While some people may still prefer to wear the typical rash guards, especially those who swim near the shore, several brands have proved that wetsuits are way better than rash guards when it comes to comfort, durability, and thermal control.
There are numerous wetsuit brands available in the market, which may leave you undecided, especially if you’re a newbie in wearing one. Some are best for thermal control, while some are ideal when it comes to performance. Here are some of the best wetsuit brands to help you decide which one to pick.
The Best Wetsuit Brands in the Market Today
- O’Neill Wetsuits
- Rip Curl Surf Wetsuits
- Hurley Wetsuits
- Patagonia Wetsuits
- Xcel Wetsuits
- Billabong Wetsuits
- Matuse Wetsuits
- Peak Wetsuits
- Isurus Surfing Wetsuits
#1. O’Neill Wetsuits
O’Neill is one of the renowned pioneers of the wetsuit in the industry. This company has been providing exceptional wetsuits to aspiring and pro surfers since 1923. Jack O’Neill’s aspiration, which was to surf longer, made him introduce various products for kids and adults. Plus, the full body-wetsuits are what most professional athletes consider for competitions because it uses quality materials.
The wetsuit series never fails to satisfy every customer because all can provide maximum stretch, through any water activity. Each featured wetsuit uses a particular stitching method, providing options to customers as they choose which item is more suitable for them.
Most products use UltraFlex as part of the construction, assuring durability, and flexibility at any movement. You can move your arms and legs freely for optimum performance. Aside from the primary wetsuit material, it also features different zip systems.
It also features advanced technology on its construction to ensure each wetsuit provides an exceptionally lightweight advantage for comfort, giving customers a naked feeling despite wearing one for longer hours. Also, you get to choose from different styles.
Check the rest of its Winter Series at www.oneill.com.
Our Review: O’Neill Wetsuits Review
#2. Rip Curl Surf Wetsuits
Rip Curl is one of the most respected brands in the surfing industry because most surfing champions come from its team. Doug “Claw” Warbrick and Brian Singer founded the company in 1969, and from there, it never stopped offering exceptional wetsuits for surfers.
You’ll love most of the wetsuits it offers because these feature a Magnet Key Pocket-advantage. Another feature that most customers find beneficial is the zip entry systems. Most are zip-free, which is favorable to most pro surfers because they can move at full comfort.
These wetsuits are also ideal for maintaining body warmth, despite windy conditions. The high-quality Neoprene material it uses for all its wetsuits guarantees flexibility. It’s the main reason why surfers move with ease, even when they execute tricks.
If you’re looking for a wetsuit to use during winter, this brand also offers competitive 4/3mm and 5/4mm-thick wetsuits. You’ll even love this collection because these are fast-drying, which makes it more favorable during colder seasons.
Find out more about its best winter wetsuits at www.ripcurl.com.
Our Review: Rip Curl Wetsuits Review
#3. Hurley Wetsuits
The best brand when it comes to thermal reaction is Huxley. This company started in 1999, and as it continues to become partners with the word’s best surfers, it became one of the famous brands in the industry. Some of the best surfers included in its team are Kolohe Andino and Kai Lenny.
This brand features exceptional innovation when it comes to performance and style. The wetsuits feature a zip-free entry, keeping everything meek and convenient. Plus, the zip-free advantage adds appeal to the style of its wetsuits.
When it comes to comfort, it features Infrared Technology to keep you comfy and warm despite any cold condition. This technology, along with the Paddle Assist forearm style, lets surfers move freely and quickly at optimum comfort. Also, it’s lightweight for favorable insulation.
You can also count on the sturdiness of all wetsuits because it uses premium-quality fabric materials, such as Neoprene for the body and Polyurethane for the panels. Despite stretchability, these don’t tear easily, which makes the triathlon athletes choose this brand.
Check out more of its wetsuit collection at www.hurley.com.
Our Review: Hurley Wetsuits Review
#4. Patagonia Wetsuits
Patagonia had a humble beginning in 1953. Yvon Chouinard started a business as a climbing hardware supplier, and by 1972, the company began offering rugby shirts. Now, it’s one of the brands that surfers admire.
It provides exceptional sleeveless and full suits that are ideal for cold water. Customers admire the comfort it offers as they dip on cooler water temperature, around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from wetsuits, it also provides handy accessories, such as hoods, booties, and gloves.
It’s one of the most recommended wetsuit brands for its Neoprene-free Yulex trademark. The plant-based Polymer and Rubber content, reducing CO2 emission for excellent durability. Plus, it features an Inverted Microgrid Thermal Lining that makes the wetsuit lightweight.
Performance is another thing that makes every wetsuit desirable. The wetsuits dry quickly, and it can stretch well without causing discomfort on the legs and arms. Also, the Salmi zippers that wetsuits have prevented water-entry, stopping the water from compromise the performance of athletes during training or competitions.
Check out more of its wetsuit collection at www.patagonia.com.
Our Review: Patagonia Wetsuits Review
#5. Xcel Wetsuits
Excel started offering wetsuits in Hawaii after Ed D’Ascoli founded the company in 1982. D’Ascoli focused on the continued development of his product until it became a famous brand in the industry. People prefer to shop wetsuits and other accessories because it’s versatile for diving, surfing, wakeboarding, and paddleboarding.
All wetsuits provide optimum performance at any type. These offer athletes a balanced motion range with its One-Piece Shoulder advantage. The collar and grooves prevent bunching and flushing. Plus, customers can assure 100% super-stretch, making it easier for the legs and arms to move.
You’ll find the best winter wetsuit entries as you navigate the site. Aside from the minimalistic designs, these also feature the Plush Thermo Lite Lower Body advantage. Athletes find it handy as they wear these suits convenient because it provides excellent warmth and comfort.
This brand is also famous because it uses Japanese Limestone Nanoprene materials on wetsuits. This feature guarantees a lighter and softer feeling on the skin. Also, the suit dries quicker because of the “TDC” or Thermo Dry Cellant feature that this brand has.
Check out more about this brand’s collection at www.xcelwetsuits.com.
Our Review: XCEL Wetsuits Review
#6. Billabong Wetsuits
Billabong has been offering the best apparel for various sports, including surfing. When Gordon Merchant founded the company in 1973, he started selling board shorts. By 1980, he began exporting apparel products, including wetsuits.
Surfers enjoy browsing the collection of Billabong because there are different wetsuit types available. It offers the best ones that are suitable for summertime, and you’ll find winter wetsuits available. Also, each wetsuit looks stylish enough in black, despite having a minimalistic design.
This brand also offers customization services, which works best for a lot of customers. You can set the thickness, which is either 3/2mm or 4/3mm. Plus, you can modify the prints and colors, depending on your preference.
If you’re an athlete, you’ll find athlete inspired-collections from Ryan Callinan, Griffin Colapinto, Jack Freestone, Italo Ferreira, and Seth Moniz appealing. The best part about this collection is that you can also customize the default style.
One thing that makes it a trademark is the eco-friendly Smart foam for the winter wetsuit collection. It comes from upcycled car tires, which helps in lessening wind chill. It also features the Drymax entry scheme to stop water from coming out or the heat from coming in.
If you’re curious to know more about its customization service, check the site at www.billabong.com.
Our Review: Billabong Wetsuits Review
#7. Matuse Wetsuits
One of the premium brands that athletes love for having solution-detailed innovations is Matuse. This brand has been meeting the expectations of customers since 2006, mainly to triathlon athletes. Regardless if you’re looking for a spring suit, sleeveless suit, or full suit, every item is exceptional.
The Matuse Dojo series is one of the top sellers, and it symbolizes discipline, strength, improvement, and learning. What customers love about this series is it’s lightweight, which can boost their speed as they move. Plus, it doesn’t limit the movement on the shoulders and the arms. Also, the SCS-hydrophobic feature will let you swim smoothly in open water.
This brand uses high-quality Geoprene material, guaranteeing maximum flexibility to any movement. This Limestone-based material provides a lighter feeling, yet it doesn’t compromise the warmth that it can provide, especially winter wetsuits, and it’s guaranteed eco-friendly.
This brand offers a collection of unsold items in good condition if you’re a person who loves old things. These are previous styles, which will give you a nostalgic vibe as you wear these. Some items from the collection include the SAR Springsuit, Dante 2mm Long-Sleeve Springsuit, and D’Arc 3/2mm full suit.
Explore more about this brand at www.matuse.com.
Our Review: Matuse Wetsuits Review
#8. Peak Wetsuits
Peak never fails to offer the best wetsuits for surfers, especially in Australia. Since 1980, this brand pledged to provide exceptional products at reasonable prices. Even up to now, they live by this pledge despite growing bigger and becoming more popular.
Customers don’t only love the products it provides, but also the services it offers when it comes to warranties. Many surfers admire this brand because it focuses on creating creative and high-quality designs suitable for any surfing level. Plus, it focuses on developing products without setting a high price so most surfers can afford to wear a quality suit on every surf.
This brand features the Climax Pro Zip-Free feature, which makes the entire suit very flexible and lightweight. These advantages give athletes comfort and convenience as they move, even when they are in the water. Also, the X-Stretch Neoprene material adds an effect on the whole wetsuit for optimum buoyancy.
Performance is never questionable for this brand because it features GBS sealed seams. It helps a lot in keeping the entire suit lightweight after swimming because it stops excessive water from going in the suit. With lesser seams, you can assure that every wetsuit performs well.
Check out more of this brand’s products at www.peak.com.au.
#9. Isurus Surfing Wetsuits
If you need long-lasting wetsuits, you can never go wrong with the collection of Isurus. It’s the first to use the newest #40 Neoprene of Yamamoto, which makes it accessible. This material is an excellent wind-resistant, decreasing friction on tops for smoother penetration during big surfs.
Aside from this material, it also offers #39 Jersey, a mixture of Polyurethane and Nylon, along with the Titanium Zirconium Fleece. It never fails to satisfy every surfer when it comes to durability. Plus, the comfort and warmth that each suit provides are also advantages from these materials.
You’ll find this brand’s collection too meek by style, yet it doesn’t fail to attract customers. Every wetsuit looks classy despite the black shade. Also, you’ll find full suits, spring suits, or pullover tops as you browse their site. If you want a full gear, it even offers accessories, like wetsuit gloves and hoods.
Another of its best features is the Ultra-Light advantage. It’s favorable to swimmers because it doesn’t absorb water excessive water, which helps in keeping their bodies warm.
Find out more about this brand’s new releases at www.surfisurus.com.
Our Review: Isurus Wetsuits Review
Conclusion
If you want optimum performance, it’s best to invest in the best gear, such as wetsuits. It doesn’t only make you look appealing. It also can give good advantages, such as keeping an excellent thermal control despite any water temperature, and flexibility on every movement.
Get the best brand you can find when it comes to wetsuits because the comfort and convenience that it can provide may help you perform at your best. Many brands are existing in the market, yet these top brands are worth your consideration. From materials to zip entries, these offer competitive collections of wetsuits for athletes and aspiring ones.
Getting the Best Wetsuit – Buying Guide
There may be numerous options available in the market for wetsuits, but you should the best brand that can provide everything you need, regardless if you’re on training or competing. There are various things you need to consider before buying. Here’s a guide to help you in determining the wetsuit that’s ideal for you.
Type of Wetsuit
You’ll find two kinds of a wetsuit in the market. People follow their preference as to what type to buy because they want maximum comfort as they wear these. Here are two examples:
Shortie
This type covers the upper arms, thighs, and torso. Some prefer it because it doesn’t restrict limb-movements, and it’s excellent for flexibility. However, this type is ideal during summer, especially on warmer water. Also, the stitching of this type is not suitable for lower water temperatures.
Full Suit
This type is more popular than shorties because athletes want to cover their whole bodies during triathlons. It has a different thickness, such as 3/2mm, 4/3mm, 5/4mm, or 6/5mm.
As you encounter these wetsuit-sizes, you’d wonder how newbies should read it. Here’s a tip to consider; higher numbers refer to the Neoprene material’s thickness around the torso-part, while the smaller one is for the legs and arms. By looking at the sizes, you can have an estimate of what is comfortable for you.
Thickness and Cut of Wetsuit
Thickness is very crucial because a wetsuit that’s too warm during summer or something that’s not too warm during winter. The water temperature is the main factor in determining the right thickness you need. Plus, you should consider the thickness around the torso because it’s where the vital organs are.
2mm-Thickness
It’s ideal during summertime, where the temperature ranges from 66 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Most brands with this thickness are shortie because it’s suitable for water with warmer temperature.
3mm-Thickness
It’s raging between 59 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s also for summertime. It’s available for both shorties and full suits.
4mm-Thickness
This thickness is entering the winter collections at 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisable type is a full-suit since it’s best to cover all parts of the body.
5mm-Thickness
It ranges from 48 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also for a full suit-type, and some brands include a hood and gloves as a set.
6mm-Thickness
It’s the thickest Neoprene material you’d encounter for wetsuits, and it’s for temperatures under 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Some brands include boots, gloves, or a built-in hoody.
Zipper-Types of Wetsuits
Aside from thickness, the zip entry is also one of the essential factors to consider in choosing your wetsuit. The quicker you get, the faster you can transition to the next phase of the competition. Here are the three types available in the market:
Chest Zip
This zip-type comes in a flap on the chest-part of the wetsuit. It comes with a small opening, which promotes flexibility to athletes. However, it’s a little hassling to enter and go out. Although, you can assure that the seal is better than other zip-types. It can provide you a warmer feeling when as you dip your body in cold water.
Back Zip
This zip-type starts from the bottom of the spine and up to the collar. It’s lengthier, which creates a bigger opening on the wetsuit. It’s easy to enter and go out. Yet, it can lessen the flexibility level of the suit. Also, wetsuits with this zip can give a loosen collar, which lets water go inside the suit.
Zip-Free
This zip-type provides optimum flexibility because it doesn’t have any zip-restriction. It’s advantageous to most athletes because it’s lighter. Also, it lessens the water flush, and it boosts warmth, making it ideal during winter.
Size of Wetsuit
This factor depends, but most athletes get the size of their chest and height. Women typically use the size of their dress, which is the closes in fitting a wetsuit. Regardless of any size, all you need to make sure is that it’s tight to your skin, and it should avert water from entering through the neck, leg, and arm openings.
Types of Seams and Stitching for Wetsuits
Some athletes consider a wetsuit’s stitching because it adds an effect on the warmth. The holes can, even the smallest, can let the water pass through. It can affect the overall performance when you feel more substantial on the inside. As for seams, these can make a wetsuit lesser flexible, unlike Neoprene panels. Here the following types:
Flatlock Stitching
This stitching lets two Neoprene materials overlap, sewing the seam together. It follows a zigzag stitching-method, making it ideal for summertime. The holes add an effect on the wetsuit’s breathability, and this type provides a more refreshing feeling.
Overlock Stitching
This type is the simplest way to join two Neoprene materials, but it’s not desirable to let water out. This stitching type rolls two panel-edges together and stitches these. It’s the most common stitching-type for most brands, especially for affordable wetsuits. However, you can’t assure optimum comfort and flexibility with this type.
Glued and Blind-Stitched (GBS)
This type has the highest quality because it glues the Neoprene pieces together and stitches halfway through. You can assure that there are no holes, absorbing minimum water, making it suitable for winter events.
Welded Seam
This type uses a Silicon-based urethane seal to connect Neoprene panels. The seal functions as a barrier, guaranteeing a 100%-watertight advantage on high-end wetsuits. This type doesn’t leave any hole for water-entry, keeping you warm and dry. Also, it’s more flexible and durable than GBS-type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does a wetsuit work?
Q: What are some things I need to avoid for my wetsuits?
Q: What wetsuit-type should I use for surfing?
Q: How should a wetsuit fit?
Q: What are the ideal thickness for general watersports?
A: Here’s a guide on the thickness, depending on the water temperature.
- 80 degrees Fahrenheit – Poly Top or Rash Guard
- 72 degrees Fahrenheit – Springsuits or Neoprene Top
- 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 3/2mm-thick Flatlock
- 60 degrees Fahrenheit – 3/2mm-thick Sealed
- 58 degrees Fahrenheit – 4/3mm-thick Sealed
- 52 degrees Fahrenheit – 4/3mm-thick Sealed and Taped
- 48 degrees Fahrenheit – 5/4/3mm-thick Sealed
- 40 degrees Fahrenheit – 6/5/4mm-thick Sealed
Torsten Bird is a talented and adventurous waterman from Western Australia, passionate about surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, hydrofoiling, skimboarding, snowboarding and skateboarding. Torsten has spent countless hours mastering his skills and his dream is to one day represent Australia as an Olympic athlete. Follow Torsten’s adventures on Instagram.
