Wetsuits are essential gear for anyone who wants to enjoy water sports like surfing, diving, or even swimming in colder water. However, choosing the right wetsuit thickness can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about wetsuit thickness and how it affects your comfort and performance in the water.
Table of Contents
- What Is Wetsuit Thickness?
- How Does Wetsuit Thickness Affect Comfort and Performance?
- Choosing the Right Wetsuit Thickness
- Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wetsuit
- FAQ
What Is Wetsuit Thickness?
Wetsuit thickness refers to the thickness of the neoprene material used in making the wetsuit. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that provides insulation and keeps the wearer warm in cold water. The thickness of the neoprene can vary from 0.5mm to 7mm, with 3mm and 5mm being the most common for general water sports.
You will see thickness numbers of two or three numbers separated by a slash, such as 3/4 or 4/6.
- The first number indicates the thickness of the neoprene in the torso area
- The second number indicates the neoprene thickness in the arms & legs.
Generally, wetsuits have a difference of 1-2 mm in thickness between the torso and the arms/legs. This is because keeping the body warm is more important than maintaining flexibility in the limbs.
How Does Wetsuit Thickness Affect Comfort and Performance?
The thickness of your wetsuit plays a crucial role in determining your comfort and performance in the water. A wetsuit that’s too thin won’t provide adequate insulation and will leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable. On the other hand, a wetsuit that’s too thick will restrict your movements and make it difficult to paddle, swim or dive.
Choosing the Right Wetsuit Thickness
Choosing the right wetsuit thickness depends on a variety of factors, including water temperature, your activity level, and your personal preferences.
Water Temperature
The colder the water, the thicker the wetsuit you’ll need. Here’s a general guideline:
Activity Level
If you’re engaging in more active water sports like surfing or windsurfing, you may want to opt for a slightly thinner wetsuit to allow for more flexibility and movement.
Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the right wetsuit thickness depends on your personal preferences and how you feel in the water. Some people may prefer a thicker wetsuit even in warmer water, while others may feel comfortable in a thinner wetsuit in colder water.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wetsuit
Wetsuit thickness is just one factor to consider when choosing a wetsuit. Here are some other factors you should keep in mind:
- Neoprene Quality: The quality of the neoprene used in the wetsuit can affect its durability, flexibility, and insulation properties.
- Seams: The seams in a wetsuit can affect its flexibility, durability, and water resistance. Flatlock seams are more flexible but less water-resistant, while sealed and taped seams are more durable and water-resistant but less flexible.
- Fit: A wetsuit should fit snugly but not be too tight or too loose. A good fit will ensure that the wetsuit provides adequate insulation and allows for a full range of motion.
- Brand and Price: Wetsuits come in a range of prices and brands, and while some brands may be more
FAQ
Generally, thicker neoprene offers more warmth but less flexibility, while thinner neoprene provides more flexibility but less warmth. Thicker neoprene is placed in the torso area, where flexibility is less important, and thinner neoprene is used in the arms and legs, where flexibility is crucial.
While it’s possible to wear a wetsuit that’s thicker than necessary, it can make movement difficult and uncomfortable. It’s best to choose a wetsuit with the appropriate thickness for the water temperature and your activity level.
Wearing a wetsuit that’s too thin for the water temperature can lead to hypothermia, which is a dangerous condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold water. It’s essential to choose a wetsuit with the appropriate thickness for the water temperature to stay safe and comfortable.
If you’re in between sizes for wetsuit thickness, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose the thicker wetsuit. A wetsuit that’s too thin won’t provide adequate warmth and can be dangerous, while a slightly thicker wetsuit may limit your flexibility but still keep you warm and safe.
Wetsuit thickness is a critical factor to consider when choosing the right wetsuit for your needs. By selecting a wetsuit with the appropriate thickness for your water temperature and activity level, you can ensure that you stay comfortable and safe while enjoying your water sport of choice. Don’t forget to consider other factors like neoprene quality, seams, fit, brand, and price when making your choice. With the right wetsuit, you can stay warm, flexible.
Also have a look at the Ultimate Wetsuit Guide where you can find tips on buying a second hand wetsuit, repairing your wetsuit, how to care for your wetsuit, and much more.
