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🏄 Wetsuit Thickness Guide

Enter your water temperature and activity to find the right wetsuit. Includes suit type guide, reference table, and layering recommendations.

°C
Suit Type Visual Guide
🩱
Rashguard / Swimwear
No insulation. UV protection only. Water 24°C+ (75°F+).
🩳
Shorty / Springsuit
Short arms & legs. Light warmth in 20–24°C (68–75°F) water.
🏄
Fullsuit (3/2 – 4/3mm)
Full arm & leg coverage. Ideal for 12–22°C (54–72°F).
🤿
Hooded / Drysuit
Maximum insulation. For water below 10°C (50°F) or diving.
Water Temperature Reference Table
Water TempThicknessSuit TypeActivity
Layering Guide — Boots, Gloves & Hood
🧤
Gloves (3–5mm)
Add when water is below 12°C (54°F). Thick gloves (5mm) below 8°C (46°F).
🦶
Boots (3–7mm)
Add below 14°C (57°F). 7mm booties for water under 8°C (46°F). Essential for rocky entries.
🪖
Hood (2–5mm)
Add when water is below 10°C (50°F). Attached hood on suit below 7°C (45°F). Up to 40% of heat loss is through the head.
🧥
Drysuit + Underlayer
Required below 7°C (45°F) for extended sessions. Pair with fleece or merino wool underlayer.

How to Choose Wetsuit Thickness

Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimetres (mm). A "3/2mm" suit has 3mm of neoprene on the core and 2mm on the arms and legs — thicker where heat loss is highest, thinner for flexibility at the joints.

Activity matters as much as temperature. Divers are stationary and lose heat faster than surfers who are paddling actively. Swimmers and triathletes generate more body heat and may wear thinner suits than the temperature alone would suggest.

Individual cold tolerance varies significantly. If you tend to run cold, add one thickness level to the recommendation. Always prioritise safety in very cold water — cold incapacitation can occur rapidly.