How Thick Should I Buy a Wetsuit?

Wetsuits are essential equipment for water activities, such as surfing, diving, and swimming. These suits provide warmth and protection from the cold water, and also offer buoyancy and flexibility. When purchasing a wetsuit, one of the most important considerations is the thickness of the material. The thickness of a wetsuit can affect how comfortable you are in the water and how long you can stay in the water.

Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters and can vary depending on the type of activity you will be doing and the water temperature you will be in. In general, the thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it will be. However, a thicker wetsuit can also limit your mobility in the water.

Here is a general guide to help you determine how thick of a wetsuit you should buy based on the water temperature and activity:

Water temperature: 75°F and above

Activity: Swimming, snorkeling, or other water activities where you will not be in the water for long periods of time.

Recommended wetsuit thickness: 1-2mm

If you will be in warm water for short periods of time, a thin wetsuit is suitable. These wetsuits are lightweight and flexible, allowing for ease of movement. They also offer some protection from the sun and can prevent skin irritation from saltwater.

3mm Surfing Custom Wetsuit      

Water temperature: 65°F-75°F

Activity: Surfing or other water activities where you will be in the water for extended periods of time.

Recommended wetsuit thickness: 3-4mm

For water temperatures in this range, a thicker wetsuit is necessary to keep you warm for extended periods of time. A 3mm wetsuit is suitable for those who will be in the water for short periods, while a 4mm wetsuit is better for those who will be in the water for longer periods. A 4mm wetsuit will also provide some protection against windchill.

Water temperature: 55°F-65°F

Activity: Surfing, diving, or other water activities where you will be in the water for extended periods of time.

Recommended wetsuit thickness: 5-6mm

For water temperatures in this range, a 5mm or 6mm wetsuit is recommended. These wetsuits offer excellent warmth and protection from the cold water, allowing you to stay in the water for longer periods of time. They also provide some buoyancy, making it easier to stay afloat.

 7mm Scuba Diving Wetsuit

Water temperature: 45°F-55°F

Activity: Surfing, diving, or other water activities where you will be in the water for extended periods of time.

Recommended wetsuit thickness: 6-7mm

In colder water, a thicker wetsuit is necessary to keep you warm and comfortable. A 6mm or 7mm wetsuit is recommended for water temperatures in this range. These wetsuits offer excellent warmth and protection from the cold water but can limit mobility due to their thickness.

Water temperature: 45°F and below

Activity: Surfing, diving, or other water activities where you will be in the water for extended periods of time.

Recommended wetsuit thickness: 7mm and above

In extremely cold water, a wetsuit with a thickness of 7mm or more is recommended. These wetsuits offer maximum warmth and protection from cold water but can be very restrictive due to their thickness. It is important to note that in water temperatures this cold, additional equipment such as gloves, boots, and hoods may also be necessary.

It is important to remember that the recommended wetsuit thicknesses are just a general guide and can vary depending on individual preferences and tolerance to cold.