13 Best Thermal Wetsuits for Swimming

The feeling of weightlessness and freedom that comes from being in the water is like no other. But as someone who loves to swim, I’ve often had a hard time finding the right gear to extend my swimming sessions in the colder months. This is where the best thermal wetsuits for swimming come into play. They offer swimmers like me the warmth and flexibility needed to enjoy swimming year-round. Today, I’ll dive into the wetsuit world, showing you some of my favorite choices, which I’ve tested and have transformed my cholly swims into exciting adventures. Whether you’re a triathlete or casual swimmer, the following will surely become your trusted swimming companion!

Goldfin 3mm Wetsuit

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The first item on this list is none other than the Goldfin 3mm Wetsuit. Warm, stretchy, and comfortable, this suit truly checks all the right boxes and deserves more flowers. When I first learned about this suit, I was surprised by the fact that it also offered UV protection. The neoprene and nylon blend, like many other suits, was soft against my skin and seemed durable.

I tried the M option on and for me, it fitted true to size. This is such a huge deal as wetsuits that cost more sometimes can’t even offer great sizing. Getting it on was also a breeze. The back zipper worked perfectly, and I didn’t need any help at all. I wore this suit back when I was in Hawaii and it kept me warm when my friends were shivering.

XUKER 2mm Neoprene Wetsuit

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Don’t let its cheap price tag fool you. Though the XUKER 2mm Neoprene Wetsuit is in the low-end category, it has a lot to offer. The first thing that struck me about this suit was the quality of the material. Though a little thinner than many of its competitors, it was still soft and flexible, promising both warmth and freedom of movement. I never experienced any chafing or discomfort as well since the seams were flat and smooth.

Another thing that impressed me was the snug fit. It hugged my body like gloves, yet I was able to move my arms in a circular motion easily. This close-fitting design is crucial for optimal thermal protection, and it delivers. Thanks to this affordable wetsuit, I could stay comfortably warm even when I was swimming in the morning.

REALON Kids Wetsuit

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Best for Kids. Parents who love to spend time outdoors with their kids should consider the REALON Kids Wetsuit. When I was offered to test this suit, I was pumped as my boy loves to swim with me. Choosing the right size was easy thanks to the clear size chart provided by REALON. It fitted my child perfectly, offering a snug and comfy fit without being restrictive.

I asked my boy how the suit was and he said it was great. The stretchy neoprene material allowed him to move his legs and arms freely, making it an ideal choice for diving and other water activities, too. Most importantly, the 3mm neoprene kept my kid warm even when the water back then was cold. Thus, we were able to enjoy longer water playtime together.

O’Neill Men’s Reactor

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Say hello to O’Neill Men’s Reactor, one of the most highly reviewed swimming wetsuits on Amazon. When I first got this suit, I was really in love with its material. It felt incredibly soft and flexible, promising a comfy and unrestricted swimming experience. On top of that the stitching looked impeccable, and the construction seemed durable.

After testing it, they were all true. It was incredibly warm, even though I tested it in the water in the early morning. It’s safe to say that the 3/2mm thickness provided me with the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility, as I was able to move both my feet and hands easily in the water. Lastly, it comes in a variety of sizes, from XS up to 3XL.

Hevto 3/2mm Neoprene Wetsuit

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Those on a budget but don’t want to compromise too much on performance should take a look at the Hevto 3/2mm Neoprene Wetsuit. Knowing its price, I initially didn’t have high expectations. However, after testing it, it managed to blow my mind. With a thickness of 3/2mm, this wetsuit has the perfect balance of warmth, durability, and flexibility. I was swimming in a lake and it was roughly 60°F. Thanks to the suit, I was able to stay warm and comfy.

Like many other premium options, this wetsuit also offers amazing buoyancy. It allowed me to float more easily in the water. If you’re a beginner who’s dedicated to training, I think this is a great choice. Besides swimming, people also wear this suit for other water activities. From diving to surfing, you name it.

Synergy Adrenaline Triathlon Wetsuit

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For the sake of this article, I decided to try countless wetsuits for months. However, when I first heard about the Synergy Adrenaline Triathlon Wetsuit, I was intrigued. The promise of both incredible flexibility and superior buoyancy was something I couldn’t resist. I was most impressed by the material. The SCS silicone-coated SyPrene was ridiculously soft and flexible. Like some of my favorite swimming suits for winter, it almost felt like a second skin.

When I tested the suit, the water temperature was 62°F and I was kept warm by the suit. The overall construction of this suit is also worth praising. When I inspected it, it had no visible seams or stitching. Also, since it was super hydrodynamic, it helped me glide through the water with ease. If you want to improve your speed, this is something you want. Check out what people have to say about this suit here!

TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Wetsuit

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Best for Beginners. I have a feeling beginners will love the TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Wetsuit. Right out of the box, I was most shocked by the sleek look and feel of the suit. The smooth neoprene felt comfortable against my skin, and the overall design was eye-catching. I tried the Medium model on and it fitted me well. Speaking of sizes, it’s available from XS to 2XL, so I’m sure you’ll find the size that fits you well.

However, I was most impressed with the suit’s buoyancy and flexibility. The thicker panels in the legs and core provided excellent support and helped me maintain proper body position when I was swimming. Meanwhile, the thinner panels in the arms and shoulders allowed for a full range of motion.

REALON 3mm Wetsuit

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What we have here is the REALON 3mm Wetsuit, a reliable choice with almost 1,000 reviews on Amazon. One of the biggest selling points of this suit is its material, which is 90% neoprene and 10% nylon. Thanks to the neoprene, I was able to swim in cold water without shivering. Meanwhile, nylon helps make the suit even more durable and protects it from wear and tear.

When I unboxed this suit for the first time, I was surprised by the presence of the knee pads. They were firm and durable, protecting my knees from potential scratches when I was out there. Also, I have to point out its versatility. Aside from swimming, it can also be worn for other water sports like surfing and kayaking. Speaking of which, have you read our special lists of the best wetsuits for surfing and kayaking?

ZONE3 Thermal Aspect Wetsuit

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Yes, the ZONE3 Thermal Aspect Wetsuit may be a pricey investment for some. However, if you’re an avid open-water swimmer, I highly recommend checking out this wetsuit. The first thing that I noticed about this suit when I first received it was its sleek and stylish design. It looks sharp and professional, and it’s available for both men and women.

Once I wore this suit, I was immediately impressed by its warmth. Its combination of 2.5-4.5mm neoprene kept me warm in the water, especially around the core and upper leg areas. I also appreciated the thermal lining that trapped heat and prevented heat loss. In addition to its warmth, this suit is comfortable, too. It offers a snug fit without being constricting.

Seaskin 3mm Shorty Wetsuit

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Best Shorty. Searching for a shorty? Check out the Seaskin 3mm Shorty Wetsuit, a much beloved and positively reviewed thermal wetsuit for swimming on Amazon. As long as the temperature of the water is still bearable, feel free to wear this shorty. For casual swimmers, this wetsuit is a gem. Thanks to the snug fit and minimal water entry, I found it to be comfortable to wear.

This wetsuit offered me excellent flexibility, allowing me to have unrestricted movements in the water. I was impressed with how easily I could move my arms and legs while wearing the suit. Not to mention, the flatlock stitching really helped to prevent chafing and irritation. Though I wore the suit for hours, I never experienced any of them.

Orca Openwater RS1 Thermal Wetsuit

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Best Insulation. While many claim to be the best thermal wetsuits for swimming, only a few can match the exceptional Orca Openwater RS1 Thermal Wetsuit. Living up to its name, this suit is really, really warm. One of its standout features is the Yamamoto 39 neoprene in the torso, which provided me with incredible insulation without restricting my movements. Combined with the “Batwing” construction on the back, they eliminated water entry and I could stay comfortable.

Despite its thickness, as I said earlier, this suit doesn’t restrict movement. The Yamamoto 40 neoprene in the arms and legs offered me excellent flexibility. Also, because of the brand’s Exo-Lift technology, I was able to float effortlessly, reducing fatigue. This should be the go-to choice for anyone looking to push their limits. Learn more about this suit by watching its official YouTube video!

Synergy Volution Fullsleeve Triathlon Wetsuit

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Best Quality. For passionate open-water swimmers and triathletes, there’s no better option than the Synergy Volution Fullsleeve Triathlon Wetsuit. When I tested this suit, I was left with nothing but awe. I felt completely unrestricted in my strokes, which was crucial for both swimming efficiency and comfort. Not to mention, the 3/2mm neoprene construction provided me with unmatched buoyancy, especially in the core area. It kept me afloat effortlessly.

“This wetsuit is more than just a piece of gear. I think it’s a partner for dedicated swimmers in pushing their limits.”

WOW Travel

What about the fit? As you can see from its official product page, it’s designed for both men and women and comes in a wide variety of sizes. Mine fitted me perfectly and it felt comfortable against my skin. I didn’t experience experience any chafing or irritation either even though I was swimming for quite a while.

Seaskin 3mm Wetsuit

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Best Overall. My number one pick is the Seaskin 3mm Wetsuit, which is specifically designed for water sports like swimming and surfing. While there are so many things to love about this item, the thing that awed me the most during testing was its fit. It fitted snugly to my body and had the right amount of tightness. I was able to stay warm even though my whole body was in the water and I could move without any restrictions.

Furthermore, putting the wetsuit on was pretty much effortless. All of the zippers worked well and felt durable. What’s even more amazing about this versatile wetsuit is the fact that it’s available for both men and women. Don’t worry; it comes in plenty of sizes designed for each gender, so you can find the right fit easily.

Our Verdict!

With soaring popularity, fantastic performance, and undeniable comfort, the Seaskin 3mm Wetsuit is by far my best overall pick. However, if you have something specific in mind, you may want to take a look at the following list.

• Best Quality: Synergy Volution Fullsleeve Triathlon Wetsuit
• Best Insulation: Orca Openwater RS1 Thermal Wetsuit
• Best Shorty: Seaskin 3mm Shorty Wetsuit
• Best for Beginners: TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Wetsuit
• Best for Kids: REALON Kids Wetsuit

How To Choose The Best Thermal Wetsuits for Swimming

When selecting a thermal wetsuit, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the right product. Here’s what you’ll want to consider:

Material

This is perhaps the most important thing to consider. When it comes to wetsuit material, neoprene is the most common option. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and can keep you warm in the water. However, you should make sure that the thickness doesn’t sacrifice flexibility.

Fit

In addition to that, the fit of the wetsuit is also important for both comfort and performance. A wetsuit that’s too loose will allow water to flow in and out, which will make you colder. On the other hand, a wetsuit too tight will restrict your movement.

Durability

Of course, you should also pay attention to the wetsuit’s reinforcements on high-stress areas such as the knees and elbows. A durable wetsuit is an investment that should stand up to frequent use.

For more swimming gear, check out these highly-rated swimming caps and eco-friendly swimwear!

Can you swim in thermals?

Yes. In fact, some thermal wetsuits are specifically designed to help you swim all year round comfortably without sacrificing flexibility.

Are thermal wetsuits worth it?

If you often swim in cold water or the colder months, then yes, thermal wetsuits are worth it. They help you to retain body heat so you can swim comfortably.

Do wetsuits make the water feel warmer?

Wetsuits don’t actually make the water warmer or change its temperature. It does, however, prevent heat from escaping your body and keep you warm.