Updated December 6, 2022
Protection from the elements, whether it be the temperature, stingers, or abrasions, is key to having a safe and comfortable dive. A wetsuit plays a major role in this for everyone.
With their size and anatomical differences from men, women command special consideration in the design of one that conforms to their needs. Selecting a standard men’s suit probably won’t do it, and certainly, the worn suits available for rent are meant for the general public and may not afford a reasonable fit.
This review is meant to help you select the best wetsuit designed for a woman’s needs in the differing climates and diving environments that might be encountered.
Women’s Wetsuits for Scuba Diving Buying Guide
For a detailed introduction and key considerations when selecting a wetsuit complete with photos and video, please click here:
Below is a detailed description and comparison of the best wetsuits for women. For each wetsuit key features and benefits are outlined. At the end is a comparison table.
Women’s Scuba Diving Wetsuits
- Henderson Thermoprene Pro
- Cressi Bahia
- Bare Evoke
- Aqua Lung SolAfx
- Scubapro Element 2 Piece Apnea
- O’Neill Reactor Shorty
- Scubapro Definition Steamer
- Mares M-Flex
Women’s Scuba Diving Wetsuit Comparison Table
| Picture | Wetsuit | Thickness | Best Suited For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Henderson Thermoprene Pro | 3, 5, 7mm | All | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Cressi Bahia | 2.5, 3mm | Tropical | 4.5 | $ |
  | Bare Evoke | 3, 5, 7mm | All | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Aqua Lung Solafx | 8/7mm | Cold/Semi-Dry | 5 | $$$$ |
  | Scubapro Element 2 Piece Apnea | 3mm | Tropical to Moderate | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | O'Neill Reactor Shorty | 2mm | Tropical | 4.3 | $ |
  | Scubapro Definition Steamer | 3, 5mm | Tropical to Moderate | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Mares M-Flex | 1, 2.5, 5, 7mm | Tropical to Cold | 4.5 | $$ |
| Picture | Wetsuit | Thickness | Best Suited For | Rating | Price |
This is a very popular, best-selling model that comes in many configurations and thicknesses, with men’s and women’s versions made of flexible and durable nylon II high-stretch neoprene.
It has high-quality materials, design, and construction, but at a reasonable price.
The Thermoprene has a contoured fit to keep water exchange to a minimum allowing an attractive optimal fit.
Key Features:
- High-quality new Thermoprene Neoprene with 250% stretch
- GBS-Glued and blind-stitched seams
- Adjustable collar
- Comes in back and front zip models
- Duratex stretch knee pads
- Lycra-trimmed cuffs
- Spine pad for added warmth and protection
- Available in multiple sizes including short and tall versions
- 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm thicknesses are available
Rating: 4.5
Price: $$
This very affordable warm water wetsuit comes with a frontal zip for easy on and off and a great stretchy second-skin feel.
Double-lined neoprene provides balanced insulation and reinforced shins and knees give added protection from bumps and scrapes.
Key Features:
- Double-lined stretchy neoprene
- Flatlock seams
- Easy to reach front zip
- Aquastop wrist and ankle seals
- Reinforced shins and knees
- Available in a full range of sizes and 2.5 and 3mm thicknesses
Rating: 4.5
Price: $
The Bare Evoke is designed by women to ensure that features suit women’s special anatomical needs.
High-tech infrared technology was used to develop an extra-warm material with many features added to create a good-fitting wetsuit for all sizes.
Key Features:
- Designed by women using infrared technology for extra warmth
- Blindstitched seams
- Adjustable Velcro neck seal
- Celiant lining
- Armor Flex 2.0 3D kneepads
- Back zip with long zippers along the back, neck, and ankles
- Available in a full range of sizes and 3, 5, and 7mm thicknesses
Rating: 4.8
Price: $$$
Aqua Lung Solafx
This is Aqua Lung’s most advanced wetsuit with an 8mm torso and 7mm arms and legs and an integrated hood for extra core and head warmth.
The unique design is specially tailored for women and for maximum comfort.
Key Features:
- Made of environmentally friendly non-PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) neoprene
- Outer nylon resistant to scrapes and snags
- Blindstitched liquid fused seams
- Padded spine, attached hood with vents
- Internal arm and leg cuffs
- Powertex knee pads
- Pre-bent anatomic arms and legs for a comfortable fit and reduced bunching of material at the joints
- Back zip with long zippers along the back, neck, and ankles
- Available in a full range of sizes and 8/7mm thickness
Rating: 5
Price: $$$$
Scubapro Element 2 Piece Apnea
The Element two-piece wetsuit has no zippers minimizing seepage and making it easy to put on and take off.
The beavertail is adjustable and the high-stretch neoprene is extra flexible for ease of movement
Key Features:
- Two-piece hooded construction with high-waist pants and hooded beavertail vest
- Made of environmentally friendly non-PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) neoprene
- Sharkskin textured neoprene is hydrodynamic, durable, and high-stretch
- Thicker neoprene coverage in the midsection increases core warmth while thinner coverage on arms and legs maximizes mobility and flexibility
- Smooth-skin face seal on the hood decreases water seepage to help maintain body heat
- Available in a full range of sizes and 3mm thickness
Rating: 4.7
Price: $$$
This comfortable attractive shorty uses three types of neoprene for maximum strength, warmth, and durability in tropical water.
Key Features:
- One-piece differentiated neoprene construction – body of fluid foam, chest and back of mesh smooth skin
- Dry neck seal of smooth skin fluid foam
- Flatlock stitching
- Hook and loop zipper closure on YKK back zip
- Hidden key pocket
- 5 color combinations
- Available in a full range of sizes and 2mm thickness
Rating: 4.3
Price: $
The Definition uses premium materials implementing the Body Map System using a 3D cut to create an excellent form fit to a woman’s anatomy.
Scubapro’s environmentally green X-foam is light yet has great thermal efficiency.
The combination of zippers and abrasion-resistant fabric makes for a comfortable, durable suit easy to put on and take off.
Key Features:
- Interior lining of infrared fleece for extra thermal insulation
- Back diagonal zipper
- Wrists and ankles have zipper seals
- Special abrasion-resistant material on shoulders, seat, elbows, and knees
- Spine pad
- Available in a range of sizes and 3 and 5mm thicknesses
Rating: 4.6
Price: $$
The M-Flex has a new streamlined cut and design with the female anatomy in mind. Available in a range of sizes and thicknesses suitable for all conditions, it has minimal graphics and logos for a clean look and feel.
Key Features:
- High-quality ultra-stretch neoprene
- Streamlined cut
- Good fit
- Available in a range of sizes and 1, 2.5, 5, and 7mm thickness
Rating: 4.5
Price: $$
For more information concerning thermal protection and cold water gear, please check these reviews:
- Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
- Best Surfing Wetsuits
- Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits
- Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
Comments and Feedback
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