Winter may be coming but that's no reason to wave goodbye to the water.
What it does mean is switching out your go-to wetsuit for something that's thicker, warmer and all-around better at tackling cold water.
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that traps a thin layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit fabric. This layer of water then uses your body heat to increase the temperature, which in turn keeps you warmer for longer.
But not all neoprene looks or acts the same way and some wetsuits use eco-friendly alternatives to neoprene, like natural rubber, plant oils or oyster shells. These materials are more sustainable and biodegradable than traditional neoprene and they also offer similar or better performance and durability.
As well as choosing the right material, you'll need to pay attention to the thickness of your winter wetsuit. The thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it will be. But keep in mind that thicker wetsuits also reduce your flexibility and mobility in the water, potentially slowing you down or restricting your movements.
The thickness of a wetsuit is usually shown in millimetres like "4/3 mm" or "5/4 mm". This indicates the thickness of the neoprene panels in different parts of the wetsuit. For example, a 4/3 mm wetsuit has 4 mm panels in the body and upper legs, and 3 mm panels in the arms and lower legs. Those thinner panels allow for more movement in these areas.
We've rounded up all of the best winter wetsuits.
Scubapro Nova-Scotia 7.5mm Women's Semi-Dry Wetsuit
The closest thing you’ll find to a surf-friendly drysuit, this Scubapro Nova-Scotia wetsuit is made of Everflex neoprene, making it extremely comfortable and easy to put on. It’s a low-profile suit with good sealing and cold protection, which eliminates the need for bulky clothes underneath.
Better yet, its YKK Aquaseal Vislon dry zipper provides a dry seal against cold water entry and offers a lot more comfort and movement freedom. While it’s pricey, it’s the best wetsuit you’ll find for the money.
Buy now £79.00, Mike’s Dive Store
O’Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+mm hooded chest zip wetsuit
If you’re diving or surfing in the coldest of waters you’ll definitely need a hood of some kind. Some prefer to buy a separate hood but, if you’re looking to streamline your gear as much as possible, this O’Neill Hyperfreak wetsuit ticks all the boxes. Known to be one of the most comfortable suits around - despite its thicker material - this wetsuit includes fully taped seams to ensure no water intake whilst maintaining flexibility and comes boosted with extra neoprene on the arms and shoulder to give you additional warmth.
Buy now £95.00, Wetsuit Centre
Finisterre Nieuwland 5s Yulex + Hood
The Finisterre Nieuwland 5s Yulex wetsuit is the warmest wetsuit, built for the coldest months of winter. It combines a built-in hood and front entry chest zip to create a tight fit to prevent flushing, with a thicker 6.5mm high pile chest and back panelling, to help retain core warmth, keeping you in the water for longer.
It’s also a top choice for those with sustainability in mind: the brand uses Yulex natural rubber for its wetsuits, which produces up to 80 per cent less CO2 than traditional neoprene.
Buy now £425.00, Finisterre
Xcel drylock 6/5mm mens hooded chest zip winter wetsuit 2024
The previous version of the Xcel drylock wetsuit was known for being one of the warmest around already and the 2024 upgrade is even better. The technology in the suit is unique: when the skin comes into contact with the Celliant Black Thermo Dry, it opens up blood capillaries increasing blood flow.
Heat is then generated through the infrared process warming the air and water in the wetsuit to help you withstand the cool temperatures. This heat is then retained in the suit, which enables sustained warmth and muscle rebound.
Buy now £95.00, Wetsuit Centre
Cressi Men's 2 Two-Piece Wetsuit
Cressi is a staple in the world of watersports and the brand’s 2 Two-Piece Wetsuit is a staple choice that comes in a great variety of styles and colours. While it’s a 3mm wetsuit, it comes complete with a hood and enough padding to help you withstand the cold.
If you’re someone who often warms up when surfing or doesn’t feel the cold too much when diving, this winter wetsuit offers enough protection without making you uncomfortable.
Buy now £92.00, Amazon
O'Neill Epic 5/4mm back zip womens wetsuit 2024
Another O’Neill option, this Epic 5/4mm back zip women’s wetsuit is an outstanding wetsuit for the price and features a range of high-tech features to help you withstand winter temperatures. The 5mm version is great as a winter wetsuit as the thickness of the neoprene is designed to keep you warm in the coldest of the colder months.
While you may have seen this wetsuit on the market before, the 2024 version is made from eco-neoprene that comes with a little extra stretch.
Buy now £95.00, Wetsuit Centre
Osprey Women's Full Length 5 mm Winter Wetsuit
Osprey Women’s Full Length 5mm Winter Wetsuit is one of the most popular winter designs around and is also one of the most budget-friendly options. Designed to keep you warm while in the water, it features 5mm neoprene on the body and 4mm neoprene under the arms, allowing for a full range of motion while swimming.
If you hate the idea of tugging on a wetsuit each time, you’ll love the super stretch collar and a YKK back zip, as well as the anti-rub openings, which prevent chafing for maximum comfort.
Buy now £99.00, Amazon
C Skins rewired 5/4mm chest zip wetsuit 2024
Tried thermal underwear? Meet the underwater equivalent: the C Skins rewired 5/4mm chest zip wetsuit. Its new streamlined design works in perfect harmony with Halo X neoprene throughout the upper body - the most futuristic neoprene ever produced for unsurpassed paddle power and reduced fatigue over long sessions.
A great option for surfers, its Dark Matter chest panel reduces wind chill and improves durability and contact with your board, too.
Buy now £95.00, Wetsuit Centre
AquaTec Full Length Womens Wetsuit
This AquaTec Full Length women's Wetsuit comes in a range of thicknesses, making it a versatile option no matter how warm or cool you get in the water. Crafted using premium neoprene, offering excellent flexibility and comfort whilst moving in the water, it does with thick Supratex knee pads for additional protection, comfort and grip whilst kneeling on a board.
Ideal for those who spend all of their time in the water, it’s an excellent option for water sports, diving and open-water swimming.
Buy now £99.00, Amazon
Aqualung ICELAND - Women’s Dive Wetsuit 7mm
You’ll be leaning into drysuit category when approaching the coldest of conditions but, if you’re not ready to make the move yet, this ICELAND Women’s Dive Wetsuit 7mm is the next best thing.
The dive instructor’s favourite semi-dry suit, the Iceland is Aqualung’s most advanced, with a dry zipper, flexibility and eco-conscious materials. Its inner material is soft to the touch, while the outer material is abrasion-resistant and its 7mm super stretch neoprene provides a new level of warmth.
Buy now £594.00, Aqualung
Verdict
If you're heading out into seriously cold water, there's no wetsuit you'll appreciate quite like Scubapro's Nova-Scotia 7.5mm Women’s Semi-Dry Wetsuit.
