Men’s Wetsuits: All the Things a Beginner Should Know

and the shopping process could feel complicated to you even if it’s not.

This guide will help you understand the basics of wetsuits so that choosing one for yourself becomes easier.

Different Types of Wetsuits

Depending on the amount of body coverage you want, there are around five main types of wetsuits to choose from:

• Full suit with full sleeve legs and arms
• Spring suit with short legs and full or half sleeves
• Long john with long legs and sleeveless arms (these are rare now)
• Short john with sleeveless arms and short legs
• Vests and jackets for the upper body.
  

The type of men’s wetsuits you choose must depend on the activities you intend to do while wearing them and the temperature of the water. Also, the fit of the suit matters a lot. If it’s not a snug fit and is too tight, you will find it hard to move around in the water. If it’s too loose, water will get into the suit, and you won’t get any heat insulation.

Recommended Wetsuits for Different Temperatures

If you’re entering very cold waters where the temperature is below 52 degrees F, you need to don a full suit around 7mm or 5/4mm in thickness. It is also suggested that you put on a hood and gloves. For temperatures between 52-63 degrees F, you can use a 4/3 full suit with optional gloves and booties.

In slightly warmer waters, say 64-70 F, you could go for a 2mm wetsuit (long or short). For temperatures over 72 F, a 2mm wetsuit or skin wetsuit would do. You could even wear just single-piece Rip Curl Mens Jackets and Vests with trunks in warmer waters.

But these temperature guidelines are not set in stone, and you must buy a wetsuit that makes you feel comfortable. After all, everybody is built differently.

Thickness and Seam Type

In case you don’t already know, wetsuits are mainly categorized by different thicknesses. Wetsuits can be as thick as 8mm and as thin as 1-1.5mm, as seen in some Rip Curl Mens Jackets and Vests.

Spring suits are often 2mm thick, while full suits are offered in varying thicknesses that are different at the core compared to the arms and legs. Some common combinations are 5/4mm, 4/3mm, and 3/2mm.

Like the thickness, the seam type of men’s wetsuits also plays a significant role in keeping the body warm. There are three types of seams- blindstitch, liquid-taped, and flatlock.

Flatlock seams are not ideal for cold waters as they are not water-tight. Such seams are usually found in cheaper wetsuits. For good warmth, you should pick a wetsuit that uses blindstitched or liquid-taped seams for a water-tight seal.

Other Factors

Apart from the thickness, material, seam, and size, the entry type of a wetsuit also matters. It can make a lot of difference in terms of comfort while wearing or removing the suit. Full suits and spring suits offer back zip entry as well as front zip or zipperless entry.

For a more accessible entry, go for back zip suits since their opening is larger. Front zips offer smaller openings and need more effort to get inside. But obviously, front entry suits are more water-tight.

That’s all! Make sure you choose your wetsuit carefully to remain safe and comfortable in the water.