The Best Wetsuits For Cold Water Swimming Top Picks: Updated In April 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Hevto Wetsuits Men 3mm Neoprene Scuba Diving Surfing Wet Suit Keep
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Hevto Wetsuits Men 3mm Neoprene Scuba Diving Surfing Wet Suit Keep

Help novice divers and surfers improve their skills with Hevto training wetsuits. It is designed for adult men, these wetsuits are built to provide you with warmth and buoyancy. You'll find that the wetsuits provide you with more freedom of movement, allowing you to master your swimming and diving skills more quickly. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: XUKER Wetsuits Women Men Youth 2mm Neoprene Wet Suits for Women

XUKER Wetsuits are designed to provide the ultimate protection for your body when you're playing in the water. The neoprene fabric used is a 2mm thickness, providing excellent insulation and protection from UV rays and abrasions. The zipper in the back makes it easy to put on and take off the wetsuit without help from others. Read Review

3. Best Comfortable: Hevto Women Wetsuits 3mm Neoprene Full Diving Wet Suit Surfing

Hevto Women Wetsuits 3mm Neoprene Full Diving Wet Suit Surfing is a warm and windproof wetsuit that offers hours of comfort on the water. This full-length wetsuit features a no-slip neoprene and nylon stretch fabric, which helps keep you comfortable even in rougher waters. The Hevto Women's Wetsuits is designed to protect you from jellyfish, coral, reefs, and other rough objects in the water that Read Review

4. Best Design: Dark Lightning Full Body Wetsuit Men and Women, 3/2mm Wet Suit

The Dark Lightning Full Body Wetsuit is built for the most demanding aquatic environments. Its 3mm neoprene and 2mm PVC materials provide great comfort and water resistance while the breathable, pre-shaped design allows for a relaxed fit that keeps you dry and comfortable. Read Review

Swimming in cold water can be refreshing, but it can also be extremely painful if you don’t have the right wetsuit. The right wetsuit will keep you warm and comfortable while you enjoy the coolness of the water. Even at lower temperatures, your body will still produce heat that keeps you from freezing.

This means that even if the water feels chilly, you’ll still be able to swim comfortably. Cold water swimming is a great way to exercise in an invigorating new environment. If you live near a lake or other body of water that stays above freezing, it might become your regular go-to spot for getting some outdoor breathing room and movement into your life without leaving home.

Or maybe you want to escape the summer heat and find someplace cooler than most other places in the country with year-round temperate climates. Here are our top picks for the best wetsuits for cold water swimming.

However, after investing in -research hours, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: our Hevto Wetsuits Men 3mm Neoprene Scuba Diving Surfing Wet Suit Keep with royal blue sleeves and side seams. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one XUKER Wetsuits Women Men Youth 2mm Neoprene Wet Suits for Women. It could better suit your needs. In addition, we complied some other wetsuits to help you choose easily.

Our Top Picks

  • 🌊Where- Hevto wetsuits are made of 3mm neoprene and nylon stretch fabric for softness and comfort. Stretchy fabrics give the wetsuit flexibility and fit body shape perfectly, which helps reduce the resistance to water. It is suitable for water sports in water temperatures of 57-72℉, such as diving, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet ski, etc.
  • 🌊What - Hevto training wetsuits are designed for adult men surfing/diving beginners and amateurs. The royal blue sleeves and side seams create a striking color clash with the black. You may feel constricted the first time wear it, but it’s necessary to provide you with warmth and buoyancy. Once you get used to it, you'll find that the wetsuit not only keeps you warm in the cold water but also helps you float more easily, allowing you to master your swimming and diving skills more quickly.
  • 🌊Which - When choosing your size, please match your chest, waist, hip size and weight first, and refer to your height data second to choose the right size. A professional wetsuit is close-fitting. If you need a size suggestion, please post your chest size, height and weight on Q&A.
  • 🌊How - No need to worry about the back zipper will bring trouble, we not only have a sturdy zipper track but also set a lengthened nylon belt. Zip it up quickly requires only two steps - grab the bottom of the zipper track and then pull it up with the other hand. You can instantly enjoy the smooth zipping process with the correct operation.
  • 🌊Why - Wetsuits can give you extra warmth in cold water. The working principle of wetsuits is that a thin layer of water will be left on the body when water enters the clothes, then this layer of water will generate heat from friction as the body moves, which protects the body from the cold.
TOP Choice #2 XUKER Wetsuits Women Men Youth 2mm Neoprene Wet Suits for Women
Our Score:
9.7
XUKER
  • One Piece Full Body Long Sleeve Wetsuit: Made of super stretch neoprene, very soft and elastic, effectively reducing the water flow resistance and increasing streamline. Suitable for various water sports, such as snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing.
  • Long Lasting Material Involved: Stitching the neoprene and nylon fabric in 4-thread flatlock stitch provides wonderful durability and flexibility, which makes it the best choice you can find in the market. Don’t worry about tearing apart again!
  • Brand XUKER Service: We are always committed to provide the best product for our customer at a competitive price. Since we started our business in 2014, we have made continous progress on water sports equipment. Adhering to the principle of customer first, we accept any kinds of return, no question asked, simply leave us a message.
  • Better insulation from Cold, UV and Abrasions: The water between the skin and the wetsuit will form a thermal isolation layer, which will prevent the heat generated from your body spreading out, that keeps you warm. Wetsuit also provide a protective barrier from stinging sea creatures and help prevent cuts and stings due to accidental contact with underwater environments such as a reef.
  • Easy to Wear: We designed a zipper in the back side, which is very convenient to zip up and down, you can easily put on and take off the wetsuit without the help from others. The back zipper is normally opened wider than front one, thanks to that, donning on and off will be much easier.
  • 🌊 Where- Hevto wetsuits are made of 3mm neoprene and nylon stretch fabric for softness and comfort. It is suitable for water sports in water temperatures of 57-72℉. No matter on a surfboard or a jet ski, you need a warm, windproof wetsuit to protect you from the strong wind and cold water. The underwater world is full of dangers. Reefs will scratch your arm, jellyfish will bite your calf. You need a Hevto full wetsuit to ensure you have a good time.
  • 🌊 Which - When choosing your size, please match your bust, waist, hip size and weight first, and refer to your height data second to choose the right size. A professional wetsuit is close-fitting. If you need a size suggestion, please post your bust size, height and weight on Q&A.
  • 🌊 What - Hevto training wetsuits are designed for adult women surfing/diving beginners and amateurs. A great combination of blue and black that visually slims your body shape. You may feel constricted the first time wear it, but it’s necessary to provide you with warmth and buoyancy. Once you get used to it, you'll find that the wetsuit not only keeps you warm in the cold water but also helps you float more easily, allowing you to master your swimming and diving skills more quickly.
  • 🌊 Why - Wetsuits can give you extra warmth in cold water. The working principle of wetsuits is that a thin layer of water will be left on the body when water enters the clothes, then this layer of water will generate heat from friction as the body moves, which protects the body from the cold.
  • 🌊 How - No need to worry about the back zipper will bring trouble, we not only have a sturdy zipper track but also set a lengthened nylon belt. Zip it up quickly requires only two steps - grab the bottom of the zipper track and then pull it up with the other hand. You can instantly enjoy the smooth zipping process with the correct operation.
  • / Once on, lift your arms over your head and stretch out your shoulders. This move should only be slightly restricting.
  • / You should be able to squat down and move your arms easily
  • 【Wetsuit Women Back Zipper】Back zip with extra long drawstring, for easy wear and fall off,full body swimsuit wetsuit for women, forms to your body like a second skin,,Ideal for water sports fans for swimming, surfing, diving, scuba, snorkeling etc.
  • 【Warm Tips】Handwash in cold water for this wetsuit women,designed for adult lady,increase the buoyancy of surf suits,help you float and diving skills faster.If you have any issues about product or service, please contact us.
  • STYLISH WETSUIT PANTS- Our wetsuit long pants are designed with bright rose red sides,which visually show the leg length and hip curve.the womens wetsuit long pants suitable for surfing,kayaking and so on.If you want to go surfing on the sea,choosing this pair of pants will make you more confident and charming.
  • ABOUT MATERIAL- Our 2mm neoprene womens wetsuit pants are made of 90% strechy neoprene and 10% durable nylon.This combination makes the lady's wetsuit long pants soft,smooth and wear-resistant.
  • PERFECT PROTECTION- Our women's wet suit pants are designed with long capris, which can resist the direct damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin.When we are water sports, we may come into contact with reefs and jellyfish.The womens diving pants will avoid the pain caused by directly rubbing the skin.You can move freely in the water like a fish.
  • HIGH WAIST DESIGN- Our girls wetsuit long pants for womens are designed with a high waist.This design conforms to the physiological structure of the human body.A good wetsuit should fit closely to the skin.This diving pants is higher than the crotch and lower than the chest.Limbs can stretch freely in the water without any pressure.
  • ABOUT WASH-Hand wash in cold water with neutral detergent, do not iron, do not bleach,dry in a cool and ventilated place,do not expose to the sun.
  • ?ABOUT GREAT MATCH?Flexel 2mm Black and Aqua wetsuit top women perfectly match with Black and Aqua wetsuit pants for women,if you want buy a suit ,please visit our store to get the maching size.At the same time,if you want select a wetsuit for kids, we also have Barbie Girl/Royal Blue Boy which are children style just for your family suits.
  • Sport type: Kayaking,Water Aerobics,Surfing,Paddle Borading
  • ?Warm for Temperate Water? Good material-Can count on the neoprene to keep you warm in the water especially during winter.Warm wetsuit top women in cold water will be perfect for your aqua aerobics on chilly days.It is recommended that the water temperature is not less than 65 ?.
  • ?Great for Workout? This 2mm womens wetsuit top is made of high quality neoprene and soft nylon,thus it can also provide great sauna effect.Many ladies bring this neoprene jacket to gym directly as a sweat suit to generate more heat and burn more calories so that they can loose weight more easily.
  • ?Durable for long lasting? As a professional wetsuit top provider,we always high value the quality and construction of this womens wetsuit jacket.Seriously stitched will last a long time,while the bulky zipper features top-notch construction that maximizes the lifespan of neoprene 2mm wetsuit jacket for women.
  • ★DURABLE: 150% high stretch and excellent recovery, flatlock stitched construction for superior strength and durability, don’t worry about ripped, our full 3MM neoprene surfing suit will be a long term partner for you
  • ★FULL COVERAGE: Skyone full body wetsuit women men can be fitted all size available for women men in XS S M L XL XXL XXXL, please choose the size according to your body figure sizes and reference to our size table image, However, due to everyone’s stature is difference and measuring tolerance ±1cm allowed, if you feel not fit for you, please simply contact with us freely and we will offer you a replacement or a refund, Click the 'Add to Cart' now!
  • ★WIDE APPLICATION: Easy on and off with draw cord front zipper design, fit tight and snug, excellent stretch provides your a free movement without restriction, neoprene 3MM wetsuit is wonderful for beach, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing...any other water sports, perfect gift idea for mother, father, family, friends, lover...ect
  • ★SIZE SUGGESTION: Skyone 3MM women men thermal wetsuit are designed to fit a little tight to provide maximum insulation,it should fit very tightly when dry and will be looser when immersed. When choosing your size, please match your chest waist and hip first.
  • ★PERFECT PROTECTION: With 3MM full body and long sleeve design, the delicate lines from waist to legs can perfectly modify your body shape, makes you look beautiful and stylish, Skyone surfing swimming for women men suit is UV sun protection and a defense against cold temperatures, jellyfish, sea lice...ect, tidy line stitching avoid the painful friction to skin, you can enjoy underwater aerobics more safely and freely in cold water with womens and mens wetsuit
  • 【WHY WEAR WETSUIT TOPS FOR WOMEN?】The wetsuit tops for women are not just for scuba divers! They provide comfort, warmth, and protection for any water activity. Importantly, a wetsuit top can expand the water sport season. In the water, wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between the skin and the suit. The water heats to match your body temperature, creating an insulated barrier to cold water.
  • 【AFTER-SALES SERVICE】All Wetsuit top at GoldFin offers a 1-year quality guarantee against manufacturing defects and 30 days free return policy. If you are not completely satisfied with these wetsuit tops for women, please return them and a full refund will be issued for you.
  • 【FUNCTIONAL WETSUIT TOP】When you are in the water, wetsuit tops can add buoyancy and it is lightweight will make you feel comfortable, not bulky. These neoprene wetsuit tops for women help retain body heat, dries quickly, and stays flexible over a wide temperature range. Protect you against cold water and harsh chemicals in a public pool.
  • 【WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS】GoldFin wetsuit tops for women with front zippers are easy enough to get in and out of. They are most often worn for swimming, aqua aerobics, water volleyball, surfing, diving, paddling, snorkeling and kayaking, and other water sports. Not just for scuba divers!
  • 【AMAZING WATERPROOF DESIGN】Smoothskin/rubber seal inside the collar, hem, and cuffs of this wetsuit tops for women to prevent water from coming in. GoldFin women's wetsuit tops will provide you enough protection from the cold water on cold windy days. Please note that only a snug fit can keep water out. Too loose and you’ll get cold fast.
  • 【The More advanced Neoprene Composite Fabric, Waterproof and Elastic】: This wetsuit adopts the updated neoprene composite fabric making you feel more comfortable and softer when you are puting on it. 3 layers design not only makes the wetsuit keep more elastic but also can keep warm in the water. This wetsuit is your best choice.
  • 【Working Principle】Ctrilady women's neoprene wetsuit can block the cold water from outside through tiny air cavities in the foam rubber. After the water enters the wetsuit, a thin layer of water is left on the body and won't seep out, so that the water that enters is not flowing between the wetsuit and the skin. The body keeps moving to generate heat and keep the body warm.
  • 【Humanization Design, More Considerate and Comfortable】: This wetsuit design is according to the human body shape which fits the human body. Make you feel comfortable when you put on it. Also there is front zipper that is easier to wear and take off. Moreover, the zipper paste is added at the bottom of the zipper to prevent skin injury when moving zipper.
  • 【Suitable for Many Occasions】: This swimsuit is designed for long sleeve having the sun protection function, protect you from the sunburn, but can keep your body warm effectively and protect the skin from injury.Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and other shallow water sport, but not suitable foe deep-sea diving. In shallow water sport, the neoprene material can keep you body warm effectively, let you enjoy yourself in the water for a longer time.
  • 【New Style Make it More Fashionable】: The new style of this rash guard is simple and fashionable. The bright color logo on the chest make this suit smarter and the fashion print on the both sides give you an extraordinary visual experience.

What to Look For in a best wetsuits for cold water swimming?

To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best wetsuits for cold water swimming of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!

Here are the main features of best wetsuits for cold water swimming that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:

Comfort

Because you will likely spend quite a lot of time in your suit while on holiday, comfort is important. If you are anything like us you may be too lazy to remove your wetsuit during the surface intervals.
A wetsuit that is the correct size should feel comfortable. If comfort is a priority, you should look for wetsuits with flexible panels made of neoprene at the knees, elbows and hips. To make the suit more comfortable, many manufacturers use thicker neoprene around the torso and thinner neoprene at key points.

Seals

It's more important to avoid water movement in cold water suits. Double seals are recommended at the wrists and ankles.
Perhaps you have heard of sealed suits or unsealed suits. To prevent water seeping into seams, a sealed suit has all the seams glued with special tape. A wetsuit is more costly if it has been well sealed.

Fit

The most crucial consideration is fit. Wetsuits that are too loose or poorly fitting allow water to flow in and out. An adequately fitted wetsuit traps water between your skin and the suit. The water layer is heated and kept warm.
Your wetsuit should be snugly fitted to your body. You'll quickly get cold if you make it too loose, and if you make it too tight you will feel restricted and like you are eating shrink wrapped sausage. One last note: Many people believe their wetsuits are too snug, but forget that they will relax once it is in the water.
If you are buying an online product, make sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for size. Wetsuit sizes will generally be determined by height and weight. Wetsuits come in both male- and female-specific styles. Stick to this because wetsuits for women are designed for female bodies.

Thickness / Warmth

A wetsuit's thickness is measured in millimeters. The thickness of warm water suits is between 1.5mm and 4mm. Wetsuits for temperate water range from 4 to 6 millimeters. Cold water suits average 7mm in thickness. There are some suits that come in two pieces. This means that the suit has an additional layer of Neoprene on the chest, torso and stomach.
How warm a suit will be depends on its thickness. Make sure you choose a suit suitable for the water that you will be diving in. A 7mm suit is too bulky and would make it difficult to stay comfortable on the boat. A 3mm suit won't keep you warm in the cold. We have listed the temperature ranges for each wetsuit.

Flexibility

Open-water swimming suits should be able to stretch at the hips, knees, and shoulders. Front crawling is not recommended if your arm can’t reach your ears.

FAQs

Can You Swim In A Normal Wetsuit?

You can still swim in your normal wetsuit. However, they are made of thicker neoprene that is more comfortable to wear and easier to use. The Super Composite Skin (SCS), which provides a smoother, more fluid feel in the water, is also available for wetsuits that are designed to compete in triathlons and open-water swimming. An open-water swimming suit will keep you cool and make it easier to swim.

Is There Any Misconceptions That Wetsuits Can Be Dispelled?

It is a common myth that warmth is determined by the wetsuit's thickness. Fit is actually the most important aspect. A wetsuit that is too big will allow water to enter, often around your lower back, groin and shoulder regions. This can draw heat from your body. No matter how well-insulated or thick a wetsuit may be, if it isn't snugly fitting, it will not keep your body warm.

Why Does My Wetsuit Smell?

It's likely that your wetsuit smells bad because you haven’t cleaned it properly. Everyone pees in their suits (there's no need to feel embarrassed), but not everybody takes the time and care to clean them properly. You should also consider body odor and drying your suit properly. We don't recommend putting your suit in the car while it is hot. You can simply give the suit a quick rinse with water and let it dry in direct sunlight. You can also use wetsuit shampoo to kill any bacteria that may be present in your suit.

Is A Swimming Wetsuit Different?

Wetsuits for triathlon and wild swimming are more flexible than regular wetsuits. They are also much less rigid and have a greater range of motion. These suits are buoyant to allow you to maintain an optimal body position and swim faster.

Which Wetsuit For Surfing?

Stretch is the most crucial aspect of any surfing suit. A suit with 100% stretch is a sign that it's a high-quality surfing suit. Wetsuit Wearhouse lists all of the stretch percentages for you. Stretch in your upper and lower body is a minimum requirement for a sport such as surfing. Super stretch of 100% is ideal, and it won't break the bank.

What’s Your Preferred Wetsuit Thickness And Why?

Ocean athletes generally fall in one of two categories: those who value warmth more than flexibility, and those who favor warmth over flexibility. Because the wetsuits are thicker and therefore more flexible, you will have less mobility. A wetsuit with a lot of flexibility is my preference. I prefer the lighter side. In the tropical tropics, I like to wear a 2 mm spring suit and 3/2 mm fully-fleted suit. For cooler water temperatures (like the 50s Fahrenheit), I would prefer to wear a 3/2mm suit. A thicker suit is better for certain activities like scuba diving. You won't have to move as fast as with other sports such as swimming, surfing and paddling. If you are unsure, you should go for a warmer suit. You can also flush water through the wetsuit to cool down. It can be difficult to heat up once you are cold.

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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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