A Guide To Wetsuit Thickness

A few words about wetsuit thickness. Wetsuits typically come in one of three different thicknesses, three, five or seven millimeters, which are the most common thicknesses. But you will find some that are a little bit thinner or thicker to make them more flexible or warmer.

Thicker neoprene equals more insulation, but less mobility. You trade flexibility for warmth. Also, hoods and gloves can really help keep you warm.

Make sure your wetsuit fits

The most important factor, even before neoprene thickness, is the fit. If your wetsuit doesn’t fit properly, it won’t work properly. If the wetsuit doesn’t fit, you will get cold.

This information is a ballpark example and depends on how sensitive you are to the cold, as well as how long you spend in the water. In general, this should be a good starting place when choosing a wetsuit. If you feel the cold more acutely, then maybe go up a thickness or add a shorty underneath your wetsuit to boost the barrier. The thinnest type of suit is a rash guard, dive skin, vest or a 1 mm suit.That will give you the most flexibility and protect you from the sun and bumps and scrapes.

Wetsuit thickness and water temperature

When the water temperature is going to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, then all you should need is a 2 to 3 mm shorty.

If the water temperature is around 75 degrees, then you might consider a 3-mm full length suit. While you’re scuba diving just remember that while it may be 75 degrees on the surface, it will be colder the deeper you go, and you’ll feel it.

Five mm is the great middle ground between the thermal warmth of a seven millimeter and the flexibility of a three millimeter, typically worn for temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.