21 Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits
Scuba diving wetsuits are equally important as other essential diving gears like the mask and fins.
The best scuba diving wetsuits undeniably cost more, but it’s not worth it to compromise your comfort and safety underwater because wetsuits are supposed to keep you warm and protect you from sunburn, nicks and cuts, and of course, stings.
WWB Writer, and diving enthusiast, Athirah, has created an ultimate guide to buying the best scuba diving websuits, just for you.
Ultimately, human beings aren’t designed with thick layers of fat like the whales or dolphins, so we turn to a quality wetsuit to keep ourselves warm underwater.
You also might get images of other divers peeing in the rented wetsuit so let’s check out some of the best wetsuits for diving you’ll want to own.
- The Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving For Beginners
- Everything you Need to Know About Diving in Borneo,Malaysia
- Tioman, Malaysia Diving – An Ultimate Guide
- Why You Need to Try Diving in Langkawi, Malaysia
- 11 Best Dive Booties [2022 Update]
DISCLOSURE
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What to look for when we evaluate the best wetsuits
Fit
First thing first, you need a suit that doesn’t fit you like a glove, otherwise, you won’t be comfortable underwater. Too loose and there will be too much water movement in and out of your suit. Too tight and you’ll feel suffocated, movement restricted.
Contrary to popular belief, your scuba diving wetsuit can’t be too tight because remember, it will loosen up once it’s wet. Also, it’s important to stick to male and female cuttings of the wetsuit.
Comfort
A lot of divers would rather keep their wetsuit on during surface intervals or lunch breaks before the next dive, so comfort is important since you’re going to spend a long time in your wetsuit.
Rule of thumb is finding the right size but if you somehow need the utmost comfortable wetsuit, look for one with super flexible panels of neoprene around the hips, knees, elbows, and crutch. There are many wetsuits with thicker neoprene on the torso combined with thinner neoprene in key areas to make the suit more comfortable.
Thickness/warmth
No matter how much you spend on your wetsuit, if it doesn’t suit you well, you’ll end up with board shorts anyway. The best scuba diving wetsuit for you should have decent reinforcement to avoid bloody or bruised knees or shoulders.
There are 3 types of thickness; 1.5 mm to 4 mm thick for warm water, 4 mm to 6 mm for temperate water and 7mm wetsuit for cold water.
Choose the one that’s suitable for the waters you usually dive in.
Since neoprene compresses with depth, your buoyancy and warmth will be affected as you go deeper. Sometimes, a skin suit would suffice if you often dive into tropical waters.
Water Protection
Scuba diving wetsuits are waterproof, but it doesn’t mean water can’t penetrate them. Choose a wetsuit with seals at the neck, ankles and wrists. This is important to minimise as little water movement as possible. As it is, the basic function of a wetsuit is to keep you warm, not to keep you dry.
If you’re wondering what a seal is, observe the seams of your suit. If they are glued together with a special kind of tape, then it’s a sealed suit. And of course, a better-sealed wetsuit comes with a hefty price.
Price
When buying a scuba diving wetsuit that suits you best, the price has to come second (or last). Among the factors that usually determine the price of a wetsuit is its thickness, stitching and features.
You can get a thin shorty wetsuit for less than USD100 (MYR420) up to over USD400 (MYR1678) for a 7mm cold water diving suit.
UNLESS you’re a beginner, you should balance between your comfort and the price tag. Try finding a wetsuit you can afford without compromising your comfort and especially safety because remember, wetsuit affects buoyancy too. Of course, you have to consider the type of diving you’re going for.
A list of the Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits
There are three types of scuba diving wetsuits – the one piece, two piece wetsuit and shorty.
Typically, divers would go for the one-piece scuba diving wetsuit which extends to fit the entire body up to the wrists and ankles.
The 2 piece wetsuit offers better insulation but it’s bulky, restricting movement and more difficult to get in and out of.
As for the shorty, it covers part of your arms and legs. A rather unpopular choice, a shorty offers minimal insulation and best worn when diving in relatively warm waters.
Here’s a list of the recommended scuba diving wetsuits according to type and gender.
One piece scuba diving wetsuits
For Men:
Scubapro Everflex
This Wetsuit has a great value for the price, much cheaper than others on the market! Click here to read why fits like a second skin.
- Has a high level of comfort, stretch and flexibility.
- Comes with a diagonal back zipper that goes from your left hip to right shoulder (easier to put on and take off).
- Comfortable, Stretchy, and Built to Last.
XCEL Thermoflex
Cold water will be the least of your worries with the ThermoFlex TDC Scuba Wetsuit
- Semi dry suit.
- Made from high-quality compression-resistant nylon II neoprene and all seams are quadruple glued and blind stitched.
- Has a premium S-Lock back zipper and seamless dry-lock wrist seals that keep more water out.
NeoSport Premium
Made for diving, snorkeling, scuba, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing and other water sports. Check the NeoSport Premium Wetsuit and save a lot of money that you can use on your next adventure.
Why this wetsuit is a great option?
- Perfect for skin suit diving as the wetsuit is warm, comfortable and durable.
- Comes with an adjustable collar and flexible knee pads.
- Constructed with premium neoprene to give a soft and comfortable fit.
- Includes an internal key pocket, flat lock seams, and lycra trimmed wrist and ankle seals.
Henderson Thermoprene
Excellent for warmer tropical waters, If your trip is to the Caribbean, the Henderson Wetsuit is definitely your best option!
- Deemed the best scuba wetsuit.
- Made with high-quality nylon II neoprene with 75% more stretch than standard neoprene.
- Economical for divers without sacrificing the material quality, design and construction.
Hollis Neo Tek
Sealed against leaks, forget about water intrusion with the NEOTEK SEMI-DRYSUIT
- Semi dry suit.
- Great for cold water dives.
- Block horizontal front zipper for easy on/off and a tight barrier against water flow.
- Comes with two big pockets on the thighs.
For Women:
Aqua Lung HydroFlex
Are you looking for a suit that allows you to have free movement while remaining secure? The Aqua Lung HydroFlex Women’s Jumpsuit is for you!
- Made from comfortable super-stretch neoprene, flexible and easy to pack.
- Has a heavy duty zipper.
- Stylish design.
- Excellent choice for tropical, warm water diving because it offers lightweight protection from cuts, scrapes and stings.
Henderson Thermoprene
The materials on the Henderson Thermoprene Fullsuit melts in your hands and contours every curve of your body, therefore…you will have comfort and flexibility every moment while you’re having fun in the water!
- Made with high-quality nylon II neoprene with 75% more stretch than standard neoprene.
- Economical for divers without sacrificing the material quality, design and construction.
- The 5mm wetsuit women’s is recommended for the ladies as it’s easy to slip into or to layer with another garment without feeling any uncomfortable suit squeeze.
Bare Evoke
A budget-friendly wetsuit without compromising quality! Check it here
- Designed for women by women.
- Uses infrared technology to keep you warm.
- Good fit for a petite to plus size.
- Accentuate and enhance the female form.
Aqua Lung SolAfx
Are you looking for an eco-friendly option? This Aqua Lung Wetsuit has environmentally-friendly features, such as the non-P.A.H. (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) neoprene.
Other important features:
- Best for cold waters.
- Uses liquid fused seams for better insulation.
- Has a comfortable padded spine.
- Has an attached hood with vents, good for deep and technical diving.
Two piece scuba diving wetsuits
For Men:
NeoSport 2pc John & Jacket SCUBA Wetsuit Combo
Picture from wetsuitwearhouse.com
- Doubling up at the torso, providing ultimate warmth.
- Sealed seams that keep the cold water from trickling in and durable knee pads.
- Easily removed front zip jacket for a “breather” between dives.
Latest price: Wetsuit Wearhouse
For Women:
SCUBAPRO Element Apnea
Made from a non-allergenic and non-toxic X-Foam neoprene formula, the Scubapro Element Suit is definitely one of the best options with a great price.
- Has an adjustable beavertail.
- Sharkskin textured neoprene for durability, stretch and no drag.
- Face seal made from Smooth Skin neoprene.
Shorty scuba diving wetsuits
For Men:
Henderson Thermoprene
If comfort is one of your concerns, you should check out Henderson Thermoprene Shorty Wetsuit alternative.
- Super soft, 250% stretch neoprene.
- Double glued and double sewn seams (interior & exterior) provide longevity, durability and performance in the most demanding conditions.
- Velcro-resistant outer fabric.
- Full length front-opening zipper.
O’Neill Reactor
Get comfortable for hours on the water with the O’Neill Reactor Wetsuit!
- Has a single superseal neck.
- Uses flatlock stitching providing great flexibility and watertight.
- Has a smooth back zipper – easy to get in and out of.
AKONA Tropical Water Shorty
Looking for an affordable Shorty wetsuit option? Check the AKONA Shorty Wetsuit.
- An eco friendly suit as it uses limestone based neoprene which is more environmentally friendly.
- Available in larger sizes up to 5XL.
For Women:
O’NEILL Reactor
Check the O’Neill Reactor Wetsuit if you are looking for a very affordable option but with great quality.
- Made from a combo of neoprenes: Fluid Flex-Neoprene on under seams, Fluid Foam Neoprene on the body, Mesh Smooth Skin Fluid Foam Neoprene on neck, chest, and back.
- Has a hidden key pocket.
- Uses flatlock stitching providing great flexibility and watertight.
PHANTOM AQUATICS Voda
With UPF 50+ UV Protection the Phantom Aquatics helps shield you from the sun’s harmful rays,
- A quick-drying suit with super-stretch fabric.
- Provides UPF 50+ UV Protection.
- Uses flatlock stitching providing great flexibility and watertight.
Cressi Playa Wetsuit Neoprene
Cressi Playa Wetsuit Neoprene is Ideal for Very Warm, Tropical Waters and Variety of Water Sports!
- Provides excellent warmth.
- Anatomical fit – easy and comfortable to swim in.
- Has high-stretch ultraspan neoprene seals on the legs and arms which helps get water in.
A quick list of best places to go scuba diving in the world
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Amazing coral garden, best dived on a liveaboard trip.
Thistlegorm, Egyptian Red Sea
Cargo shipwreck filled with motorbikes, train carriages and trucks.
Orca diving in the Norwegian Fjords
Frigid temperatures, choppy seas, remarkable wildlife interactions. You’ll need a winter wetsuit for this!
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Beautiful coral formations, multiple species of fishes in a single dive, best dived on a liveaboard trip.
Barracuda Point, Sipadan Island, Malaysia
The world-class Malaysian dive site, 800 meters drop off exotic marine life.
“Sardine Run”, South Africa
Dive with the annual migration of the sardine (begins June each year) that in turn attracts predators like dolphins, numerous species of birds, whales, sea lions and lots of sharks.
Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
Best macro diving site in the world.
Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Horseshoe-shaped, formed of several groups of rocks, pinnacles, overhangs and small caves with great marine life and macro critters.
Belize Blue Hole, Caribbean
Extremely deep hole (143 metres) edged with coral reefs, home to plenty of sharks like the Mako and others.
Manta Ray Night Dive, Hawaii
Lights penetrating the ocean floor attract plankton which attract manta rays, guaranteeing close encounters with the large Manta rays.
If you truly enjoy diving, considering to be a professional diver or simply want to retire and live on a beach running a dive school, then a good scuba diving wetsuit has to be your best friend. We aren’t built to last underwater so investing in the best wetsuit for you is the only option.
Some of the recommended wetsuits might cost a bomb but they are guaranteed to last for years, so prioritising your safety and comfort in the depths of the ocean is worth every penny!
