How to choose your wetsuit? Our advice!

Thickness, closure, cut, use, care, composition, top of the range.... There's a lot to consider when choosing a wetsuit. In this article, we reveal our top tips to help you choose your next nugget! This choice is essential to ensure your comfort and thus maximize your performance in the water. We've listed three main sections with the criteria we feel are most important, plus a final paragraph on maintaining your wetsuit. Enjoy your reading!

1. Choosing your wetsuit according to water temperature

Hot water:

Over 19°C. Whether it's summer in France or the rest of the year in the tropics, forget the integral! Depending on the temperature, you can adapt your protection. Lycras, rash guads, shortys or springsuits, the choice is wide. The key is to choose a piece that's thin, light and supple enough to maximize your comfort.

• For really warm tropical waters (over 23°C), choose lycras or surf-tees for lightness and mobility. They provide good protection against UV rays. These models also offer good freedom of movement and ideal buoyancy. Now all you need is your boardshort or bikini, some sun cream and off you go!
• For warmer waters (below 23°C), opt for a lightweight wetsuit such as a shorty or springsuit. Even if the water is fine, you can quickly feel the cold after a long session. This is the best option for moderate heat retention. What they have in common: they keep your upper body warm and stick to your skin.

Thickness: less than 2/2mm.

Protection level: Light. Summer, tropics.

Water temperature: 19-26°C.

Temperate waters:

Between 15°C and 19°C. Below 19°C, neoprene wetsuits are strongly recommended. Also known as steamers, these are full-body suits with long sleeves and legs. They offer optimum, moderate thickness distribution (3mm on the torso and 2mm on the legs and arms). Ideal for mid-season, or even summer for those with a chilly disposition. They are differentiated by their many different thicknesses, seams and composition technologies (ecological, Yulex, etc.). The most versatile for temperate waters remains the 3/2mm.

Thickness: 3/2mm.

Level of protection: Medium. Mid-season, spring/autumn.

Water temperature: 15-19°C.

Cold water:

• For cold waters up to 12°C, the essential wetsuit is the 4/3mm, the most versatile in cold water. However, it is advisable to combine it with a pair of neoprene booties.

• For even colder waters below 12°C, we recommend a 5/4mm wetsuit. Some models even come with an integrated hood. If not, combine with neoprene booties, hoods and gloves. At these temperatures, accessories are a must! Cover up from head to toe to make sure you don't lose any heat! Remember, it's better to be over-covered than under-covered.

Thicknesses: 4-5/3mm; 5/4mm.

Protection level: High. Winter, cold countries.

Water temperature: below 15°C.

2. Depending on body shape and technology (neoprene and seams)

Body shapes and different wetsuit sizes

A wetsuit must be worn very close to the body. There should be no visible creases. The aim is to achieve the best possible thermal efficiency. It's true that putting on a dry wetsuit is far from pleasant.... It feels too tight or uncomfortable, but this sensation disappears on contact with water, I promise! Of course, each brand has its own size guide. However, you may have noticed that the designations are sometimes quite distinct. For women, brands generally use a specific size guide with numbers: 6 / 8 / 10, like Rip Curl, for example. For men, size guides are almost the same as for clothes, but with a little subtlety. Example: S / MS / M / MT / L... Surf brands offer " Small " or " Tall " intermediate sizes, which refer to body size. So, if you're a size M in clothing and you're quite tall, you should choose an "MT" (Medium - Tall) size. Whereas the classic sizes "M", "L" correspond to so-called standard bodies. Below are two size guides from the same brand, the first for women and the second for men.

Our best advice is not original, but it is very important: always rely on the size guide of the brand of wetsuit in question. A Ripcurl wetsuit in size M will not have the same measurements as a Patagonia wetsuit in M. On our HawaiiSurf site, the size guide is always indicated on the product sheet.

Alternative materials to neoprene: technologies and eco-responsibility

Standard neoprene 

This is the most common and least expensive type of neoprene. It offers good thermal insulation and flexibility, but is generally less comfortable and heavier than other types of neoprene. Standard neoprene wetsuits are generally used by beginners or occasional surfers. O'Neill is a well-established brand in the surfing world and offers wetsuits in standard neoprene. For example, their"Epic" range offers affordable wetsuits in standard neoprene.

Closed-cell neoprene

This type of neoprene has a closed-cell structure, meaning that air is trapped inside the material's cells. This offers better thermal insulation than standard neoprene, but is generally stiffer and less flexible. These are often used for water sports practiced in cold waters, such as scuba diving or surfing in winter. Rip Curl also produces closed-cell neoprene wetsuits. The"Flashbomb" model features this technology. These suits use E5 Flash Lining neoprene, which is designed to offer superior thermal insulation and rapid water evacuation.

Superstretch neoprene (super flexible)

This is a high-quality type of neoprene that offers excellent flexibility and freedom of movement. Superstretch neoprene wetsuits are more expensive than standard neoprene ones, but are highly appreciated by advanced and professional surfers for their comfort and performance. The HyperFreak range from O'Neill range uses TechnoButter 3 neoprene, an evolution of their TechnoButter technology. TechnoButter 3 is a superstretch neoprene offering excellent flexibility, superior thermal insulation and fast drying.

Eco-friendly neoprene

More and more wetsuit manufacturers are concerned about the environment and offer eco-friendly neoprene options. These models are made from recycled materials or renewable resources, such as oyster shell powder, limestone or vegetable oils. Eco-friendly neoprene wetsuits offer similar performance to traditional neoprene, but can be slightly more expensive due to higher production costs. Patagonia is a brand focused on sustainability and the environment, and they have developed ecological neoprene wetsuits based on Yulex natural rubber. Their "R " range (like "R1", "R2", "R3") offers suits with different levels of thickness and warmth.

The type of stitching is also an important point to consider to ensure waterproof performance. It is the element that can make the difference between several neoprenes of the same thickness. There are several different seam technologies.

 - Basic seams: These are found on all entry-level wetsuits. They provide a good seal, but are not very flexible.

- Flatlock seams: These are improved seams. Neoprene panels are assembled edge-to-edge and sewn together. They are renowned for being not only more flexible and solid, but also more comfortable against the skin.

- Stitched/glued seams or GBS: Also known as invisible or taped seams. They are formed by gluing the two neoprene panels together and sewing them with a special needle that doesn't go all the way through the neoprene. This technique dramatically reduces water leakage, making it a good option for high-end wetsuits. For even more time in the water, intermediate and top-of-the-range models feature internal waterproof strips over the seam. A liquid rubber process is applied to the outer seams to improve waterproofing and durability.

In general, the tighter the seam, the more expensive it will be and the less flexible it will be. So it's important to choose a wetsuit with the sewing technology that best suits your needs and budget. As you can see, seams are essential to maintaining a watertight seal. Eventual water ingress can ultimately come from the zipper. Here are the two main types of zipper you'll find on neoprene wetsuits.

3. Depending on the zip of your neoprene wetsuit

Back zip or chest zip? That's certainly the most frequently asked question about wetsuit closures! Here's a quick comparison of the two to shed some light on the subject and help you decide which is best for you.

The "Back Zip" zipper

The original, the classic, even the historic! In fact, the back zip is the fastener used on the first surf wetsuits. The zip is located in the back, along the spine. It therefore needs to be closed at the back, often accompanied by a tab for ease of use and a Velcro fastener to close the wetsuit. 

The benefits 

- Ease of use: It's easier to put on and take off a back-zip suit because the opening is larger than on a chest zip. Ideal for beginners!

- Comfort: the fastener is located in the back, so it doesn't interfere with rotation and flexion movements.

- Adaptability: This system adapts to all body shapes. Thanks to its wide opening and Velcro fastening at the collar, it's the perfect fit.

Disadvantages

- Water leaks: Because the zipper is longer and in the back, it's more prone to water infiltration. This can reduce warmth and performance.

- Limited access: Having the zipper in the back can make access more difficult. It also offers a little less freedom of movement than the Chest Zip.

- Discomfort: Some surfers may find that the zipper in the back can cause discomfort, especially when rubbed against the back or when it's tight. But this is a minor point!

The "Chest Zip" zipper

The new one! A new kind of closure. Unlike the original back zip, the chest zip is located at the front of the torso. It opens from the side, providing a more watertight seal. Often appreciated by experienced surfers, we explain all about this new feature.

The benefits 

- Improved sealing: Provides a better seal and reduces water ingress.

- Greater mobility: Greater freedom of movement for easier rowing and more efficient surfing.

- Comfortable: Wetsuits with chest zips often have less material on the back, making them more comfortable to wear.

Disadvantages

- More difficult to put on: Often more difficult to put on than suits with rear zippers. It may take a little longer.

- Expensive: These are generally more expensive than back zips, due to the design and quality of the materials used.

- Care: Chest zips require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly. Zippers can also be more subject to wear and tear, requiring more frequent replacement than back zip suits.

Ultimately, the choice between a chest-zip wetsuit or a back-zip wetsuit depends on your personal preferences and surfing style. If you're looking for improved sealing and greater freedom of movementa chest zip closure may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a suit that's easier to put on and less expensivethen the back-zip wetsuit is for you!

4. Maintaining your wetsuit

Maintaining your wetsuit is essential if you want to keep it intact for as long as possible. Adopt these few steps regularly to prolong its life and maintain its thermal and waterproof properties. Here are our top 5 tips for regular, optimal care: 1 . Rinse after every session: After every surf session, rinse your wetsuit in fresh water to remove salt, sand etc. Be sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the wetsuit. Be sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the wetsuit. 2. Dry properly: Avoid leaving your wetsuit in the sun (neoprene hates this!) or machine drying it. Hang it in the shade in a well-ventilated area and turn it over regularly to dry evenly. Avoid hanging it on a hanger by the shoulders. This can deform the neoprene...

3. Avoid heat sources 

Avoid placing your wetsuit near sources of heat. Heat can damage neoprene fibers and make them less resistant. 

4. Use cleaning products 

There are products specially designed to care for wetsuits, such as neoprene cleaners (like piss-off!). Use them as directed to keep your wetsuit in good condition. When it comes to cleaning frequency, it all depends on how often you use your wetsuit. If you surf every day, then cleaning once a month is necessary. If you surf less regularly, opt for a good wash every 3 to 6 months!

5. Avoid chemicals 

Avoid using chemicals such as detergents or bleach. These products can damage neoprene and shorten the life of your suit.

By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your wetsuit and maintain its thermal protection and waterproof properties for many surf sessions to come. If you follow these tips, your wetsuit could last up to 10 years. It all depends on how you use it! Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll know all there is to know about wetsuits! You'll know all the important criteria before making your choice. Thickness, size, neoprene technology, seams and zips are all equally important. Of course, price, aesthetics and brand appeal will also play an important part in your decision. If you have any questions, our customer service team will be delighted to advise you! See you next week for another blog post!

Camille, HawaiiSurf.