Don’t let your gear dampen your aquatic adventures! A well-chosen wetsuit can make a world of difference in keeping you warm, comfortable, and protected. Beyond insulation, wetsuits offer a range of benefits, from preventing scratches and bruises to shielding you from harmful UV rays.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a casual snorkeler, finding the perfect wetsuit is essential. With so many options available, it can be tricky to make the right choice. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you choose a wetsuit that ticks all the boxes.
Understanding Wetsuit Types
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a look at the different types of wetsuits available and their ideal applications:
Fullsuit:
Covers your entire body for maximum warmth and protection. This is ideal for colder waters and activities like surfing, scuba diving and freediving.
Shop the Full Wetsuit
Chestsuit
Covers your torso and arms, offering a balance of warmth and flexibility. This is a good option for warmer waters or activities where you need more mobility, such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
Shop the Jacket
Springsuit
Covers your torso, legs and arms for good warmth and mobility. This is a versatile option for a variety of activities, including surfing, windsurfing and snorkelling.
Shop this Springsuit
Rash Vest
A thin, stretchy garment that protects your skin from rashes and sunburn. While not technically a wetsuit, rash vests can be worn under a wetsuit for added warmth and protection, or on their own in warmer conditions.
Shop our rash vests
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you visualise the different types of wetsuits:
| Wetsuit Type | Coverage | Warmth | Flexibility | Ideal Activities |
| Fullsuit | Entire body | High | Medium | Surfing, scuba diving, freediving |
| Chestsuit | Torso and arms | Medium | High | Kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing |
| Springsuit | Torso, legs, and arms | Medium-high | High | Surfing, snorkelling, windsurfing |
| Rashguard | Torso and arms | Low | Very high | Swimming, paddling, sun protection |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Wetsuit
Thickness
Choosing the right wetsuit thickness is crucial for staying comfortable and warm in the water. Thicker wetsuits provide more insulation which makes them a no-brainer for colder water temperatures (we’re looking at you fellow Capetonians!). However, with added thickness comes less flexibility and restricted movement, so this should be a consideration depending on what you’ll be using it for. If you are looking for a wetsuit in Cape Town, this is the most popular choice due to the chilly waves we find ourselves in this side.
For warmer waters, a thinner wetsuit will give you better mobility and breathability. Consider the average water temperature in your area and the specific activities you’ll be doing to figure out how thick you’ll need your suit to be. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of a slightly thicker wetsuit, as you can always remove layers if it gets too warm.
Here’s a quick guide on the type of thickness depending on the water temperatures closest to you:
| Temperature | Thickness/Suit Type |
| 0 – 6℃ | 6/5 mm full suit |
| 6 – 9℃ | 5/4 mm full suit |
| 9 – 12℃ | 4/3 mm full suit |
| 12 – 18℃ | 3/2 mm full suit |
| 18 – 24℃ | 1 – 2mm shortie or springsuit |
Wetsuit Material
Most wetsuits are made from a material called neoprene – a synthetic but very stretchy rubber material known for its excellent insulation properties and flexibility. The air bubbles trapped within the neoprene fabric create a warm layer between your body and the water.
Another factor to consider is the type of lining: some wetsuits have a thermal lining that adds extra warmth, while others may have a smooth lining for easier donning and doffing. Additionally, some manufacturers use limestone-based neoprene, which is often more environmentally friendly and can offer improved durability.
Graphene lining is a relatively new technology in wetsuits that utilises graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Graphene is known for its exceptional properties, including:
- High thermal conductivity
- Lightweight and flexibility
- Durability
Wetsuit Fit
A well-fitting wetsuit is important for both comfort and performance. If a wetsuit is too loose, water can seep in, cancelling out its insulating properties and leaving you chilly. If it’s too tight though, it can restrict movement and be uncomfortable. So how tight should it be? When your suit arrives and you slip it on, it should fit you like a second skin. Test out touching your toes and rotating to make sure you have full range of motion. Also, check there isn’t any baggy area where water can creep in.
To ensure a proper fit, we recommend checking the manufacturer’s size chart. These provide measurements for various body parts, such as chest, waist, hips and inseam. We provide a size guide for every brand we stock. Head over to the main menu on our site, tap “wetsuits,” scroll down to “wetsuit size charts” and then select the brand you’re interested in buying.
Of course, best case scenario would be to try the wetsuit on before buying it. This will give you a chance to assess the fit and comfort firsthand. We have a store in Kalk Bay and stock Great White Sport and Surf in Fish Hoek if you’d like to try on before buying online.
Wetsuit Seams
Seams can affect the lifespan of your suit as well as its ability to keep water at bay. A poorly constructed seam can allow water to seep in and make for a miserable time all round.
Here are the most common types of seams found in wetsuits:
- Flatlock: This type of seam is formed by sewing two pieces of neoprene together with a flat, straight stitch. Flatlock seams are durable and provide good water resistance but the tiny holes they create can let water into the suit.
- Blind stitch: These are similar to flatlock seams except the stitching is hidden beneath the surface for a more streamlined look and better water resistance.
- Heat taped: Heat taped seams are created by glueing the two pieces of neoprene together and then applying a strip of heat-sealed tape over the seam. This process creates a highly watertight seal which makes them a great choice for cold water dips.
- Sealed: Sealed seams are the most waterproof type of seam, as they are completely glued together without any stitching. This process creates a seamless, waterproof barrier, but it can up the price tag of your suit.
Wetsuit Zipper Placement
The placement of the zipper can affect ease of entry and exit as well as the flexibility of the suit – remember, a zipper doesn’t stretch!
A back zip is the traditional entry system which generally will look like a long zip with a tab attached to make it easy to zip up and down solo. This is a great option for beginners or casual surfers because it’s the easiest to get on and off. But do keep in mind it doesn’t offer as much give across the back and shoulders if you’re a pro. It can also be prone to allowing water in so is best avoided in very cold water.
A chest zip runs horizontally across the upper chest region of the suit and connects a panel that goes over your head. This allows for greater flexibility in the upper body and is far less likely to flush with water.
Zipless wetsuits are generally worn by competitors and pros who need the maximum stretch without any risk of leaks. As you can imagine, this takes a lot of wiggling and manoeuvring to get on (and off!). This can lead to a lot more wear and tear on the suit, reducing its lifespan.
Now you’re ready to shop for your wetsuit in Cape Town!
These guidelines will help you when the time comes to buy a wetsuit. If you’re still unsure and would like personalised advice, contact us and our team would be happy to help.