Guide to Choosing the Right Wetsuit

Plongée sous-marine, Surf, Wakeboarding, Kitesurf, Natation, Sports nautiques, Guides d'achat by Varuste.net, 7.9.2026

In collaboration with Rip Curl

Buying a wetsuit can feel like navigating a jungle. There are various thicknesses, cuts, materials and zip styles to choose from. The right wetsuit depends entirely on where, when and how you practise your sport. To make the right choice, consider the following four key factors:

Water temperature and neoprene thickness

Wetsuit thickness is usually stated in millimetres (e.g. 5/4 mm, 4/3 mm or 3/2 mm). The first number indicates the thickness of the neoprene around the torso and back, where the most insulation is needed. The second number (and a possible third number) indicates the thinner neoprene used around the limbs and underarms, ensuring sufficient freedom of movement.

Cold water, below 12–15 °C: Choose a 5/4 mm or even a 6/5 mm wetsuit, preferably with an integrated hood.
Cool water, 15–20 °C: A 4/3 mm or flexible 3/2 mm wetsuit offers the perfect balance between warmth and mobility.
Warm water, above 20 °C: A lightweight 2 mm wetsuit, short-leg springsuit or wetsuit top will provide sufficient protection from the wind and sun.

Tip: If you are choosing between two sizes, weight and chest measurements are generally more important than height when it comes to the wetsuit’s insulation and fit.

Your needs: Warmth vs. flexibility

Consider which is more important to you: maximum warmth or unrestricted freedom of movement?

For active paddlers and surfers, stretch and flexibility—such as those offered by Rip Curl’s E-Bomb range—are essential for preventing shoulder fatigue while paddling.
For those who get cold easily or spend long periods in the water, choose a wetsuit with an advanced lining and taped seams, such as Rip Curl’s Flashbomb models. These dry quickly and effectively prevent water from entering the suit.

Always check the product-specific size chart in our online store before making your purchase.

Zip style and wetsuit seal

The position of the zip affects both how easy the wetsuit is to put on and how warm it is:

Chest Zip: Reduces water flushing and keeps the shoulder area flexible.
Back Zip: The quickest and easiest style to put on, making it ideal for beginners.
Zip Free: Offers maximum freedom of movement and a snug, watertight fit, but may require a little practice to put on.

How do you know if a wetsuit fits correctly?

Signs of a good fit:

No air pockets: The wetsuit fits snugly against the skin around the curve of the back, underarms, groin and lower back.
Snug wrists and ankles: The low-profile or hooded neckline, wrists and ankles fit securely to prevent water from flushing into the suit.
Freedom of movement: You can raise your arms above your head and squat without the wetsuit pulling excessively around the groin or shoulders.

Signs that the wetsuit is the wrong size:

Too large: If there is a noticeable empty pocket around the back or the material bunches significantly around the forearms or behind the knees, too much water will enter the suit and make you cold.
Too small: If the wetsuit prevents you from taking a deep breath, pulls your head forwards or restricts you from raising your arms into a paddling position, it is too small or the cut does not suit your body type.

Remember that size charts and temperature recommendations are only guidelines. If you are sensitive to the cold or wind, or take part in an activity that involves remaining relatively still for long periods—such as stand-up paddleboarding or swimming in cool water—it is always worth choosing a slightly thicker wetsuit or completing your outfit with neoprene boots, gloves and a hood.