Wetsuits may all look the same—save for the different styles and colors—but the ones made explicitly for scuba diving are usually thicker and better at retaining body heat so you can feel comfortable and stay underwater longer. This thermal feature is especially crucial when diving in colder waters or when diving to depths where the sun’s warmth can no longer penetrate.
Aside from keeping you warm, wetsuits protect you from harmful UV rays, cuts, abrasions, and stings from jellyfish and other marine life forms. So, if you’re shopping for your scuba diving gear, consider choosing the following highly-rated and best-selling diving wetsuits today.
Finding the best wetsuit for diving can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with hundreds of brands and models of scuba diving wetsuits. To help you out, we’ve narrowed our list to just 10 of the most outstanding wetsuits from the biggest diving equipment manufacturers for 2020.
Best Scuba Wetsuits for 2020
- Scubapro Everflex Steamer
- Henderson Greenprene Men’s Jumpsuit
- Henderson Thermoprene
- Mares Graph-Flex
- Bare Velocity Men Full Suit
- Henderson Thermoprene Pro Hooded Semi-Dry Jumpsuit
- Cressi Playa Flex 2.5mm Women’s Shorty
- Fourth Element Proteus
- Cressi Bahia Flex 3mm Women’s Jumpsuit
- Aqua Lung AquaFlex
Scubapro Everflex Steamer
The Scubapro EverFlex Steamer is an ergonomic wetsuit part of the EverFlex line of redesigned wetsuit line. This full wetsuit features a pre-formed dimensional shape for a better and more comfortable fit. It’s made of a Scubapro-exclusive X-Foam nylon two-neoprene formula that complies with P.A.H. (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) test requirements.
The EverFlex Steamer is easy to get into and feels flexible and comfortable once you’re in it. The torso area of its steamers also has an added heliospan lining for better insulation and protection. This scuba diving wetsuit is built to last. It has Power Tex abrasion-resistant shoulders and seat, while its TATEX knee pads are durable thermoplastic rubber. The Scubapro EverFlex Steamer is available in different sizes for men and women and comes in black or gray.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Men & Women
- Thickness: 3/2mm
- Material: X-Foam Nylon 2 Neoprene
- Seams: Glued, Single-Blind (inner) & Double-Blind (outer) Stitched
- Closure: Self Donning & Doffing Back Zipper, Pull Tab Leash, Nylon Webbing Thumb Loop at Base of Zipper
Henderson Greenprene Men’s Jumpsuit
The Henderson Greenprene Jumpsuit is a highly sustainable wetsuit insulated with recycled materials. The interior Bio-Span fabric and Aqua-Silk exterior fabric laminate are made of 88% recycled polyester and 12% nylon. Both insulating materials were manufactured from recycled water bottles and are 100% neoprene-free.
The insulating foam of the Greenprene wetsuits is soft, ultra-stretchy, and abrasion-resistant. It also gives additional UV resistance and is much more durable and lightweight than conventional neoprene materials. The Greenprene Jumpsuit also has recyclable packaging. Keep yourself warmer while also helping the environment with the Henderson Greenprene Jumpsuit.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Men & Women
- Thickness: 3/5/7mm
- Material: Recycled Aqua-silk interior & Bio-Span exterior fabric laminate
- Seams: Glued & Sewn
- Closure: Back-zipper entry with pull tab leash
Henderson Thermoprene
The Henderson Thermoprene is undoubtedly among the most popular and best-selling wetsuits today. Like most high-quality Henderson wetsuits, it is made of Nylon 2 Neoprene to provide up to 75% more stretch than standard neoprene fabrics. At 7mm thick, this diving suit will keep the body extra warm and comfortable while being durable enough to withstand friction from your other diving gear. It also offers a contoured fit and GBS-glued and blind-stitched seams to help control heat loss and maintain a comfortable body temperature underwater.
If you need an affordable suit thick enough for cold water dives but don’t want to skimp on the quality, the Henderson Thermoprene 7mm full suit is a great choice.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Men
- Thickness: 7mm
- Material: Nylon 2 Neoprene
- Seams: Glued and Blind-Stitched
- Closure: #10 YKK Back Zipper with Pull Tab Leash
Mares Graph-Flex
If you’re more into cold-water diving, then the revolutionary insulation technology of the Mares Graph-Flex is perfect for you. This jumpsuit is part of Mares’ M-Flex line and has infused graphene fibers incorporated into its inner layers, making it one of the warmest scuba diving wetsuits on the market. These infused materials trap and reflect heat, ensuring a better overall warmth needed for colder dives.
The Mares Graph-Flex Jumpsuit also has sealed seams for additional durability and warmth. It keeps a streamlined cut for a more comfortable fit. Self-donning and doffing are more straightforward thanks to its back-zipper entry and pull-tab leash. This jumpsuit comes in black and is available for men and women in multiple thicknesses and sizes.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Men’s Jumpsuit
- Thickness: 7mm
- Material: Nylon-2 Neoprene Rubber with Infused Graphene Fibers
- Seams: Sewn & Sealed
- Closure: Back-zipper entry with Pull-Tab Leash
Bare Velocity Men Full Suit
The Bare Velocity men’s full suit utilizes the Progressive Full-Stretch (PFS) technology for additional durability while keeping the wetsuit warm and comfortable. This wetsuit is part of Bare’s Velocity Series of wetsuits. Its PFS construction highlights key areas of the wetsuit by incorporating full-stretch fabric in these sections that need additional flexibility.
Besides its ergonomic design, the men’s Bare Velocity full suit also has forearm and leg flip seals to reduce flushing. It has a 2mm Glide-Skin collar with a 360° neck seal that minimizes water entry through the neck and zippers. The wetsuit uses PROTEKT knee guards for underwater protection to prevent abrasions and wear. This wetsuit is available in multiple sizes and thicknesses depending on one’s diving needs.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Men
- Thickness: 3/5/7mm
- Material: Full Stretch Nylon 2 Neoprene
- Seams: Double-Glued with Secure-Lock Construction
- Closure: Heavy-Duty Back Zipper with skin-to-skin internal sealing flap
Henderson Thermoprene Pro Hooded Semi-Dry Jumpsuit
The Henderson Thermoprene Pro Hooded Semi-Dry Jumpsuit is a notable improvement to the previous jumpsuits of the Thermoprene Pro line. This semi-dry professional jumpsuit has a full 250% stretch and aqua silk lining. It is made of Nylon 2 Neoprene and Thermoprene Pro non-pill nylon exterior laminate for additional heat insulation.
This Thermoprene Pro jumpsuit has double-sewn seams to eliminate cold water entry. Its hood has Aqualock flow vent purge valves that prevent ballooning from trapped air or regulator exhausts. It also has double locking and self-sealing wrist and ankle seals to reduce water exchange and make donning and doffing easier. The suit utilizes larger Duratex knee pads for additional abrasion and wear protection underwater. This suit comes in black and is available in multiple sizes.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Semi-Dry Wetsuit for Men
- Thickness: 8mm body/7mm hood
- Material: 250% stretch Nylon 2 Neoprene
- Seams: Double Glued and Sewn Inside & Out
- Closure: PK S-Lock Shoulder-to-Shoulder Front Zipper Entry
Cressi Playa Flex 2.5mm Women’s Shorty
The Cressi Playa 2.5mm Flex is Cressi’s update to the Playa front-zip shorty wetsuit. This new wetsuit for women prioritizes movement and comfort. It has an ergonomic design and a snug and anatomical fit. The redesigned wetsuit is ideal for any water sport, from jet skiing to snorkeling and freediving.
This shorty wetsuit boasts a durable YKK front zip for easy donning and doffing. Its high-quality double-lined neoprene construction retains its shape well and provides much-needed underwater insulation. The wetsuit’s arms and legs have Neoprene Ultraspan braided seals for additional elasticity and minimized water entry. Available in multiple sizes, the new Cressi Playa 2.5mm Flex is the next go-to shorty wetsuit.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Shorty Wetsuit for Men &Women
- Thickness: 2.5mm
- Material: Double-lined Neoprene
- Seams: Braided Seal
- Closure: Metal YKK Front Zipper
Fourth Element Proteus
The Fourth Element Proteus is an all-around, high-quality wetsuit that’s well-regarded for its durability and versatility. It uses super stretchy neoprene fabric on the arms and legs to provide additional mobility. It also features long-lasting Dura Wear patches on the shoulders and hips to help resist abrasion from BCDs and weight belts.
This suit has Glide-Skin wrist seals, a Hydrolock inner neck seal, and watertight (double-glued, blind-stitched, and taped) seams, so this suit is excellent at preventing water entry and keeping your body warm. To further enhance its thermal performance, the suit has Thermoflex and Hex-Core linings to keep the entire body—especially the core—nice and warm.
As with nearly any dive suit in its price range, the Proteus ensures durability and exceptional body heat retention to give you more than your money’s worth.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Men
- Thickness: 5mm
- Material: Nylon 2 Neoprene
- Seams: Double Glued, Blind-Stitched, and Taped
- Closure: Back Zipper with Pull Tab Leash
Cressi Bahia Flex 3mm Women’s Jumpsuit
Cressi updates its Bahia front-zip full wetsuit with the Cressi Bahia. This redesigned jumpsuit is perfect for most water sports like freediving, scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. The suit has an ergonomic and anatomical fit, making movement easier in and out of the water.
The arms and ankle areas of the suit also have varying thicknesses to make donning and movement much more manageable. It has cuff seals to prevent water entry and double-lined neoprene to resist underwater compression. The knee and shin areas of the suit also have reinforced construction to protect the wetsuit from wear and abrasion. The Cressi Bahia is the all-around wetsuit of choice. This suit is available in multiple sizes for both men and women.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Men & Women
- Thickness: 2.5mm
- Material: Flexible Double-Lined Neoprene
- Seams: Overlock stitching
- Closure: YKK Front Zipper
Aqua Lung AquaFlex
Aqua Lung may be primarily known for their breathing equipment, but the brand also carries high-quality dive wear that’s designed to ensure your warmth and comfort underwater.
One notable scuba suit from their line is the AquaFlex Wetsuit, which features super-stretch neoprene for easy donning and doffing. The material also allows you to move freely underwater. The glued and blind-stitched seams, watertight neck seal, Spandex edge-taped wrists and ankles, water-shielded back zipper, and 3mm-thick fabric all help shut water out for maximum heat retention.
It is one of the best wetsuits on the market today, and the AquaFlex will not fail you in terms of quality and affordability.
The brand also carries 3mm Aquaflex wetsuits for men (), though these are higher-end and pricier.
Key Specifications:
- Type: Full Wetsuit for Women
- Thickness: 3mm
- Material: Nylon 2 Neoprene and Spandex
- Seams: Glued and Blind-Stitched
- Closure: #10-YKK Back Zipper with Pull Tab Leash
Choosing The Best Wetsuit for Diving
Different diving conditions demand different specifications from equipment, from the kind of wetsuit that you should wear up to the type of mask and tank that you should use. For wetsuits, it has different specialized functions and specifications for different diving needs as well.
Here are some characteristics of wetsuits that you should consider before buying a set for your next dive.
Thickness
Most standard wetsuits come with varying thicknesses of at least 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm. Wetsuits for warmer dives can go as low as 1mm and 2mm thick. For starters, here are the ideal temperatures for each wetsuit thickness:
- 2 mm: above 85° F (29° C)
- 3 mm: 70 – 85° F (21 – 28° C)
- 5 mm: 60 – 70° F (16 – 20° C)
- 7 mm: 50 – 70° F (10 – 20° C)
Material
Most wetsuits are made of neoprene as this material insulates heat well. Some wetsuits are made of either open-cell or closed-cell neoprene, while others are made of lycra. Closed-cell neoprene suits are rigid and rubbery. They are the most common material used on wetsuits and are more affordable and durable. However, they’re more challenging to put on and don’t insulate well compared to other models.
Open-cell neoprene suits are high-quality materials that are more flexible and conform better to the diver’s body. They insulate better and offer a greater range of motion. However, they are more delicate and prone to damage than closed-cell neoprene suits.
Lycra or skin suits only offer a thin layer of protection as they are more suited for warm water diving. They don’t provide any thermal insulation but instead protect your skin from underwater terrain and animals.
Design & Style
Wetsuits come in different cuts and lengths. The most common are the full wetsuits, shorties, and farmer john/jane wetsuits. Full wetsuits offer full-body protection and insulation underwater. It covers all your limbs and protects them from scratches and stings from rocks and animals.
Shorty wetsuits have shorter sleeves on both the arms and the legs. These wetsuits are more comfortable and easier to put on. Farmer johns are a two-piece wetsuit. The top piece is a one-piece overall, while the second is a jacket. These wetsuits are a decent option for cold water diving due to the double insulation at the core and are preferred by freedivers due to the added mobility on their shoulders.
Seams & Stitching
How wetsuits are sealed and stitched plays a significant factor in how well they keep out water. Overlock stitching is done on the inside of the wetsuit and is ideal for warmer dives, as some water can seep inside the seams.
Flat stitches are much more comfortable on the skin compared to overlock stitches. Even if the stitching is flat and more uniform, some water can still seep inside the suit, making it another wetsuit for warmer waters.
Blindstitch is similar to flat stitch but is narrower and glued instead of stitched together. This stitch can be used along with seam taping to reinforce the seams. Water that seeps inside the suit is minimized, making wetsuits with blindstitching and fluid seals recommended for cold water diving.
Check the seams and stitching of the wetsuit and see if it’s ideal for the type of dives that you’ll be doing.
Size
Wetsuit sizes differ across brands and manufacturers. Scuba diving wetsuits should fit snug but still allow for mobility underwater. If your wetsuit is too big, water can leak in, while wetsuits that are too small would be impossible to put on. Make sure to check the sizing chart of these wetsuits first before purchasing.
