What does 2/3 wetsuit mean?
The first number refers to the thickness in the chest and back, where warmth is most important. The second number shows the thickness in more flexible areas, such as the arms and legs. For example, a 4/3 mm wetsuit means the torso is 4mm thick, while the arms and legs are 3mm. C to around 12°C, covering most of the year from April until late November.Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between you and your suit, your body then heats that water to help keep you warm. So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently.Rash vests worn under wetsuits protect skin from chafing or rubbing and offer extra warmth. In very cold conditions, pairing a rash vest with neoprene shorts or insulated leggings can help add insulation. Learn more about what to look for when searching for the right winter wetsuit for children.A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.
Can you swim in a 3mm wetsuit?
A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for UK summer months (June–September) when water temperatures range between 14–18°C, offering warmth and flexibility for surfing and swimming. Just like above, we’d highly recommend that if you want to wet a wetsuit before putting it on, then make sure you’re wet too. If you’re wet and the suit is dry, that could lead to tears or damage to the suit because you’re trying to finagle your way in something that’s just not working.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit.You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad. If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.WHAT WETSUIT DO I NEED? For water temperatures of 15°C to 25°C, a full length summer suit or a shorty is the ideal option. A full length summer suit will give you a little extra warmth in cooler water and a shorty is perfect for giving you just enough warmth without cooking you when the sun climbs during the day.
What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit?
What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit? The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time. If the wetsuit is too thick, you may overheat and become fatigued. If the wetsuit is too thin, you may become cold and your movements may be restricted. The ideal thickness for a wetsuit depends on the water temperature and your personal tolerance for cold.What Happens When You Have a Poorly-Fitted Wetsuit? If the suit is too tight, you will be warm, but your movement will be restricted, and you will not be as comfortable as you should be. This could result in skin irritation around the seams.Yes, it is. Many people choose to wear nothing under their wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body, and the fewer layers underneath, the better the insulating effect. For some, this is the most comfortable option, especially during short sessions or in warm conditions.The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimetres (mm); generally speaking, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer the wetsuit will be. For example, a winter wetsuit typically has 5mm neoprene in the arms and legs, while a summer wetsuit only has 2 or 3mm.Reading the temperature guide Generally, you’ll find yourself using wetsuits that fall in the middle of the spectrum. For instance, a 3mm shortie or steamer is perfect for water temperatures between 18° and 24°C (65° – 75°F) and serves as an ideal high summer suit for the UK and other parts of Europe.
How to choose a kids wetsuit?
From May until October we recommend a 3:2 full suit. For warmer months they may prefer to use a 2mm shorty if the water temperature is sitting around 20 Celsius or above. For the colder months from November to April, when the water temperature sits between 5–12 Celsius, a 5mm neoprene wetsuit is the best option. If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything.Wetsuits help you swim faster by reducing drag and improving buoyancy, if it fits you properly. We would recommend you try on a suit before buying if possible, as wetsuit sizings vary from standard dress sizes and between wetsuit brands (some brands have a more athletic cut than others).Modern wetsuits aren’t just warm – they’re engineered for performance. Whether you’re racing in your first sprint triathlon or aiming for a PR in open water, the right wetsuit can help you swim faster, more efficiently, and with less fatigue.Dive Skin or Swimskins: These are tight-fitting, thin suits made from neoprene or a similar material. They provide some buoyancy, streamlining, and minimal thermal protection. Regular Swimwear: For very warm waters, regular swim trunks, bikinis, or swimsuits might be sufficient.Length: The wetsuit should reach the ankles and wrists without bunching up. Neck and Sleeves: There should be a snug fit around the neck and sleeves to prevent water from flushing into the suit. Comfort: Ensure there’s no pinching or restriction, especially around the shoulders and neck.
Can you wear a wetsuit in very cold water?
Do Wetsuits Work In Very Cold Water? A lot of people will tell you that wetsuits don’t work in very cold water. That’s incorrect. Long before we had drysuits, safety-conscious paddlers wore wetsuits – even when paddling on freezing cold water. For water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 65°F (15. C to 18. C), many swimmers will wear a wetsuit to prevent their core body temperature from dropping too quickly. For those venturing into colder waters (50°F to 59°F or 10°C to 15°C), a thicker wetsuit is required for adequate protection.The TYR Hurricane Category 2 wetsuit has been designed for intermediate athletes who are capable open water swimmers. It is packed with state-of-the-art features that give a lift in the water and reduce drag.Swimwear is a practical choice to wear under a wetsuit – a bikini or swimming costume for women and swim trunks or swim shorts for men. Swimwear is designed to fit seamlessly against your body, and can also prevent chafing on those more ‘delicate’ areas, shall we say. It’s quick-drying, hygienic and comfortable.THE SCIENCE BEHIND WETSUIT THICKNESS Your body heats that water, and the neoprene helps retain the warmth. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water.
Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?
If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up. A 3/2 mm, also called a 3. It has 3mm neoprene in the core for warmth and 2mm in the arms and legs so you can paddle easily. The 3/2 thickness is great for early mornings or late summer when the air starts to cool down.From May until October we recommend a 3:2 full suit. For warmer months they may prefer to use a 2mm shorty if the water temperature is sitting around 20 Celsius or above. For the colder months from November to April, when the water temperature sits between 5–12 Celsius, a 5mm neoprene wetsuit is the best option.
Are wetsuits good for kids?
Protection against the cold In the same way it does for an adult, a wetsuit slows this loss of heat by trapping a thin layer of water between a child’s skin and the suit, which then warms and helps to stop their body heat racing away – keeping them warmer for longer. Rash vests worn under wetsuits protect skin from chafing or rubbing and offer extra warmth. In very cold conditions, pairing a rash vest with neoprene shorts or insulated leggings can help add insulation. Learn more about what to look for when searching for the right winter wetsuit for children.Thermal Layers In colder waters, thermal layers can enhance warmth and comfort. Thermal Rash Guards: Designed for insulation, these are made from materials like neoprene or fleece-lined fabric. Neoprene Shorts or Tops: Add extra warmth without too much bulk. These pair well with wetsuits in extremely cold conditions.Do wetsuits keep you completely dry? No. Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water against your skin.