12 Best Scuba Wetsuits in 2023

The best scuba wetsuits are made from premium neoprene with great elasticity. Even though they are not completely waterproof, they play a critical role in preventing the body from losing heat in cold environments.

Aside from keeping you warm underwater, the scuba wetsuits also offer you extra comfort and safety while diving. That’s because they can protect you from harmful UV rays, cuts, scrapes, and stings from jellyfish and other marine life forms.

So, when it comes time to start your search for an ideal model, it is truly crucial to consider the items with top quality and high durability. This article has covered a comprehensive analysis of the finest 12 best scuba wetsuits on the market now. Let’s get started!

My Top Picks

There are a ton of models and styles coming from various brands out there, which may cause you to be overwhelmed in selection.

Do not need to worry since I have listed the top 12 best scuba wetsuits you can get in the market below. All of them are accompanied by their key features for your effortless reference.

• Best Overall: Cressi Lido Short Front Zip
  “Double-lined Neoprene, YKK zipper closure, 2-year limited warranty, fit various body shapes.”
• Best Cheap: NeoSport Men’s and Women’s 3mm
  “An adjustable velcro collar, heavy-duty YKK metal zippers, flatlock seam construction, ideal for warm diving.”
• Best for Cold Water: O’Neill Men’s Dive Sector 7mm Back Zip
  “Interior firewall chest, Urethane coated back zip, minimal seam design, simple to use, perfect for icy diving.”
• Best for Women: Henderson Women’s Thermoprene Pro
  “Stretchable up to 250%, Aqua Silk lining, ergonomic DuraTex knee pads, self-sealing zipper closures.”
• Best Value for the Money: NeoSport Premium
  “NeoSport’s exclusive Thermal bonded knee pads, an internal key pocket, available in many sizes, designed to prevent excess knee strain.”
• Best for Men: Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer 3/2mm
  “Multi-thickness panels, the Diamond Span inner lining, uses eco-friendly adhesive, the diagonal rear YKK zipper.”
• Best 7mm Wetsuit: Bare Reactive Men’s
  “Celliant Infrared Technology, No-Stitch Technology, S-Lock back zipper, enhances your health, allows you to dive longer.”
• Best 5mm Wetsuit: Scubapro Definition Steamer Men’s
  “Ultraspan chest panel, Stretchtec side panels, infrared fleece interior lining, assembled by using environmentally-friendly glue.”
• Best Fitting: Hevto Guardian II 5/3mm
  “Neckline design, designed for both men and women, great range of sizes, convenient to put on and take off, YKK metal zipper.”
• Best Rated: Seavenger Alpha 3mm
  “Lightweight and compact, designed to be worn underneath a drysuit, comfortable to wear all day.”

Comparison Chart

In this section, you can quickly compare the outstanding features and capabilities of the best scuba wetsuits based on some fundamental criteria. This enables you to be able to pick what perfectly suits your needs without much effort.

The 12 Best Scuba Wetsuits Reviews

Have you ever clicked to purchase on an online website and felt sorry for your action? That usually happens when you do not have enough information on the items. Hence, this article has carefully furnished you with all the essential knowledge to avoid this situation.

The following part will present notable advantages and disadvantages of the top 12 best scuba wetsuits recommended above. And I hope it can clear your possible doubts as well.

1. Cressi Lido Short Front Zip

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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First, I was very impressed with the Cressi Lido Short that it is designed to work well in tropical diving destinations. With the thickness is only 2mm, the wetsuit can fit snugly to your body like a second skin. This will bring you premium comfort as well as more warmth.

Another great thing that I love about the Cressi Lido Short is its robust zipper. The suit’s YKK closure is made from high-grade material, which can resist abrasions. Along with the excellent durability, the zipper offers you front entry as well.

This enables you to put on and take off the wetsuit smoothly and, thus, have more freedom to move underwater. However, the Cressi Lido Short will not be ideal for cold water divers because its too thin thickness cannot give you enough heat.

Key Features:

• Double-lined Neoprene
• YKK zipper closure
• Anatomical cuts
• 2-year limited warranty

Product Specifications:

2. NeoSport Men’s and Women’s 3mm

(Best Cheap)

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I have researched various scuba wetsuits in a low-priced range. However, the NeoSport Short excited me for its awesome features and capabilities. I believe it will satisfy you too. First of all, the wetsuit is truly a money-saving investment thanks to its multi-sport design.

In addition to having short sleeves and legs which will not restrict your movement, the NeoSport Short also offers excellent core warmth without overheating you. Therefore, it is the best choice for numerous water-related activities such as scuba diving, surfing, wakeboarding, etc.

Another amazing feature of the NeoSport Short is its optimal performance. The wetsuit consists of a customizable velcro collar plus the superb stretchable neoprene material, which enables it to eliminate confining as well as reduce water drag.

Thanks to that, even when you are wearing the NeoSport Short with a cumbersome scuba regulator, you still feel a sense of being lightweight to dive.

Additionally, the NeoSport Short contains an internal key pocket for storing handy items. I suggest you keep a small dive light here because you may need to use it for extra illumination when going deeper.

See the 9 Cheap Dive Computers in 2023 here.

Key Features:

• Anatomical cut
• An adjustable velcro collar
• Ultra-stretch neoprene material
• An inner key pocket
• Heavy-duty YKK metal zippers
• Flatlock seam construction
• Tear away sizing tags
• 1-Year Warranty

Product Specifications:

3. O’Neill Men’s Dive Sector 7mm Back Zip

(Best for Cold Water)

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If you are an icy diver, the O’Neill Men’s Dive Sector 7mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit will be a great option you should not skip. It gets 7 mm in thickness, meaning you can have enough thermal support for diving under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Besides, the O’Neill can give you additional warmth thanks to its interior firewall chest and back panels. These two components will remove moisture and help you retain the body heat better.

More impressively, the wetsuit includes glued and blind-stitched seams for giving excellent seals, making it able to minimize water seepage. In addition, the O’Neill provides divers with back zip entry, so it is easy to use even for beginners.

Key Features:

• Completely stretchable neoprene material
• Interior Firewall Chest
• Urethane Coated Back Zip
• Minimal Seam Design
• An external fluid seam weld

Product Specifications:

4. Henderson Women’s Thermoprene Pro

(Best for Women)

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The Henderson Women’s Thermoprene Pro Wetsuit is a new version that perfectly combines ultimate comfort and maximum warmth.

As its name suggests, this Pro suit contains super soft and stretchable neoprene up to 250%, which is considerably larger than the 180% stretch of an original model. Thanks to that, the wetsuit will give you a snug fit regardless of your body shape.

Additionally, the Henderson Thermoprene Pro comes with a minimal seam design. This means that it has minimized the number of seams to reduce cold water entering through them.

Moreover, they are double glued and sewn, hence, offering divers amazing performance and high longevity. The wetsuit offers a stylish appearance with stunning graphics, making it more charming in women’s eyes.

Key Features:

• The wetsuit is stretchable up to 250%
• Aqua Silk lining
• Ergonomic DuraTex knee pads
• Double glued and blind-stitched seams
• Self-sealing zipper closures

Product Specifications:

5. NeoSport Premium

(Best Value for the Money)

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The NeoSport Premium is a well-constructed wetsuit made from first-rate neoprene material and standard elastic nylon fabric. Hence, it can withstand destructive effects in harsh environments and resist wear and tear.

Besides, with a wide range of thickness selections, the NeoSport Premium can work well in both tropical and icy water areas. Meanwhile, its great reliability and durability are another bonus point. The wetsuit includes flatlock seams sewn along with reinforced taping for stress parts.

One highlight benefit of the NeoSport Premium is that it can give you extra protection. The Thermal bonded knee pads are not only abrasion-resistant but also help to prevent knee strain during your dives.

Key Features:

• Spot taped at stress points
• Lycra trimmed arm, neck, and waist openings
• NeoSport’s exclusive Thermal bonded knee pads
• Adjustable hook & loop collar
• An internal key pocket
• Anatomical cut pattern
• YKK back zipper

Product Specifications:

6. Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer 3/2mm

(Best for Men)

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The best scenario for every diver is to have a wetsuit with multi-thickness panels like the Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer to achieve superior warmth and versatility.

This means that you will have a lining that is thicker in the core and thinner in the arms and legs. Thus, it is easy as a piece of cake to get an excellent fit while your range of motion is maximized.

In addition, to make it ideal for temperate water, the manufacturer constructed the Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer, including two linings: one for reducing heat loss and one for smoothness to get in and out of the suit.

The Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer uses an adhesive made from solvent-free water-based glue for diver safety. This material is environmentally friendly and will not cause any risks to your health as chemical bonds do.

Key Features:

• Made from 100% Everflex neoprene
• Assembled by using a solvent-free water-based glue
• Multi-thickness panels
• Pure Design Concept
• Double blind-stitched outer seams
• Single blind-stitched inner seams
• The diagonal rear YKK zipper
• Tatex knee and shoulder pads
• The Diamond Span inner lining
• 1-year warranty

Product Specifications:

Watch this video review of the Scubapro Men’s Everflex Steamer 3/2mm Wetsuit for more details on its incredible features.

7. Bare 7mm Reactive Men’s

(Best 7mm Wetsuit)

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The Reactive Men’s surfboard is another specialized wetsuit for cold water divers from the brand reputable Bare. It is the first model to optimize the Celliant Infrared Technology on the market today.

The Celliant Infrared fabric includes 13 thermo-reactive minerals. This special material uses a self-warming mechanism by converting your body heat into infrared energy, enabling you to stay underwater longer.

What’s more, this textile also helps to improve the body’s circulation, making you get better health. Besides, the Bare 7mm Reactive Men’s utilizes the No-Stitch Technology to create a seamless construction.

Hence, you will have more thermal support, greater mobility, and superior comfort to dive for all day.

Key Features:

• Celliant Infrared Technology
• No-Stitch Technology
• An adjustable velcro collar
• S-Lock back zipper
• 3D knee pads

Product Specifications:

8. Scubapro Definition Steamer 5mm Men’s

(Best 5mm Wetsuit)

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There are a lot of things that you can get from the Scubapro Definition Steamer 5mm Men’s Diving Wetsuit. Thanks to a fleece lining, you will feel a sense of super softness against your skin when wearing this item.

In addition, the lining is able to reflect your body heat, which means that you can get an extra layer of thermal insulation while diving. Notably, the Scubapro Definition Steamer offers additional protection for your shoulders, elbows, and kneepads.

All of them are covered with abrasion-resistant fabric to prevent unexpected injuries and increase durability at the same time.

Another advantage of the wetsuit I think you may like is its built-in spine pad. This function helps you reduce fatigue when wearing a heavy scuba tank for a long time.

Key Features:

• Ultraspan chest panel
• Stretchtec side panels
• Infrared fleece interior lining
• YKK rear zipper with KA brass slider
• I-Safe straps on both arms
• A spine pad
• 1-year warranty

Product Specifications:

Here is a Youtube video review of the Scubapro Definition Steamer 5mm Men’s Diving Wetsuit. Check it out for more information on its benefits and usage.

9. Hevto Guardian II 5/3mm

(Best Fitting)

See the Price on Amazon

Due to the basic design, the Hevto Guardian II can provide entry-level divers with great ease of use. Additionally, it is able to work well for both males and females thanks to combining a wide range of premium materials.

Being an upgraded version, the Hevto Guardian II surely will not let you down by offering more warmth and excellent waterproof capabilities. However, this means that the wetsuit has to be thicker. Therefore, it is likely to cause discomfort.

But you do not need to worry since the suit is made from ultra-soft neoprene CR. This unique fabric can be stretchable up to 4 dimensions. Furthermore, it is skin-friendly, so you will feel convenient and flexible to move when wearing the wetsuit.

Key Features:

• Neckline Design
• YKK metal zipper
• Hook and loop fasteners
• Nylon belt
• Ultra-stretch fabric

Product Specifications:

10. Seavenger Alpha 3mm

(Best Rated)

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I put the Seavenger Alpha 3mm in the top-rated position. Made from top-notch neoprene plus ultra-stretch panels, the wetsuit can provide you with high mobility and stability.

Besides, the lining fabric on the shoulders and knees is abrasion-resistant, allowing the suit to maximize its longevity as well as be tough enough to be worn with a lightweight travel BCD. Also, the Seavenger Alpha manufacturer is smart to use flatlock stitching for seam construction.

This design will protect you from chafing even when you have been diving for a long period. The flat-stitch brings divers with sensitive skin lots of benefits through removing rubbing and irritation.

However, the Seavenger Alpha is outstanding among numerous regular wetsuits on the market now because of its diverse diving conditions. Unlike other 3 mm thickness models that are only suitable for tropical climates, the suit can be used in extremely cold water.

That’s because it is particularly designed to be worn underneath a dry suit. Therefore, there are no worries of losing thermal retention when you dive deeper.

Key Features:

• An extra-long leash
• Anti-abrasion panels on the shoulders and knees

Product Specifications:

11. Cressi Morea 3mm Ultraspan

(Best Lightweight)

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In case you desire to own a wetsuit for tropical diving, the Cressi Morea can live up to your expectations. Although short suits are more fitting when you plan to dive in warm temperatures, full-length models are also a great option.

Plus, full wetsuits can also give your body better protection from marine-related injuries such as sharp corals, rocks, and jellyfish stings. Additionally, the high-stretch neoprene material of the Cressi Morea offers you ultimate comfort.

The wetsuit comes with a reliable neck seal to reduce water leaks – the main reason resulting in poor thermal retention. This feature contributes to creating an excellent watertight while still ensuring to breathe effortlessly at any depth.

Key Features:

• The dorsal YKK zipper
• An Aquastop flap
• Anatomical cuts
• Ultraspan Neoprene in arms and legs
• Rubberized Neoprene in chest

Product Specifications:

12. Cressi Shorty Men’s

(Most Durable)

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The Cressi Shorty is one of the appealing choices for warm water divers. At first, its short style will less restrict your movements compared to full-length items.

Besides, the wetsuit’s 3 mm thickness is thin enough to be suitable for a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Meanwhile, the double-lined high-stretch Neoprene material will ensure a high warm-keeping level and utilize your comfort.

In addition, the Cressi Shorty’s front zip design brings greater ease of use. The zipper closure is accompanied by a pull tab which facilitates putting on and taking off the suit when you are in the water.

Also, the wetsuit’s braided seal prevents water infiltration, giving you excellent thermal protection.

Key Features:

• Elastic Ultraspan Neoprene
• YKK front zip closure
• A pull-tab
• 2-year limited warranty

Product Specifications:

How to choose the Right Scuba Diving Wetsuits?

Before buying a set of scuba wetsuits, there are certain vital things you have to consider. This guarantees that you will not end up with an inappropriate suit for your diving environments, or worse, it doesn’t fit you at all. Here are some common factors to look at.

1. Fit

It is recommended to choose a scuba wetsuit with a perfect fit. Your wetsuit must be tight to the body, and there should be no space between your skin and it. If you wear a wetsuit that is too massive, it cannot keep you warm effectively.

In contrast, in case the suit is too tight, your movement underwater will be restricted. What’s more, this makes it annoying to dive for a long time. Please remember to follow the manufacturer’s size guidelines when shopping online and not try your wetsuit on.

Besides, it would be best to consider whether the suit is made for males or females since there will be a few differences between the two versions.

2. Thickness

Scuba wetsuits come in various thicknesses, which are designed to serve different user needs. Most standard models offer three popular densities, including 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. Each of them will be ideal for the varied kinds of water you plan to dive in.

The thickness of a scuba wetsuit will directly affect how warm it can be when you are below the surface. Let’s see the following table carefully for clarity.

3. Stitching Construction

No matter which scuba wetsuit you choose, just keep in mind to buy the one that is sealed and stitched meticulously to prevent water seepage.

There are three seam construction techniques: overlock stitch, flat stitch (or flatlock), and glued and blind stitched. All of them will be the best choice for distinct diving conditions.

4. Material

Most scuba wetsuits are made from neoprene because of their excellent stretchability and exceptional heat retention. This material is divided into two types: open-cell or closed-cell neoprene. Additionally, some other wetsuits use lycra for their construction.

I have compared these three main types in the table below to help you get the best selection.

5. Style

Shorties, full, and farmer john are three major styles of scuba wetsuits. A shorty suit includes short sleeves, and it is famous for ultimate comfort as well as can be put on effortlessly. Meanwhile, full wetsuits will provide divers with full-body protection and additional warmth.

In addition, the farmer john models are an incredible option for cold water divers since they are able to double up the insulation on the core. They are favored by freedivers thanks to high mobility as well.

Why Should You Buy Expensive Wetsuits Instead of Inexpensive Ones?

The pricey scuba wetsuits surpass the cheap ones for some reason. First of all, they are made of higher quality, which gives you an excellent fit. Secondly, the more expensive the wetsuit is, the better it is sealed.

Thereby, this can prevent water from seeping through the seams and retain much more of your body heat. Last but not least, when your wetsuit is more costly, you will have more selections in colors, sizes, and designs.

Furthermore, some wetsuits even offer divers extra pockets, zippers, and various thicknesses to meet utmost use needs.

Compare Front, Shoulder, and Back Zipper

Scuba wetsuits usually come in three types of zippers: front, shoulder, and back. Each type has its pros and cons, and thereby, deciding which is the best for you significantly relies on personal preferences.

In case you have no idea of choosing, let the following table give you a hand.

Difference Between Scuba and Surfing Wetsuits

Scuba wetsuits are exclusively designed for divers to go deeper while surfing wetsuits are the best choices for shallow areas. Therefore, there are some differences between them. The table below will equip you with lots of information that you may know before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions on scuba wetsuits in case you need additional information. I hope the answers will help you a lot in clearing your confusion.

How Thick a Wetsuit Do I Need for Scuba Diving?

Different diving temperatures will demand different thicknesses of a scuba wetsuit, the type of mask you should wear, as well as the tank you should use.

Check out the 7 Worthy Full Face Scuba Masks in 2023 here.

Three common densities, including 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm, work flawlessly with warm, temperate, and cold water, respectively.

Why Do Scuba Divers Wear Black Wetsuits?

Black is well-known for its UV-resistant ability, and it can absorb more energy than any other color. Hence, black scuba wetsuits can give divers more thermal support as well as dry faster. In addition, the black color shows fewer abrasions and offers excellent fading resistance.

Do You Need to Wear Anything Under a Scuba Wetsuit?

Scuba wetsuits are designed to be worn without special clothes underneath. However, you can still wear some clothing under your wetsuit for additional heat protection in cold temperatures. Besides this enables you to put the suit on and off smoothly.

Always bear in mind that your clothes must not be bulky, which can make you feel uncomfortable and require your scuba fins more energy to propel the body forward.

How Tight Should My Scuba Wetsuit Be?

Your scuba wetsuit must fit snugly to retain body heat in icy diving, and it cannot be too tight, which will restrict your motions underwater. In a full style wetsuit, the sleeves should go long to your wrist bone. Meanwhile, the legs have to be just above the ankle bone.

How Long Should a Scuba Wetsuit Last?

The durability of a scuba wetsuit depends much on material quality, maintenance, and the frequency you use it. Generally, a good scuba wetsuit can last from 4 years to 10 years, or even more if it is the most advanced model.

Final Thoughts

A scuba wetsuit is an indispensable outfit for water sports players, especially divers who dive in icy areas. Whether you plan to invest much money in a high-end wetsuit or not, just remember to purchase a model that fits snugly your body as well as your diving level.

I recommend the Cressi Lido Short Front Zip as it has all of the qualities to be crowned the overall best. Some noticeable upsides of this model are premium material, tropical environment compatibility, and excellent body heat-retaining.

Another suggestion is the NeoSport Men’s and Women’s 3mm, which is a budget-friendly option. Despite having an affordable price point, the item still provides great functions such as free movements, optimal performance, and a handy key pocket.

If you have used any scuba wetsuit before or are about to purchase it, I would appreciate you for sharing your experience with me in the comment section.

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