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Choosing a summer wetsuit sounds simple… until you're freezing halfway through a session, overheating after your second wave — or covered in scrapes because you had the brilliant idea that you didn't need to wear one.
A lot of surfers end up in the wrong gear because they focus on the wrong things: looks, season, or what others are wearing.
This guide is built to help you choose the right wetsuit for warm-water surfing, based on how and where you actually surf.
By the end, you'll know:
- What type of wetsuit you need
- What thickness works for your conditions
- How to get the right fit
- And how to avoid the most common mistakes
What is a Summer Wetsuit?
A summer wetsuit is designed for warm to mild water conditions, where freedom of movement and comfort matter more than maximum insulation.
Compared to winter wetsuits, summer options are typically thinner, lighter and far less restrictive when paddling, making them ideal for longer sessions and warmer days in the water.
Depending on the water temperature and your personal tolerance to cold, a summer wetsuit can come in different forms:
- 3/2 full suits
- 2mm wetsuits
- Springsuits
- Short arm steamers
- Neoprene tops
- Rashguards
The goal is simple: wear the minimum amount of neoprene you need to stay comfortable without overheating or limiting your movement.
Types of Summer Wetsuits
Choosing the right type of summer wetsuit is just as important as choosing the right thickness. The best option depends on the water temperature, wind, session length and how much freedom you want while surfing.
Full Wetsuit
3/2
The warmest and most reliable option. A lightweight full suit gives you full-body coverage, extra protection from wind and sun, and more comfort during longer sessions. The safest choice if you're unsure about conditions or tend to get cold easily.
Best for: Mixed conditions, cooler summer water, long sessions.
Short Arm Full Suit
Warmth + freedom
A strong middle ground. You still get core warmth and leg protection, but with more shoulder mobility and a lighter feel while paddling. Popular for surfers who want flexibility without fully giving up coverage.
Best for: Warm air temperatures, slightly cooler water, and surfers who prioritise mobility.
Spring Suit / Shorty
Short legs — short or long sleeves
Short legs with either short or long sleeves — designed for warm days and comfortable water temperatures where you still want a bit of insulation and protection without a full wetsuit. The short-sleeve version maximises freedom and airflow; the long-sleeve version adds extra arm warmth and sun protection without the heat of a full suit. Keep in mind both offer less protection against wind, long exposure and colder mornings.
Best for: Travel, short sessions, easy summer conditions, and surfers who want to choose their level of arm coverage.
Long John / Sleeveless
Maximum paddle freedom
Sleeveless with full-length legs. A more niche option, but useful in certain conditions. Long Johns maximise paddle freedom while keeping your lower body protected and warm. Worth noting: some surfers avoid this style due to chafing around the underarm area, so fit and neoprene quality matter more than usual.
Best for: Surfers who dislike sleeves, mellow surf, longboard sessions or paddle sports.
Sleeveless + short legs
The sleeveless version of a shorty. Maximum arm freedom combined with minimal leg coverage — ideal for very warm water where you still want a little protection without any restriction.
Best for: Hot water, tropical conditions, and surfers who want maximum freedom with just a touch of coverage.
Neoprene Tops, Jackets & Vests
Minimalist approach
Light insulation, wind protection and extra UV coverage without feeling restrictive. Easy to travel with and ideal for very warm-water sessions.
Best for: Boardshort surfs, tropical climates and surfers who prefer maximum freedom.
Function meets style
Part swimsuit, part surfwear. Made with swimwear-style fabrics rather than neoprene, offering a lighter and more flexible feel. They protect against sun exposure, wax irritation and skin chafing — especially popular in tropical destinations and small summer surf.
Best for: Tropical surf trips, hot summer conditions, long sessions under the sun, and surfers looking for a balance between function and style.
Rashguards
Perfect for tropical travel
Lightweight, fast-drying and designed for warm water. Rashguards offer UV protection and prevent skin irritation from wax and board contact without adding any warmth. The go-to option for tropical destinations where the water is too warm for neoprene but you still need protection from the sun and elements.
Best for: Tropical surf trips, hot climates, and surfers who want sun protection and comfort with zero insulation.
How a Wetsuit Should Fit (And Why It Matters)
A proper wetsuit fit makes a bigger difference than most people think. A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water that your body warms up. If the suit is too loose, that water keeps moving — and you lose heat.
✓ A good fit feels like
- Snug and close to the skin
- Slightly tight when dry
- Comfortable when paddling
- All key areas stay in place: Knees, wrists and ankles align correctly
✕ A bad fit looks like
- Loose lower back
- Gaps in chest or neck
- Bunching behind knees
- Too much movement inside the suit
In summer suits, fit is even more critical because there's less neoprene to compensate.
Chest Zip vs Back Zip vs Zipless Wetsuits
The type of entry system on a wetsuit has a bigger impact than most surfers think. Even if two wetsuits have the exact same thickness, they can feel completely different in the water depending on how they're built.
The main difference comes down to comfort, flexibility, warmth and ease of use.
| Back Zip | Chest Zip | Zipless | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of entry | ★★★ Easiest | ★★ Moderate | ★ Hardest |
| Flexibility | Good | Very good | Excellent |
| Warmth / seal | Good | Very good | Very good |
| Water flushing | More | Less | Less |
| Best for | Beginners, quick sessions | Most surfers, longer sessions | Experienced surfers, performance |
Back Zip
Classic & beginner-friendly
Ease of entry★★★ Easiest
FlexibilityGood
WarmthGood
FlushingMore water movement
Best forBeginners, quick sessions
Chest Zip
Best all-round option
Ease of entry★★ Moderate
FlexibilityVery good
WarmthVery good
FlushingLess water movement
Best forMost surfers, longer sessions
Zipless
Maximum flexibility
Ease of entry★ Hardest
FlexibilityExcellent
WarmthVery good
FlushingLess water movement
Best forExperienced surfers, performance
Why Two Wetsuits With the Same Thickness Can Feel Completely Different
A thicker wetsuit does not automatically mean a warmer wetsuit. Warmth also depends on seam construction, inner lining quality, how well the suit fits your body, wind exposure and how much water moves inside the wetsuit while surfing.
A well-built 3/2 can easily feel warmer and more comfortable than a cheap 4/3 that flushes constantly or restricts movement.
If you feel cold in the water, the solution isn't always going thicker. Sometimes the biggest difference comes from choosing a better-designed wetsuit with a better fit.
Tested & Approved — Staff Picks
Wetsuits We’d Actually Buy
Picked by the people behind the counter — surfers who know the water as well as the gear. Whether you’re chasing summer swells or staying out when it gets cold, these are the suits we stand behind.
Premium Top-tier performance, advanced materials and maximum comfort in the water
Mid Range Great performance at a balanced price — the sweet spot for most surfers
Essential Reliable, no-fuss wetsuits to get you in the water without breaking the bank
Beyond the Basics
Wetsuits Worth Talking About
Not every wetsuit is made the same. These four brands go further — in design, craft, and identity. From limited-edition collabs to handmade suits built in Biarritz, this is the selection for those who want something a little more special in the water.
Signature
Atmosea × Amanda Djerf
The Atmosea x Amanda Djerf capsule fuses surf utility with vintage European charm, featuring bold colors, retro paneling, and effortless femininity. Each piece is designed for freedom, movement, and timeless coastal energy.
Shop the collab →Limited Edition
Narval × Spun Spirit
Spun Spirit and Narval have joined forces to create a limited-edition wetsuit line that fuses art and performance. Designed by Ford Archbold, these wetsuits feature premium Yamamoto neoprene for flexibility and warmth, along with graphene-infused lining for added heat retention and durability.
Shop the collection →
Handmade in Biarritz
Leo Wetsuits
LEO Wetsuits combines modern design with high-performance materials to deliver wetsuits built for comfort, flexibility, and durability. Handmade and customized in Biarritz, France, each suit reflects exceptional craftsmanship, offering a precise fit and a distinctive style in the water.
Get yours now →Surf Culture
Inner Relm
Inner Relm is a surf brand rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to surf culture. Focused on clean design and functional performance, Inner Relm creates quality surfwear built to last — combining style, fit, and performance with an emphasis on simplicity, durability, and thoughtful details.
Shop Inner Relm →
Explore the full selection of special wetsuits from all four brands in one place.
Shop all special wetsuits →
How to Take Care of Your Wetsuit
A little care goes a long way. Here are the basics to keep your wetsuit performing well season after season.
Rinse After Every Session
Use fresh water to remove salt, sand and dirt. Prevents material breakdown and keeps the suit performing well.
Dry It in the Shade
Always dry away from direct sun and heat. Turn inside out first, then finish drying the outside.
Use a Wetsuit Cleaner
Avoid regular detergents. A wetsuit-specific cleaner removes odor, salt and bacteria while keeping neoprene flexible.
Store It Properly
Hang on a wide hanger or lay flat. Avoid folding or compressing for long periods.
Don't Rush Putting It On
Pull gently using your palms, not your fingertips, to avoid small tears in the neoprene.
A well-maintained wetsuit stays warmer, more flexible and lasts much longer.
Our pick
Wetsuitcare 250ml
Specially formulated to clean, deodorise and protect neoprene. Removes salt, bacteria and odor without damaging the material — keeping your wetsuit fresh and flexible for longer.
Shop Now
Common Mistakes When Buying a Summer Wetsuit
1
Buying Based on Air Temperature
Air temperature and water temperature are not the same. The ocean can be significantly colder than the air — always check the water temp before choosing your wetsuit.
2
Going Too Thin Too Early
It's tempting to grab the lightest suit as soon as the sun comes out. But if the water is still cold, you'll end up cutting sessions short. When in doubt, go one step warmer.
3
Choosing a Loose Fit
A wetsuit that's too loose flushes water constantly and loses warmth fast. It should feel snug — slightly tight when dry, comfortable once in the water.
4
Ignoring Seam Quality
Flatlock seams are fine for warm water, but GBS or taped seams make a real difference in cooler conditions. Don't overlook this — it affects both warmth and durability.
5
Overpaying for Unnecessary Features
High-end wetsuits are great, but for summer use you don't always need the most technical suit. Focus on fit, seam quality and the right thickness for your conditions.
Final Takeaway: Keep It Simple
If you keep it simple, you won't get it wrong.
3/2 Wetsuit
Best for cooler waters or surfers who run cold
2/2 Long Arm
Best all-rounder for summer
2mm or Shorty
For warm water sessions
Fit
Always snug — never loose
Seam quality
Good seams = better, longer sessions
The best summer wetsuit isn't the lightest one.
It's the one that lets you stay out longer, surf better, and forget you're even wearing it.
It's the one that lets you stay out longer, surf better, and forget you're even wearing it.
Summer doesn't wait. Neither should your wetsuit.
The water is warm, the waves are there — all you need is the right suit to make the most of it.
Find your wetsuit — the full collection is waiting for you💬 Need help choosing the right suit?