A Buyers Guide to Selecting the Best Wetsuits

by Ringo Ladue December 11, 2022

Are you looking for the best wetsuit for your needs? Learn everything you need to know in this buyer's guide to selecting the best wetsuits.

The first wetsuit as we know it today was invented in the 1950s. Back then, wetsuits were quite fragile and they would easily tear, but today, they are durable and flexible because they are made of specific materials that help protect the body in the water.

When it comes to wetsuits for sale, you might be wondering how you should choose.

After all, there are so many wetsuits out there that it can be hard to find the right one for you. Keep reading and learn more about the best wetsuits and how you can find yours with this wetsuit buyer's guide.

Make Sure the Suit Fits Properly

When considering the best wetsuits, you will have to consider the fit above all else. This is one of the most important factors of a wetsuit. There is a reason that some refer to this kind of suit as a second skin. That is good description of the snug fit that you want.

The wetsuit will indeed act as a second skin once you jump into the water. It should mold directly to your skin and ensure that your body stays as warm as possible. When a wetsuit fits properly, there should only be a very thin layer of water between your skin and the inside of the suit.

This thin layer of water won't affect your body temperature too much and the suit will make sure that you stay warm even in very cold water. However, if you notice that a wetsuit is allowing a lot of water to wash inside, then this is a problem and a sign that you're wearing the wrong size. If too much water ends up inside the suit, the suit won't be able to keep you warm.

The Wetsuit Details

More than that, a bunch of water sloshing around inside your suit will not make you an efficient swimmer. Any bunching or wrinkling of the suit around your back or limbs is also a sign that the suit is too large for you. A wetsuit should be slightly tight against your body, especially your neck since your neck is a sensitive area that can get cold quickly.

Some people, usually women, even wear a bathing suit underneath their wetsuits. This is for comfort and as an extra layer of defense, but this is not always necessary. Whatever the case, as long as you have a wetsuit that fits properly, you'll be on the right track.

Wetsuit Length

Learning how to choose your wetsuit doesn't have to be difficult, but you will have to consider a few other factors beyond the size alone. Another very important factor to think about is the length and coverage of the wetsuit. When you think of a wetsuit, you might automatically think of one that covers the entire body, including the arms and legs.

This is known as a full-body wetsuit and while it is one of the most popular options, it isn't the only choice out there. More than that, a full-body wetsuit may not be best for all situations. This type of wetsuit is best for those who are going into substantially cold water.

That way, the suit can keep your entire body warm, including your limbs. However, this sort of suit would be overkill in warmer water. An alternative option is what is known as a shorty wetsuit, sometimes known as a springsuit.

What You Need to Know

Besides the length of this suit, it is made of thinner layers of material compared to your average wetsuit, so it won't be able to keep you as warm. Usually, this suit stops at the thighs and has short sleeves.

That way, you won't get too warm in the water. This type of suit, of course, is only best for warmer water or during the warmer months. There is a similar type of wetsuit known as a Long John which is more or less the same as a full-body wetsuit except for the fact that usually lacks sleeves.

This wetsuit is also made of thinner layers of fabric compared to a full-body wetsuit, so again, this makes it perfect for warmer environments. So, make sure you know what kind of environment you're going to be swimming in before you choose a suit.

Partial Wetsuits

In some cases, you might not want a full wetsuit to cover your entire body. Instead, you might only want partial coverage. For example, if you're concerned about your chest getting cold, instead of getting an entire wetsuit, you can just get a wetsuit top.

This item of swimwear will work just as well as a regular swimsuit except that the protection is isolated to one area of your body. These wetsuit tops come with long sleeves as well as short sleeves, so you can choose the exact type of coverage you want.

You can also choose wetsuit shorts or long pants if you are concerned about your legs getting cold. Usually, these partial wetsuits are best for water that is generally warm. That way, you won't need to spend so much on an entire wetsuit and you can still keep parts of your body insulated and warm.

Choosing the Best Wetsuit

There are all sorts of wetsuit, but not all of them are good choices for you. You need to consider things like the size and the coverage before you choose a wetsuit that's right for you.