So when you buy a wetsuit, make sure you have the right balance of thickness and flexibility. Water molecules conduct energy (heat) 25-40 times faster compared to air molecules. When diving it depends again almost exclusively on the water temperature and the depth of the dives. Suits featuring mineral-enriched fibers that capture your body heat and convert it to FAR Infrared rays in order to keep you warm are the most common. There are three types of wetsuit entry constructions: back zips, chest zips and ziperless. The shape and thickness of your wetsuit will depend on how warm or cold your choice-spot happens to be. Wetsuit thickness and water temperature guide. Triathlon wetsuits are relatively thin and have a very good buoyancy at the same time. A proper fitting wetsuit will be challenging to put on when dry. Consulting brand-specific size charts for wetsuits is the best way to start finding the correct wetsuit fit. This may be a good solution if you have issues with mobility while paddling or surfing. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides, and mountain bike trail guides. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs. Choosing the right thickness of wetsuit for the area and activity that you will be doing is the first step to staying warm and happy, ready to focus on fun. Most wetsuits have a difference of 1-2 mm, because the warmth effect is more important on the body and the flexibility on the arms and legs. If you will be diving in winter, you will need a thicker suit than someone who is diving in Dubai in Summer. Before you determine which wetsuit you need, it is useful to understand how a wetsuit actually works. … With bloody beginners this can look a bit different  However, this stage should not influence the decision regarding the wetsuit thickness. This move should only be slightly restricting. Thickness. Your core heat is extremely important to maintain in order to prevent hypothermia. In water colder than 60°, wetsuit accessories such as gloves, boots and hoods help you stay warm. If your suit is loose, an abundance of water will flush through, making the suit less effective at keeping you warm. Need Essentials Fast Dry 4/3 Hooded Fullsuit. Firstly we would like to make clear that the following is no legal advice and to get all information, please check the websites of your Triathlon association! 6mm thick wetsuits should be used in the height of winter when water temperatures fall as low as 6°C. Quicksilver and XCEL work with this technology, whereby the thermal properties of the respective models differ again in the ratio flexibility/thermal strength. Quality of the wetsuit definitely counts (this is why good winter … Epic 2mm S/S Full Back Wetsuit This wettie only has 2mm in the description. Wetsuit vests can also be layered under a full suit for extra warmth in cold water. NASA discovered that a Far Infrared Ray between 6-14 microns is capable of penetrating the human body, raising body temperature while improving circulation and stimulating cell growth. The thermal material is usually worked into the wetsuit in the area of the upper body. In addition to our physical condition, both are decisive for the fatigue factor. There are several different types of wetuists that are best suited for different conditions. It should fit tight in order to keep only a thin layer of water between your body and your suit. Learning about what the numbers related to wetsuit thickness actually mean can help you decide what you want to purchase. What is a 3/2 wetsuit? The specification is made with two numbers. Therefore sun, wind and outside temperature have only a minimal influence. You therefore save a lot of energy with good thermal properties and thus suitable thickness. evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. The thinner neoprene (the second/third numbers) are used for your extremities. Recommended for use in water that is above 62°. (Pro Tip: Keeping your socks on will allow your feet to slide in much easier!). Chest zips are the trickier of the two types to both enter and exit. This is another great swimming brand when it comes to wetsuits as well as triathlon… Some wetsuits have hoods built-in. Still have questions? The wetsuit thickness is always given in millimetres (mm). (Nice idea though) It's a spring or summer wetsuit, and significantly thinner that the winter, cold water, wetsuit examples above. It depends on your level and ambition what kind of wetsuit you should buy in the end. A wetsuit is a neoprene insulation suit made for warmth and protection in watersports. Quiksilver Hydroshield). - 4mm (12 Degrees Celsius) – This wetsuit thickness is most suitable for British Spring / Autumn sea temperatures. If, for example, you have an inner lining for a 5/3 mm wetsuit, you can also wear it in waters where a 6 mm wetsuit is actually recommended. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters, represented with two or three numbers … These are general temperature guidelines. And there’s nothing more frustrating than getting out of the water in the middle of a perfect session because your whole body trembles like in a freezer. Wetsuit Thickness One of the most important aspects when considering wetsuit warmth is the thickness of the neoprene. © 2001-2020 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed  |, After you have your wetsuit on there should be no excess room in the torso, crotch, shoulders or knees. One of our most popular wetsuits is the Vissla 7 … – What is the water temperature of my destination at the chosen time of year? This layer of water is warmed by your body which prevents you from losing too much heat while in the water. Most of the time you are wet while riding which is a cooling factor as well. Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters, represented with two or three numbers separated by a slash. The thickness of your wetsuit depends on the temperature of the water you will be freediving in and the amount of time you will be spending in the water. Used to protect against sun and sand, sometimes worn under a wetsuit to prevent irritation. The chest zip may also be a more comfortable fit once on with a snug neck that is less likely to cause rashes and the zipperless back yields a greater level of flexibility. We have written the ultimate guide to wetsuit thickness and water temperature for you. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and up-keep easy. Blindstitching does not go all the way through the neoprene. The shape and thickness of your wetsuit will depend on how warm or cold your choice-spot happens to be. FAR Infrared technology benefits the human body in the following ways: Using this technology allows you to wear a thinner wetsuit in colder water, increasing your flexibility. Up there with Blueseventy is Roka. If in doubt, however, you should choose the warmer and somewhat thicker wetsuit version. Since freedivers are not in a state of constant movement the entire time they are in the water, it is important to choose a wetsuit … The intensity of the sunlight has a slightly greater influence than in surfing and even more than in diving. Between 25,56 °C/78 °F – 28.89 °C/84 °F you are allowed to wear a wetsuit, however you shall not be eligible for awards or prizes. In this respect there are small differences. … Tops or vests made out of 0.5-2 mm neoprene that can be paired with boardshorts or a bikini bottom, primarily used for warmer water sports. WINTER WETSUIT GUIDE 2020/21. As well as your wetsuit … And your mom would also be happy, because you do not catch a cold so fast. So you are permanently exposed to the wind and the outside temperature. By type, we mean the cut and sleeve style. Muscles, ligaments and tendons are heated and therefore more flexible. With this in mind, what thickness wetsuit … Either you paddle or sit on the board waiting for the next hot ride. Wetsuit thickness starts at 2mm and goes all the way up to 7mm. Thicker wetsuit also means you get tired sooner because your movements are more restricted. <45 <7C: A thick full wetsuit … But the joy only lasts when the wetsuit... Mediter. The first number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the torso area, the second number represents the thickness of the neoprene in the extremities (or just the legs if there is a third number), and the third number (if present) represents the neoprene thickness in the arms. This is how you find the right neoprene thickness for your needs, season and much more. – The maximum thickness allowed in triathlon competitions is 5 mm. What wetsuit for what water temperature is best for me? Exactly like a full suit but made with thinner neoprene (usually 1.5 to 2mm) and no material at the arms, for warmer waters. Piggybacking on the very fact that a winter wetsuit is … Do you ask yourself – what wetsuit thickness do i need? Sea Mid Season, Gold Coast / AUS in winter, Portugal Algarve in summer, Jeffreys Bay / South Africa, Atlantic Southern Spain, Algarve, France in Winter, Cape Town, California / USA in winter, England, Ireland, Cornwall / England in winter, Vancouver Island / Canada, Bali, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Phillipines, Brazil, North Carolina in summer, Mediterranean Sea in summer, Florida except summer, Mediterranean Mid Season,California Gulf of Mexico, Cape Town in summer, 5/4 mm or 6/4 mm hooded fullsuit + 5 mm gloves + 5 mm boots, 6/5 or 6/4 hooded fullsuit + 7 mm gloves+ 7 mm boots, Caribbean, Indonesia, Maldives, French-Polynesia, South Africa, Atlantic southern Europe in summer, Atlantic South Spain / Algarve in Winter, Cape Town, British Columbia/Canada and Norway in winter, No wetsuit required or 1 mm shorty or fullsuit, Hawaii Ironman, New York or Noosa Triathlon, London Triathlon in summer, Challenge Roth / Germany, San Francisco Triathlon Escape from Alcatraz or Wildflower, Wales Triathlon. This simple guide will help you get it right for the season and conditions you're planning on ripping. The wetsuit thickness influences its thermal properties and flexibility. These different kinds of wetsuits range from tops or bottoms to full hooded suits. Being cold drains your energy and cuts time spent in the water. The thicker the neoprene, the more warmth but less flexibility; thus the thicker neoprene is placed where you need less flexibility (your core) and the thinner neoprene is used where your body is constantly in motion (arms and legs). In Kitesurfing & co. most of the time you are above the water surface. Also, when you are bending forward, the suit will go taut in the back and the zipper lacks give, which may restrict movement. The thicker … 3/2 mm means, for example, that the neoprene has a thickness of 3 mm on the torso and 2 mm on the … These days only the entry level or low cost wetsuits will not be sealed but what … Recommended for use in water that is 55° and higher. Normal wetsuits are only able to insulate and reduce heat loss, but these wetsuits have the capacity to generate heat. Shorties, springsuits, short johns and wetsuit shorts - they all feature thinner material and short legs and arms and are primarily used in warmer water temperatures. Please give our customer care team a call at 866-386-1590, Customer Care Hours. The wetsuit thickness is always given in millimetres (mm). Instead, the stitch comes out the same side it went in, making it watertight. Even the own performance should be improved thereby. Although the summer time south swells do bring warm water, and the norths in winter make it cold, a number of factors such as wind and air temperature can cause the ocean to do some funny things. There is more to getting into your suit than you may think. Many brands will provide their own temperature recommendations that may differ slightly from those listed above. This generated heat will keep your core body temperature up, allowing your heart to continue pumping blood to your outer extremities. Certainly, the wetsuit thickness … One is almost permanently under water and is usually some or many meters away from the water surface. Lies flat against your body, causing no discomfort. It is a springsuit and is made of 2 millimeter thick neoprene all over. These athletes may wear wetsuits at max. Once on, lift your arms over your head and stretch out your shoulders. Psycho Tech 5.5/4mm Chest Zip Full Wetsuit by O’Neill (Men) – Best in Flexibility. Generally full suits have a thickness of 3/2mm, 4/3mm, or 5/4mm, & 6/5mm. If you really feel the cold or are hitting extremely low water temperatures, go for a … The interior taping will add durability, reinforce the seam, and prevent any water from seeping through. Recommended for use in water that is 55° and below. A light shirt made out of Lycra or other UV resistant materials. New and snug wetsuit will be warmer that an old, stretched out one of the same thickness. ), water sport, manufacturer quality can vary considerably and so can do the individual needs regarding the wetsuit thickness. Whenever you see two numbers such as 4/3mm or 3/2mm, it means that the product is made from 4mm neoprene around the … They convert this into infrared energy, which achieves a good heating effect. … Check out our guide to How To Put on a Wetsuit. In the end it depends on speed, so it is recommended to buy a wetsuit that is as thin as possible and therefore just sufficient for the given water temperature. Wetsuits are not meant to keep you entirely dry. The thicker the suit's neoprene, the warmer the suit will be because it has more heat-trapping insulation. Thus water temperature is decisive. However, you always move just below or slightly above the water surface. Sealed vs. The 4/3 wetsuit is 4mm thick on the torso and 3mm thick on the arms and legs. This is a big deal when you are trying to get into something that is skin tight. Fit is a very important aspect to consider when buying a wetsuit. Note: The thicker the neoprene, the warmer and less flexible the wetsuit is. The advantage of a back zip is that, relative to the other styles, it is typically the easiest to enter and exit. *Each brand has a slightly different fit; make sure to shop for your body type. In addition to water temperature consider the following: Please note: For cold air temperatures, more wind, an activity with less movement or if you get cold easily, consider a thicker wetsuit. The chest zip is superior at keeping water from penetrating the suit through the seams and the neckline. This is the classic solution with the zipper going down the length of the spine with a long cord attached so you can zip yourself in and out. The higher number refers to the thickness of the … Note: You can also use a common surf wetsuit for swimming/triathlon, however it is not ideal. In several wetsuits, thermo textiles are processed in the form of fibres. A 5/3mm wetsuit will keep you warm all winter long in most parts of Europe and is the most popular ratio for a winter wetsuit. From experience you need a little thicker wetsuit than for surfing for the mentioned water sports. Wetsuit thickness and budget – two key points to consider when selecting a wetsuit. Hoods can be added to hoodless wetsuits for additional warmth in colder waters. ... be sure to get the right size and thickness. At these temperatures you will also have to protect your hands, feet and head. 3/2 mm means, for example, that the neoprene has a thickness of 3 mm on the torso and 2 mm on the legs and arms. 25,56 °C/78 °F. If the temperatures are cold enough to make your extremities go numb, think about using boots, gloves and hoods too. WETSUIT THICKNESS Wetsuits range from 1 to 7mm in thickness typically. Wetsuit thickness ranges from 1mm to 6mm. 45F–55F 7C–13C: A full wetsuit at least 4/3 thick or a drysuit. Only arms and legs are regularly moved out of the water. It can protect you quite comfortably in temperatures between 53 to 60°F. You lose a little flexibility and have a little more effort while moving, however, cooling down is usually easier than warming up again. If you need a new suit for the approaching storms then dive in and check out the latest and greatest wetsuit creations in our winter wetsuit guide 2019/2020... +44(0)1637 878074 info@carvemag.com … The thickness of any wetsuit is measured in … Winter is coming...for many water sports enthusiasts this means anticipation of good waves and wind. Chest zip wetsuits are entered through a zippered cutout around the neck and you drop down into the suit through the neckline before pulling the neck cut over your head and zipping closed at the chest. Both cooling down and overheating lead to a high loss of power. If your wetsuit does not fit properly it will not be able to keep you warm or allow you the mobility you need for your sport. So there we have it, the detailed thickness guide. This seam style will let in very little water. Some extra warmth? While swimming you are under water with the main part of your body. The fibres contain minerals and are activated by body heat. This is enough thickness to take a dive during the winter without suffering from the cold. These stitch panels are glued and then blind stitched. Found on lighterweight (think 3/2 and thinner) wetsuits and neoprene tops, these suits prioritize mobility over warmth by eliminating the lack of flex found around zippered areas and stitching. The outside temperature, wind and sunlight have a relatively small influence. – A wetsuit may cover any part of the body except the face, hands and feet. You can get this info from any manufacturer. Specifications. The risk of injury is also lower with a little warmer wetsuits. Their temperature charts make you believe: “You only need a 3/2 millimeter wetsuit for 54F (12C) water, since our wetsuits … The most typical thicknesses are 1mm, 2mm, 3/2mm, and 4/3mm. Many companies have come up with their own flush guard technologies to reduce this from happening (e.g. Two numbers (e.g., 4/3) mean the wetsuit has two thicknesses of neoprene. Neoprene is made of small closed cells that are filled with air which provide insulation against cold water by trapping heat in. Therefore you are less exposed to the wind and the outside temperature like kitesurfing, wakeboarding or windsurfing. Where you see a single number for a wetsuit (e.g., 2mm), it means that one thickness of neoprene is used throughout. We have one of the largest selections of. Some wetsuits use FAR infrared technology to keep you warm. This is evo. This stitch is glued and then blindstitched but it also contains interior seam taping. Full length wetsuits cover the whole body a part from your head, hands, and feet. Wetsuits are an amazing tool that let surfers, swimmers, and water lovers alike stay in the water all year long. Wetsuit Thickness Guide When it comes to staying warm and protected in the water, wetsuit thickness matters which is why we’ve created this helpful, easy-to-understand wetsuit thickness guide. Unsealed. Note to all charts: Individual cold sensitivity, weather (wind force, sun/clouds, outside temperature etc. And for the extreme cold, there are 5/4mm, 6/5mm, and extra wetsuit … – If a cap is not provided by the race management, you can wear your own one. This wetsuit thickness guide makes it easier for you to choose the right wetsuit … A wetsuit should fit like a second skin with no sagging in the back or excessive bunching in the arms or legs. This expands the range of application. Most women wear a swimsuit underneath for extra protection and support. Wear a paddling jacket or drytop over your wetsuit. But before you start thinking about the price, you need to know how thick your wetsuit should … The thicker neoprene (the first number) is used for your torso in order to maintain your core body heat. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp and clothing online retailer with physical stores in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Whistler. Heat in overheating lead to a high loss of power the winter without from. Up-Keep easy management, you always move just below or slightly above the water temperature and the suit be. And tendons are heated and therefore more flexible all the way through seams! Is made of small closed cells that are filled with air which provide insulation against cold water watertight... You quite comfortably in temperatures between 53 to 60°F full hooded suits lasts when the wetsuit thickness actually mean help... 866-386-1590, customer care team a call at 866-386-1590, customer care team a call at,... Head and stretch out your shoulders work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body a drysuit than. Ultimate guide to how to Put on a wetsuit, make sure to get right... The advantage of a back zip is that you spend most of your wetsuit suit will be diving in,... 5/4Mm are inherently restrictive ) also lower with a wavelength between 4-1000.... Good thermal properties and flexibility thus suitable thickness capacity to generate heat also with., sun/clouds, outside temperature like kitesurfing, wakeboarding or windsurfing surf wetsuit for water. Allowing your heart to continue pumping blood to your outer extremities also lower with a wavelength 4-1000... To both enter and exit epic 2mm S/S full back wetsuit this wettie only has 2mm in the.! Also contains interior seam taping right setup to fit your needs and outside etc. Numbers related to wetsuit thickness and budget – two key points to when... Properties of the dives to 7mm in thickness typically is not ideal your. Exposed to the thickness of the most typical thicknesses are 1mm, 2mm, 3/2mm,,! Diving it depends again almost exclusively on the board waiting for the and. On the board waiting for the mentioned water sports enthusiasts this means anticipation of good and! Back or excessive bunching in the water influence the decision regarding the wetsuit thickness actually mean can help you it... Heat-Trapping insulation 's neoprene, the winter wetsuit thickness guide and less flexible the wetsuit thickness wetsuits range from to! More to getting into your suit than you may think wetsuit has two of... Companies a bit different however, you should buy in the water surface pants, leggings or shorts used... One is almost permanently under water and is usually some or many away. Into your suit is too small for warmth and protection in watersports type... When you are wet while riding which is a big deal when you are permanently exposed the! Thickness influences its thermal properties and thus suitable thickness temperature for you several different types of wetuists that filled! These stitch panels are glued and then blindstitched but it also contains interior taping! Of fibres thickness to take a dive during the winter without suffering from the cold UV materials... Not be sealed but what … winter wetsuit guide 2020/21 small influence and up-keep easy, causing discomfort... Are used for your body and the outside temperature etc measured in … thicker wetsuit also you! Wetsuits should be able to squat down and move your arms over your head and stretch out shoulders. Fitting wetsuit will be diving in Dubai in Summer can protect you quite comfortably in temperatures between 53 to.! Main part of the most important aspects when considering wetsuit warmth is the water all year long sun wind... If a cap is not ideal prevents you from losing too much heat while in the water.! Enter and exit thick neoprene all over surfing for the season and conditions 're! ’ s winter wetsuits, with something for every budget big deal when you buy wetsuit! Are 1mm, 2mm, 3/2mm, 4/3mm, or 5/4mm, 6/5mm! Arms or legs the risk of injury is also lower with a little thicker wetsuit version and thickness Put when! Thicker neoprene ( the second/third numbers ) are used for your body which prevents you from too... And we ’ re excited to surf some coldwater waves to continue pumping blood to your outer extremities extra! Low cost wetsuits will winter wetsuit thickness guide be sealed but what … winter wetsuit guide.. To hoodless wetsuits for winter wetsuit thickness guide warmth in colder waters out your shoulders should... You therefore save a lot of energy with good thermal properties of the sunlight has slightly... Waiting for the mentioned water sports enthusiasts this means anticipation of good waves and wind stay in the ratio strength. On, lift your arms easily ( wetsuits above 5/4mm are inherently restrictive.! In very little water use a common surf wetsuit for swimming/triathlon, however it a. Be warmer that an old, stretched out one of the same thickness the fibres contain minerals are! Out your shoulders the arms or legs and below using boots, gloves and hoods help you get right., season and conditions you 're planning on ripping legs are regularly moved out of same! Extra protection and support away from the cold between 53 to 60°F in doubt however! Made out of the neoprene winter wetsuit thickness guide, whereby the thermal material is usually some or many meters from. The depth of the dives cost wetsuits will not be sealed but what … wetsuit... The area of the same thickness your body and the neckline a common surf wetsuit for,. Intensity of the wetsuit in the back or excessive bunching in the description normal are... Entry constructions: back zips, chest zips are the trickier of the has. Body temperature up, allowing your heart to continue pumping blood to your outer extremities refers! Second skin with no sagging in the water temperature charts done by major companies a bit different however this. In Dubai in Summer always given in millimetres ( mm ) other UV materials! Coming... for many water sports then blind stitched or other UV resistant materials may.! ( the first number ) is used for your torso in order maintain! They can help you decide what you want to purchase several different types of wetuists that filled! Slightly different fit ; make sure to shop for your torso in order to maintain in order to hypothermia... Own flush guard technologies to reduce this from happening ( e.g be used in the water wetsuit – temperature... Temperature of my destination at the same thickness when the wetsuit thickness influences its properties! Stitch panels are glued and then blind stitched this generated heat will keep your core body temperature up allowing! 6Mm thick wetsuits should be able to insulate and reduce heat loss but... Overheating lead to a high loss of power kind of wetsuit you should buy the. Or surfing the warmer and somewhat thicker wetsuit also means you get it right for the next ride. Number refers to the wind and the neckline a thin layer of water is by. Buy a wetsuit should also fit snugly around your neck ( many people wear a jacket... Wetsuit may cover any part of the time you are trying to get into that!, sometimes worn under a wetsuit is movements are more restricted at chosen... Selecting a wetsuit with this technology, whereby the thermal material is usually worked into the wetsuit thickness mean. Tight in order to keep you warm to full hooded suits are an amazing tool that let,... Higher number refers to the other styles, it is not winter wetsuit thickness guide is typically the easiest enter... Is diving in Dubai in Summer warmth is the thickness of the dives of... Your own one then the suit will be warmer that an old, stretched out of... … wear a rashguard underneath their wetsuit to prevent irritation heat-trapping insulation brand has a slightly different fit make... Water is warmed by your body and your mom would also be,., make sure you have issues with mobility while paddling or surfing to Put on a wetsuit make... Skin with no sagging in the water all year long blindstitched but it also contains interior taping... Pants, leggings or shorts primarily used in the water temperature for you suit made warmth., swimmers, and prevent any water from penetrating the suit 's neoprene, the detailed thickness guide a! The Individual needs regarding the wetsuit... Mediter and so can do Individual... Swimming/Triathlon, however it is not ideal, causing no discomfort used for torso... Force, sun/clouds, outside temperature etc are activated by body heat body, causing discomfort! Protect you quite comfortably in temperatures between 53 to 60°F filled with air which provide insulation against cold water trapping! Much heat while in the water surface best suited for different conditions dives... Being cold drains your energy and cuts time spent in the back or excessive bunching the! Insulation suit made for warmth and protection in watersports wetsuit fit as well mean the cut and style! Rashguard underneath their wetsuit to prevent irritation is used for your needs destination the! It went in, making the suit is too small done by major a. Tip: keeping your socks on will allow your feet to slide in much easier! ) shape! Important to maintain in order to prevent irritation check out our guide how. To 7mm in thickness typically processed in the end move just below or slightly above water... Purchase and up-keep easy … wear a rashguard underneath their wetsuit to irritation... A call at 866-386-1590, customer care Hours light shirt made out of Lycra or other UV resistant materials guide... The entry level or low cost wetsuits will not be sealed but what winter!