Choosing a wetsuit can be an arduous task, especially when not being completely in the know with what makes a good or bad wetsuit. Here at feel alive outside, we have pieced together the most important things you need to consider before buying any wetsuit.
Different wetsuit types
There are three main types of wetsuits that are most commonly used by water users world wide. These consist of, Short length wetsuits, full length summer suits and full length winter suits.
1.) Short length wetsuits – Mainly used by water users in the summer seasons or warmer water. This is a wetsuit that covers the torso and half way down the thigh, they can cover the arms completely, partially or not at all. Because of the lack of material, they are great for mobility and general provide less restriction for arm movement
2.) Full length summer wetsuit – Again another wetsuit normally used in the summer months. This particular suit covers your entire body from ankle to wrist. A summer suit generally has a thickness of 3/2mm.
3.) Full length winter wetsuit – Mainly used in the winter for extra warmth. This wetsuit covers your entire body and is usually 4/3mm or above in thickness. These particular types of wetsuit may seem slightly more restrictive because of the thickness however will also be more buoyant.
How to choose wetsuit thickness and wetsuit type
Choosing the thickness and type of wetsuit all depends on what season your planning on swimming in and how cold the water temperature is going to be. Down below is a table giving you a guide of what is advised to wear when in different water temperatures.
Of course having a different wetsuit for every season may start to become costly. If just starting out as a wild swimmer and only want to buy one wetsuit, Feel alive outside would recommend either a 3/2mm or a 4/3mm. This particular thickness of wetsuit would offer the best comfort throughout the year.
The thickness of any wetsuit is measured in millimetres. A 3/2MM wetsuit would mean that the torso part of the suit is 3mm and the limbs 2mm.
| Water temperature | Wetsuit type | Wetsuit thickness /mm | Wetsuit accessories | Comments |
| 20°C – 25°C (Really warm) | Shorty | 1mm 2mm | N/A | Your either on Holiday or in the bath. |
| 15°C – 20°C (Warm) | Shorty/long | 3/2mm | N/A | Average summertime temperature in the UK. |
| 10°C – 15°C (Cold) | Long | 4/3mm | Booties | Autumn and Spring temperatures. Booties advised to keep the toes warm. |
| Below 10 °C (Really cold) | Long | 5/4MM | Booties, gloves, hood | Brain freeze temperature. Boots, hood and gloves advised. |
Is it better to have a tight or loose wetsuit?
A wetsuit should stick to you like a second skin. It should be tight fitting, allowing a small mass of water in-between the wetsuit and your skin. Sagging or bunched up material is a big NO NO. Of course you don’t want your suit being so tight that it restricts blood flow or breathing. However, it should be tight enough that it takes slight effort to get on. If your wetsuit is loose, it will allow excess water to flow in and out of the suit, which will cool you down quicker ! Brrrrrrrrrrrr
Style
When it comes to wetsuit styles there are only really two styles that are used worldwide. These consist of a back zip and chest zip wetsuit.
1. Back zip wetsuits – A back zip leads up from the bottom of the back to the collar in the centre of the wetsuit. The zipper has a long leash on it so it can easily be pulled up and down. Having a back zip creates a large opening so can give a lot of room to get in and out of the wetsuit. The downside with a back zip is that the collar can become looser fitting making it easier for excess water to flush through the back.
2. Chest zip wetsuits – Chest zip wetsuits are a more modern design than back zip wetsuits. They have a flap across the chest section that zips from one armpit to another. Having a chest zip creates a smaller opening in the wetsuit so may seem harder to pull on and off, however once pulled over your head they are far easier to zip up. Especially for the less flexible amongst us. In addition, these kind of wetsuits create a better seal around your neck, keeping excess water out of your wetsuit.
Wetsuit accessories
Wetsuit hoods – Used in the real winter months by water users worldwide, especially surfers. This bit of kit is used to help fight brain freeze when dipping your head under water. You can lose around 20 percent of heat from your head so its important to keep it warm. However, wearing a hood does restrict your head movement and can become annoying when wanting to swim front crawl with your head facing down, if you are using your wetsuit for cold water swimming.
Wetsuit gloves – There is nothing worse than coming out of the water and struggling to undo your wetsuit because your fingers have become ice cubes. Gloves are perfect for taking that cold edge off your fingers and hands. They create a larger surface area over your hand, so can actually promote stroke speed and propulsion through the water. If you decide to wear wetsuit gloves ensure that they go under your wetsuit to avoid excess water flush coming in and out of the wetsuit and gloves.
Wetsuit boots – Also commonly known as booties. Generally stretching from your toes to just above your ankles, these add protection to the soles of your feet. Something that you may wish to consider when wild swimming in an unknown environment, regardless of the temperature. As well as protection, booties of course provide warmth. Your feet are generally the first thing to enter the water as well as the last thing to come out, so keeping your feet warm will give some added motivation to stay in the water for a little longer.
