Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits in 2024
Posted by Elma Tarr on August 23rd, 2024
Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits
Exposure suits are used for thermal and abrasion protection while scuba diving and the most popular exposure suit of all is the wetsuit.
Wetsuits prevent the loss of body heat in 2 different ways. First and foremost, they insulate the diver from ambient water temperature. Neoprene is an excellent insulator and significantly reduces heat loss. Slowed water circulation is the other way that wetsuits keep you warm. Once water enters your suit and the water between you and the wetsuit reaches a warm temperature it will maintain thermal equilibrium. However, if water circulates freely in and out of the suit, the body will use additional energy to warm the new cold water. This is why a wetsuit needs to fit snug. Make sure that you measure your body and look at our sizing guides on our wetsuit pages when purchasing a wetsuit! You'll be glad you did.
Materials
Open and Closed cell wetsuits refer to the small bubbles inside the Neoprene. Scuba wetsuits are made from closed cell Neoprene. The bubbles inside the neoprene are not interconnected. This means that water cannot flow through the suit as it can through more porous materials like sponge.
Open cell wetsuits are commonly used amongst swimmers and freedivers. These suits have no inner lining, and the Neoprene sits right on the skin. The porous nature of neoprene creates tiny suction cups that stick to the skin making it impossible for water to get in. This is why the Open cell wetsuits are also referred to as semi dry wetsuits.
Wetsuits also comes in various thicknesses. The thicker the suit – measured in mm – the more isolated you will be. For colder water, you will need a thicker suit and for warmer water you will need a thinner suit.
Styles
Wetsuits come in a variety of styles and colors depending on the era. I am huge fan of the bright neon colors that were used in the 80’s. Just like clothing needs to suit different body type and environment so do wetsuits.
Shorty wet suits – These suits have short sleeves and legs and are used in warmer water in temperatures above 27 °C/81°F. Shorties provide thermal protection in the torso area, which is the most important area for heat loss.
One-piece jumpsuits – are warmer than shorties and provide thermal and abrasion protection from wrist to ankle.
Two-piece wetsuits or farmer john types are popular due to their flexibility. Some two-piece wetsuits come with a hood and, due to the overlapping in the torso area, provide double insulation.
In the modern era, wetsuits are made for male and female divers with different size charts to help you select the correct size. There are also some manufacturers that look after tall divers and even divers in between sizes and some can even custom fit a wetsuit that will fit you just right.
Below is a chart that will help indicate what thickness of suit would be recommended in different water temperatures. Please note that this is just a guideline, and some may be more sensitive to water temperatures than others.
Below is a list of our best diving wetsuits:
Best Rash and Skin Suit in 2024
Sharkskin Chillpoof Suit
$279.99
Let’s start with the lightest version. These suits are more for sun and rash protection than cold water. The Sharkskin Chillproof range are excellent in warm tropical conditions. Its stretchy, comfortable and durable. There is a variety of garments from vests and full suits to hoods, gloves and socks. The Sharkskin garments are not only worn by divers and snorkelers but also popular amongst other watersports like kayaking and surfing. The inner fleece liner is soft, providing warmth and comfort. The Sharkskin Chillproof dries really fast which is great for in-between dives and snorkeling sessions. The skin is also neutrally buoyant and offers a UPF 50+ protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Best Shorty
Waterproof W30 2.5mm Shorty
$179.00
Our team has selected the Waterproof W30 2.5mm shorty wetsuit as the best shorty that 2024 has to offer. When diving in 25°C/77°F most recreational divers prefers the convenience and protection of a shorty. The Waterproof W30 2.5mm is easy to slip on and provides the right amount of protection for dive.
The shorty is very comfortable and offers superior quality. The seams are extra strong, and zipper is tough, ensuring your suit will last you a long time. The suit is also gender specific which ensures a comfortable fit and support for female divers.
Best 2.5mm full wetsuit
Mares 2.5mm M-Flex full wetsuit
$189.95
Great value for money. The Mares 2.5mm M-Flex wetsuit is made from high quality neoprene and is highly stretchable which means comfort. The suit does not only protect you against the temperature but also creates a barrier from the sun and creates a barrier from stinging electric plankton. The Mares 2.5mm M-Flex is available in a variety of sizes and has a clean look with minimal graphics.
Best 5mm wetsuit
Bare 5mm Revel Full wetsuit
$329.95
This suit just fits well - especially for American body types. Exceptional fit and comfort made from a blend of neoprene and laminate. The suit appears to be soft and stretchy not compromising the durability and quality. A lot of thinking went into the design of the Bare 5mm Revel full wetsuit. Its sleek and stylish and inspired by a variety of watersports making it ideal for a wide range of activities. The seams are just in the right places which reduces chafing.
Best 7mm wetsuit
Waterproof W8 7mm Front Zip wetsuit.
$679.00
Nirupam, the President of Bluewater photo has recently dived with the Waterproof W8 7mm wetsuit and just loved it. Waterproof has thought this suit through thoroughly. They have used a 4 way stretch Neoprene that makes the 7mm very comfortable. The suit is equipped with WaterDam, which means that water will not stream down your spine and back once you move your neck. It has 2 anchor straps that stop your computer from slipping down. The thermal lining makes the suit warm and soft. Then there are two pockets, one on each leg that is great for extra storage. A high performance and high-quality dive wetsuit.
Don't miss out on the 5mm version of the W8 as well!
Best Freediving wetsuit
Cressi Tokugawa 2mm 2-pcs with hood
$144.95
The Cressi Tokugawa is ideal for freediving in open water and in the pool. The distinctive camouflage patten blends well into various aquatic environments. The Cressi Tokugawa is a 2-piece 2mm wetsuit that comes with a hood. The suit was specifically made for spearfishing and comes with reinforced chest and knee pads that caters for spearfishing. The Cressi Tokugawa comes in sizes small all the way up to 3XL which is great for the larger body types. Crafted from supple and elastic neoprene, Tokugawa prioritizes comfortably and flexibility, facilitating unrestricted movement underwater.
In summary, we offer a wide range of wetsuit that are of great quality, comfort and durability. Weather it’s the cold water that you take on or the warm tropics, we have you covered. Take note of each brand’s size guidelines as they may differ. If you need any assistance, please reach out to us. We are looking forward to getting you suited up.
Email scuba@bluewaterphotostore.com for help with sizing from our experts!
