Why are there so many types of wetsuits?

A wetsuit is a one-piece suit that’s made of neoprene and can vary in thickness and design.

The stretchy material holds tight to your body to keep you warm when wet. Water is held in-between your body and suit allowing your body’s core temperature to keep the water inside the suit warm. Generally, the thicker the neoprene the warmer you’ll be in colder water. For example, a 5/4 or 6/4 is often used in colder water than a 3/2.

The thickness of wetsuits is measured in millimetres. As previously mentioned, suits vary in thickness and design. There is often a choice of entry with some having chest zips, others having zips at the rear and some even have hoods.  For warmer weather and water, people often opt to wear a ‘shorty’ wetsuit instead of a full-length suit, as a shorty wetsuit is short in the arms and legs usually above the elbow and above the knee whereas a full length wetsuit covers both arms and legs.

Correct wetsuit fitting is important, too big and they will balloon with cold water, be generally baggy and less effective. Too small, it will be super uncomfortable, restricting movement and getting in and out will quickly become a team event. We recommend using the size charts provided when choosing a suitable wetsuit for you. 

Take a look at the range of wetsuits we have to offer here at escape watersports by clicking the link below:

https://www.escape-watersports.co.uk/clothing/wetsuits