13 Best Swimming Suits for Winter

During winter, sunrise swimming shots will look absolutely great on your Instagram. Plus, an alfresco dip can offer a wonderful variety of health benefits. However, the winter sea waters can be absolutely freezing, and hypothermia is a very real threat. Fortunately, trusty open-water swimming wetsuits allow you to take the plunge into cold waters without the cold getting to you. The best swimming suit for winter, which includes the rubbery swimsuits onesies called wetsuits, is a much-needed barrier between you and the icy waters. What’s more, there’s the added plus of an extra bit of buoyancy, which means that you can stay out in the water for slightly longer.

Since winter swimsuits and wetsuits are specially designed for open-water or wild swimming, they’re made from extra flexible material. So, whether you want to do a breaststroke, a backstroke, or a fluid front crawl, these swimsuits allow for it. To that end, here are the 13 best swimming suits/swimsuits for winter.

Body Glove Red Cell Slant Zip Wetsuit

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Best warmest. The Body Glove Red Cell Slant Zip Wetsuit is the best swimming suit for winter that’s a full suit. This one has been touted as one of the warmest suits on the market, and it’s easy to see why. This suit is a steamer featuring warmth-inducing red-cell insulation from the chest. So, it’ll keep you incredibly toasty, almost too warm in early-fall waters. Moreover, the full suit boasts impressive stretchability, thanks to the unlined neoprene in both the arms and shoulders.

For those who love snug wetsuits, the fit is the biggest highlight. This swimsuit for winter swimming feels incredibly snug around the chest, with the kneepads positioned perfectly over the knees. Even if it feels slightly more snug than what you’re used to, the chest tightness eases as you spend time in the surf.

Check out this amazingly detailed review of this swimsuit on Inertia.

Billabong Furnace Full Wetsuit

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The Billabong Furnace Full Wetsuit is one of the best swimsuits for winter swimming for more reasons than one. Just like other amazing Billabong swimsuits, this one will impress you when it comes to sustainability and stretch. The Furnace has a cozy and thick Graphene lining stretching from the chest to the ankles. That, along with stretchy neoprene, especially in the shoulders and arms, ensures solid sustainability and a great fit.

What’s more, the Smart Foam feels mighty soft, especially the seamless back allowing for a generous bit of stretch. However, the pullover neckline is something of a game-changer in colder waters. It takes quite a lot of strain off of the shoulders and the neck.

This detailed YouTube review of this amazing wetsuit will tell you exactly why it’s so popular with cold water swimmers.

Patagonia Men’s R2 Yulex Full Wetsuit

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Most sustainable. The Patagonia Men’s R2 Yulex Full Wetsuit is the best swimming suit for winter that’s cold. This brand’s suits are one of the most sustainable wetsuits ever. This swimsuit is no different and is made from all-natural Yulex material. So, the environmental impact is as minimal as possible, with the wetsuit being sustainable as well. What’s more, the brand’s repair policy is noteworthy, so they’ll do what they can to keep your wetsuit as seaworthy for as long as possible.

Even though the stretch on this one is minimal, the suit loosens up a great deal when you head out in the surf. So, the more you use the suit, the more flexible it gets, and it doesn’t hinder your performance either. The suit scores amazingly when it comes to warmth, too, as the lining feels super cozy. Hence, this suit will easily get you through a SoCal winter. Finally, Patagonia’s suits stand the test of time durability-wise, and this one is no different.

Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit

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Most versatile. The Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit is one of the best swimsuits for winter swimming. The brand claims that the Comp II is the fastest and most natural-feeling entry-level wetsuit on the market, and they aren’t wrong. For one, the wetsuit features a pattern and design with the arms above the head. This ‘arms-up’ construction offers a whole lot of noticeable freedom of movement, especially if you’re training for a marathon or a triathlon. If anything, the technology almost coaxes you to lift up your arms – naturally.

Secondly, the center of the suit has increased buoyancy, which is designed to optimize body rotation. Moreover, it also helps make a more graduated profile, which helps you keep your legs higher in the water. Finally, the seamless neck panel is a blessing if you’re often prone to chafing when wearing a wetsuit. You’ll experience any rubbing and be comfortable in the water.

Packed with tech but more affordable than some of Roka’s higher-end offerings, it’s a great choice for both entry-level and intermediate swimmers and triathletes.

Athlex Float Wetsuit

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The Athlex Float Wetsuit is the best swimming suit for winter. This wetsuit, which was previously known as the Orca S7, was renamed as a result of the rebranding of Orca. There’s a lot to love about this high-elasticity wetsuit, which is designed to give extra buoyancy in the water for swimmers who need it. Hence, it’s incredibly comfortable to swim in and doesn’t feel restrictive in any way. This is also thanks to the thinner layer of neoprene in the upper body. It allows for complete freedom of movement around the shoulders, especially while performing powerful strokes.

Meanwhile, the legs feature a thicker 4.5mm of neoprene, which helps keep them elevated as you try and swim forward. Finally, the suit is super easy to slide on and take off, making a nice change compared to less flexible wetsuits. So you don’t have to fight with your wetsuit before getting into the water.

2XU P:1 Propel Wetsuit

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The 2XU P:1 Propel Wetsuit is one of the best swimsuits for winter swimming. This entry-level wetsuit is perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes in triathlons. For one, the Yamamoto 39 Cell neoprene material varies in thickness throughout the wetsuit’s body. Hence, it prevents sinking legs and even improves buoyancy to a great extent. Adding to the buoyancy is the SCS hydrodynamic coating, which helps with a streamlined body position during swimming.

Thanks to the zip panel down the stretchy non-laminated neoprene back, it makes putting on and taking off the wetsuit a hassle and wrestle-free job. What’s more, it also helps improve movement in the shoulders when you’re swimming. It might feel fast in the water, but the rollbar tech helps make side-by-side rotation quicker. Finally, the wetsuit is roomier around the neck and in the upper part, thus not inhibiting your stroke and making it comfier to swim in.

Orca Openwater Core TRN

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There’s yet another Orca wetsuit on this list of the best swimming suit for winter options; this time, it’s the Orca Openwater Core TRN. The brand uses Yamamoto neoprene in all its products, and the Openwater Core TRN is no different. Not only does it make the wetsuit durable and lightweight, but it also provides it with neutral buoyancy. Hence, it makes for an excellent wetsuit for stronger swimmers who want to make the leap from the pool to the sea – literally! What’s more, the well-built wetsuit won’t push your lower half up in the water, allowing for a more powerful front crawl.

One of the best features of the wetsuit is that you can swim in complete comfort, thanks to the absence of digging in or chafing and the tight fit. And for those who run cold in the water, the wetsuit is slightly warmer than the previous Orca mentioned earlier. That’s because the neoprene is designed half an mm thicker around the abdominals and the chest.

Zone3 Azure Wetsuit

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Best entry-level. The Zone3 Azure Wetsuit is one of the best swimsuits for winter swimming. It’s made from a combination of smoothskin neoprene (30%) and speedflo neoprene (70%), thus making it thicker. So, it’ll definitely keep you warm in autumn/fall waters. At the same time, the 4mm-neoprene is still flexible and lightweight, making it ideal for swimming and streaking speedily across the open water.

Going further, the legs and hips feature buoyancy panels, allowing newer swimmers to move into a better position in the water. But everyone particularly praised the sporty design, with the stretchy material helping ensure a great fit, especially for taller testers. Finally, it also allowed swimmers to move in the water with a full and complete range of motion.

Check out this detailed YouTube review of this wetsuit by SwimShop.

Orca Openwater Core Hi-Vis Wetsuit

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The Orca Openwater Core Hi-Vis Wetsuit is the best swimming suit for winter for those who are going to be swimming in low visibility. Why? That’s because the USP of this hi-vis suit is the bright orange limbs, which allow anyone to spot the swimmer from the shore easily. So, you don’t have to worry about not being easily spottable from the shore.

What’s more, the suit also nails the basics. The stretchy Yamamoto neoprene makes it easy for you to slip in and out of the suit. At the same time, it still provides that vital tight and snug fit while still ensuring that your shoulders are able to move freely, no matter the stroke. The thickness is 2mm around most of the suit, but the hip area is 2.5mm, making it perfect for those who’re looking for just a minimal amount of assistance to take the chill off.

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2mm Back Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit

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The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2mm Back Zip Fullsuit Wetsuit is one of the best swimsuits for winter swimming. Even though it’s not been specifically designed for swimming, this one works well in cold water temperatures. There’s a lot more to like about the wetsuit, such as the fact that it has a good range of motion. Moreover, the durable neoprene build can support you in chilly waters that are 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit cold. This is because the neoprene fabric build features a 2mm thickness around the legs and arms and a 3mm thickness around the torso. That’s how the wetsuit keeps you warm even in cold waters.

Another huge plus point about this wetsuit is the extremely affordable price range of less than 200 USD. While many other wetsuits also lie in the budget range, this suit is so great because it’s thoroughly value for money.

TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Wetsuit

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The TYR Hurricane Cat 1 Wetsuit is the best swimming suit for winter. This suit features great specifications that allow for insulation and optimal swimming performance in cold water. In fact, it supports water temperatures ranging from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it’s available in two designs, a sleeveless and a full-sleeve one, it caters to a wide range of swimmers. The sleeveless design is more flexible and recommended for temperatures more than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, while the full-sleeve one allows for maximum insulation.

Since the suit is designed from a 100% coated Yamamoto neoprene fabric, you can rest assured of its durability and longevity. It also guarantees excellent swimming performance in the water thanks to the presence of the free range-of-motion zones that balance buoyancy and flexibility. Finally, the ankle and wrist cuffs effectively seal the water out.

Synergy 5/3mm Triathlon Open Water Wetsuit

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The Synergy 5/3mm Triathlon Open Water Wetsuit is one of the best swimsuits for winter swimming. This best-value wetsuit features a high-quality design with premium tech and features. In fact, the suit won the editor’s choice award for being the “Best Value Wetsuit” by Triathlete Magazine. Besides coming in two designs for men and women, the wetsuit also comes in two styling designs, a full-sleeve and a sleeveless one. Thanks to the high-quality Yamamoto no. 39 neoprene build with an SCS coating; it ensures streamlined movement and hydrodynamics in the water.

When it comes to fabric thickness, the wetsuit has a 5mm thick buoyancy panel, while the lower back and legs have a 3mm neoprene split. If that wasn’t enough, the shoulders and arms also feature a 2mm neoprene split. Wrapping everything up is the anti-corrode, high-grade YKK zipper that seals you into the suit, thus providing insulation too.

Blueseventy Fusion Fullsleeve Tri Wetsuit

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The Blueseventy Fusion Fullsleeve Tri Wetsuit is the best swimming suit for winter. The high-quality no. 38-cell Yamamoto neoprene build with 5/4/2mm thickness allows for great insulation in water with temperatures of 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. What’s more, the aqua-seal cuffs in the suit completely cut off and seal out water, thus insulating you nicely on the inside for additional warmth. That, paired with premium inner liners, maximizes flexibility through the arms and the shoulders.

But that’s not all. The four-way stretch design allows for superior levels of flexibility, while the SCS construction around the leg creates a hydrophobic barrier. That, in turn, optimizes body speed, technique, and position, adding to your speed as you swim. Finally, the suit’s collar design allows for more flexibility and comfort around the neck, reducing chafing.

Our Verdict!

We’ve also made a specific list of the best swimsuits in the winter according to their best features:

• Best warmest: Body Glove Red Cell Slant Zip Wetsuit
• Most sustainable: Patagonia Men’s R2 Yulex Full Wetsuit
• Most versatile: Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit
• Best entry-level: Zone3 Azure Wetsuit

How To Choose The Best Swimming Suit for Winter?

Fabric and thickness

One of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a winter swimsuit is the fabric. While classic neoprene rubber works great, it isn’t good for marine life, the ecosystem, and the planet. Today, manufacturers are looking into more eco-conscious materials and plant-based rubbers that are less harmful to the environment.

Of them all, Yamamoto neoprene is the highest-quality neoprene fabric. What’s more, there are different variations of this fabric, which are indicated by their cell value. The higher the cell value of the fabric, the higher the quality. Another important factor is the thickness of the swimsuit. Since everyone feels the cold differently, some surfers feel cold and dive with a 6mm suit straight away. Others get away with a 3/2mm wetsuit and feel comfortable. But remember, the thicker the suit, the more restrictive it will be.

Water temperature

One of the factors when it comes to picking a wetsuit is that it should be able to support the cold water temperature range. Usually, wetsuits covering the mid-range of 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit temperature are more than sufficient for most swimmers. For those crazy enough to swim in lower temperatures, go for wetsuits rated for temperatures between 70 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another factor closely related to water temperature is what you want to use the wetsuit for. Are you simply training in colder water or competing in an open-water race or a competitive triathlon? For those who’re training, you need to go at least with a mid-range swimsuit, although we’d tell you to go for the highest-range one. If you’re looking to get used to the cold water, then a mid-range swimsuit or one lower works.

Design and zippers

Finally, you need to choose the swimsuit’s design, which has two main choices. The first is a sleeveless design, and the second is a full-suit design. Sleeveless ones are ideal for cold water temperatures ranging from 62 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while full suits are recommended for water temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While the latter provides better insulation, the former is more flexible between the two options. Additionally, most wetsuits feature sealed zippers that are ideal for insulation in cold water. But for temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll need a wetsuit with a taped and sealed zipper design.

You might also want to check out some of the best surfing wetsuits and the best kayaking wetsuits as well.

How Long Should My Wetsuit Last?

If you surf every day, then also your wetsuit should last at least a year. If you surf a lot less, it should potentially last you longer. 

How Do I Take Care of my Wetsuit?

Ensure that you rinse the wetsuit with fresh water after every use and hang it to dry in the shade. Additionally, please don’t hang your suit by the shoulders, but rather fold it to hang it. This greatly avoids gravity stretching.

What wetsuit keeps you the warmest?

A 5/4/3mm wetsuit, a 5/4mm, or even a 6/5mm wetsuit will keep you warm. The thicker the neoprene, the more warmth and protection you’ll have.