Enjoy the water in 2024 with the best wetsuits for every aquatic endeavour

The best wetsuits can make the difference between a day of aquatic ecstasy or feeling like a soggy mess. If you're getting into open water swimming or a seasoned wave rider, the seas sometimes require a little more than just a swimming costume.

In this article, we put our expert knowledge to use and find you the best wetsuits available in 2024. We've got a wide selection, including short, summer and agile wetsuits. There's a choice here for swimmers and surfers or those who like to spend their weekends on paddleboards and in inflatable kayaks.

Want to dive straight in? The best wetsuits, at a glance

• Best overall wetsuit: O'Neill Women Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit - View now on O'Neill
• Best short wetsuit: Olaian Men's Surfing 1.5mm Stretch Neoprene 500 Shorty Wetsuit - View now on Decathlon
• Best wetsuit for summer months: Mountain Warehouse Men's Full Length Neoprene 2.5mm Wetsuit - View now on Amazon

What does a wetsuit do?

A wetsuit is not just a fancy, rubbery outfit. Think of it as your aquatic armour and second skin against the elements. Samuel Westlake is a Product Designer for ZONE3, a brand that's been producing wetsuits since 2007. He explains how wetsuits do more than just protect you from scrapes and the occasional run-in with marine life.

"Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit material known as neoprene, which contains lots of little air bubbles. Your body warms this water up, and the thermally insulative properties of the neoprene foam keep the water and wearer warmer for longer!"

"It is worth noting wetsuits are used for an array of water sports such as surfing, scuba diving or swimming, plus many more," he says. "For each activity, the wetsuit properties differ to enhance the wearer’s performance; Scuba wetsuits are ultra-durable and thick and use dense foam to combat the pressure underwater. In surfing, wetsuits must provide warmth, durability, and flexibility. This also applies to swimming/triathlon wetsuits; however, these also feature smoother material for minimal drag and thicker, more buoyant neoprene is used in the hips to enhance a swimmer’s position in the water."

So, adjust your goggles and grab your swimwear; we're plunging into some of the best wetsuits on the market.

SHOP: The best wetsuits for every aquatic endeavour

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

Finding the best wetsuit for you: FAQs

How thick of a wetsuit should I get?

When it comes to deciding how thick of a wetsuit you'll need, thickness matters because it determines how warm and comfortable you'll be in the water and out before you step into a dry robe. In simple terms, Samuel advises, "the colder the water, the thicker the wetsuit!" He continues: "in the UK the sea temperature can drop as low as 7° C. If you were surfing/bodyboarding in this, you would require a 6mm wetsuit to keep you warm while bobbing around waiting for waves."

However, the thickness of a wetsuit also depends on the type of activities you'll likely be doing, "expensive high-performance swim wetsuits can use neoprene as thin as 0.3mm on the shoulders for optimum flexibility, while an entry-level swim wetsuit will use a combination of 4/3/2mm neoprene for added buoyancy support, warmth and flexibility."

Do wetsuits actually keep you warm?

In short, providing the wetsuit fits snug and is made of neoprene, it will keep you toasty. "For a wetsuit to work, it must be tight enough to trap the water against the skin and not allow cold water to flush in and out," Samuel says.

Do you wear anything under a wetsuit?

Many open water swimmers and surfers opt to wear nothing under their wetsuits. This is because wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against the skin to trap that thin layer of water. Wearing something underneath could potentially compromise this seal and lead to chafing. But, "if you are finding the water a bit chilly and don’t want to splash out on a thicker wetsuit, you can add a thermal base layer, made of neoprene or polypropylene, under your wetsuit that will add an extra layer of warmth," Samuel says. "If you get unwanted rashes when wearing your wetsuit, you can also wear a rash vest to combat this."

About the expert

This article contains expert advice from Samuel Westlake, Product Designer for the world's highest rated triathlon brand, ZONE3. As a brand they've been producing wetsuits since 2007, and have an entire range of performance-based suits. Samuel specialises in wetsuit design and construction.

Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.

When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.

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