Wetsuits are special garments that you can wear to protect your body from adverse water and weather conditions. They are used in a wide range of sports like surfing, scuba diving, open water swimming, triathlon, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and other kinds of water-related activities.

Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a waterproof, synthetic rubber. Neoprene is an excellent insulator, which means it keeps the heat emanating from your body inside the suit. It’s also very flexible and stretchy.

How exactly does a neoprene wetsuit work? It works by capturing a thin layer of water between the suit and the body. This water is then warmed by the body to the body temperature while the neoprene insulates you from the outside cold.

When choosing a wetsuit, it’s important that it provides the necessary amount of warmth. Wetsuit warmth depends on the thickness of the neoprene. Obviously, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer the suit. Neoprene thicknesses are measured in millimeters (mm) and typically run from 1 to 7 mm. Bear in mind that the thicker neoprene means heavier and less flexible suit.

Springsuits, fullsuits, and long johns are three basic types of wetsuits. Springsuit, also called shortie, covers its wearer’s torso and thighs. It has either short or long sleeves. Fullsuit, or steamer, covers the whole body. Some even have hood built in. Long johns cover only torso and legs and are suitable for warmer conditions.

The close fit of the wetsuit is also very important as the more you minimize the movement of the water that is trapped between you and the outside ocean, the less heat will be lost.

When choosing a wetsuit always remember that the core reason for choice is function. Today, you have many different types and sizes available for any condition. It can be quite a difference between warm and hypothermic.

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