers underneath the drysuit according to the temperature of the air and water. 

Drysuits can feel bulkier than a wetsuit however and are very difficult to swim in. Drysuits are also relatively expensive when compared to wetsuits and are useless if they become damaged with a rip or tear, because they are no longer waterproof. Wetsuits are great for swimming in and still work well at retaining heat, even if the material is damaged and contains a small hole or two. Wetsuits are therefore great for sailing during more pleasant weather, and when you are planning on doing some swimming.

It is usually best to wear a wetsuit for any type of diving or snorkelling. In order to dive or snorkel in a drysuit, you will need one that has specialised features that allow for swimming and submersion in the water. A standard drysuit will trap significant amounts of air between the body of the user and the interior of the suit, this makes it extremely difficult to dive underwater or swim. Drysuits with specialised valves can however be purchased for diving. These valves allow the user to let out air, which makes the suit much more streamlined. 

Wearing a Wetsuit

In this section we’ll look at how to put on a wetsuit, how a wetsuit should feel when it’s on, and what to wear in addition to a wetsuit for optimal comfort and thermal protection.

Wetsuits are designed to work optimally when the user has only swim shorts or a swimsuit underneath. 

What you choose to wear, or not wear, underneath a wetsuit will largely depend upon the weather conditions.

If you are using a wetsuit on a cold day or you find it more comfortable to wear base layers, then a rash vest is an ideal wetsuit undergarment. Rash vests are close-fitting and made of quick-drying material that will provide some extra insulation and will help to prevent any rubbing or friction against the skin.  A rash guard also tends to make it a lot easier to put on and take off a tight-fitting wetsuit as it reduces friction.

Avoid wearing cotton clothing under a wetsuit, as this is likely to lead to chafing and potentially a rash. In addition, cotton clothing can become heavy when wet and reduce buoyancy. Due to the amount of water that saturated cotton can hold, it can also become cold and increase the risk of hypothermia. 

During triathlons, athletes often wear cycling shorts underneath a wetsuit, so that they can transition smoothly onto a bike after they complete the swimming element of the race.

Surfers will commonly choose to wear short trunks or a swimsuit under a wetsuit and on colder days they may opt to wear a rash vest underneath. 

Some surfers choose to wear nothing at all under their wetsuits as they find it more comfortable and there are fewer wet items of clothing to deal with afterwards. Some surfers also claim it aids movement and mobility. You’ll obviously want to purchase your own wetsuit, rather than rent one, if you choose this option!

We don’t recommend layering more than one wetsuit - i.e. wearing 2 different wetsuits on top of each other, as it can make mobility and swimming extremely difficult. A better option is to wear a thick rash guard underneath the wetsuit and a waterproof cag or spray jacket over the top of a wetsuit on colder days. 

In colder climates, it can also be a good idea to have a thick swim robe to hand for when you finish or take a break from the water. A high-quality swim or changing robe will help prevent any drop in core body temperature that could be otherwise caused by wind-chill and residual cold water once you are on dry land.

What you choose to wear for kayaking will depend largely on the climate and weather conditions. It’s always recommended that you check the local weather forecast in case the weather conditions are likely to change throughout the day.

On milder days, many will choose to wear a rash vest underneath a wetsuit. A rashguard that’s specifically designed for watersports will provide an additional layer of insulation and help enhance buoyancy without restricting mobility. 

With research demonstrating that a large percentage of body heat is lost through the soles of the feet, it can also be a good idea to wear wetsuit boots when kayaking in colder climates.

Below is a step by step guide for taking off a wetsuit:

1. Open the velcro fastening at the back of the neck

2. Pull down the zipper at the back of the wetsuit

3. One at a time, grab inside the neck/shoulder area of the wetsuit and peel it down each arm to just below each elbow

4. One hand at a time, reach across and pull the wetsuit arms off 

5. Pull and unroll the wetsuit down to your waist

6. Using both of your arms, pull the wetsuit down past your thighs to your ankles

7. Lift one foot up and step on the opposite side of the wetsuit in front of your standing foot

8. Lift your standing foot knee up as high as possible as your keep your other foot holding the wetsuit in place on the floor

9. You can now sit down and pull the wetsuit completely off your legs

When pulling the wetsuit past your thighs, it's best to bend your legs slightly, grab the inside of the suit and pull it down to your ankles with one of two swift pulls using your arms and incorporating your upper body weight as you lean over as you pull.

Many triathletes choose to add a small amount of wetsuit lubrication around the wrists and ankles to make the process quicker during their transition onto the bike.

Wetsuit Care & Maintenance

In this section of the guide we’ll look at cleaning and maintaining a wetsuit to increase its longevity and maintain its thermal protection.

Always check the manufacturer's instructions before washing. Below is a general guide 

Here is a simple, step by step process for washing a wetsuit:

• When you've finished using it, take the wetsuit off and shake off any sand or dirt

• Rinse the wetsuit with cold water and then turn the wetsuit inside out and wash again

• Dry the wetsuit naturally by hanging it inside out, by the waist, out of direct sunlight

• When the wetsuit is dry, hang it on a padded or thick coat hanger

Avoid using thin clothes hangers, as they may cause a crease to develop in the middle of the wetsuit. If you don’t have a thick or padded clothes hanger, you can put a thin towel over the hanger first, before hanging up your wetsuit.

Things to avoid when washing a wetsuit: 

• Do not bleach a wetsuit

• Do not use detergent 

• Do not clean with hot water

• Do not use a washing machine

• Do not tumble dry

• Do not iron 

• Do not dry clean

• Do not leave the wetsuit in direct sunlight for extended periods

• Don’t leave a wetsuit in a hot car for extended periods

• Don’t leave the wetsuit next to a fire, heater or radiator

As stated above - shaking your wetsuit immediately after use and then rinsing your wetsuit using a shower head is the best way to remove any sand.

Some people will use a large (50L or more capacity) plastic container or a bath and leave the wetsuit to soak in it or swish it around to try and remove any remaining sand. There are also wetsuit shampoos and cleaners available. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that these products won't damage the neoprene.

Some people suggest speeding up the drying process by heating up the room it is hung in and/or by using a fan. It’s possible that using a fan directly on the wetsuit may void the warranty in some instances however, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

First, be sure to make sure that the wetsuit is completely dry. To store the wetsuit, hang it, ideally from the waist on a thick hanger and keep it somewhere cool and dry, like a wardrobe or garage. A thick hanger will help to prevent any creases or kinks from developing in the wetsuit. If you don’t have a thick hanger, you can place a small towel over the hanger, before placing your wetsuit over it.

We do not recommend folding wetsuits unless it’s completely necessary.

It’s best to avoid folding a wetsuit if possible because it can cause creases to develop and may damage the neoprene material. 

If you need to pack it for a holiday for example, then you can use the following process:

• Lay the wetsuit front-down on a suitable surface like a table

• Place the arms around the back so that the wrists cross over to form an X

• Fold the legs vertically over the back of the wetsuit so the ankles are laid on top of the neck area

• If necessary fold the wetsuit again, so that the waist area is laid on top of the neck area

To prevent your wetsuit from smelling in the first place, it’s best to rinse your wetsuit as soon as possible and then hang it inside-out to dry, out of direct sunlight. If your wetsuit already smells then fill up a large plastic container or a bath with cold or lukewarm water, and hand wash it. If you don’t have a container or a bath, you can use a hose or a shower, to remove any dirt and sweat. 

Air dry the wetsuit once it has been rinsed thoroughly. If the wetsuit still smells unpleasant, you can look to buy a cleaner or detergent that is specifically designed for use with a wetsuit and neoprene. Be aware however, that using cleaning products could potentially void any warranty that the wetsuit has. Contact the manufacturer if you are unsure of the correct method to remove smells.

First, contact the manufacturer to see if they have any specific guidelines for repairing the seam on your particular model/design of wetsuit. 

If you have to repair it yourself, as a general guide, you will need:

• Neoprene glue
• Small brush or cotton bud
• Pegs or small clamps
• Cleaning alcohol - e.g. isopropyl
• Neoprene tape or patch (optional)

Once you have gathered all the tools listed above, clean the edges of the tear inside using the cleaning alcohol, to remove any sand or salt water.

Dark colours, including black, also absorb more UV than lighter colours such as white. This means that dark colours provide more protection from the sun’s radiation; helping reduce the risk of sunburn to the areas of the body that the wetsuit covers.

Yes, high-quality neoprene wetsuits will provide near 100% protection from the sun’s UV rays. Obviously, this protection only applies to the areas of the body that are covered by the wetsuit, so you may still opt to wear water-resistant sunscreen on your face, hands and feet.

Yes, wetsuits can help the wearer to float in water and make him or her more buoyant. The main material that wetsuits are made from is neoprene. Neoprene contains small bubbles of nitrogen gas, which makes the material float in water. The thicker the wetsuit is, the more buoyant it will tend to be.

Although wetsuits make it easier for a swimmer to stay afloat, they are nowhere near as effective as a life jacket. People should not rely on wetsuits to keep them afloat, and a life jacket or a tow float should always be worn or used when appropriate. 

A wetsuit can increase the buoyancy of the wearer slightly, but it is not an alternative to a life jacket or buoyancy aid. 

Choosing a Wetsuit

Now you have a comprehensive knowledge of wetsuits in general, we’ll look at choosing one that meets your specific requirements and preferences.

Choosing the right wetsuit design and size is crucial. For example, if a wetsuit doesn’t fit properly, it may not provide an adequate level of insulation. Getting the right thickness and design for your chosen watersport is also important, to ensure you have the optimal level of mobility and comfort.

Wetsuit Size
As a starting point before choosing a wetsuit, you should grab a tape measure and work out your height from your ankle to the bottom of your neck, your chest, waist, hip and arm circumferences.

Please see our comprehensive wetsuit size guide for all of the wetsuit sizing charts for men, women and children.

Once you have your measurements to hand, you’ll be able to establish what size of wetsuit you need. 

Keep in mind that wetsuits are designed to fit really tightly to the body, and they will loosen and stretch slightly the first few times you use them. A wetsuit that is too loose will be prone to “flushing”, which occurs when the wetsuit is unable to trap a thin layer of water between you and the interior of the suit.

You should however, be able to breathe freely and lift your arms above your head the first time you put a wetsuit on.

Wetsuit Thickness
Once you've established what size wetsuit you need, next you will want to consider what wetsuit thickness you require.  The thicker the wetsuit material is, the warmer it will be. Wetsuits can be bought in thicknesses that include:

• 2mm
• 3/2mm
• 5/4mm

The first number before the slash, for example, the “3”, in 3/2mm, refers to the thickness of the neoprene around the torso, and the second number, for example, the “2” in 3/2mm, refers to the thickness around the arms and legs.

The wetsuit you need is usually determined by the temperature of the water you’ll be using it in.

In the UK summertime, the sea for example, is typically 15-20°C in mid-summer, but tends to be substantially colder in the north.

*When choosing a wetsuit also consider the activity you will be partaking in. Scuba diving for example, will typically involve greater immersion in the water than surfing, and water tends to be colder the deeper you go.

Always take extra precautions to offset hypothermia in the colder months and hyperthermia in the summer, especially when participating in water sports for the first time. 

During the winter months, you may also want to consider investing in a pair of wetsuit boots and a changing robe to decrease the risk of your core body temperature becoming too low. 

Almost any wetsuit can be used for open water swimming, however, the ideal wetsuit will have plenty of flexibility and mobility around the shoulders and hips. Thinner wetsuits will generally allow for great mobility, which will make swimming easier.

During the warmer months, a 3/2mm wetsuit, which has 3mm thick neoprene around the torso, and 2mm around the limbs, is a great option. 

Wetsuit boots are also a wise investment, as the feet can get extremely cold during cold dips and winter wild swimming.

As a beginner, it’s usually best to buy a wetsuit that is not adapted to or specific to a particular sport. However, you can still keep these guidelines in mind:

Paddleboarding, Surfing & Windsurfing
As a general rule, wetsuits for paddleboarding, surfing and windsurfing should have padded knees, to protect them when getting on and off your board. AquaTec wetsuits have SUPRATEX Knee Pads, for additional support and protection.

As you should hopefully spend the majority of your time on the paddle or windsurfing board, rather than in the water, you shouldn’t require a huge amount of mobility around the shoulders, as you won’t be swimming long distances (hopefully!). 

In addition, as you’ll be on the water, rather than in the water for the majority of the time, you may not need a wetsuit that is quite as thick, compared to one for open water swimming in the winter, for example.

Kayaking, Canoeing & Swimming
As you’ll be using your arms a lot, look for a wetsuit with a high level of flexibility and manoeuvrability around the shoulders. AquaTec wetsuits are manufactured with non-restrictive neoprene material and a nylon lining, making them a great choice for kayaking enthusiasts.

At Net World Sports, we stock a range of wetsuits, including full-length and shorty wetsuits designed for men, women and kids. We also have a selection of wetsuit and watersports accessories including rash vests, wetsuit boots and changing robes to ensure that you are warm all year round.

If you are looking for water sports equipment, we also have a comprehensive range of inflatable kayaks, paddle boards, life jackets, dry bags, carry bags, pumps and accessories including repair kits and board leashes. We also have a wide selection of indoor swimming equipment, including floats, swimming caps, pool noodles and water polo equipment!