Whether paddling, surfing, swimming, or doing any other activity in the water, picking a good wetsuit top to match with the rest of your wetsuit gear will keep your core warm and safe when in the water.
Wondering why you would need a vest? Well, sometimes, in warmer weather, you can’t have a full wetsuit on merely because it’s hot, and it can make you feel restricted. However, a thin protective wetsuit top that acts like a rash guard and a vest at the same time might be just the thing you need to protect you from the harmful UV rays and the wind.
We have researched a large number of wetsuit tops women and come with some great options to save you time so you can spend it out in the water enjoying yourself.
A quick look ahead of the ten wetsuit tops for women we will be reviewing, we have taken a cross section of styles and different types for different occasions
- Heavy duty YKK front zipper water jackets for women is easy for exit and entry; Flatlock seams the line is delicate and neat, durability and fantastic comfort to keep your body warm in the coldest conditions for canoeing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving and water aerobics.
- Three layers of diving fabrics womens wetsuit jacket, the outer is imported nylon fabric, it is high elastic and durable; the middle insulation is neoprene
“I love the colors but almost sold this item to a smaller woman in my water aerobics class because it fit so very tightly! i still sometimes need my husband to get the zipper started and it is a tight squeeze WHEN DRY. When it is WET, it is PERFECT and doesn’t slide up around my waist or form an air pocket in back.
This has been my favorite purchase in a LONG time as it is a great weight with solid seams and zip and makes winter water aerobics FUN for the first time in years. And yes, the colors make exercising more fun, too :-).”
- Print:82% Polyester 18% Spandex,Solid:82% Nylon 18% Spandex
- Pull On closure
- Colorblock striped rashguard top features quick drying, breathable, moisture wicking fabric for all day comfort
- UPF 50 fabrication protects skin by blocking harmful Ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays
- Banded crew neck swim top with raglan sleeves allows arms for full range of movement
- Durable stretch swimming shirt boasts excellent shape and color retention
“I love this rash guard! I’m 33, a size 10/12 and a mom of two so I needed a rash guard that protected me from the sun and kept me covered while chasing kids down the beach. It saves me time by me not having to put sunscreen on the parts that it covers. I also bought the matching shorts bottoms from the same company. The color blue was a deeper turquoise not pastel. It compliments the black nicely. There are strings on the sides to make it as fitted as you like. I did size up one size, buying the XL. I wore a bikini top underneath for support. The fabric and fit feel comfy like my workout clothes and I don’t have to worry about stuff falling out! It’s my favorite swim suit and I highly recommend both the top and the bottoms.”
- 85%polyester,15%spandex,Made of Light weight and breathable fabric
- Zipper on the front is easy to wear, Adjust the swim wear 7 sides drawstring to convert from a dress to a shirt
- Stylish and Versatile Women rash Guard top, Suitable for Surfing, Diving, Yoga, Fitness, Sun UPF UV Protection
- Long sleeve & Front zip & Adjustable Drawstring & print/Solid design for maximum comfort and coverage
“This rash guard is so comfortable and lightweight. I wear it with my swim tights and it looks fabulous. I’m working at the beach outside every day and I can get wet in the ocean or pool and be dry and cool within minutes. Highly recommend-wish I could find more like this one.”
- Made of 2mm thick highly stretch neoprene; Comfortable Flatstitch Construction gives you a soft and comfortable fit
- Excellent stretch and recovery fabrics, form-fitting design reduces drag in water provides you a free movement without restriction
- Premium lightweight neoprene with more air cells prevents water from coming in and out; increase warmth and decrease weight
“I bought this jacket to wear when I snorkel. I am always cold even in warmer water and would like to stay in longer. I have used full wetsuit in past but not a fan of the difficulty putting on and taking off. A jacket and pants was a huge improvement. This jacket fit great. I was concerned with how long the sleeves were and how far down on hips it would sit. I spent a lot of time online searching for a reasonably priced jacket but was very dismayed with the sizing of a lot of brands. I am 5’10” and 140 lbs. I do have pretty thin arms and there was a little extra room here, but did not hinder my swimming in any way. The bottom of the jacket came to my lower hips, which are 38″.
I ordered a size 12 and the fit was awesome. I used it everyday when I snorkeled and was able to stay in the water for longer periods of time. It was a comfortable jacket. The zip front was easy on/off. You did have to tug at the sleeve a little to get it off, but that’s how a wetsuit fits. It allows a little bit of water in that your body heats up and keeps you warm while your in water. So much easier than wearing a full wetsuit. I definitely recommend this jacket.”
- 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.
- 3mm neoprene for warmth without sacrificing flexibility.
- Easy-reach, extra-long leash and easy on with heavy-duty YKK back zipper
“Received quickly and am very impressed with the quality of the wet suit and how nice it looks. It was purchased with the hope of being able to extend my paddle board season during the Fall on Cape Cod. Size chart seems accurate. I purchased a 2XL that seems to fit well–I am 5’11” and weigh 225 pounds. Zippers are rugged and well padded under the zipper. Looks like it will be very water tight. Never had a wet suit before–easy enough to put on. Nice long rip cord for pulling the zipper up and down from the back. Very pleased with the purchase and value.”
- Made of 2mm thick highly stretch neoprene; Comfortable Flatstitch Construction gives you a soft and comfortable fit
- Excellent stretch and recovery fabrics, form-fitting design reduces drag in water provides you a free movement without restriction
- Premium lightweight neoprene with more air cells prevents water from coming in and out; increase warmth and decrease weight
“I rarely write product reviews, and I’m here to tell you that this wetsuit top is the best thing ever. I am that person who is always – I mean, always -cold. I have a hard time swimming in cold water and miss out on adventures just because I don’t want to freeze. I purchased this wetsuit jacket recently before a trip where we would be doing a lot of ocean swimming as well as in cold rivers and lakes. This thing was an absolute lifesaver! It kept me so warm that I didn’t even think about being cold and was just able to enjoy the water and the activities. I can’t recommend it more. The only thing to be aware of is that it runs really small. I am usually an XS in women’s shirt sizes and the size 6 in the wetsuit top fit me perfectly.”
- The Cressi Idra is a swimsuit made of a double-lined Ultraspan Neoprene thick 2 mm designed for women.
- Suitable especially for swimming and snorkeling, but also for diving, windsurfing, water skiing, water aerobics, and other water sports.
- The Neoprene act as a protection against sun-rays, jellyfish, and wind. It keeps the body warm for prolonged activities in the water.
- Being double-lined, the swimsuit slides well on the skin, making it comfortable and facilitating its wearing.
- The Neoprene becomes softer once it is in contact with water therefore it is normal for it to feel tight as soon as it is worn. We recommend checking the size chart for choosing the correct size.
“This suit is all that one might expect of an Italian-made swimsuit: lovely to look at, tastefully designed to the contours of a woman’s body, and fun – whether the water you’ll be swimming in is a little bit cool or tropical. The front zipper makes changing in and out of it super-easy. I wear mine with neoprene or compression shorts to stay comfortable for an hour in the pool, and maintain the hip buoyancy I need to conserve kick effort. So far the suit has stood up well to 3-4x swims in a chlorine pool every week (for a couple of months). I just rinse and dry it afterwards. I like the suit so much I bought another one, in case they discontinue the style before I wear the first one out! DURABILITY: I don’t doubt the construction of this suit because the stitching is extraordinary: double or reinforced stitching everywhere, rubber gussets, seals, and an exterior rubber-coat over the zipper and an interior neoprene fabric seal. *Not* your average Speedo single-stitch thread that dissolves in chlorine after a month.”
- Heavy duty YKK front zipper women’s shorty wetsuit is easy for exit and entry; Flat-Lock Stitched Seams is excellent durability and fantastic comfort to keep your body warm in the coldest conditions for canoeing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving and other water activities
- Three layers of diving fabrics front zip wetsuit, the outer is imported nylon fabric, it is high elastic and durable; the middle insulation is neoprene, it is high scalability, waterproof and heat insulation; soft close skin heating to keep warm, it is close skin and comfortable soft warm
“I’m a “shorty”, 5’3″, 185lbs middle-aged woman living in the North and I will not swim in the cold. If it’s less than 80 degrees, I do not want to get in the water. This is a great solution. I bought a size XL, and I am pleased at how well it fits. The arms come right to the bend in my arm, which is irritating, so if you are sized like me, it’s not a 5 star, but the tightness around the openings is just right, keeps the warmth in. I love the zipper in front that goes all the way down the leg, it’s easy to get on and off, even wet. For the price of a good bra or pair of jeans, I am getting extra value out of my pool.”
- Drawstring closure
- This women’s surf dress is made of high quality material 85%Polyester and 15%Spandex,shaped and durable for long time use.
- Lightweight fabric combined with beautifully cutting, provide breathability and moisture wicking. Exquisite flat-lock soft stretch sewing process makes the sports dress more beautiful, comfortable. Chest half zipper with pull for easy on and off, multiple solid colors available.
- The UPF 50+ sun protection layer will block out the UV radiation and protect your skin whether you are in or out of the water.
“Looks exactly as pictured and it feels great! The length of the arms was what i was a little worried about since my arms are long and most long sleeves fit me short but this was perfect and i can even put my thumb through the thumb loop to keep the sleeve down without it hurting after a while. The length of the shirt was also great and was longer on me than on the model, I’m 5’7, but my torso is short and my length is in my legs so the shirt went all the way down to my mid thigh. I bought in a size small, i weight 130lbs if that helps. But the sizing chart it provides are accurate and its what i went off of when i chose the size.”
- Short wetsuit for ladies made in quality Neoprene material that keeps warm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities. Made in double-lined Neoprene thick 2 mm for durability and warmth. Excellent Core-Warming capability.
- Quality YKK zipper for durability. The front zip entry makes the donning and doffing of the suit easy. Due to the anatomic cuts, it is always a comfortable fit.
- The wetsuit should fit adherent, like a second skin, to allow a small amount of water to keep you warm in the water.
“LOVE LOVE LOVE. I was about to quit swimming because the pool was too cold to tolerate. But this suit is perfect. Let there be no mistake, it doesn’t keep you dry any more than the swim cap does, but it does let the water seep in gradually and keeps a warm layer of water next to you so that you don’t feel the cold. It made the difference for me between swimming or going back to the treadmill where I ended up with stress fractures. I wear a size 2-4 typically and the small was perfect. It is a bit of a challenge to get off when you first step out of the pool but if you wait a few minutes it is easier.”
The Different Types of Women’s Shorty Surf Wetsuits
- Shorty = Short arms, short legs surf wetsuit
- Long Sleeve Shorty = Long sleeves, short legs one-piece wetsuit
- Sleeveless Long Jane = Long leg, sleeveless top one-piece women’s surf wetsuit
- Short Jane = Short leg, sleeveless top one-piece women’s surf wetsuit
- Cross Back Cut = Zipless one-piece spring suit
- Bikini Cut = Shortest One-piece type of wetsuit for women
- Boy Cut = Mid-length shorty leg cut
Getting the Best Wetsuit Top – Buyers Guide
Wetsuit tops are better alternatives if you don’t want to wear a full wetsuit down to the lower body. It’s enough to protect you from coldness because it can also prevent water-entry. However, there are other factors you have to consider before buying one. Here’s a buying guide for you.
Types of Wetsuit Tops
When choosing what type to buy, you should consider the water temperature or the climate. Most prefer long sleeves because it provides optimum comfort and heat insulation. It’s also best to use scuba diving or snorkeling because it can maintain the body heat you need while you’re in the water.
Some consider short sleeves to move freely, especially when it comes to water activities that need more action, like surfing, kiteboarding, or kayaking.
Construction of Wetsuit Tops
Aside from the sleeves, the construction is also crucial because it can either prevent or let water inside the suit. Also, it adds to the wetsuit top’s overall durability.
Flatlock Stitching
This construction overlaps two neoprene-pieces, and it’s stitching seams together. It uses a zigzag stitching method, which makes it ideal for water activities during warmer climate or water temperature. It also provides exceptional breathability.
Glued and Blindstitched (GBS)
This type provides a higher quality because neoprene segments are glued together while there’s a stitch halfway through the neoprene material. It’s watertight because it doesn’t leave any holes. Plus, it absorbs a minimum of water.
Welded Seam
This type comes with a silicon-based seal as it joins the neoprene panels, and it’s typically for premium wetsuits. You can assure you that it’s 100% watertight, yet it’s more expensive.
Overlock Stitching
This construction is the meekest way to join two neoprene-pieces, yet it’s not very effective because it tends to flush the water out. Most wetsuits for summer water activities have this construction.
How Neoprene Works
It’s also important to know why most wetsuits use neoprene materials. It’s excellent in trapping water between your skin and the material, which is necessary for thermal control. It’s how it keeps you warm even when you’re in colder water temperature. Also, it has to be fit, so it doesn’t flush the water out.
Women’s Surf Wetsuit FAQ
Can I Surf With A Swimsuit/Bathing Suit? Technically yes, but it’s not advisable since surfing requires a fair amount of time paddling on the surfboard that’s waxed for grip. A regular swimsuit does not have the extra materials on the chest area that prevents a chest rash, and obviously, the stitches are not as durable. Swimsuits don’t keep the warmth as well.
What To Wear Under A Wetsuit? Nothing, as the wetsuit is designed to go directly on the skin. Materials used in modern wetsuits are skin-friendly, and that extra layer underneath the wetsuit might not be the most comfortable choice. It applies both for men and women surf wetsuits.
How Should A Shorty Wetsuit Fit? Snug, but not too tight – As the most known recommendation goes! It is crucial to get exactly the right size, not one size up or down! A wetsuit that’s too large will let the water get in the suit, while a size smaller suit limits the capabilities big time.
Basic vs. Entry-Level vs. Premium wetsuits differences?
Supermarket wetsuits – Very basic in technology, limited size availability, lack of different types. Cheap wetsuits are definitely not meant for such high-intensity activities such as surfing.
Entry-level surf wetsuits – A wetsuit that’s made by a well-known surf brand is all you need. Cheaper wetsuits are still good, but not as comfortable and warm as the premium suits.
Premium surf wetsuits – Technologically advanced materials, zippers, and a variety of different types. Very stretchy, warm, good insulation qualities, and comfortable. Worth that extra.
Can I use the surf wetsuit for other water-related activities such as swimming/diving/snorkeling? Surfing wetsuits are a mixture between triathlon and a diving wetsuit – which is built for warmth and high-intensity movement. Many users claim that they’ve used surf wetsuits for warm-water diving, snorkeling, Stand up paddleboarding, and anything else you can imagine.
