- in Wetsuit Advice , Wetsuits
How to Select the Right Wetsuit Thickness
Anyone who is into water sports knows that they need to have the right gear to be able to truly enjoy their sport, and that gear includes a wetsuit. However, there are many different types of wetsuits, and not all are appropriate for all types of water sports.
You will need to consider a variety of factors before making your final decision about which wetsuit to get, including the thickness of the suit. The thicker the suit, the more protection you are going to have from cold water and wind chills. Let’s take a look at the things you need to know in order to select the right wetsuit thickness.
Anyone who is into water sports knows that they need to have the right gear to be able to truly enjoy their sport, and that gear includes a wetsuit. However, there are many different types of wetsuits, and not all are appropriate for all types of water sports.
You will need to consider a variety of factors before making your final decision about which wetsuit to get, including the thickness of the suit. The thicker the suit, the more protection you are going to have from cold water and wind chills.
Let’s take a look at the things you need to know in order to select the right wetsuit thickness.
Sport | 40+ Degrees F | 48 Degrees F | 52 Degrees F | 58 Degrees F | 60+ Degrees F | 65+ Degrees F | 72 Degrees F | |
| Surfing, wakeboarding, kiting, etc. | 6/5/4 sealed | 5/4/3 sealed | 4/3 sealed and taped | 4/3 sealed | 3/2 sealed | 3/2 flatlock | Springsuit | |
| Scuba Diving | 7mm John or Jane and jacket; 8/7mm one piece suit | 7mm John or Jane and jacket; 8/7mm one piece suit | 7mm John or Jane and jacket; 7mm one piece suit | 7mm one piece suit; 5m John or Jane and jacket | 5mm John or Jane and jacket; 3mm John or Jane and jacket | 3/2 full John or Jane and jacket; 3/2 full suit | 3/2 full suit; springsuit | |
| Lap Swimming | 5/3 full suit | 5/3 full suit | 5/3 full suit | 5/3 John or Jane | 5/3 John or Jane | 5/3 John or Jane | 5/3 John or Jane | |
| Kayaking and Canoeing | 5/4/3 sealed | 4/3 sealed | 3/2 sealed | 3/2 flatlock | Neoprene top | Neoprene top | Neoprene vest |
Other Considerations
In addition to the thickness of your wetsuit, there are other things to consider. For instance, you may want to have an undergarment that is meant to be worn beneath a wetsuit for protection from abrasion. Generally, these are only going to be needed when the water is 75 degrees F or above. They can be made from a variety of materials, including poly fleece and Lycra.
You will also need to consider the type of wetsuit you are going to be using. For instance, if you are going to be in water temperatures that are in the high 60’s or higher, you can easily get away with shorty wetsuits, wetsuit jackets, and wetsuit bottoms. Or, if you are going to be kayaking or diving, you may want to look into Johns and Janes, which are sleeveless, full suits.
Then, there are full suits, which are available in many different thicknesses depending on the water conditions in which they will be used. The thicknesses will be designated by numbers, such as 4/3mm, which means that most of the suit is made with 4mm neoprene, and flex points made with 3mm neoprene for flexibility.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a wetsuit that is going to keep you as warm as possible, look for a suit that has sealed seams. This means that there is glue along with the stitching, and this is going to help to limit how much cold water gets inside your wetsuit.
Of course, this is going to depend on the type of suit you get and the sport for which you will be using it. Use the chart above to help you decide which suit, and which suit thickness, is going to be best for your needs.
