wetsuits

Protection from the elements, whether it be the temperature, stingers, or abrasions, is a key to having a safe and comfortable dive.  A wetsuit plays a major role in this for everyone.  With their size and anatomical differences to 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.

Best Wetsuits for Women Buying Guide

For a detailed introduction and key considerations when selecting a wetsuit complete with photos and video, please click here:

• Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits – Features and Description

Below is a detailed description and comparison of the best wetsuits for women of 2019.  For each wetsuit key features and benefits are outlined.  At the end is a comparison chart.

Best Wetsuits for Women

• Henderson Thermoprene
• Cressi Bahia
• Bare Evoke
• Aqua Lung SolAfx
• Scubapro Element 2 Piece Apnea
• O’Neill Reactor Shorty
• Scubapro Definition Steamer
• Mares Flexa

Henderson Thermoprene

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 Nylon II Neoprene: 75% more stretch than standard wetsuit material
• GBS-Glued and blind stitched seams
• Adjustable collar
• Comes in back and front zip models
• Durable 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 available
• Moderately priced

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Cressi Bahia

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
• Low priced

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Bare Evoke

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
• Expensive

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Aqua Lung Solafx

This is Aqua Lung’s most advanced wetsuit with 8mm torso and 7mm arms and legs with an integrated hood for extra core and head warmth.  The unique design is specially tailored for women and 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
• Very expensive

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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
• Moderately expensive

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O’Neill Reactor Shorty

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
• Low priced

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Scubapro Definition Steamer

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
• Moderately priced

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Mares Flexa

The Flexa uses different thicknesses of neoprene on different parts of the body to provide maximum thermal protection and padding where it is most needed and thinner material where flexibility is the priority, keeping in mind the female anatomy.

Key Features:

• Ultra-stretch neoprene
• Thermo plush interior
• Back zipper with smooth neoprene flap
• Velcro neck closure
• Knee pads and back padding under the tank
• Available in a range of sizes and 5/4/3mm thickness
• Moderately expensive

Check the Price

Picture	Wetsuit	Thickness	Best Suited For	Rating	Price
Picture	Wetsuit	Thickness	Best Suited For	Rating	Price
	Henderson Thermoprene	3, 5, 7mm	All	4.4	$$
	Cressi Bahia	2.5, 3mm	Tropical	4.5	$
	Bare Evoke	3, 5, 7mm	All	4.8	$$$
	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	$$
	Mares Flexa	5/4/3mm	Moderate	4.7	$$$

For more information concerning thermal protection and cold water gear, please check these reviews:

• Best Spearfishing Wetsuits of 2020
• Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits of 2020
• Best Cold Water Diving Equipment

Comments and Feedback

I hope you found this post on the best wetsuits for women interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

For a general introduction and major facts about wetsuits, please click on my earlier post here:

• Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits – Features and Description

Below is a detailed description and comparison of the 10 best scuba diving wetsuits of 2019.  For each wetsuit key features and benefits are outlined.  At the end is a comparison chart.

Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit Reviews

NeoSport Premium

This is a high quality, good value, warm, comfortable and durable wetsuit featuring, flexible bonded thermal knee pads for abrasion resistance and an adjustable velcro collar for a comfortable, stretch fit for all users.

Other features:

• Constructed from soft and comfortable premium 5mm neoprene material.
• Suitable for warm and cooler waters–design promotes core warmth and flexibility.
• Heavy-duty back zipper, velcro collar, and lycra on wrists and ankles
• Glued and sewed seams prevent water from entering the suit, keeping you warmer, longer
• Anatomically cut pattern for a comfortable fit
• Spot taped at intersecting seams for long life and durability
• Internal key pocket
• Comes in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm versions

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Henderson Thermoprene Pro

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.

Other features:

• High-quality Nylon II Neoprene: 75% more stretch than standard wetsuit material
• GBS-Glued and blind stitched seams
• Adjustable collar
• Zipper tab leash for easy on and off
• Durable knee pads
• Lycra-trimmed cuffs
• Spine pad for added warmth
• Available in multiple sizes and 3mm, 5mm and 7mm thicknesses

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Bare Velocity Ultra

The Bare Velocity wetsuit provides a great fit with comfort and mobility including features like zippered ankles, a velcro collar, and knee pads.  Different thicknesses and models for men and women are available.  Easy to put on and take off, comfortable and quick-drying the Bare Velocity Ultra is one of the most popular wetsuits.

Other features:

• Bare’s progressive full-stretch neoprene construction 
• Seamless underarms for superior comfort when worn on its own, with an additional wet layer or with a BCD
• PROTEKT knee protection provides strong wear resistance
• Heavy-duty ankle zippers for easy on and off
• Double glued construction provides well-sealed seams
• Comes in 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm versions

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Cressi Playa

The Playa is a 2.5 mm shorty that is a great option for tropical dive vacations or when you need an extra layer to wear with another suit.  With an anatomical fit and ultraspan neoprene seals on arms and legs, it does a good job of keeping your core warm and comfortable.

Other features:

• Heavy-duty YKK front zipper
• Glued and sewn seams for added strength and durability.
• The suit is available in 5 sizes from S to XXL
• Comes in men’s and women’s versions

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Hollis Neo Tek (semi-dry suit)

This is a semi-dry wetsuit that offers excellent insulation designed to keep you warm during cold water dives and is quite comfortable.  Construction includes 8/7/6 mm compression-resistant neoprene and their own LavaSkin inner liner.  The horizontal zipper is mounted in the front for a good seal and easy on and off.

Other features:

• two big pockets on the thighs which are handy for carrying accessories
• double-glued seams for maximum protection against water intrusion.
• uses compression-resistant 8/7/6 mm neoprene and the exclusive “ThermaSkin” inner liner.
• Two large pockets for accessories.
• Neck, ankle, and wrist internal dams to seal 
• Built-in hood
• Comes in 9 different sizes.

ScubaPro Everflex

This wetsuit puts 3 mm neoprene and a thick, fleecy lining in the torso, tapering to 2 mm neoprene in the wrists and shins.  The design allows a natural comfortable movement that allows you to stretch with flexibility.  Included in the design is a diagonal back zipper that goes from your left to right shoulder.  This is superior to the usual zip that runs up the spine and makes the wetsuit much easier to put on and take off.  The Everflex was designed with a great deal of attention to detail.

Other features:

• Made from 100 percent Everflex neoprene
• Assembled using a solvent-free water-based glue that is diver and environmentally friendly
• Multi-thickness panels deliver a superior combination of warmth and flexibility
• The design uses fewer seams and panels for maximum flexibility
• Durable, watertight double blind-stitched outer seams, and comfortable to the skin single blind-stitched inner seams 
• Hip-mounted plastic hook for securing a hood or gloves
• Short zipper at the throat, which lets you ease the neck seal for comfort while on the surface
• Effective wrist and ankle seals that use a tapered edge in the 2mm material, stop water penetration and provide a snug fit
• Also comes in 5mm and 7mm models

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Aqua Lung Aqua Flex

This well made 3mm wetsuit is warm and comfortable.  The aqua flex neoprene has 3 times the stretch of standard neoprene, conforms well to body shape and eliminates the need for ankle or wrist zippers.  This design will keep you warmer, as zippers create more water exchange which leads to heat loss.  it is ultra-easy to put on and take off.

 Other features:

• AqauFlex neoprene used throughout, with nylon outer and inner layers
• Ultra-soft inner material for easy on and off
• Skin-in-neck seal provides for a comfortable stretch and seals out water
• The exterior seams are sealed with liquid rubber to block water seepage
• Glued and blind-stitched watertight inner seams
• The front of the torso is lined with a thick insulating panel
• Comes in men’s and women’s versions
• 3mm, 5mm and 7mm models available

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Beuchat Alize

The Alize is a relatively low cost comfortable warm water wetsuit.  The design is cut and fabricated to conform naturally to the body with effective seals and little water flushing or movement.

Other features:

• Flexible 3mm neoprene with 2mm at the joints for ease of movement
• Back zip fastener with stop 
• Neoprene collar 
• Stretch neck flap with a velcro pad
• Rolled easy fit edges 
• Men’s and women’s versions and 5mm and 7mm models available

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IST Sports WS80

This model is very well made, warm and comfortable for a low priced wetsuit.  It is rated highly for fit and range of motion with pre-curved elbows and a high-stretch panel on the lower back.  Wrist and ankle zippers make donning and doffing easy and rubbery shoulder appliques help keep the BCD straps from moving around.

Other features:

• Comfortable high-grade neoprene hugs your body and moves with you
• Super-stretch panels in the armpits and lower back maximize flexibility
• Shoulder appliques provide extra durability for scuba diving with a BCD
• Lower-leg sleeves feature compression material to improve blood circulation
• Waffle pattern knee pads protect from abrasion
• Suitable for men and women
• Comes in 3mm, 5mm and 7mm models

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Akona Quantum Stretch

For the environmentally conscious, Akona has developed a sort of “green” limestone-based neoprene and a four-way stretch nylon weave suitable for the harsher elements of diving.  Add to this a unique lamination process that has combined the two to produce one of the most comfortable and best-fitting of wetsuits. The extremely flexible material, cut from design to fit multiple divers and a smooth lining material makes this wetsuit easy to put on and take off.

Other features:

• Environmentally friendly limestone-based neoprene rubber design
• Effectively designed neck and cuff seals
• Rubbery kneepads provide abrasion protection and non-slip traction
• Full-length zipper back zipper
• Men’s and women’s versions and 3mm, 5mm and 7mm models available

Check the Price

Wetsuit	Thickness	Price	Rating
NeoSport Premium	3-5-7mm	$$	4.3
Henderson Thermoprene Pro	3-5-7mm	$$$	5
Bare Velocity Ultra	3-5-7mm	$$$	5
Cressi Playa (Shorty)	2.5mm	$	4.2
Hollis Neo Tek	8/7/6mm	$$$$$	4.8
ScubaPro Everflex	3-5-7mm	$$$$	5
Aqua Lung Aqua Flex	3-5-7mm	$$$	4.7
Beuchat Alize	3-5-7mm	$$	4.4
IST WS80	3-5-7mm	$$	4.4
Akona Quantum Stretch	3-5-7mm	$$$	4.8

Comments and Feedback

I hope you found this post on wetsuits interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:>>comments<<

This is an introduction to wetsuits.  We have a little history and a description of how a wetsuit keeps you warm.  What characteristics make for a good wetsuit?  We’ll consider sizing, gender, and temperature protection in relation to thickness, style, accessories, and pricing.  At the end is a video that further describes how to select your wetsuit including construction and stitching.

For a description and review of specific wetsuit models, please click here:

• Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit Reviews of 2019

Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits Features and Description

A wetsuit is an article of clothing, most often made of neoprene, which people involved in water sportswear to keep warm.  We are primarily concerned with scuba divers here, but wetsuits are also used by windsurfers, surfers, canoeists, and kayakers, among others, who want to keep warm while in and around water.

In addition to warmth, wetsuits increase buoyancy and resistance to abrasions and stings.

Warmth is created through thermal insulation, which depends on bubbles of gas enclosed in the neoprene that reduce its ability to conduct heat.  The bubbles in the material make it low density which adds to positive buoyancy.  The neoprene doesn’t form a waterproof seal and water gets inside the wetsuit forming a layer between the suit and the diver’s skin.  An effective fit allows a minimum of flushing enabling the water to heat to body temperature and form a thermal layer between the diver’s skin and the suit.

The modern wetsuit was invented by a University of California, Berkeley, physicist, Hugh Bradner in 1952.  Since then, materials and construction have continuously improved to maximize efficiency in this process.

Size – To find a wetsuit that fits properly we are more concerned with the height than the width of the person.  So if you are tall, but small through the chest and waist, it is your height that should guide the selection of size at the taller end of the scale.  Likewise, if you are short, but bigger through the chest or waist you would likely fit better into a wetsuit toward the small end.  Neoprene is pretty flexible and even if it feels like a pretty tight fit out of the water before getting wet, it will have a more flexible feel once submerged.  It should feel like a second or outer layer of skin that doesn’t impinge on your ability to take a full breath of air.

Gender – A lot of wetsuits are available in men’s and women’s versions that take into account basic structural differences in anatomy.  If possible it is suggested to go with the gender-specific version as there will be fewer potential pockets of loose space to increase water circulation and decrease thermal efficiency.  And it will be more comfortable.

Temperature/Thickness Guide

Manufacturers often put wetsuits into categories based on thickness and temperature.  These should be taken with a grain of salt.

Wetsuits usually come in one of three different thicknesses: 3 mm, 5 mm or 7 mm.  You may find them in 1 mm or 2 mm, but rest assured these are only for warmer water.  Sometimes wetsuit thickness is described with two numbers such as 3/2 mm.  In such a case the first number is for the torso material and the second for that of the arms and legs.

Here is a general guideline for thickness and water temperature:

• 1-2 mm:  above 82 degrees F (28 degrees C)
• 3 mm:  70-82 degrees F (20-28 degrees C)
• 5 mm:  60-70 degrees F (16-20 degrees C)
• 7 mm:  50-60 degrees F (10-16 degrees C)

If you are planning to dive in temperatures that vary significantly from one time to the next, you may need to consider having more than one wetsuit.  Another consideration is the use of a hood and gloves to increase warmth.  If you plan to dive in extremely cold water, though, a drysuit is the way to go.  For guidelines on drysuits, please check these two articles on that subject:

• Top 10 Scuba Drysuits of 2018 Compared and Reviewed
• Best Scuba Drysuits – Features Described and Compared

Style – There are three basic styles of wetsuit:  full, farmer John (Jane) and shorty.

Full:  A full wetsuit covers the whole body including the arms to the wrist and legs to the ankle.

Farmer John (Jane):  This model comes in two pieces.  One covers the legs to the ankle and is sleeveless.  The second piece is a jacket that covers the arms and goes to mid-thigh.

Shorty:  A shorty is a one-piecer that has short sleeves and legs covered to past mid-thigh.  Obviously, the more of the body that is covered the more protection there will be for cuts, scrapes, and stings.  The Farmer John gives more thermal protection to the torso when the jacket is used than a standard full wetsuit and a little more flexibility in shoulder movement.

Hoods can be very helpful in keeping warm, but not essential in warmer water.  Many divers prefer not to use a hood if it isn’t necessary due to the constricted feeling around the head and the possible interference with the placement of the mask.  A hood can make a big difference, though, particularly toward the end of a dive.

Neoprene gloves are another optional accessory that becomes essential as the water gets colder.

Booties:  The standard booties are usually suitable to wear with your wetsuit.

Undergarments aren’t generally considered necessary. There are rash guards and thermal undergarments available from several companies.  These are lightweight and provide an extra layer of thermal protection.

Price:  Wetsuit pricing is based on the thickness, sewing and construction techniques, and other features.  The range is from under $100 to around $500.  This is considerably less than the price of a drysuit.  The most important things to consider in your selection of a wetsuit should be comfort and warmth. In addition, how well does it fit?  Is it easy to put on and take off?  Does it seal well around the wrists, ankles, and neck?

For a description and review of specific wetsuit models, please click here:

• Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit Reviews

Comments and Feedback

I hope you found this post on wetsuits interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:>>comments<<