Wetsuit Buying Guide

What is a Wetsuit?

A Wetsuit is a garment made of light material such as neoprene. The wetsuit actually lets a little water into the suit, which is allowed to circulate between the skin of the diver and the outside suit layer. As a result, the trapped water is gradually warmed up to near body temperature and helps keep the diver comfortable. The suit layer helps insulate the warmed water next to the body from the outside water. A wetsuit's purpose is to provide thermal insulation, abrasion resistance, and buoyancy.

Styles

Wetsuits range from a thin (1 mm or less) "shortie" to a full 8 mm semi-dry suit, usually complemented by neoprene boots, gloves, and a hood. The thicker the suit, the warmer it will keep the wearer.

	Shorty Shortie wetsuits cover the torso, part of the arms, and part of the legs. They keep the diver safe from scrapes and stinging sea life. Some snorkelers wear shorties to protect themselves from sun damage, even in warm water. They typically zip in the back for easy donning.
	Full Wetsuits One-piece jumpsuits are used by cold-water divers to protect the entire body. They frequently offer a taller collar to protect the neck and accommodate a hood. While they offer more warmth, they provide a slightly more restricted range of motion than a shortie.
	Two-Piece Two-piece suits (jacket and long johns) can be worn separately in mild conditions or together for double insulation in cold water. Typically, these provide 6 to 14 mm of material around the torso.

Thickness

The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you stay, but the more flexibility you lose. Keep in mind that neoprene contains air bubbles; as you descend, the pressure makes the suit thinner, which may make you feel colder at depth.

Choose your suit by water Temperature
71°F(22°C) - 88°F(31°C) Use 2.5 mm or more	60°F(16°C) - 75°F(24°C) Use 5 mm or more	50°F(10°C) - 65°F(18°C) Use 6 mm or more

2-3mm: Ideal for warm water diving, snorkeling, and sun protection.

5mm: Ideal for temperate water or divers who feel cold easily. Offers better insulation with a slight reduction in range of motion.

6-7mm: Cold-water gear. Offers maximum warmth but the least flexibility. Essential for deep dives where pressure compresses the suit.

"When diving, the cold is your worst enemy!"

Improve thermal insulation with a hood (which prevents up to 20% of body heat loss), neoprene undershirts, or over-shorties.

Fit

A wetsuit must be form-fitting to prevent water from constantly flushing in and out. If it is too loose, your body cannot warm the trapped water.

1. Snug, not uncomfortable: If it pinches or your hands/feet tingle, it is too small.
2. The Mirror Test: Look for bulges. If the suit bulges, it is too big and will let water flow through.
3. Sizing: Always check the manufacturer sizing chart before purchase.