Picking the wrong wetsuit is one of the most expensive mistakes a surfer can make. Too thin and you're freezing before your second session. Too thick and you're overheating in the lineup and paddling like you're wrapped in a sleeping bag.
This guide covers everything you need to know — water temperature, thickness, fit, and what to actually look for when you're comparing wetsuits.
Step 1: Match Thickness to Water Temperature
Wetsuit thickness is measured in millimeters (e.g., 3/2mm). The first number is the torso thickness, the second is the arms and legs.
- 72°F+ water: Boardshorts or a 1mm shorty — no full suit needed
- 65–72°F water: 2mm shorty or 2/1mm full suit
- 60–65°F water: 3/2mm full suit — the most popular thickness for California, East Coast, and the Gulf
- 55–60°F water: 4/3mm with sealed seams
- Below 55°F: 5/4mm or 6/5mm with hood, boots, and gloves
For most US coastal surfing — California, Florida, the Carolinas, and the Gulf — a 3/2mm full suit covers you year-round or at minimum 9 months of the year.
Step 2: Understand Seam Construction
This is where quality diverges fast between budget and premium suits:
- Flatlock seams: Stitched flat to the panel. Flexible and durable but allows water flow. Great for warmer water (65°F+).
- Blind-stitched seams: Needle doesn't go all the way through. Warmer and nearly waterproof. Best for cooler water.
- Glued and blind-stitched (GBS): Glued first, then blind-stitched. The most watertight seam available.
Step 3: Check the Entry System
- Back zip: Traditional, easy to get in and out, slightly less flexible at the shoulders
- Chest zip: More expensive, warmer (no zipper at the neck), better shoulder mobility for paddling
- Zip-free: Most flexible, but harder to get in and out
For most surfers, a back zip is the right call — easier to use and still performs excellently.
Step 4: Get the Fit Right
A wetsuit that doesn't fit isn't just uncomfortable — it doesn't work. Water flushes in through gaps and your body has to constantly reheat it.
- Should feel snug but not restrictive — like a second skin
- No bunching at the knees or armpits
- The neck shouldn't gap when you bend forward
- Arms should be long enough to cover your wrists
Our Recommendation
The WaveTrail Co. 3/2mm Full Body Wetsuit hits the sweet spot for the majority of US surfers. Flatlock stitching, back zip entry, anatomical fit, and fast-drying lining — built for people who actually surf, not just pose.
Free US shipping on orders over $75. 30-day returns. Ships in 24–48 hours.