How to choose a wetsuit

1. Water temperature comes first

This is the single most important factor. Everything else follows from it. Check the average water temperature at your spot during the months you'll be surfing. As a rough guide: above 21°C (70°F) you want a shorty or spring suit, 15–21°C (59–70°F) calls for a 3/2mm fullsuit, 10–18°C (50–64°F) a 4/3mm, 5–13°C (41–55°F) a 5/4mm, and below 7°C (45°F) a 6/5mm hooded suit.

These brackets shift depending on wind, air temperature, your discipline, and personal tolerance. Our thickness guide has the detailed breakdown.

2. Consider your discipline

Surfers spend time sitting and paddling — partially submerged, moderate exertion. Kitesurfers and windsurfers are above the water, fully exposed to wind, with higher exertion that generates body heat. Divers are fully submerged with no wind but low exertion, so they cool down fastest. Your discipline affects how much you can deviate from the standard thickness brackets.

3. Choose your entry system

Back zip if you want easy on-off and don't mind some water entry. Chest zip if you want better warmth and flexibility — the most popular choice for regular surfers. Zipperless if you want maximum flexibility and minimum water entry and don't mind the extra effort getting in. There's no wrong answer — it's personal preference balanced against water temperature.

4. Check the seam construction

For warm-water suits (shorties, spring suits), flatlock seams are fine. For anything below about 18°C (64°F), you want blindstitched (GBS) seams. For cold water below 9°C (48°F), sealed or liquid-taped seams on top of GBS are essential. The seam type is one of the biggest factors in how warm a suit actually keeps you.

5. Think about fit before brand

Every brand's confection is different. Don't pick a brand first and then try to make their sizing work. Take your measurements, compare across multiple brands, and pick the one that fits your body best. A well-fitting mid-range suit beats a poorly fitting premium suit every time.

6. Set your budget

Budget suits (under 200 euros) use standard neoprene, flatlock or basic GBS seams, and simple linings. They work for beginners, warm water, or as a backup suit. Mid-range (200 to 350 euros) is where you get a real upgrade: better stretch, plush linings, proper seam sealing. High-end (350 to 600+ euros) adds premium rubber (Yamamoto, Yulex), graphene linings, minimal panels, and competition-level flexibility.

Honest advice: mid-range gives the best value for most surfers. The difference between mid-range and high-end is smaller than the difference between budget and mid-range.

7. Material matters — but less than fit

Natural rubber (Yulex, OCENA) is better for the environment. Limestone neoprene is the most common premium option. Petroleum neoprene is being phased out by the leading brands. Read more in the materials guide. But don't sacrifice fit for material — a well-fitting limestone suit keeps you warmer than a poorly fitting Yulex suit.

Or let us do it

This is exactly what our recommendation tool does automatically. Pick your spot, pick your dates, tell us your discipline and preferences — we'll tell you the thickness, accessories, and packing list. No account needed.