As the sun - finally - begins to warm Britain’s shores, it's time to prepare for those blissful summer days spent riding waves or exploring the watery world.
Whether you're a seasoned surfer, an enthusiastic paddle-boarder or simply love to dip your toes in the ocean, a quality summer wetsuit is a must-have. Choosing the right one can make a world of difference in your comfort and performance.
What features should you look for in a summer wetsuit?
For summer wetsuits, neoprene remains the gold standard due to its excellent insulation and flexibility. However, summer suits are generally made from lighter neoprene, typically ranging from 1.5mm to 3mm in thickness. This ensures you stay warm without overheating, and have the freedom to move with ease.
Increasingly, eco-conscious brands are turning to sustainable alternatives like Yulex, a natural rubber, which offers similar properties to traditional neoprene but with a smaller environmental footprint. It’s worth considering if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint.
Generally, you'll want to opt for flatlock stitching, which is more breathable and suitable for warmer waters. However, if you’re venturing into slightly cooler conditions, glued and blind-stitched seams offer better water resistance.
Look for wetsuits with ergonomic panelling and strategic seam placement that offer maximum flexibility and comfort, allowing you to paddle, dive or swim without restriction.
If you're familiar with the world of wetsuits, you'll know that putting it on and taking it off are by far the least glamorous parts of the process. Choose between back-zip, chest-zip or zipperless suits. Back-zip suits are easy to get in and out of, while chest-zip options offer better flexibility and less water ingress. Zipperless suits provide the ultimate in comfort and range of motion but can be trickier to put on.
We've rounded up all of the best summer wetsuits below
C Skins Element 3/2mm Women's Wetsuit
One of the brand's best-selling summer wetsuits, the C Skins Element 3/2mm Women's Wetsuit features super stretch throughout the suit, which means when you move, it moves with you and gives you a better fit. The better a suit fits, the warmer you'll be in the water for longer.
Perfect for all water sports, it closes with a back zip so it's easy to get on and off - extra handy in the summer months when you're at the beach.
Buy now £89.87, Wetsuit Centre
ZONE3 Yulex Switch wetsuit
This revolutionary Zone3 wetsuit is the first of its kind, made from Yulex: a natural, plant-based rubber that's a whole lot more sustainable than your standard wetsuit.
A versatile piece that's just as great for swimming as it is for scuba diving or other water sports, its flexible body has different levels of flexibility and density to ensure an easier process of putting on, taking off and wearing the wetsuit.
Buy now £348.93, ZONE3
Freespirit Women's Full Length Wetsuit
A great quality summer wetsuit doesn't have to set you back a fortune and this women's FL Wetsuit from Freespirit proves just that.
The 2.5mm piece is suitable for spring/summer surface watersports with a design that provides an excellent water seal and allows maximum flexibility across the back panel and shoulders.
Buy now £30.00, Go Outdoors
Kairi Womens Back-Zip Wetsuit
An ideal entry-level wetsuit, the Kairi Back-Zip Wetsuit is ready for all kinds of water sports this summer.
With comfort and performance in mind, the durable watersport essential is crafted from high-quality DS foam neoprene to keep you warm while offering freedom of movement. It's finished with durable anti-slip knee pads and a back zip entry system for seamless entry and exit.
Buy now £94.92, Animal
Sweaty Betty Recycled Polyester Surf Wetsuit
While it's known to come up a little small, this Sweaty Betty surf wetsuit is an eco-friendly option in a new summer-ready shortie style.
Made from Yulex, a natural plant-based alternative to neoprene, it has long sleeves and a high neckline for chafe-free paddling out. This also has warmth-trapping features, thanks to its sealed back zip with a pull cord for easier dressing. There's even a pocket for your car key on the back, if you're heading out for a solo surf.
Buy now £72.00, Sweaty Betty
RIP CURL Womens G-Bomb 1.5mm Boyleg Back Zip Long Sleeve Shorty Wetsuit
In the warmest of waters you really only want to be wearing the bare minimum coverage. The Woman's G-Bomb wetsuit from Ripcurl combines comfort and performance in the water without any overheating.
Made from a blend of 80 per cent neoprene and 20 per cent polyamide, the springsuit features E5 neoprene for superior flexibility and durability in a soft blue and white pastel colourway.
Buy now £104.95, Wetsuit Outlet
Billabong 2/2mm Spring Fever - Long Sleeve Springsuit for Women
Looking for something brighter than your usual black wetsuit? This performance-minded spring suit for women has a cheeky fit and a surf trip-inspired print complete with a long sleeve and short cut.
Now more sustainable than ever, the 2mm women’s wetsuit is made from premium superlight neoprene, a lightweight foam made partially from recycled car tyres and neoprene scraps, topped with 100 per cent recycled superflex jersey. This offers flexibility while remaining eco-conscious.
It's finished with non-toxic water-based adhesive, stitch construction for comfort and durability and a full-length easy on-and-off back zip entry.
Buy now £135.00, Billabong
O'Neill Reactor 2 3/2mm Wetsuit
When it comes to the best women's summer wetsuits, the O'Neill Reactor 2 3/2mm has always been a popular choice due to its high-quality construction and easy back zip entry system.
The newest version of this design is made entirely from Ultraflex neoprene, a super flexible and soft material. When you're in the water, you'll have restriction-free movement and a better fit too.
Buy now £99.86, Wetsuit Centre
Osprey Women’s Zero Wetsuit
Add a splash of colour to your water sports this summer with Osprey’s Zero Wetsuit. Part of the ‘Zero’ range, this stylish 3/2mm full-length design has been created with beginner and intermediate surfers in mind.
Combining comfort, warmth and supreme flexibility, the wild water must-have has an insulating 3mm fine mesh foam surrounding the chest and 2mm super stretch foam surrounding the sle eves, shoulders and lower legs. Secured together with durable flatlock seams, the 3/2mm Zero is great for warmer water temperatures of the summer months across UK coasts.
Buy now £44.99, Osprey
Next Black/Pink Shorty 2.8mm Neoprene Wetsuit
The 3mm Neoprene wetsuit from Next is perfect for average water temperatures in the UK between July and October. Ideal for surfing, paddle boarding, water-skiing and more, it features ergonomic seams and stretch fabric to limit resistance and maximise paddle performance.
Its super soft smooth skin seal minimises rub and prevents water ingress, while its underarm and crotch inserts reduce chafing for greater comfort.
Buy now £65.00, Next
Verdict
The O'Neill Reactor 2 3/2mm Wetsuit stands out as the best summer wetsuit due to its optimal balance of warmth, flexibility and durability. Its high-quality neoprene material and ergonomic design ensure a snug fit and maximum mobility, making it perfect for all your summer water adventures.
