10 bestOpen Water Swimming Wetsuitsof May 2026
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Orca Womens Openwater Core Wetsuit - Black Hi-Vis - Thermal Warm Heat Layer Layers Easy Stretch Lightweight
ORCA
10.0
2
ZONE3 Men's Advance Wetsuit Open Water Swimming Full Body Suit For Triathlon, Surfing, Kayaking, Water Sports
ZONE3
10.0
3
ORCA Womens Vitalis Thermal Openwater Back Zip Wetsuit - Black - Thermal Warm Heat Layer Layers Womens Size - L
ORCA
9.9
4
Huub Araya 3:5 Wetsuit - SS24
Huub
9.7
5
ORCA Womens Vitalis Hi-Vis Open Water Wetsuit - Black - The Vitalis Wetsuit is the evolution of Openwater Core Swimskin Womens Size - S
ORCA
9.5
Other
2XU Men's MW4990c-P2 Propel Wetsuit, Black/Orange Fizz, Medium Tall
ORCA Womens Openwater Core TRN Wetsuit - Black - Thermal Warm Heat Layer Layers Easy Stretch Lightweight
2XU Women's P1 Propel Wetsuit, Black/Sunset Ombre, Large
2XU Men's MW4991c-P1 Propel Wetsuit, Black/Blue Ombre, Large
6
ORCA 2022 Mens RS1 Thermal Open Water Swim Wetsuit LN2T0501- Black
ORCA
9.3
7
ZONE3 Women's Thermal Agile Wetsuit For Open Water Swimming, Full Body Diving Suit For Snorkelling, Surfing (ML)
ZONE3
9.1
8
ORCA Mens Vitalis Thermal Openwater Back Zip Wetsuit - Black - Thermal Warm Heat Layer Layers Mens Size - 8
ORCA
8.9
9
ZONE3 Womens Aspect Breaststroke 3/2mm Triathlon Wetsuit - Black Blue Orange - Easy Stretch Womens Wetsuits - M
ZONE3
8.7
10
ZONE3 Men's Aspect 'Breaststroke' Wetsuit Open Water Swimming Full Body Suit For Diving, Surfing, Kayaking, Water Sports 2023 Model (M)
ZONE3
8.4
A Guide to Selecting the Best Open Water Swimming Wetsuits
Choosing the right open-water swimming wetsuit is crucial for comfort, performance, and safety. A wetsuit helps to keep you warm in cold water, provides buoyancy, and reduces drag, making your swim more efficient. When selecting a wetsuit, consider factors such as fit, material, thickness, and features that cater to your swimming style and the conditions you'll be swimming in.
Fit
The fit of a wetsuit is essential for both comfort and performance. A well-fitting wetsuit should be snug but not restrictive, allowing for a full range of motion. If it's too tight, it can cause discomfort and restrict movement; if it's too loose, it can let in water and reduce its insulating properties. To find the right fit, consider your body measurements and try on different sizes. Look for a wetsuit that fits closely to your body without causing any pinching or chafing.
Material
Wetsuits are typically made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that provides insulation and flexibility. The quality of neoprene can vary, with higher-end wetsuits using more advanced materials that offer better stretch and durability. When choosing a wetsuit, consider the type of neoprene used and how it affects the suit's flexibility and comfort. If you plan to swim in colder waters, look for a wetsuit with high-quality neoprene that offers better insulation.
Thickness
The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimeters and affects its warmth and buoyancy. Wetsuits typically range from 1mm to 5mm in thickness. Thicker wetsuits provide more insulation and buoyancy, making them suitable for colder water. Thinner wetsuits offer greater flexibility and are better for warmer conditions. To choose the right thickness, consider the water temperature you'll be swimming in and your tolerance for cold. If you swim in varying conditions, you might need different wetsuits for different seasons.
Buoyancy
Buoyancy refers to the wetsuit's ability to help you float in the water. Wetsuits with higher buoyancy can improve your swimming position and reduce fatigue, making them ideal for long-distance swims. Buoyancy is often achieved through varying thicknesses in different parts of the wetsuit, such as thicker panels around the torso and thinner panels around the arms and legs. When choosing a wetsuit, consider your swimming style and whether you need extra buoyancy to enhance your performance.
Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial for unrestricted movement during your swim. A flexible wetsuit allows for a natural range of motion, particularly in the shoulders and arms, which is important for efficient swimming strokes. Higher-end wetsuits often feature more flexible neoprene and strategic paneling to enhance movement. When selecting a wetsuit, prioritize flexibility if you value speed and comfort in the water. Try on different models to see how they feel during simulated swimming movements.
Seams and Construction
The seams and construction of a wetsuit affect its durability and comfort. Seams can be glued, stitched, or taped, with glued and taped seams providing better waterproofing and comfort. Flatlock stitching is common in entry-level wetsuits but can allow water to seep in, while blind stitching and taping are used in higher-end models for better insulation. When choosing a wetsuit, consider the type of seams and construction based on your swimming conditions and how much you value durability and warmth.
Features
Additional features such as zippers, neck seals, and wrist/ankle cuffs can enhance the functionality of a wetsuit. Zippers can be located on the back or chest, with chest zippers often providing a better seal. Neck seals and cuffs help prevent water from entering the suit, improving warmth and comfort. When selecting a wetsuit, consider which features are important for your swimming needs. For example, if you swim in colder water, look for a wetsuit with effective seals and cuffs to keep you warm.
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