Are you in the market for a new wetsuit to keep you surfing through the cold season? Or perhaps you live in a temperate zone where wetsuits are required all year round? Either way, finding the right wetsuit is a blessing many of us take for granted.
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Finding the perfect wetsuit
The best wetsuit is one that fits your unique body shape snugly. It will be flexible and warm and constructed of material (usually neoprene) that doesn’t give you rashes in unfortunate places. An area where most modern wetsuits fail is durability, with few lasting more than a couple of solid seasons of surfing. However, the tradeoff for this built-in obsolescence is high performance.
Wetsuit manufacturing
Despite sporting names and specifications that sound straight out of a sci-fi movie, most wetsuits are made from the same core materials. In fact, most of them come from exactly the same place. The Sheico Group, based in Taiwan, controls 65% of the global wetsuit market, doing the manufacturing for Quiksilver, O’Neill, Billabong, Rip Curl.
The wetsuit game is mostly about marketing. However, there are a few small brands out there trying to do things differently. Patagonia is making real headway as an environmentally sound choice. Isurus and others are experimenting with compression technology and innovative materials.
The list of wetsuit manufacturers
We’ve compiled a list of the wetsuit brands that are making waves. Some are old favourites and some are new upstarts, making a mark in a well-established and competitive market. When you’re spending upward of $600 on a piece of kit you want to get something just right.
Our recommendation is to go into a surf shop and try real products until you find a great fit. Ordering online is risky business if you’re not 100% sure of your size.
Rip Curl
Rip Curl is a renowned surf brand that has been crafting high-quality wetsuits for decades. With a commitment to innovation and performance, their wetsuits are designed to keep surfers comfortable and protected in all conditions. Whether you’re tackling big waves or enjoying a casual session, Rip Curl wetsuits offer superior flexibility, warmth, and durability, allowing you to focus on riding the waves.
3 Best Buys:
1. Flashbomb Plus 4/3 wetsuit
The Flashbomb Plus 4/3 wetsuit by Rip Curl is the ultimate combination of performance and warmth. Built with Rip Curl’s renowned Flashbomb technology, this wetsuit offers rapid dry time and exceptional flexibility, ensuring maximum comfort during your surf sessions. With a thickness of 4/3, it provides excellent insulation in colder waters, allowing you to stay in the lineup for longer. The Flashbomb Plus 4/3 wetsuit is a top choice for surfers who demand high-performance gear to elevate their performance.
Features
- Easier Zip Free Entry System
- 100% E5 Flashlining
- Liquid Mesh Panels
- Internal E5 Flashlining Tape on stress points
- Magnet Key Pocket
2. E-Bomb 3/2 chest zip wetsuit
The E-Bomb 3/2 chest zip wetsuit from Rip Curl is designed for surfers seeking optimal flexibility and unrestricted movement. Crafted with E6 neoprene, this wetsuit delivers superior stretch and comfort, allowing you to paddle and carve with ease. The chest zip entry ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the 3/2 thickness strikes the perfect balance between warmth and mobility in moderate water temperatures. The E-Bomb 3/2 chest zip wetsuit is a reliable choice for surfers who prioritize flexibility and performance.
Features
- 100% E5 Neoprene
- Internal E5 Tape in Stress Points
- Flash Lining Mesh in back panle
- Magnet Key Pocket
3. Dawn Patrol 3/4 chest zip wetsuit
The Dawn Patrol 3/2 chest zip wetsuit by Rip Curl is the go-to choice for surfers seeking durability and value without compromising on performance. Constructed with E5 neoprene, this wetsuit offers excellent flexibility and comfort, allowing for unrestricted movement in the lineup. The chest zip entry provides easy on and off access, while the 3/2 thickness ensures optimal warmth in moderate water conditions. The Dawn Patrol 3/2 chest zip wetsuit is a reliable and versatile option for surfers of all levels.
Features
- E5 Neoprene
- Thermoflex Neoprene
- E5 Flash Lining
- E5 Tape
- Glue And Blindstitched
Patagonia
Patagonia is not only a leader in outdoor apparel but also a pioneer in sustainable surf gear. Their wetsuits are made with a focus on environmental responsibility without compromising performance. With cutting-edge materials and meticulous craftsmanship, Patagonia wetsuits provide excellent insulation, flexibility, and comfort while minimizing their impact on the planet.
Best Buy:
R2 Yulex front-zip wetsuit
Check out our review.
Features
- Made with Natural Rubber: Stretchy 85% Yulex® natural rubber/15% chlorine-free synthetic rubber by polymer content; natural rubber is FSC® certified by the Rainforest Alliance
- Warm Thermal Lining: Torso/thighs have solution-dyed 95% polyester (51% recycled)/5% recycled spandex thermal microgrid lining that dries fast and offers excellent warmth and flex
- High-Stretch Recycled Polyester and Water-Based Glue: Stretchy, solution-dyed linings; interior arms/legs: 100% recycled polyester, exterior: 85% recycled polyester/15% recycled spandex. Solvent-free AquaA™ glue
- Fully Seam-Sealed: 100% externally seam-sealed to shut out water and add durability; all seams are triple-glued and taped with comfortable, low-profile interior seam tape
- Front-Zip Design: Asymmetrical front-zip with replaceable, corrosion-proof Salmi® zipper provides better seal and extends suit’s lifespan; easy-access key loop on inside
- Flexible and Durable Kneepads and Cuffs: Supratex kneepads and cuffs are durable, flexible and hold comfortably to the body without binding or restricting movement
- Supporting the People Who Made This Product: Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, which means the people who made it earned a premium for their labor
O’Neill
O’Neill has a long history of innovation in wetsuit technology, making them a trusted brand among surfers worldwide. Their wetsuits feature advanced designs and materials that offer superior warmth, flexibility, and durability. With a commitment to quality and performance, O’Neill wetsuits are built to withstand the demands of the ocean and keep you comfortable during your surf sessions.
Best Buy:
Hyperfreak Chest Zip Wetsuit
Check out our review.
Features
- F.U.Z.E. Closure (Front Upper Zip Entry)
- Minimal Seam Design
- 360° Barrier with Drain Holes
- Seamless Paddle Zones
- TB3X Fully Taped Seams
- Glued and Blindstitched Seams
- Full Body/ Legs: TechnoButter 3
- Arms/ Shoulders: TechnoButter 3X
- PLUS (+) = 0.5mm Extra thickness for even more warmth
- Aqua Alpha Solvent Free Neoprene lamination
Billabong
Billabong is a well-established surf brand known for its stylish and functional wetsuits. Their wetsuits combine performance-driven features with fashionable designs, allowing you to express your individual style in the lineup. From beginner-friendly options to high-performance suits, Billabong offers a range of wetsuits to suit every surfer’s needs.
Best Buy:
4/3 Absolute Plus Chest Zip Full Wetsuit
Features
- Eco-Conscious Fabric: Recycled pro stretch polyester elastane blend exterior fabric.
- Graphene combined with silicon stretch interior fabric.
- Technology: Graphene-infused yarns warm up faster and hold heat longer.
- Neoprene Foam: Partially recycled Superlight Foam; Upcycled car tires and neoprene scraps combine to create great thermal retention with a high-stretch combination.
- Exterior Seams:Liquid s-seal.
- Interior Seams:Machine Applied Super-flex neo tape.
- Shape: Long sleeves full suit.
- Thickness: 4/3 mm thickness.
- Neck: Mock neck.
- Sleeves: Long sleeves.
- Entry: Chest zip entry.
Xcel
Xcel is synonymous with excellence in wetsuit design and performance. With a focus on innovation and craftsmanship, Xcel wetsuits deliver unmatched comfort, flexibility, and warmth. Their dedication to sustainable practices is evident in their use of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing techniques, making Xcel a top choice for environmentally conscious surfers.
Best Buy:
Infiniti 3/2 full suit
Features
- Channel Flex Upper
- Ultra Flex Lower Body
- Radiant Rebound Chest Panels
- Plush Thermo Lite IR Lower Body
- Semi Dry Zipper System
- Fusion X Seam Tape
Matuse
Matuse is a brand that pushes the boundaries of wetsuit technology and design. Their wetsuits are crafted with premium materials and innovative features, providing exceptional performance and comfort. Matuse wetsuits are designed to optimize flexibility, insulation, and durability, allowing you to maximize your time in the water.
Best Buy:
Dante 3/2 wetsuit
Features
- Hydrasilk: Minimizes water adsorption and maintains your suit’s overall shape memory, adding to its longevity. Hydrasilk is buttery-soft and located inside and outside of your suit, aka you won’t want to take it off.
- Butterfly Collar Entry System: Matuse’s original design opens the neck diameter larger while mitigating water entry.
- Oversized Knee Pads: Keep your duck diving knee pressure damage to a minimum with our oversized coverage.
- YKK Vislon Zipper: Large #10V size zipper for ease of closure and prevention of salt corrosion.
- Satin-Seal Taping: Silky smooth taping applied to the inside seams adds durability and warmth.
- Easy access external key pouch: With elastic cord on side of hip / you don’t have to take your suit off to access a key or other items stored while surfing.
Fair-Trade Certified Construction – - Water based adhesives: Used for laminating our Hydrasilk Nylon instead of conventional solvent-based glues and minimizes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).
- Eco Carbon Black: A recycled additive from post-consumer scrap tires that improves suit durability.
- Dope-dyeing yarn process: We add color to our Nylon before yarn extrusion, skipping traditional dying processes to save on energy and water.
- Recycled Trims: All trim from cutting patterns is reused to create more Geoflex sheets, to build more Matuse suits aka we make no waste.
Hurley
Hurley is a brand that combines style with functionality in their wetsuit offerings. Known for their bold designs and attention to detail, Hurley wetsuits not only perform well but also make a statement in the lineup. With a range of options for different water temperatures and surfing styles, Hurley wetsuits cater to surfers of all levels.
Best Buy:
Advantage Plus 3/2mm Fulsuit
Features
- Sustainable warmth: created using eco-friendly processes including carbon black recycled from old tires, dope-dyed yarns, and limestone based neoprene
- Added stretch: new superstrech neospan exterior material allows you to move freely
- Unique geometric outward appearance
- Quick dry, insulating interior: xtend 2.0 interior lining provides you softer handfeel and faster drying
- Performance patterning: seams are placed out of your way so you can move freely
- Chest zip entry: watertight and easy to get on and off
- Key pocket placed at interior chest panel
- 100% taped seams: tape lines all interior seams to keep water out and add to the longevity of the suit
- Double glued and blind stitched
- Insulating interior: chest, back and front legs thermal wavy jacquard lining keeps you warm
- Smoothskin neck seal out water
- Lightweight kneepads: kneepads feature jersey construction that absorbs less water
Peak
Peak wetsuits are built for performance and durability. Designed by surfers, for surfers, these wetsuits are engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy water and provide excellent insulation and flexibility. With their focus on quality and functionality, Peak wetsuits deliver reliable performance for surfers who demand the best.
Best Buy:
Climax Pro 3/2 zip free wetsuit
Features
- 100% Glued and Blind Stitched = 100% Sealed
- Zip Free = Ultimate Flexibility
- Less Seams = More Stretch
- 100% lightweight X-Stretch Neoprene
- Internal Critically Hand Taped for Durability
- Key Pocket
Isurus
Isurus is a brand that specializes in high-performance wetsuits for cold water surfing. Designed with input from professional athletes, Isurus wetsuits incorporate cutting-edge technology and innovative features to maximize warmth and mobility. If you’re seeking top-of-the-line wetsuits for extreme conditions, Isurus is a brand worth considering.
Best Buy:
Ti Evade 4/3 Chest Zip Wetsuit
Check out our review of the Isurus.
Features
- Supercharged Compression
- Chest Zip
- Titanium Lined
- Arms Up Design
- KOREgulator Panel
- Bio-Mechanical Lat Panel
- Muscles Stabilization Technology
- Silicone Pre-Tensioners
- Gutter Balls
- Key Pocket
Quiksilver
Quiksilver is a well-known surf brand that offers a diverse range of wetsuits for surfers of all levels. With a commitment to quality and style, Quiksilver wetsuits combine functionality and fashion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Quiksilver has a wetsuit that will keep you comfortable and looking good in the water.
Best Buy:
Highline Plus 3/2 chest zip wetsuit
Features
- Neoprene: HIGHLITE ECO neoprene
- Lining: WARMFLIGHT ECO VELVET thermal lining
- Seams: Triple glued and blind stitched (GBS) seams reduce sew-throughs and water entry
- Fully taped internal seams
- Entry system: Chest zip entry
- Key loop
- Flush Lock wrists and ankles
- AQUA GLUE eco-friendly lamination