Wetsuits

Start with the conditions you’re buying it for. A suit that works for a warm-water trip isn’t necessarily your winter suit. Our approach to coldwater surfing is to choose enough warmth while keeping comfortable movement through the shoulders. Use the specific suit’s temperature guidance where provided, and consider a hood, boots and gloves as part of the setup. Browse men’s wetsuits or women’s wetsuits and read our coldwater surfing guide.

Use the brand’s Size Guide on the product page rather than assuming your size carries across brands. For example, the Manera wetsuit guide prioritizes weight, then height, and says the suit should feel very tight initially because the neoprene loosens in the water. That’s brand-specific guidance. Don’t turn it into a rule to size every suit down: a thick winter wetsuit that restricts your shoulders can hurt paddling endurance. Our winter fit advice explains that distinction. If you’re between sizes, ask us about the particular suit.

Compare fit, warmth, flexibility and construction—not just the thickness printed in the name. The O’Neill Hyperfreak uses TechnoButter 3 in the body and legs, with TechnoButter 3X in the arms and shoulders. The Manera Seafarer Hybrid uses shaped 3D patterning and a fleece chest lining. Those are different approaches to fit and movement. Pick the suit that suits your sessions and check its sizing guidance before choosing a size.

Think of them as part of your winter setup. A warm suit doesn’t solve cold hands, feet or water flushing around your head. In our coldwater surfing guide, we put a good hooded wetsuit, boots and gloves at the center of comfortable winter sessions. Choose the setup for your conditions, then browse wetsuit boots, gloves and hoods.

Look at the particular suit, not just the shorter legs. In our Seafarer Hybrid video review, we explain how the Manera 3/2 long-sleeve springsuit offers more warmth than a typical 2mm long-sleeve spring while leaving less material on your legs. It’s a useful option when you want that freedom of movement but still need warmth through the upper body. It doesn’t replace your fullsuit in every condition.

Some suits work across all three. In our Manera Seafarer Hybrid review, we cover using that suit for surfing, kiteboarding and foiling. Its short legs also avoid the water-filled lower legs that can happen with spray in wind sports. That’s a benefit of this particular cut, not a reason to wear a springsuit when you need a warmer fullsuit. Match the suit to the conditions as well as the sport.

Don’t leave them damp between sessions. Dry the inside as well as the outside, and use a wetsuit-specific cleaner according to its instructions when rinsing alone isn’t doing the job. Our wetsuit cleaning article explains why harsh household detergents aren’t the answer and how a cleaner helped with well-used boots and gloves. Shop O’Neill Wetsuit Cleaner and wetsuit care accessories.

On the Hyperfreak 4/3mm+ chest-zip suit, O’Neill specifies an extra 0.5mm of material for added warmth. The “+” is worth noticing when comparing that model with another suit labeled 4/3. Keep the explanation specific to the model; it isn’t a universal sizing or warmth rating across wetsuit brands.