A scuba diving wetsuit keeps you warm underwater and it also protects you from the sun, cuts, scrapes and stings. Pretty important, right? A good quality wetsuit is an investment in both your comfort and safety while diving.
There is nothing worse than an ill fitting wetsuit!
When it comes time to start your search for the best wetsuit for diving, you’ll need to find one that will keep you warm and can hold up for years of underwater adventures. There’s a ton of models and styles out there. So, which is the best scuba diving wetsuit for you?
Well, that’s why we’re here.
Above is our first group of wetsuits we have reviewed, just incase you see what you are looking for straightaway and don’t want to scroll through. Why waste time when you know what you want hey!
Two more sections further down.
- Worn alone or as a base layer under a wetsuit, makes it easier to put on a wetsuits. Features a long YKK corrosion proof front zipper. Foot stirrups and thumb loops keep the suit in place when putting on a wetsuit on over the skin.
- Our Sport Skin suit helps prevent skin irritation from UV rays (50+) and biological irritants like sea lice, insects and things that sting! Also, helps prevent chaffing from wetsuit use.
“It’s more of a dive skin than a wet suit…basically swim suit material, so it’s really easy to put on and take off even when wet, though it dries pretty quickly. I’m a short (5’3′-5’4″), round (195 lbs) woman, so I ordered an XXL to make sure I wouldn’t be straining the seams too much. Of course, I had to hem the legs a good bit, but at my height, EVERYTHING has to be hemmed. Otherwise, the fit was great.”
“After 6 days of diving in 85 degree salt water +/-, I was protected neck to ankles from the sun. (Being fair skinned, I tend to burn easily, so this worked out great! Totally protected me from the sun.) …very comfy, and even provides a wee bit of protection from brushing up against anything in the water…though I can’t testify to exactly how much protection it provides since I didn’t actually brush up against anything significant.”
- Mens wetsuits premium material include 90% CR Neoprene 10%nylon and spandex.
- smooth skin neoprene inner at the collar, arm and legs to stick your skin tightly & make sure that much less water come inside
- Heavy duty YKK Zipper with zipper pull/hook-and loop closure at back is easy on and off.
“4 stars. As an avid free diver I have to say this feels very snug pro wetsuit. I see most people that have no experience with wetsuits purchasing ones that are baggy. (This creates drag). Sits nice and flush against the skin. The decal designs would look really cool of it was raised an inch. And reflective/metallic shine. The sleeve lengths feel an inch short webbed gloves solve that. I will be testing this as soon as weather is permitted. I highly recommend this wetsuit. DO YOUR MEASURMENTS! Remember never dive alone. Be safe and most of all DIVE smart!! Do your research. I will be placing an additional order in the up coming weeks. I Would love to promote this product!”
- Three layers fabrics combination. A full-body design wetsuit has large areas of fabric covering the skin. Flat lock stitching reduces water flushing into the wetsuit. The wetsuit is designed to protect you from the cold from each aspect.
- More panels, more fitting wetsuit, more flexible surfing, and diving experience.
- High-quality and high-density fabrics ensure the durability of the wetsuit, also ensure its comfortable wearing experience.
“This wetsuit was a lifesaver. I bought it to take my piers out in northern wisconsin. I took them out in October the air was 35 and rainy and the water was in the 40’s. I was in the water for over 2 hours and this thing kept me very comfortable. If it only worked once it would have been worth it but it seems well constructed and I believe it will last for many years.
Edit: 2 seasons of use taking out and installing the pier and boat lift and the thing is still awesome. I also used it last weekend while in the water for over 8 hours installing a new rock wall along our shoreline, kept me comfortable all day and resisting abrasion from carrying and setting hundreds of bowling ball sized rocks!”
- Neoprene men and woman wetsuit | 90% Neoprene +10% Stretch Nylon, for multi water sports.
- 3/2mm thermal Full suit Design | Suitable for suggested water temperature at 55-65℉.
- Adjustable & Fit | Combine YKK zipper & premium Velcro that great block water from entering.
“I bought this for a recent dive trip to the Caymans in February and it was perfect for my uses.
While it does not have any reinforced areas (like more rigid material in the knee areas for example), it suited (pun intended) my needs very well. The fit was *fantastic* – I am female and 5’5″, 140-145 pounds and bought a size large.
I was worried about buying a wetsuit online, but this ended up being a perfect purchase. We dove at least 3 times a day for the week, so it got a lot of use. My husband ordered a wetsuit that was more than 3x as expensive and his suit showed pilling and wear and tear after a weeks use scuba diving, this wetsuit did not show any such wear and tear.
Looks wise – this is a “no frills” wetsuit – meaning there are no logos or branding on it at all, anywhere – which was exactly what I wanted.”
What is a wetsuit and how does it work
A wetsuit is an exposure suit, often made from neoprene, that divers wear to keep themselves warm and protect their body against scrapes and abrasions.
Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the wetsuit. Your body heats up this layer of water which keeps you warm and prevents you from losing too much heat to the colder water surrounding you. Further insulation is also provided by the tiny air bubbles that are trapped within the material of a wetsuit.
For a wetsuit to function effectively it needs to fit you properly. If it’s too loose then water will keep flushing through and quickly take heat away from your body.
Here is our next section of wetsuits we have reviewed
- The Guardian (Ⅰ) Warrior wetsuits are specially designed for adult men diving beginners and amateurs. It is made of 3mm neoprene + nylon elastic fabric. It is high-quality healthy, harmless, soft and comfortable, and skin friendly. Flatlock stitching, the line is delicate and neat. Guardian (Ⅰ) Warrior full wetsuits can keep you warm, help you float more easily, and help you master swimming and diving skills faster.
- The Guardian (Ⅰ) Warrior 3mm neoprene wetsuits are worn suitable for 50℉- 67℉.
“Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m old and pear shaped. My wife and I have taken up scuba again, so I was digging through my old gear and discovered all my wetsuits have shrunk. Funny the legs and arms still fit but the middle shrunk. I searched Amazon for “wetsuits” and they all seem to be made for 22 year old’s with 30″ waists. Then I came across these HEVTO wetsuits, that have a range of sizes from shrimp to walrus. THANK YOU! I tried on the wetsuit I ordered (medium walrus) and it actually fits and appears to be well constructed. The only negative I have is the wetsuit doesn’t have any “armor” on the knees or elbows, a very minor quibble. I hope HEVTO will expand into Skins and thinner wetsuits like 1-1.5mm. If all goes well, we should be diving next month and I will add to this review if issues arise or it preforms as expected.”
- Made of ultra stretch neoprene 3mm thick
- Four small zipper at the arms & legs to make it take off or put on easily comparing to other wet suit.
- Smooth skin neoprene inner at the collar, arm and legs to stick your skin tightly & make sure that much less water come inside
- An Anti abrasion knee pad offers better protection for your knee
“Let me start by saying you cannot beat this wetsuit for the price. The quality is just amazing, there are no flaws that I have noticed, and I think this suit could easily be 3 times the money if it was a “name brand” suit. The packaging was better than the average China packaging, and the tags that are on the suit make me think that it must be a legitimate piece of equipment outside of the U.S.
I have to admit, I was a little concerned ordering this wet suit because of the reviews talking about sizing concerns, but I followed the advice of using weight primary sizing key. I am 5’11” and 235lbs. I ordered a XXXL and it fits perfectly!
I have only used it once so far, but it was just what I was looking for. I live on the Great Lakes and the never really warm up, so a wet suit is a must for snorkeling and diving. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone!”
- 90% neoprene + 10% stretchy nylon. 3mm neoprene wetsuit keeps men, women and youth warm, provides more flexibility and comfortable. OMGear scuba diving suits are soft/ durable/ stretchy/ breathable/ friendly smooth touch/ warm/ uv protection/ UPF 50+. Water temperatures suggest 60°F +.
- OMGear long sleeves wetsuit is designed with back zip, very convenient for you to put it on and off. OMGear adult one piece diving suit provides different sizes, S – 2XL.Suitable for youth and adult. Please check the size chart before buying. Neoprene fabrics will be tight, so if you are taller and stronger than ordinary people, please buy a larger size.
“I needed a wetsuit for diving so I had searched and read many reviews and finally decided to buy from this brand. I am 5’10” & 190lbs, so I ordered a black wetsuit in size L. This size is a little tight, especially on the belly part. However, as a diver with a PADI license, I understood that wetsuits should fit snugly; thus generating a thin layer of water while diving and keeping my body warm.
I initially tested the wetsuit in my swimming pool and it was fairly stretchy. I still felt warm when the temperature was around 55℉. I also had a chance diving several days later in Orlando. The temperature was higher, but the wetsuit was still necessary. While wearing the wetsuit and the snorkel set that I bought together, the diving trip turned out so much fun & enjoyable. I freely swam in the deep sea, saw various ocean creatures and sea-plants, and really felt like Aquaman!
Everything can be cured by water! This was truly a great experience, even during the Pandemic. Overall, I was satisfied with the wetsuit which was stretchy enough and the quality was better than expected.!”
“Pros:
-Less expensive: I think this wetsuit was even better than the $280 wetsuit I bought elsewhere before.
-Stretchy enough: Made by premium material.
-Warm enough & felt comfortable.
-YKK zipper: a well-known brand.”
- Full body cover diving skin provides the best protection against sea lice, jellyfish, coral reef and other biological irritants. Perfect to wear in the ocean or any other water area. No more bruises and stings just wonderful diving experience. You can wear it alone in summer and wear it under your wetsuit when it’s cold.
- Dive skin made of soft and luxurious Lycra spandex, comfortable to wear with great ventilation, no color fading, extremely stretchy Spandex assures a perfect fit. Visible obvious bright colour is perfect for diving under water for your partners to realize where you are.
“I JUST came in from swimming at Napili Cove with the turtles while wearing this wonderful, extremely easy to get on and off, comfy wetsuit. Tomorrow, I will add a sleeveless snorkel vest for a little more warmth, but really didn’t need it today. It washed out nicely, and is drying well on a chair in the sun. I didn’t have to leave a toxic impact in the ocean, as along with my swim cap, I was completely UV-protected.
I am 115 lbs, 5’3.5″ and bought a size Small which fits perfectly. I am petite on the bottom with broad shoulders.
Excellent product and I will probably purchase another at some point, even to wear for lap swimming outdoors during the colder northern CA months.”
What are wetsuits made of?
Wetsuits are made of neoprene rubber, a closed-cell foam that traps millions of tiny gas bubbles within its structure. Unlike open-cell foam (i.e., a sponge), water won’t saturate neoprene, but the gas bubbles tend to give the material a lot of inherent buoyancy. When you put on a wetsuit, your 98.6-degree body temperature warms the gas bubbles in the neoprene, which act as insulation. This, combined with a snug fit,
minimizes the amount of water that enters the suit and keeps body heat from escaping.
Last section of Wetsuits
- Ultra stretchy 3mm Ultraflex neoprene body, 2mm Ultraflex neoprene sleeves and lower legs
- Seamless Paddle Zones: An ergonomic, seamless undersleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing
- Single SuperSeal Neck: a fully adjustable closure featuring a 360 smooth skin interior, chafe-free unfinished edges, and minimal bulk design
“Went recently to HI and my old dive suit fit, but the neoprene was getting stiff. I bought different version of this suit for my family. Worked great. Suits are relatively inexpensive relative to Scubapro. They worked perfectly. Kept us warm for a range of AM through night dives. The neoprene was supple. I liked the 3/2 configuration that allows more flexibility of arms/legs. I don’t get cold when diving, but my wife does – both of us were comfortable.”
- Wetsuit designed for all water sports like diving, scuba, paddle boarding, surfing, or kayaking.
- Spot taped at stress points and flatlock seams provide a smooth interior and exterior surface to ensure maximum comfort and durability.
- Constructed with premium neoprene for a comfortable and athletic fit.
- 3/2mm neoprene for warmth without sacrificing flexibility.3mm chest panel for added warmth and 2mm sleeves for greater flexibility
“This wetsuit fits me perfect! I am 6 foot and 230 lb and it fit like a glove. I utilized it once, approximately 4 hours during an ocean dive. It performed just as good as my Henderson 3 mil suit. The only drawback I have compared to my Henderson is the zipper makes it a little tight to Dawn the suit. The zipper does have a long tail string to enable zipping and unzipping without help. For the price you can’t beat this purchase.”
How do you choose a scuba wetsuit?
Every diver has different needs depending on their preferences and typical diving environment. Make sure you choose the perfect scuba wetsuit by considering style, thickness and sizing.
Choosing the Right Wetsuit Type
In many tropical dive locales, the water is warm enough that you could dive in a bathing suit. But most divers still prefer to wear a full wetsuit—usually 1 to 3mm—in order to cover their skin and protect from brushing against harmful corals or stinging marine creatures. A good compromise might be a shorty, which covers your core and stretches to your elbows and knees.
A farmer john wetsuit—also called a long John or long Jane wetsuit—covers your legs and core, but has no sleeves like overalls. Some divers prefer this style so they can wear their own hooded undergarment or just a rash guard underneath.
Features
Once you’ve determined the style of scuba diving wetsuit you want, look for these ideal features:
Fit: Your wetsuit should not fit either too tight or too loose. A too-tight suit will restrict your breathing and movement. If a suit is too loose, it will continually let in cold water, thus keeping you cold. Check for pockets or folds within a wetsuit when trying it on — there should be no noticeable air space for water to fill. A wetsuit will feel tighter on land than in the water. When trying one on, it should fit like a second skin: snug without being too constricting. It a wetsuit fits perfectly but the arms or legs are too long, they can be folded without detracting from its insulating properties.
Gender: Wetsuits are almost always built for either men or women. Paneling and thickness will vary in gender-specific areas. Women can try unisex versions if they are looking out for price, but will often find the fit of female-specific wetsuits more comfortable.
Thickness: Water temperature should determine not only the style of wetsuit you buy, but also the thickness. The thicker the suit, the warmer the diver will remain after being submerged in water. As a general rule:
– Cold Water: Less than 10-18℃ (50-65℉); 7+mm thick neoprene.
– Temperate: 16-24℃ (60-76℉); 5.5mm thick neoprene.
– Warm: Greater than 25℃ (77℉); 3mm thick neoprene, or a shorty.
Thinner suits will bring better flexibility with less buoyancy, but they sacrifice needed warmth for colder dives. Many suits will have a thinner construction on the arms, legs, and shoulders for increased mobility. Thicker chest and back areas will keep your core warm without hindering movement.
Neoprene: Neoprene is a rubber polymer filled with nitrogen air bubbles. It is what traps water between the suit and your body, warming up that thin liquid layer to create a thermal barrier against the cold outside water. Wetsuits can consist of either closed cell or open cell neoprene:
– Closed Cell Neoprene: Most wetsuits feature closed cell neoprene. Stiffer and more durable with a rubbery texture, closed-cell construction effectively insulates you against the elements. These wetsuits perform best on shorter dives as the less-flexible material starts to rub against your skin after extended periods of time. For beginning divers, closed cell neoprene wetsuits offer the best price point.
– Open Cell Neoprene: Open cell neoprene features a porous interior design that allows the suit to be more form-fitting. It will fit tightly, and require lube to put on. The flexible design also means it will not last as long as a closed cell wetsuit. However, the softness of the material makes it less abrasive and more insulating. Open cell neoprene wetsuits come at higher prices, and many new scuba divers opt for the less expensive designs until they become more confident in their underwater skills.
Seams: Wetsuit manufacturers often broadcast the type of seam construction they incorporate. Some styles are better for warm water, while others are more suitable for cold water. Seam design can come down to personal preference, as well as the water temperature. Different seams include:
– Overlock Stitch: Overlock stitches sit on the inside, and are the least effective at keeping out water. The inner seam construction may cause chafing or even wear out quickly. They should be reserved for use in warm water.
– Flatlock Stitch: Flatlock stitching rests on the outside of the suit with the two pieces of material appearing to be held together by railroad-style threads. The interior seaming is flat, making it comfortable against the skin, even though water still seeps through. Wetsuits with flatlock stitching should also stay in warm water.
– Blind Stitch: Blind-stitching is ideal for scuba diving wetsuits. The material is first glued together, then stitched on the inside. This construction provides the most waterproof option, and may include additional features:
– Double blind-stitching adds a layer of stitching on the outside as well.
– Blind-stitching with Fluid Seal (or seam taping) means the stitches are strengthened or covered with tape. Very little water will get through blind-stitch seems, making it best for cold water dives.
Stay Warm!
After proper training, nearly anyone can scuba dive. In addition to a tank, fins, and mask, a wetsuit lists among the scuba diving equipment necessities. We have wetsuits designed specifically for men, women, and children. Always choose your suit based on water temperature. The colder the water, and the longer you intend to be in it, the thicker a suit you will require. Be sure to base your choice off thickness, fit, neoprene quality, and seam construction. You can always further insulate yourself by adding gloves, booties, a hood, neoprene undershirt, or even an under/over shorty.
SIZE
It’s very important to choose the right size for your dive wetsuit so that you will stay comfortable and warm. It must not be too big because some water could leak in (losing isolation), and it must not be so small that you have trouble breathing.
Most manufacturers have different size charts, so keep this in mind and before ordering.
If it’s the first time you are wearing one, you might feel that it’s too tight and think that you got the wrong size, but keep in mind that it is normal to feel that it is quite snug on you.
A snug-fitting suit will take in less water. The more water the suit lets in, the longer it will take to warm up the water, and the more heat your body will lose. Most of the water will seep in through the neck, wrists and ankles. Therefore, be sure to get the right fit on those parts of the suit.
Keep in mind that what may seem really tight when dry can became much more comfortable once you get underwater.
How to take care of your wetsuit
All scuba diving gear needs proper care. These tips will extend the life of your suit:
1- Once you’re out of the water, soak your suit with cool, fresh water. There are special soaps for this purpose; they prevent the neoprene from taking on an undesirable smell. Soak the suit for about 20 or 30 minutes, then turn it inside out and soak it for another 20 minutes.
2- Use a toothbrush to rub certain parts, like the zippers and Velcro patches. Move the zipper up and down to get rid of any sand or dirt.
3- Examine the suit after every dive. Pay special attention to the seams and zippers and ensure that everything works properly.
4- Hang the suit in a dry place out of the sun. Turn it inside out from time to time to ensure that both sides are perfectly dry. This is important for extending the life of the neoprene.
5- Store the suit on a hanger in a dry place and avoid direct contact with the sun.
Is my Wetsuit smaller?
All wetsuits lose elasticity over the years and can shrink a bit as the neoprene cells collapse. This doesn’t mean you should buy a bigger size so that the suit will last longer. You should buy a high-quality wetsuit; it will be more elastic and will last longer.
