A new wetsuit is one of the most valuable investments you can make, playing a critical role in regulating your body temperature when you are in the water. However, with so many types available, working out which is the best for scuba diving can be tricky.
From scuba diving wetsuits designed specifically for cold water to a suit like a semi-dry which sits somewhere between a wetsuit and a drysuit, your choices are almost endless when finding a wetsuit that meets your needs. Picking a new wetsuit will therefore require some consideration of your diving goals and ability - you’ll also need one that is easy to get on and off and fits you comfortably!
To help you as you make these considerations and find the perfect second skin, our expert team has whittled down all of the scuba diving wetsuits out there to a list of the very best. Read on to discover Aquanauts’ picks of the best scuba diving wetsuits available in 2024
Best 3mm Wetsuit
A 3mm wetsuit is a solid pick for anybody frequently diving in mild conditions or warm water and a great choice if you fancy a suit that will perform just as well when open water swimming on non-dive days. When it comes to 3mm options, there are plenty to choose from but it’s the Scubapro Sport 3mm wetsuit for men and women really is the best of the bunch.
The popular Scubapro Sport wetsuit merges thermal protection with enhanced flexibility as it features a sporty, triathlon-style cut that allows for a full range of motion in the shoulders and arms. However, what makes this scuba diving wetsuit really stand out is its durability. Despite being on the thinner side, the Sport model is exceptionally tough and can withstand plenty of wear and tear thanks to its brass zips and abrasion resistance fabric. All in all, this model proves that you need not compromise on quality to get a wetsuit wearable in warm weather.
Best 5mm Wetsuit
For extra protection on those colder or in-between days, a wetsuit of around 5mm will be more suitable. An exceptional pick in this category is Aqualung’s Dynaflex 5.5mm wetsuit for men and women (pictured above). Billed as providing the perfect fit with maximum comfort and warmth, this scuba diving wetsuit is a true all-rounder and comes packed with all of the markers of a gold-standard wetsuit. The arms and legs feature double water seals to form a tough barrier against water entry, yet it’s noticeable just how nice and comfortable this suit feels to wear. The inclusion of a neck slider is a great feature too, ensuring you can sit and wait for your turn to get in the water without feeling restricted or irritated.
Another great option is the aforementioned Scubapro Sport, which is also available in a 5mm thickness and delivers the same flexibility as its slimmer counterpart.
Best Semi-Dry Wetsuits
If you’re spending a lot of time in the water but staying warm is still of utmost priority, a semi-dry wetsuit might be the best scuba diving wetsuit for you. These innovative designs combine the functionality of a wetsuit with the thermal protection of a drysuit to offer an innovative option perfect for repetitive diving.
While the range of semi-dry wetsuits is still much smaller than your choices when picking a standard wetsuit, more and more brands are turning their attention to this comfortable hybrid style. The best, however, are the Scubapro Nova Scotia (mens/womens) and the Cressi Ice. Both feature double cuffs and seals and drysuit-style zips to prevent excess water ingress, while the former utilises a protective spine pad and the latter abrasion-resistant sections to guarantee comfort and safety.
Best Versatile Wetsuits
It’s no secret that Cressi is the go-to brand for multifunctional dive gear, offering equipment that’s also suitable for snorkelling and swimming as well as scuba diving. This ethos extends into Cressi’s range of wetsuits, making them the best choice if you’re looking for a scuba diving wetsuit that you can count on in a range of scenarios.
The standout versatile wetsuit from Cressi is the Cressi Fast Onepiece Wetsuit. Available in 3mm, 5mm and 7mm thicknesses, the Fast Onepiece is a fuss-free, high-performance wetsuit that’s perfect for a variety of watersports. We particularly recommend this suit for snorkelling or warm-weather diving, but the double-lined neoprene construction means that you can count on it even at depth.
And, if you want a totally separate suit for your more relaxed pursuits, Cressi has you covered too. The Cressi Karua wetsuit is right up there in terms of the best wetsuits for getting used to the water, whether you’re working on your swimming, trying snorkelling or heading out in a canoe or kayak.
If you have any questions about the best scuba diving wetsuits or would like some advice on choosing the right one for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Pop in store or give us a call and we can talk you through your different options, offer recommendations and answer any of your questions.