10 Best Wetsuit For Cold Water
Enjoying water sports in the colder season is challenging but you have heard that the best wetsuit for cold water can protect you from the cold. So, can a wetsuit really shield you against frigid water? YES, but you need to get the best wetsuit for cold water to get the right protection in cold water.
There are many wetsuits out there but they are not created equal. Choosing the right wetsuit for your water adventures depends on the water temperature and the activity you will be getting involved in. Of course, you don’t want to experience that condition called hypothermia.
So, in this article, we are helping you to choose the best wetsuit for cold water. We will select the best wetsuits based on the temperature and your water activity. So, grab your popcorn and read to the end if you want to stay toasty in cold water while enjoying your water adventures.
Best Wetsuit For Cold Water
First, you already know what wetsuits are but each type of wetsuit works for different water conditions. Here, we are concerned with the best wetsuit for cold water so let’s get straight to what you are here for!
1. Ho Stevie! Men’s 5/4mm Hooded Surfing Wetsuit
Designed for cold water, Ho Stevie is the best wetsuit for cold water. It is crafted with top-quality limestone-based neoprene material and has a 5mm thickness that is perfect for cold water. The good thing about this wetsuit is that it comes with a hood and chest zipper.
Why We Love It
- Limestone-based neoprene (makes it flexible and non-restricting)
- 5mm thickness
- GBS seams – the best seam for cold water
- Chest zip fullsuit (easy to put on and off)
- Rated 44 degrees Fahrenheit
- Built-in hood for optimal warmth
- Super Warm, stretchy and durable.
2. O’NEILL 5/4+mm Men’s Hyperfreak Hooded Fullsuit
Made from stretchy and non-restrictive neoprene material, O’Neill wetsuit is a hooded fullsuit that offers excellent protection to surfers in cold seasons. As one of the best wetsuits for cold water, it even added an extra o.5mm to the initial thickness specification. It offers a great quality and flexibility.
Why We Love It
- Top-quality and stretchy neoprene material
- Fullsuit with hood
- 5mm plus extra 0.5
- Non-restrictive
- Easy on and off front zipper
- Lightweight and durable
- Glued and blind-stitched seams and TB3X fully taped
- Super warm
3. Full Wetsuits-5mm 3mm Wetsuit
This Yonsub 5mm black fullsuit is a great wetsuit for cold water. Whether you are diving or surfing, this long-sleeved wetsuit is solid in front of cold water. With its 5mm thickness and stretchy material, you can go about your water escapade without fearing the cold. However, you should size up by one.
Why We Love It
- 5mm neoprene wetsuit (90% neoprene and 10% nylon)
- Fullsuit with hoodie
- Highly elastic design
- Optimal warmth and protection from elements such as jellyfish and UV rays
- Perfect for all kinds of water activities
- Very warm
- Front zipper and lightweight
4. Mens Wetsuit 5mm Full Scuba Diving Suit
Perfect for 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the Realon 5mm wetsuit is one of the best wetsuits for cold water. Not only is it a fullsuit, but it is also crafted from top-quality neoprene material. The material is stretchy, allowing you to enjoy your water adventures without restriction of movement or dragging.
Why We Love It
- 5mm fullsuit
- Super warm with protection
- Front zipper closure (wrist and ankle zippers too)
- Good at 45 degrees Fahrenheit
- Neoprene material
- Hoodie
- Available in blue and black colors
5. Lemorecn Mens And Womens Wetsuits
Available in 3mm and 5mm, Lemorecn wetsuit is a top-quality wetsuit with amazing features. It comes in black and is made from excellent neoprene material. It is a back zipper perfect for men and women. It is warm, lightweight and stretchy. Unfortunately, you have to buy a hood separately because it doesn’t come with one.
Why We Love It
- Stretchy neoprene material
- Flatlock seam.
- Smoother interior
- Durable and comfortable
- Available in 3mm and 5mm
- Zipper for easy on and off
- Warmth and protection
6. Seaskin 5mm Wetsuits for Men Front Zip Full Wetsuit
A 5mm wetsuit perfect for cold water, Seaskin wetsuit is a fullsuit made for cold water. If you are off to water for an exhilarating water adventure in cold water, you will need this wetsuit. It is a zipper, easy to wear and made of neoprene material. The insulating neoprene is stretchable and doesn’t restrict movement. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a hood.
Why We Love It
- Stretchy neoprene material
- Fullsuit zipper wetsuit
- 5mm thickness for optimal warmth and protection
- Front zipper for easy in and out
- Durable material with no movement restriction
- Durable
7. 5mm Wetsuit Mens Neoprene Diving Wet Suits with Hoodie
If you need warmth in cold water, this 5mm wetsuit is a go-to wetsuit. It is a fullsuit with a hood. So, when you wear it, your whole body is protected from both cold and elements. The top-quality neoprene wetsuit is a zipper suit made to provide your body with optimal warmth in cold water.
Why We Love It
- 5mm neoprene material
- Stretchy and non-restrictive
- Front zipper and water-tight feature
- Hood with super seal neck for optimal warmth
- No movement restriction
- Durable and true to size
8. Wetsuit Men 4/5mm Women Neoprene
Perfectly designed for women to stay toasty in cold water, this wetsuit is the best wetsuit for cold water for women. It is a neoprene wetsuit made for different water activities. It comes in a black color and offers protection against the elements. Unfortunately, it does not come with a hood.
Why We Love It
- Stretchy neoprene material
- 4/5mm thickness option
- Super warm in cold water (60℉- 65℉) and even below
- E-layer of diving fabrics wetsuit
- Protection against elements
- Weightless
- Back zipper
- Unisex
9. Hevto Men Wetsuits 3/2mm and 5/4 mm Neoprene Wet Suit
This Heveto wetsuit is one wetsuit you want to own. The fullsuit comes in both 3mm and 5mm. With its stretchable neoprene material, you can easily move your hands and feet. Not only are these suits comfortable but also easy to get in and out.
Why We Love It
- Comfortable
- Neoprene material
- Buoyancy
- Flexible and warm
- Back zipper
- Lightweight
- Durable
10. 5mm Wetsuits for Men Neoprene Long Sleeve
The Dizokizo 5mm wetsuit is one of the best wetsuit for cold water. If you are looking for warmth and comfort alongside protection in cold water, this is the perfect wetsuit for you. It is made from high-quality neoprene material, making it the go-to for warmth when it comes to adventures in cold water.
Why We Love It
- Stretchy neoprene material
- Fullsuit with heavy-duty back zipper
- 5mm thickness for optimum warmth in cold water
- Ideal for 23~59℉
- Warmth and protection
- Non-restricting design
- Durable
How Wetsuits Work
Wetsuits use your body temperature to keep you warm in cold water. Depending on the thickness of your wetsuit, the mechanism is that once you enter the water, a thin layer of water seeps into the suit in between the wetsuit and your body.
Your body heats the water and the neoprene wetsuit keeps the temperature constant letting you enjoy the water activity without feeling cold.
However, before you can enjoy constant temperature, your wetsuit should fit snugly. If it doesn’t fit snugly, water will be seeping in and out every time and you will lose the warmth. So, the fit is also important in wetsuits/
What Thickness Wetsuit Do You Need In Cold Water?
When it comes to choosing a wetsuit, the water temperature and your tolerance for chillness will determine the thickness. The thickness of a wetsuit directly impacts its insulation properties. Thicker wetsuits offer more warmth while less thicker ones offer less warmth.
For example, a 3/2mm wetsuit means 3mm of neoprene in the torso and 2mm of neoprene in the limbs, providing excellent insulation for moderate water temperature. If it is 4/3mm, you can wear it in a colder environment.
To choose the right wetsuit, follow the table below
Water Temperature (°F/°C) | Recommended Wetsuit Thickness |
Above 70°F (21°C) | Shorty (2mm or less) |
65°F – 70°F (18°C – 21°C) | 3/2mm Fullsuit |
59°F – 64°F (15°C – 18°C) | 4/3mm Fullsuit |
54°F – 58°F (12°C – 14°C) | 4/3mm or 5/4mm Fullsuit (consider hood, boots, and gloves) |
Below 54°F (12°C) | 5/4mm or thicker Fullsuit (hood, boots, and gloves are essential) |
Care and Maintenance Tips For Wetsuit
While getting the right wetsuit is important, taking care of it is equally essential. Here are a few ways to take care of your wetsuit:
- Always rinse your wetsuit after each use. This is important to avoid damage to your precious suit.
- Use a mild detergent to wash your wetsuit. Wash the suit periodically and avoid using harsh detergent.
- Get a good wetsuit changing mat. The mat will help you keep your wetsuit free of sand and elongate its lifespan.
- Handwash gently rather than using a washing machine. Always use lukewarm water to wash and rinse your wetsuit. If you must use a washing machine, use the gentle cycle.
- Dry the suit properly. To avoid damage and being smelly, always dry your wetsuit in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight. Use a large hanger made for a wetsuit to hang it.
- Store it properly in a cool, dry place away from heat.
- Always inspect the suit for any damage and fix any tears quickly.
The Bottom Line On The Best Wetsuit For Cold Water
If you are looking for the best wetsuit for cold water, there you have it. When you are shopping for a wetsuit for cold water, be sure that you consider the thickness and comfort. Avoid choosing oversized wetsuit. A snugly fit wetsuit will protect you and provide you with the warmth you need in cold water.