How to choose a wetsuit?

Things to consider when choosing a wetsuit

Choosing a wetsuit can be a difficult process. There are so many different brands, models, details to understand, and decisions to make... It's not easy, we know! Here we try to explain the most important aspects to consider when choosing your next wetsuit, to make the process a little easier for you.

The most important things to consider when choosing your wetsuit are the thickness, the shape of the zipper, the seam construction, and understanding the sizes.

1. Choosing the thickness of a wetsuit

Wetsuits are usually made by combining different thicknesses. You'll almost always find that the chest, back, and legs are thicker (in mm) to keep the body warm, while the shoulders and arms are thinner (in mm) for greater flexibility.

The thickness you need will depend on the climate where you'll be using your wetsuit; the lower the temperatures, the more millimeters of thickness you'll want in your suit. The following table can serve as a guide to help you determine the right type of wetsuit depending on the air temperature, although you should keep in mind that if you're using the suit in very cloudy, very windy conditions, or very cold water, you'll need a thicker suit for the same level of protection.

27º or more — Lycra for sun protection.
24º to 27º — 2mm short suit.
19º to 23º — 3/2 mm long suit.
15º to 18º — 4/3 mm long suit
14º or less — Long suit of 5/3 mm or more

Since a wetsuit is generally not very cheap, and here in Spain we have different seasons with different temperatures that require different thicknesses of suits, if you don't want to invest in several suits of different thicknesses, what helps your flexibility is to choose a medium suit and work with flexible layers .

• Neoprene accessories to protect us from the cold can greatly help us maintain body heat. For example, you can wear neoprene booties, gloves, shirts, or hats.
• Neoprene jackets or windbreakers are worn over the wetsuit and offer excellent wind protection. You can choose a thinner wetsuit, suitable for spring and autumn temperatures, and then add a jacket for colder winter days. Alternatively, you can wear just a swimsuit and jacket when a wetsuit isn't necessary in the summer.

2. Zipper differences in a wetsuit

There are two main systems when it comes to closing the neoprene, one is having the front zipper, that is, located on your chest - the other is having the back zipper on the back.

The back zipper system (which has been the most common for many years) has the advantage of making it easier to get into the suit, but because it's a longer zipper that has to be fully opened, there's a risk of more water getting in, making you feel colder. This type of suit is also a bit easier to manufacture, so it tends to be somewhat cheaper.

The front zipper system is becoming increasingly popular. Because it's a smaller closure and its placement allows for better coverage of the area behind the zipper, less water gets in.

They are also just now evolving with zipperless suits These tanks then receive even less water. Their construction is considerably more complex, and therefore they tend to be the most expensive.

Having a wetsuit that doesn't let in much water is especially important when surfing, less so with kitesurfing or wingfoiling, since with surfing your body is closer to the water and you run a greater risk of spending time with your head underwater (which is when water gets in). When standing up, with kitesurfing or wingfoiling for example, but also with paddleboarding, you don't run the same risk, so having a zipper in the back is useful. But if you're very sensitive to the cold, having a zipper on the chest or no zipper at all will help a lot!

3. Do the seams of a wetsuit matter?

Basic wetsuits are usually made with flat seams, which allow more water to pass through. Note: This isn't a bad thing if the water where you plan to use the wetsuit isn't very cold.

Mid-to-high-end wetsuits are manufactured using a gluing and blind-stitching system. This means that the edges of the loose neoprene pieces are first glued together and then sewn along one side without the stitches penetrating the neoprene. This prevents water from entering through the seams.

4. How to choose the right size wetsuit

Choosing the right suit size isn't as easy as choosing your shoe size. Brands usually have a size guide (you can find our brands' guides at the end of this article), indicating which size you should order based on your chest, waist, height, and weight measurements. An XL in one brand isn't always the same as an XL in another.

Your first step would be to take your measurements and compare them to the brand's size chart to see if they match. Sometimes, you might need to use the size guide, rather than your favorite brand, to find your perfect suit! Keep in mind that it's recommended to measure with your arms relaxed and down, so it might be helpful to ask someone for assistance, and wear only a t-shirt when you take your measurements. If you have the option of coming to the store, we'd be happy to take your measurements here!

The neoprene suit should fit relatively snugly, preventing creases, wrinkles, or water from getting in, while still allowing for freedom of movement. It's normal for the suit to feel tighter when dry, but this disappears once it gets wet. Generally speaking, neoprene expands by 5-10% (depending on the quality) with use, so the first time you put on a new suit, it should feel quite tight. If you can get in easily and without any problems, it actually means the suit is too big for you!

Size guides for our men's brands:

Mystic wetsuit size guide for men:

Size guides for our brands, women:

Mystic Women's Wetsuit Size Guide: