Size guide

A wetsuit is one of the most important pieces of kit for any watersports enthusiast. Made of stretchy, insulating neoprene, wetsuits keep you warm thanks to bubbles in the neoprene that trap warm air, and thermal linings then amplify the insulation by creating more trapped air next to the skin.

However, that doesn't mean you won't want a lightweight wetsuit in the summer too. Even when it's warm outside, you can lose body heat quickly when you're in cool water, so it's important you're wearing something to keep your core warm. As well as keeping your body temperature up, the extra layer will help to protect you from scratches, bruises, wind-chill and harmful UV radiation. The air bubbles in the neoprene also give you a little extra buoyancy too!

So yeah, knowing how to choose a wetsuit that is right for you is kind of a big deal.

Deciding what features are right for your needs, and choosing between so many incredible options can be tricky, especially if you're buying your first suit. Luckily, matching people up with the best wetsuit for them is our area of expertise, so we've put together this simple, step-by-step wetsuit guide with everything you'll need to know when making your decision.

What thickness wetsuit do I need?

Thicker neoprene is warmer, but it's also less stretchy. Wetsuits come in different combinations of thicknesses, measured in millimetres, and visible in the wetsuit's description as one, two or three numbers.

The first number listed, X, refers to the neoprene thickness around your core, where you need the most insulation. The next number(s), Y and Z, will refer to the thickness on your arms and legs, where you'll want more flexibility and won't need as much insulation, so you'll benefit from a thinner neoprene.

What you need will depend on where (and when!) you plan to use your wetsuit.

As a starting point, check the average water temperature at your favourite surf spot at the time of year you plan to get the most use out of your new suit, and choose the option in our wetsuit temperature guide that matches up best.

18-24°C	12-18°C	9-12°C	6-9°C	0-6°C
1-2mm Shorty Wetsuit	3/2mm Full Wetsuit	4/3mm Full Wetsuit	5/4 or 5/3mm Full Wetsuit	6/5mm Full Wetsuit
Thinnest option available. Super lightweight and stretchy, so no paddle exhaustion or overheating. Great for keeping off windchill on early summer mornings and also offers UV protection. Available in a mix of long-sleeves, short-sleeves, sleeveless, full-legged and short legged options. A pair of boardshorts and a neoprene top or rash vest work as an alternative when it's really hot. You won't need boots for warmth in these conditions, but a lightweight pair of 1 or 2mm reef boots will help protect your toes on rocky beaches or reefs.	Our most popular style of wetsuit. Most versatile option for the UK, great for seeing you through summer and early autumn. If you will be wearing it into autumn then opt for a wetsuit with blindstitch seams rather than flatlock, to avoid cold water getting in. Perfect for those new to watersports who need a reliable all-rounder. 3mm thick around the core, and 2mm through the arms and legs. Full coverage but lots of flexibility to move about in. Some of our 3/2 wetsuits also include a thermal lining to keep you warm further into the autumn.	For cool to cold water surfing. Best for keeping you on the water through autumn in the UK, as well as getting you through the transition from winter to summer. 4mm around the core and 3mm on the limbs, it's warmer than a 3/2 and will provide better protection from windchill on a breezy autumn day. For these temperatures, you'll also want to be looking at getting a pair of boots and gloves to go with your suit.	For anyone keen to surf through the UK winter, this is an ideal winter wetsuit thickness. 5mm around the core, 4 or 3mm on the limbs. Well worth opting for a lining as well, available on most of our mid-range to premium wetsuits. Boots and gloves are a must. A wetsuit hood is also a good idea.	For those who chase winter swells, particularly up in Scotland and beyond. A toasty 6mm of neoprene around your torso, and 5mm on your limbs – you'll be snug as a bug in one of these. It's worth noting that a thicker wetsuit will be slightly less flexible, but it's better than being cold! Boots, gloves and a hood are a must have for these conditions.

Once you've matched up the best option for the water temperature, choose whether any of the below considerations apply, in which case consider adding 1mm to the wetsuit thickness suggested:

• The weather: If it's particularly windy, you'll need a thicker suit to protect you from the windchill.
• Changing seasons: The water temperature is warmest at the beginning of autumn, but the air temperature will be dropping at this time too, so you'll find yourself feeling colder out of the water. At the beginning of Spring, even though the weather is getting warmer, water temperatures are at their coldest.
• Personal preference: If you know you usually get cold quicker than your friends, don't shy away from getting a thicker wetsuit.