The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Summer Wetsuit

Hey there, wave chasers! Summer’s rolling in, the sea’s warming up, and the sun’s peeking out. It’s the perfect time to grab a summer wetsuit and hit the water! From shorty suits to full-length, we’ve got you covered at Circle One. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to pick the perfect summer wetsuit for adults and kids alike.

Why Wear a Wetsuit?

Wetsuits keep you warm in cooler water by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. Your body heats up this water layer, keeping you cozy. Plus, neoprene offers some protection during watersports, like cushioning your knees while surfing. For a wetsuit to work its magic, it needs to fit snugly to keep that warm water in and the cold water out. So, make sure you try it on or measure yourself carefully and check our size guides.

Shorty or Full-Length Wetsuit?

Full-Length Wetsuits 

Full-length wetsuits cover your entire body except for your head, hands, and feet. They come in different thicknesses like 3/2mm or 5/4/3mm. The first number indicates the thickness of the neoprene around your torso to keep your core warm, while the second and third numbers indicate thinner neoprene for flexibility around the arms and legs. For summer, a 3/2mm full-length wetsuit is perfect for most people.

Shorty Wetsuits

Shorty wetsuits have short sleeves and legs, but you can also find variations like long arms with short legs. Long John wetsuits, for example, have long legs but no sleeves, offering excellent range of motion for paddlesports. Shorties are great for warm days, providing flexibility and easy packing for travel. They’re also UV protective, making them ideal for kids to wear all day at the beach.

 Our Summer Shorty Wetsuits:

• Pulse Men’s Summer Shorty Wetsuit
• Pulse Women’s Summer Shorty Wetsuit
• Pulse Kid’s Summer Shorty Wetsuit
• Pulse Toddler Summer Shorty Wetsuit
• Pulse Baby Summer Shorty Wetsuit

What Thickness of Wetsuit?

The thickness you need depends on the water temperature. Here’s a quick guide:

• 3mm: Ideal for summer in the UK, from June to October.
• 4mm: Good for those who feel the cold more or for cooler waters in the North of the UK or Scotland.
• 5mm: Great for colder conditions and watersports with significant wind chill, like kitesurfing or windsurfing.

Back Zip, Chest Zip, or Zipless?

Choosing the entry system for your wetsuit comes down to personal preference:

• Back Zip: Traditional and easy to get on and off, but can be less flexible and let in more water.
• Chest Zip: Offers better seal and flexibility but can be harder to put on.
• Zipless: Most flexible and comfortable with no zips to cause discomfort, but can be tricky to get into.

Our Top Picks for Summer Adult Wetsuits:

• Men’s Chest Zip Elev8 3/2 mm Summer Wetsuit
• Women’s Back Zip Diva 3/2 mm Summer Wetsuit
• Men’s Pro Zipless 3/2 mm Wetsuit – Currently on Sale!
• Men’s Icon Back Zip 3/2 mm Wetsuit
• Women’s Faze Back Zip 3/2 mm Summer Wetsuit

Wetsuit Seams & Stitching

Seams are crucial for the wetsuit’s performance and durability:

• Overlock Stitching: Basic and found in cheaper wetsuits. Not very flexible or watertight.
• Flatlock Stitching: Flat, flexible seams good for summer wetsuits but allow water in.
• Glued & Blind Stitched: Watertight seams that keep you warm.
• Full Liquid Seal: Ultimate in watertight, flexible, and durable seams.

A 3mm wetsuit with glued & blind-stitched seams or a liquid seal will be warmer than one with flatlock stitching. For added durability and warmth, look for additional taping or liquid seals on seams.

Most common seam types:

• Flatlock
• Glued & Blindstitched
• Full Liquid Seal

Browse Our Full Range

Explore our full range of adult and kid’s wetsuits. Once you’ve picked your perfect wetsuit, check out our guide on wetsuit care to keep it in top shape for as long as possible!

Feel free to reach out to us at 0330 043 1256 or email sales@circle-one.co.uk for any specific advice on choosing the right wetsuit. See you in the waves!