Whether you are a passionate surfer, a casual beach goer, or cold water swimmer…there’s one piece of gear that you will need: the perfect wetsuit. Finding a wetsuit can be tricky, especially with so many different types available, but the right wetsuit for you can transform your experience. And that's why we have tried to put all our knowledge together and create this beginner's guide to help you navigate the world of wetsuits.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know. Explaining the different types of wetsuits, what their thickness means, the importance of different stitchings and how to find the right fit for you.
1. Types of wetsuits
2. Thickness of wetsuits
3. Types of stitching
4. Types of sealants
Types Of Wetsuits
There are 3 types of wetsuits that we are going to dive into: Full Suit, Spring Suit and a Shorty.
Full Suit: Covers the whole body
This suit offers comprehensive coverage for your body. It provides much better insulation against cold waters, as it maintains your body temperature for longer. It's a popular choice for various water activities as it's suitable for surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, swimming and more. They work well in a variety of water temperatures, making them a go-to choice for many wetsuit buyers.
Introducing Be-Rad Watersports Men's Manera SEAFARER wetsuit - a testament to Manera's renowned precision in fit and construction. This wetsuit takes it a step further by prioritising exceptional warmth, unparalleled comfort, and remarkable durability.
Spring Suit: Short arms/legs
Provides comfort in transitional season as it bridges the gap between a full wetsuit and no wetsuit at all. Offers mobility due to its greater freedom of movement. It offers a comfortable balance of warmth, mobility, and style, making it an excellent addition to any water enthusiast's collection.
This is the women's Mystic Lunar Long arm shorty 2/2mm available for the Be-Rad Watersports Pevensey Bay store. Crafted from ultra-flexible neoprene, this wetsuit offers exceptional stretch, ensuring it moves seamlessly with your every motion.
Shorty: Short arms/legs
This is made for warm water as it provides optimal comfort in warm water.
Our Mystic Brand 3/2mm Women's Shorty Wetsuit, designed specifically for the summer season to keep you both cozy and agile in the water.
Thickness Of Wetsuits
Go too thin, and you'll find yourself shivering amidst the waves. Opt for something overly thick, and your planned tranquil day at the beach transforms into a sweaty and cumbersome ordeal.
2mm: This is normally the thickness of a shorty wetsuit as it is perfect for warmer climates -its recommended temperature range is anywhere around 19°C.
3mm: This is perfect if you need something more protective than a shorty, or the end of summer is transitioning to autumn. With this thickness, you'll stay comfortably warm in the water without feeling restricted in your movements. It's an ideal choice for various water activities in mild to moderately cool conditions - its recommended temperature range is between 16.5°C and 15°C.
4mm: The 4mm wetsuit steps up the warmth game, making it an excellent choice for cooler water conditions. With this thickness, you'll have enhanced insulation. This is suitable for summer watersporting in the UK but can also last nicely into the early winter.
5mm: A 5mm wetsuit brings serious warmth to the table, making it the go-to choice for colder water environments. When the temperature plummets from 10°C to around 9°C or 8°C, it's time to consider upgrading your wetsuit to a thicker 5mm version.
Types of Stitching
Stitching entails creating holes in the neoprene to thread through, which can potentially lead to water seeping into the suit along the seams. Various stitching techniques correspond to different wetsuit models and may differ based on factors like the suit's cost or whether it's designed for summer use versus winter conditions.
Flatlock: This creates a flat comfortable seam but does allow water to penetrate. This type of stitching will be used most commonly on summer wetsuits. It's an affordable method of constructing a wetsuit but not the warmest offer on the market.
Blind Stitching: This is a stitching style that does not penetrate through to the other side of the neoprene. It's a watertight construction used by lots of the wetsuits within the Be-Rad Watersports store.
Types Of Sealants
Glued seams: The panels have been glued together before being stitched which makes for a stronger seam.
Taped seams: Tape is utilized on the inner side of seams to fortify them as needed. Strategic taping involves reinforcing seams in high-stress regions, while full taping encompasses the reinforcement of all seams.
Liquid welded seams: Seams are coated with liquid rubber, rendering them entirely impermeable to water. Certain suits may feature this rubber coating on both the exterior and interior surfaces.
Come and visit our store to try and test out a range of wetsuits. We will be able to help you find the perfect fit for you. Keep an eye on the blog for specific wetsuit reviews and please come in with any question you have!
If this article has got you wanting to purchase a new wetsuit, call us on 01323766650 and we can chat through everything with you, alternatively, pop into the Pevensey Bay store and a member of our team will help you out.
If you've enjoyed reading our latest blog, please share it on social media and tag us in the post, thanks for supporting Be-Rad Watersports and look forward to seeing you on the water soon!
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