Best Wetsuits for Men – Buying Guide!

If you like to swim or spend time underwater, then you definitely appreciate the value of good wetsuits. Wetsuits serve two main purposes. First, they protect you from hypothermia especially when you need to spend time in cold water. One cannot underestimate just how important to maintain the right body temperature when you are in the water.

Secondly, wetsuits, especially full-body swimsuits, protect your skin from germs and bacteria that are found in water. This is particularly true if you swim around water creatures that are prone to carrying bacteria on their mouths and skin. Below is a list of the top best wetsuits for men that are worth your attention.

1. O’ Neill Wetsuits Reactor Full Suit

Average Rank: 4.3 out 5

Top Rated

The O’Neill wetsuit is relatively inexpensive compared to other wetsuits on the market. So, if you are looking for a wetsuit at a great price, then look no further than the O’Neill Reactor. This is a full-body wetsuit that is made of soft, flexible material.

The wetsuit stretches smoothly, allowing it to move freely around in the water thanks to its sleeves and shoulders, made from top quality nylon- 2 neoprene material. Additionally, the suit features Krypto kneecaps that are designed to protect your knees from chafing or injuries.

You’ll be happy to have them, especially if your knees need to get in contact with pebbles, rocks, or any other hard ground. The seams of the wetsuit are sewn with smooth and durable flatlock stitching that increases your flexibility in the water and allows greater movement in your upper body.

Its wind-resistant front and back panels help keep you warm in cold weather. It also has a double seal neck, which makes the wetsuit very snug. The zipper in the back is easy to close and can be zippered without any help. According to reviewers, the wetsuit is quite easy to slip on and off.

To sum up, this is without a doubt one of the most comfortable wetsuits for men, in addition to being durable and very stretchy.
This wetsuit is great for spearfishing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, surfing, and sailing.

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Zipper: Back Zipper
Thickness: 3/2 mn
Type: Full Wetsuit

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2. NeoSport Wetsuits Men’s Neoprene 5mm Full Suit

Average Rank: 4.3 out of 5

One of the most outstanding features of the NeoSport wetsuit is the thickness of the material. With the premium quality 5 mm thick neoprene material, this is a wetsuit that is made to last. In fact, it can weather heavy use very easily. Given just how thick the material is, this suit is best suited for cold water temperatures. It will protect you from cold and will keep you warm while underwater water.

The wetsuit also comes with thermal bonded kneepads for more protection, so you can also wear it when surfing. It has a Velcro collar and a YKK back zipper, which makes it extremely easy to get in and out of. The velcro collar is also adjustable to prevent water leakage as much as possible. Better yet, the wrists and ankles are trimmed to completely block out the water, thus protecting your skin from exposure to bacteria found in water.

The seams are well sewn as well as glued, making it extremely durable. The sturdy seams keep you warm in cold water for quite a long and also stop water from getting inside the wetsuit without restricting your movement.

The wetsuit also has an internal key pocket, where you can safely keep a small item as you swim or explore underwater. This wetsuit is particularly shaped for men, so you can expect it to fit perfectly well and conform to your shape with ease.

Thickness: 5mm
Type: Full Wetsuit
Zipper: Back Zipper

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3. O’Neill Hammer 3mm Men’s Wetsuit

Average Rank: 3.9 out of 5

This is a shorty wetsuit, meaning the sleeves are long, keeping the upper body warm, and the bottom doesn’t go beyond the knees. The wetsuit is best worn in warmer areas, where body heat conservation is not a priority. In fact, wearing a full-body suit in warm waters can be too much of a bother, which is why shorty wetsuits are important.

The chest and the back are coated with a smooth layer, which provides comfort and a soft feeling on the skin. The wetsuit is also made up of a mixture of neoprene and nylon materials that not only enhance its durability but also make it very stretchy.

This wetsuit features a high-quality 10KK YKK Back Zipper, making it more simple and agreeable to put on and of.

Additionally, the wetsuit is great for warm water diving, thanks to its short legs. Better yet, the suit is rather affordable. There are numerous positive user reviews that prove just what an amazing product this wetsuit is. With it, you can rest assured that you will get full value for your money.

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Thickness: 2mm
Zipper: Back
Style: Short wetsuit

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4. Xterra Wetsuit – Men’s Volt Triathlon 3/2mm

Average Rank: 4.6 out 5

Top Pick

This is a superior-quality wetsuit that is made from neoprene material. Neoprene is well known for being stretchy – meaning your movement won’t be restricted, and you’ll be able to move freely while doing your water activity. The Exterra is so flexible that it fits very easily and adapts to virtually any shape. Its back zipper and collar make it all the easier to slip into the wetsuit.

The seams of the wetsuit are sewn with three layers of glue and double-blind stitching that make the seams waterproof and durable.

This wetsuit offers fantastic buoyancy, reducing drag in the water thanks to its X – X-Slice tri-suit coating. The thickness in the back is 2mm and the shoulders 1.5mm. This is the type of wetsuit that will make your swim pleasant, fast, and smooth.

The X-Max seam seal not only minimizes water seepage but also makes the wetsuit more flexible. The suit comes in a series of colors and 9 sizes. It has a 30-day free trial period and comes with a 12-month warranty. There is no better quality guarantee than this.

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Thickness: 3/2 mm
Type: Full Wetsuit
Zipper: Back

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5. Henderson Thermoprene 3mm Men’s Wetsuit

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

This wetsuit is made of Thermoprene material, which is a far better version of neoprene material. It is made of premium neoprene material and other materials that make it more stretchy. In fact, this wetsuit has 75% more stretch than the average wetsuit. Impressive, isn’t it?

The wetsuit is also exceedingly comfortable, especially owing to the design of the arms, neck, and legs. The stitching also ensures minimal water seepage. The adjustable neck collar also helps to keep the water out. Additionally, the wetsuit comes with custom knee padding. This makes it great for surfing or any other water activities where you have to get on a bed.

Being a full-body suit, this suit protects you well from the cold. The thick material also makes the suit very durable. It can withstand heavy-duty use without getting damaged. The fact that it is also reasonably priced makes it all the more worthwhile.

You don’t have to break the bank in order to own one of these great full-body wetsuits. On the whole, this is a quality wetsuit that is bound to make your underwater experiences great.

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Thickness: 3mm
Type: Full wetsuit
Zipper: Back

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6. O’Neill Men’s Epic Back Zip

Average Rank: 4.3 out of 5

This wetsuit embodies all that a wetsuit should be. For one thing, it is made of ultra-stretch neoprene material. The stretchy nature of the material ensures that the suit fits perfectly on your body.

Additionally, it allows you unrestricted movement as you engage in underwater activities. This can prove to be immensely important as you are free to enjoy your activities without any restrictions. The flexibility of the suit is further enhanced by the under-sleeve panels. The panels also help to protect your skin from chafing.

If you are swimming in very cold water, it is imperative that you keep yourself warm. The O’Neill Men’s Epic suit can help you a great deal in this respect. The suit has Flex Fluid Insulation that conserves your body warmth while at the same time acting as a barrier to the cold.

It also has an adjustable neck closure, a water-resistant zipper, and sealed seams, all of which protect your body from the water. With this suit, you can swim even in the coldest of waters without fear of hypothermia or other cold-related conditions.

Further, the suit also has kneepads. These help to protect your knees from bruising and abrasion, particularly when you go surfing. The wetsuit also has a key pocket in which you can safely store your car keys as you enjoy your underwater activities. The wetsuit also comes with a one- year warranty, which is proof enough of how durable it is.

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Type: Full wetsuit
Thickness: 4/3mm
Zipper: Back

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7. Dark Lightning Premium CR Neoprene Wetsuit

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

This wetsuit is great for myriad water activities, ranging from snorkeling to swimming to even scuba diving. The wetsuit is made of premium quality neoprene material as well as 10% elastane nylon. The use of these superior quality materials plays a crucial role in making this one of the most stretchy wetsuits on the market. In fact, owing to the use of these materials, this wetsuit is always true to size.

You can comfortably wear this wetsuit in extremely cold temperatures owing to the thickness of the material as well as the back panels. For the very cold waters, you should opt to buy the 5/4mm thick wetsuit. The heavy material is essential for insulation especially if you plan to stay underwater for a long time. If on the other hand, you will be swimming or snorkeling in warmer waters, you can opt to buy the 3mm thick wetsuit. It is much thinner than the 5/4mm thick suit, but it still protects you from the cold reasonably well.

This wetsuit is very elegantly designed. It is also light in weight and does not feel unduly heavy when worn. The wetsuit is watertight which means that water has absolutely no way to seep through it. It also comes with kneepads to protect your knees from abrasion. On the whole, this is a reasonably comfortable and functional wetsuit worth your attention.

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Type: Full wetsuit
Thickness: 3/2mm and 4/5mm
Zipper: Back

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8. Hyperflex Wetsuits Full Suit

Average Rank: 4.1 out of 5

One of the most outstanding qualities of this wetsuit is just how versatile it is. The suit can be used for any number of underwater activities, from diving to snorkeling to swimming to jet skiing to even diving. Moreover, the wetsuit does a better job than most in maintaining the right body temperature.

This is particularly so owing to the thermal- lined interior fabric that is used to make it. Furthermore, the suit has back and chest panels that help to keep the cold at bay. It also comes with kneepads that keep your knees safe, especially while you engage in board activities.

The suit comes with a small YKK zipper that is waterproof. This zipper serves two main functions. First, it makes it very easy to get into the wetsuit. Secondly, it also helps to keep water out, which is essential in protecting your skin from all irritants found in water. The suit’s low profile seams also go a long way in sealing the suit from the water.

Better yet, the wetsuit affords you protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun. It also comes with a 12-month warranty, which is a guarantee that the suit is worth every single coin you spend on it.

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9. Realon 3mm Full Body Wetsuit Men

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5

This wetsuit is made of super-stretch neoprene, which makes it extremely flexible. Not only does this guarantee you unrestricted freedom of movement, but it also means that the wetsuit is very easy to wear and fits perfectly.

The wetsuit can be comfortably worn for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It is made of a very breathable material, which makes it all the more comfortable to wear. Further, it dries very fast and is rather light in weight.

The suit comes with a back zipper that is extra-long and very durable. The zipper makes it very easy to slip in and out of the wetsuit. Its adjustable collar and flatlock seams help seal it, thus preventing water seepage. This helps to protect you from the cold, jellyfish, sea lice, and other irritants that may be found in the water. The suit also helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

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Type: Ful Wetsuit
Thickness: 3mm and 2/3mm
Zipper: back

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Guide to Choosing a Wetsuit

Generally, there are four types of wetsuits.

Top: One is the top wetsuit, where neoprene only covers the upper part of the body.

Short Wetsuit: Then there is the shorty, which covers the body and extends to the upper arms and upper legs. This wetsuit is best suited for warmer waters since it leaves most part of your arms and legs exposed to the water.

Spring Suit: You can also opt to buy a spring suit. With this suit, neoprene covers the body as well as the legs and only the upper arms. Other types of spring wetsuits cover the body and arms and only the upper part of the legs.

Full Suit: If you are swimming in very cold conditions, then you ought to choose a full-body wetsuit. This suit covers your entire body, including the arms up to the wrists and the legs up to the ankles. If the water is extremely cold, you might consider wearing a hoodie, gloves, and even booties.

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Check the Quality of Fabric and Construction

You also want to choose a wetsuit that is made of superior-quality fabric. For wetsuits, this is often neoprene, which will be discussed in detail shortly. When it comes to the construction of the wetsuit, you want a wetsuit that is durable. Additionally, the stitching of the suit should allow a minimal amount of water to flush through it.

When it comes to stitching, there are three major methods.

Overlock stitching: The Overlock stitching is quite strong but not as effective as the other stitching methods. In fact, lower quality or summer wetsuits are usually sewn with the Overlock stitching. The edges panels are held together and then sewn, which makes the edges stick out and uncomfortable on the skin. Also, since the overlock stitching uses needles to pierce the neoprene material, water tends to get inside the wetsuit.

Flatlock stitching: The Flatlock stitching method is very similar to the Overlock stitching. The only difference is that the seams are on the exterior, which makes the wetsuit more pleasant on the skin. Wetsuits made with flatlock stitching are more prone to tear and leakage issues because the seams are on the outside.

blind stitching: The Blind stitching technique consists of gluing the neoprene material before the sewn starts. As opposed to flatlock and overlock stitching techniques, the needle doesn’t pierce the neoprene, meaning there are no holes in the seams. This makes the wetsuit much more durable, flexible, and warm. Anyway, the problem with the glue is that it doesn’t last as long as the neoprene and may deteriorate earlier. But if you care for the wetsuit, it will prolong its lifespan.

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Get the Proper Fit

It is imperative that you get a wetsuit that fits you perfectly. Ideally, you will be trying your wetsuit on in dry conditions. It is important to know that when dry, wetsuits tend to be much tighter and smaller.

They loosen up when in water. You don’t want to pick a wetsuit that is big lest it leaves too much space underwater for the water to seep through. Pick a suit that hugs you tightly. However, if the suit makes you too uncomfortable, short of breath, or crouched, then it is too small.

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What is Neoprene?

As far as wetsuits are concerned, neoprene is king when it comes to the material used to make them. Neoprene is scientifically known as Polychloroprene. It was baptized Neoprene by DuPont when they were looking for a brand name for the material.

The fabric is made up of elastic rubber, which is filled with millions of microscopic bubbles. The bubbles contain air, which is responsible for the insulating properties of the material. Sometimes, the bubbles are filled with nitrogen, which has stronger insulation properties than ordinary air.

Although neoprene is generally safe to use, it is made up of substances that can be allergic. Ethylene thiourea, in particular, is known to cause allergic reactions, so keep this in mind as you go shopping for neoprene wetsuits.

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What Type of Neoprene to Choose

Generally, there are two types of neoprene to choose from; you can either opt to wear double-lined neoprene or single-lined neoprene. Double-lined neoprene is bounded both on the outside and the inside with nylon.

On the outside, nylon helps protect the neoprene from damage. On the inside, nylon prevents the neoprene from getting into contact with the skin. Single-lined neoprene will ordinarily be surrounded by nylon either on the outside or the inside.

Sometimes, there will be a layer of titanium between the neoprene and nylon layer. The essence of this layer is to radiate body heat back to the body, thus increasing the conservation of heat significantly. You can also opt to buy gas-blown or chemical-blown neoprene. The gas-blown neoprene is more durable, whereas the chemical-blown type is softer but less durable.

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What Thickness Should You Buy?

The water temperatures dictate just how thick your wetsuit ought to be. The thickness of a wetsuit is usually identified by numbers in twos or threes, such as 3/2, 4/3, or 5/4/3. This simply means that on the body, the neoprene panels used are 3 mm thick, whereas on movable parts such as the arms, the material is 2mm thick. The material is thinner on movable parts to make movement a tad easier.

Wetsuits for divers, however, have only one size of thickness since divers don’t and should not move around much. Scuba diving suits are thicker since neoprene loses its insulating properties as you go deeper into the water.

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Pick the Right Thickness

For warmer weather, a 3/2 mm thick wetsuit should be ideal. A 2mm thick wetsuit is great for water temperatures above 290 C (85F). A wetsuit that is 3mm thick is best suited for water temperatures between 210 C and 280 C (70-85F). A 4/3mm thick wetsuit is great for winter and spring. If a suit is more than 6mm thick, it might make you too clumsy to enjoy any underwater activities unless you are swimming in freezing waters. Such a suit is, however ideal for diving.

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Zippers

Zippers are essential for getting into and out of your wetsuit. You would, in fact, be hard-pressed to find a wetsuit that lacks a zipper in modern times. However, the longer the zipper is, the more water that can flush through it, which can lead to more exposure to cold water. This is why winter wetsuits have very short zippers. On the whole, zippers made of metal are more durable than plastic ones. You would be better off choosing a zipper that has a Velcro safety belt that will keep the zipper from accidentally opening while you are underwater.

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How to Put on a Zipperless Wetsuit

Although zipperless wetsuits are rare, they are not entirely non-existent. They hold a major advantage over those with zippers- there is no space for water to leak through your suit. On the downside, wearing them can be quite a hassle. To make it easier, start by getting into your wetsuit and raising it up to the waist. Then pull it up until it is just below your armpits. Then, put one arm in and then the other. Finally, pull it up to your neck or over your head, and you are good to go.

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In Conclusion

Choosing the right wetsuit can prove to be something of a challenge. However, you ought to keep the functionality of the suit in mind at all times. How well will the wetsuit keep you warm? How durable is it? Is it easy to get into the wetsuit? If you follow the guidelines shared above on how to choose a wetsuit, you should have an easy time choosing a great wetsuit that will serve you for years.

What is your favorite wetsuit? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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