Do wetsuits actually keep you warm?
A wetsuit should keep you warm and comfortable, but not too hot. Additionally, it shouldn’t restrict your range of movement. Therefore, it is important to choose the right wetsuit thickness for the weather conditions and water temperature in which you are going to use it. Generally, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene. Wetsuits fit more snugly than clothing.Cold-water 7mm – 1/4-inch two-piece wet suit with hood and boots, add 10% of your body weight, plus 1. Neoprene drysuits, add 10% of your body weight, plus 3 – 5 kg/7 – 10 lb. Shell-style dry suits, add 10% of your body weight, plus 1.Wetsuits may feel tight around your neck if you’re not used to them – different brands and styles have higher/lower necks so find what works for you. Suits should feel like they are gently compressing you all over. Although they should be tight, you should be able to stretch to your full stroke in it.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.If you surf much during winter or early mornings you can get the warmer 4/3mm thickness for just a bit more than the 3/2. Wetsuits are typically made with thicker (3 or 4mm) panels at the legs and trunk, and thinner panels around the arms where more flexibility is needed.
Should I wear a wetsuit for open water swimming?
If you plan on open water swimming in extremely cold water you may need a dry suit, but in any other water you should just get a wetsuit. What’s more, depending on how cold the water is where you are swimming and upon your personal threshold for cold water, you may want a short suit instead of a long suit. A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck. If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”.Ultimately wetsuits should feel relatively tight and fit snuggly to your skin – there should be no pockets of air or wrinkles when you put one on. However, they shouldn’t be so tight as to limit your range of motion or dig in uncomfortably. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your body and the suit.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.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.
What to wear under a wetsuit for open water swimming?
Compression Shorts They help reduce friction and enhance comfort while wearing a wetsuit. Recommended options include diving shorts which provide both warmth and comfort. These shorts ensure a snug fit without restricting movement, making them perfect for various water sports. For example, if your swimsuit doesn’t have enough support, you can try wearing a bra underneath. If your swim shorts don’t have any lining, in most circumstances, it would probably be better to wear boxers or briefs rather than going commando. Females can wear panties with board shorts for additional comfort.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.Swimwear We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort. Women can wear a swimsuit or bikini, it’s just important to pick the right one.
What thickness wetsuit do I need for open water swimming?
May 2025: We are concerned at the growing number of brands who are stating they are selling “open water swimming wetsuits” but these are not safe open water swimming wetsuits. A safe open water wetsuit should be a 3:3 thickness for women and a 3:5 thickness for men. The first thing to consider is the weather and water temperature. If the air temperature is warm, then you probably don’t need a wetsuit—unless the water temperature is much colder than the air temperature. In this case, a wetsuit will help keep your body temperature regulated and prevent hypothermia from setting in.Neoprene Wetsuits are not High Tech… So does just staying at home if the water or air temperatures are too chilly. But neoprene wet suits can also be cold and clammy feeling. They don’t breath, and have no ability to adapt as the day gets hotter.Wetsuit Thickness for Water Temp 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15. C): A 5mm or thicker wetsuit is necessary to provide enough thermal insulation in these cold waters. F to 70°F (15. C to 21°C): A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for this temperature range, offering warmth and mobility.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.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.
Do I need a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice. 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.