Best Wetsuits for Scuba Diving in Different Water Temperatures

Wetsuits

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It’s not diving in cold water that isn’t fun but being cold. Having the best scuba diving wetsuit should keep you warm throughout your dive making it more enjoyable and fun.

The best wetsuit should fit like a second skin, provide mobility, very durable, and is easy to put on and take off.

However, every diver has different needs for thermal protection, for this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the best wetsuits for different water temperatures. 

Best wetsuits for scuba diving

Use this Buyer's Guide to help you find the best wetsuit or shorty that fits your diving needs and style.   

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What Are The Best Wetsuits for Scuba Diving?

Best Warm Water Shortie Wetsuits

Best Wetsuits for Warm Water 

Best Wetsuits for Temperate Water

Best Wetsuits for Cold Water

A comfortable wetsuit with the right amount of protection is key to an enjoyable dive

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Best Shortie Wetsuits

A warm water shortie wetsuit is the best choice if your diving in the warm waters of the tropic. They offer some protection from the cold but leave your arms and legs exposed for greater mobility.

Also, because they lack sleeves and pant legs, they are a lot easy to put on and take off.  Their high mobility also makes them an excellent choice for other water sports as well. 

Below are our picks for the best warm water shortie. 

Cressi Lido 2mm Short

Cressi Lido Shortie Wetsuit
Cressi Lido wetsuit Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Cressi

Thickness

2mm

Material

Nylon 2 Neoprene

Seams

Glued and sewn

Closure

YKK Font Zipper

Available Size

XS - XXXL

Gender

Men, Women, Kids

Best For

Easy donning and doffing

This is the first shorty I have ever owned. Was a little bit difficult for me to get off, but it was comfortable, and was easy to move around in. Great Value for the price, I would highly recommend this wetsuit. 

View product on recommended retailers site for bet prices:

Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Great choice for warm water and traveling
  • Front zipper makes putting on and taking of the wetsuit very easy. 
  • Excellent freedom of movement. Does not feel restricted.
  • Double-lined neoprene and the glued and sewn seam make the wetsuit warm and durable. 

What We Don't Like

  • Sizes may run a little bit small, you will need to buy one size up.  
  • No the best choice if you get cold very easily  

Neosport 3mm Shorty

Neosport 3mm Neoprene Shorty
neosport 3mm neoprene shorty option
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

NeoSport

Thickness

3mm

Material

Nylon 2 Neoprene

Seams

Flatlock seams

Closure

Back Zipper w/Pull Leash

Available Size

XS - XXXL

Gender

Men, Women

Best For

Warm water diving and water activities

This wetsuit keeps me when when the water is generally too cold for me and keeps me really comfortable. It Zips up very easy too. 

View product on recommended retailers site for bet prices:

Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Excellent at keeping your core warm
  • Flatlock seams add strength and stop chafing
  • Spot taped at intersecting seams for added durability
  • Internal zippered key pocket.

Things to consider

  • The size run a little bit small. Reviewers recommend buying one size up  

Henderson Thermoprene Pro 3mm Shorty

Henderson Thermoprene Pro Shorty
Henderson Thermoprene Pro Shorty Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Henderson

Thickness

3mm

Material

Nylon 2 Neoprene

Seams

Double Glued & Blind Stitched

Closure

Back Zipper w/ Pull Leash

Available Size

XS - 6XL

Best For

Stretch and Comfort

This is a great wetsuit, easy to put on and take off. Went diving in the tropics and really appreciate having this instead of a rental wetsuit. This is a excellent made wetsuit.

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Amazon:

Men
Women

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Men
Women

Why we like the Henderson Thermoprene Shorty

  • Excellent choice for warm water diving and other water sports.
  • 250% more stretchy than standard neoprene for added comfort and easy donning and doffing.
  • Larger neoprene panel and minimized seams keep cold water out and warm water in. 
  • Velcro-resistant outer fabric keeps adjustable collar from attaching to other parts of the wetsuit.

Things to Consider

  • Priced higher than most shorty wetsuits, but you get better quality  

Best Wetsuits for Warm Water

Even while diving in warm water some divers need more warmth and coverage than what a shortie can provide.

These are great if you’re planning to dive in water temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees and are about 3mm thick. They also provide full-body protection against jellyfish stings as well as better protection from sunburns on your arms and legs. 

Cressi Morea 3mm Jumpsuit

Cressi Morea 3mm Jupsuit
Cressi Morea 3mm Jumpsuit
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Cressi

Thickness

3mm

Material

Nylon II & I Neoprene

Seams

Glued & Sewn

Closure

Back Zipper w/Pull Tab Leash

Available Size

S - XXXL

Gender

Men, Women

Best For

Durability and Affordability

I was surprised by the overall quality. It also has a very comfortable design, very elastic, and has adequate thermal protection. I find it more flexible and elastic than the Cressi maya, but the Neoprene is of better quality. I am struck by how well done it is.

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Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What we like about the Cressi Morea Jumpsuit

  • Excellent protection for light scuba diving in warm water
  • A smooth neoprene exterior in the chest region enhance hydrodynamics and drys quickly when out of the water.
  • Anatomical cut and design for best protection and  flexibility.
  • Seam are glued and sewn for added durably
  • Offer great value for the money, and available at an affordable price point. 

Things to Consider

  • Some divers find the sizes run a little bit large 
  • There are no BCD shoulder grip or protection, it's ideal only for light scuba diving.

NeoSport 3/2MM Jumpsuit

NeoSport 3mm Jumpsuit
NeoSport 3mm Jumpsuit Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

NeoSport

Thickness

3/2mm

Material

Nylon-2 Neoprene

Seams

 Flat lock stitched

Closure

Back Zipper w/Pull Tab Leash

Available Size

S - XXXL

Gender

Men, Women

Best For

Beginner divers & Affordability 

This is an excellent wetsuit for the money. Bought this after renting wetsuits for years. This is much better quality than the rentals and pack nicely in my travel bag.

View product on recommended retailers site for bet prices:

Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  •  A 3mm torso promotes core body warmth and 2mm extremities balance warmth and flexibility
  • Tough, flexible pads protect the knees and lower leg
  • Anatomical cut pattern, this NeoSport suit is soft warm, comfortable and durable
  • Available at an affordable price point

Things to Consider

  • They are reports of some quality issue with the stitching 
  • No Shoulder protection for your BCD

Scubapro EverFlex Steamer

Scubapro Everflex Wetsuit
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Scubapro

Thickness

3/2mm

Material

100% Everflex Neoprene

Seams

Glued & Sewn

Closure

Front YKK Zipper

Available Size

S - 5XL

Best For

Quality and Durability

There is a lot to like about this wetsuit, but I love the rapid dry material, that also provides added insulation. I also like the off center zipper, some divers don't like this,  but who want a cylinder pushing on the center zipper liner. This just makes my Hydros BC even more comfortable. 

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Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Excellent for diving in water temperatures between 60.8ºF/16ºC to 75.2ºF/24ºC
  • Made from environmentally friendly Everflex Neoprene with multi-thickness panels make this wetsuit both  warm and flexible.
  • Torso lining promote more efficient hydrodynamic, while being easy to dry, and provides additional warmth.  
  • Knee and shoulder pads provides protection against abrasion, while a safe straps on the arms secure your wrist dive computer. 
  • Double blind-stitched outer seams are durable and watertight, and single blind-stitched inner seams are comfortable against bare skin.Glued and stitched seams for durability
  • The inner lining provides enhanced cold water protection while still being easy to dry.  
  • Fuse-cut finished cuffs on the ankles and wrists that are super stretchy, along with small neck zipper, makes for easy donning and doffing while being extremely comfortable. 
  • It also features a diagonal rear YKK zipper that's durable and easy to use, and the zipper flaps helps reduce water penetration and increases back protection.  

Things to Consider

  • Not cheap, but you get a higher quality wetsuit 
  • A few divers don't like the diagonal zipper

Waterproof W30 Full Suit

Water Proof W30 2.5mm Full Suit
Waterproof W30 Full Suit Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Waterproof

Thickness

2.5mm

Material

Nylon 2 Neoprene Rubber

Seams

Flat-Lock Stitched w/Bonded Nylon Thread

Closure

Back YKK Zipper w/Stainless Steel slider.

Available Size

XS - 3XL

Best For

Best value for the money

This waterproof wetsuit is of very high quality and fits perfectly. After using using it for a couple of weeks, I find it very soft and comfortable. It does seem stiff as many other wetsuits. It is definitely warmer than my previous 3mm wetsuit from another brand.

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Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Perfect wetsuit for most tropical water water diving.
  • A non-slip grip on the seat keepy you in placen when seated and protects abrasions. 
  • YKK Zipper with stainless steel slider provides hard core durability and ensures consistent ease of use. 
  • Reinforced shoulder pad provide anti-slip for your BCD Straps as well as protect against abrasion.
  • Polyurethane reinforced knee pads also protects against abrasion in this critical wear area.  
  • Grips on the cuff keeps wrist instruments in place and prevent it from sliding around

Things to Consider

  • Standard Neoprene lining allows some water to get in, but this is okay for warm water diving

Best Wetsuits for Temperate Water

These are the best choice if you’re planning on diving in cooler water, about 40 to 75 degrees.  They are generally between 4mm to 6mm thick and great for deeper dives, extended bottom time, or diving in warmer locations in cold weather. A great choice if you planning to dive the cenotes of Mexico or the southern Great Barrier Reed.  

Bare Revel & Elate Jumpsuit

Bare Revel and Elate 5mm Wetsuit
Bare Revel wetsuit Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Bare

Thickness

5mm

Material

Nylon 2 Neoprene Rubber

Seams

Glued & Sewn

Closure

Back Zipper W/ Pull Tab Leash

Available Size

XS - 3XL

Best For

Scuba Diving & Multi Sports

The wetsuit fit great, is very comfortable, and warm as well. The stretchiness of the wetsuit made it feel like a 3mm, but with the warth of a 5mm. When I was in the water it hardly feel like I was wearing wetsuit. I couldn't feel and bucklyness or drag whatsoever. Overall, this is the perfect suit for someone want wanting to spend on a 5mm wetsuit. 

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Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Great wetsuit for temperate water diving and multi sport use
  • Large neoprene panels between stitching for increase stretch and flexibility. 
  • A Low profile neck does not feel like it's choking you
  • Renforcement on the knees are flexible an does not impede movement. 

Things to Consider

  • No over the shoulder Protection from BCD or grip for dive computer
  • No color options to choose from

Aqua Lung Aquaflex 5mm Wetsuit

Aqua Lung Aquaflex Jumpsuit
Aqua Lung Aquaflex Jumpsuit options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Aqua Lung

Thickness

5mm

Material

AquaFlex 4 Way Superstretch

Seams

Glued & Blind Stitched

Closure

Back Zipper W/ Pull Tab Leash

Available Size

XS - 3XL

Best For

Durability and Warmth

I am about 6 feet and weight around 165lbs and the M/L Long fits perfect. The 5mm works great for me and I've been in water around 17 C to 30 meters deep and still haven't suffered from hypothermia yet!

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Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • The Aquaflex provides 3-Times more stretch than your standard neoprene which delivers the best quality and comfort. 
  •  The seam are glued and blind stitched, then sealed with liquid rubber, which make them durable and protects them from unravelling and keeps water out and warmth in
  • The left sleeve is outfitted with a silicone traction pad to keep wrist dive computers  from rotating when neoprene compresses at depth.
  • The internal chest and back panels have a thermal loop laminate to help keep warmth at the body's core. 
  • Skin-in-neck seal provides for a comfortable stretch and seals out water. Three-way zipper seal on the suit also minimizes water entry to maintain warmth. 

Things to Consider

  • No padding on shoulder to prevent BCD straps from sliding 

Waterproof W50 Wetsuit

waterproof W50 wetsuit
Waterproof W50 Wetsuit Features
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Waterproof 

Thickness

5mm

Material

Nylon II Neoprene, Spandex

Seams

Glued and Sewn

Closure

Back Zipper W/ Pull Tab Leash

Available Size

XXS - 3XL

Best For

Best value for money

It fits very well, it is very comfortable and easy to put on and take off, it has a lot of parts so it holds on and attaches to your body very well. Great choice.

View product on recommended retailers site for bet prices:

Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Easy to don and doff and extremely comfortable to wear due to it's high stretch nylon/spandex neoprene 
  • Polyurethane embossed seats provides grip when sitting on slippery surfaces as well as additional protection from abrasions.  
  • Anti-slip  on the wrist also keeps your dive computer in place.
  • A #10 YKK back zipper with stainless slider for smooth and reliable zipping while the added zippered leg he with easy donning of he wetsuit.  
  • The knee pad and shoulder reinforcement helps protects against abrasion but does not restrict movement. 

Things to Consider

  • Only available in one color

Best Wetsuits for Cold Water

Coldwater wetsuits are thicker, usually, 6.5 to 7mm thick, and are excellent for diving in water temperatures as cold as 45 degrees. They are designed to protect you from hyperthermia and allow you to dive longer in colder water.  However, if you’re planning on diving in water colder than this you will need a dry suit. It’s also a great idea to buy similar thickness gloves, boots, and hood to keep you warm. 

NeoSport 7/5mm Jumpsuit

NeoSport 5/7mm
NeoSport 5-7mm Jumpsuit
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

NeoSport 

Thickness

7/5mm

Material

Nylon-2 Neoprene

Seams

Glued and Sewn

Closure

Back zipper w/Pull tab leash

Available Size

XXS - 3XL

Best For

Affordability

It fits very well, it is very comfortable and easy to put on and take off, it has a lot of parts so it holds on and attaches to your body very well. Great choice.

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Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Very warm and flexible. 7mm neoprene around the  torso provides core body warmth, while 5mm neoprene on arms and legs provides mobility. 
  • An adjustable collar inhibits water exchange at the neck
  • Flexible and tough knee pads protect against abrasions and doesn't restrict mobility.
  •  Very durable construction. All the seams are glue and swen; with spot tape at high stress areas to give you years of active use. 
  •  Anatomical cut patterns makes the suit warm, soft, comfortable, and durable. 

Things to Consider

  • No over the shoulder protection for your BCD straps
  • Some divers find the ankle and legs to be very tight and doesn't allow water to get in, but it's hard to take off.

Bare Velocity Ultra 8/7mm

Bare Velocity Ultra 8/7
Bare Velocity Ultra Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Bare 

Thickness

8/7mm

Material

Nylon-2 Neoprene Rubber

Seams

Double Glued & Sewn

Closure

Front Cross Chest & Ankle Zippers

Available Size

S-3XL (Tall, Medium, Short)

Best For

Warmth and Performance

I bought this wetsuit to use when between seasons. I dove with it several times now and find it to be very warm! I can easily donn and doff it by myself. I don't usually like attached hoods, but this one works very well. The knee pads are great, I find that they cover the entire knee and shin and are very robust. I can honestly say that I have nothing to fault about wetsuit. Would highly recommend you buy this suit! 

View product on recommended retailers site for bet prices:

Amazon:

Men
Cell

LeisurePro:

Men
Cell

What We Like

  • Infrared technology lining inside the torso and hood and super stretch neoprene provide exceptional warmth and comfort. 
  • Spine and kidney pad are 10mm thick to provide extra comfort for dive tank. 
  • Knee pads provide wear resistance and protection against abrasions, while back knee flex panels reduce bulk for greater mobility when finning and crouching. 
  • Double glued and sewn construction eliminates water entry through the seams

Things to Consider

  • Could be a little bit easier to get in and out of
  •  The hood is not detachable 

Scubapro Nova Scotia Semi-Dry 

Scubapro Nova Scotia Semi-Dry Wetsuit
scubapro Nova Scotia Wetsuit Options
 Read Reviews

Specification:

Manufacturer

Scubapro 

Thickness

7.5mm

Material

Nylon-2 Neoprene Rubber

Seams

Glued/Blind-Stitched

Closure

Back shoulder to shoulder & wrist/ankle zippers

Available Size

S-4XL (Short & Tall)

Best For

Recreational or Tech Diving in Cold Water

I am a dive instructor, so I am in the water, and not moving a whole lot. I bought the 7.5mm Nova Scotia, with hood and gloves. They are simply the warmest wetsuit i have ever owned. It maintained constant buoyancy through the dive, fits great, and  have endured tech gear, wereks, traveling and sun very well. If you want to be warm and not hassel with a dry suit, this suit is the way to go.

View product on recommended retailers site for bet prices:

Amazon:

Men
Women

LeisurePro:

Men
Women

What We Like

  • Excellent for diving in in temperatures  ranging from 45ºF (7ºC ) to 54ºF (12ºC).
  • Durable double zippered seals on the wrists and ankles makes for easy use and water-tightness. While a rear shoulder-to shoulder zipper provides an excellent seal against water entry.  
  • Shoulders and knee pads provides protection against abrasions while adding a stylish look. 
  • Additional padding on the spine provide additional cushion where the dive thank sets on you back. 
  • An I-Straps on both arm provides non-slip mounting for your dive computer and other wrist instruments. 
  • A large pocket on the right thigh offer plenty of room for carrying extra gear and accessories. 

Things to Consider

  • Requires 2 person to put it on and take it off
  • Quite expensive, but you're pay f

Continue Reading

Do you want more scuba diving gear recommendations? continue reading these articles below:

Dive Computer | Scuba Regulator | Wetsuits | Scuba BCD | Dive Knife | Dive Mask | Scuba Fins

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