An Introduction To Wetsuit Style

What is wetsuit? Wetsuit is designed to balance the body temperature of people and extend the time they spend in cold water. People need to wear different wetsuits in different climates and regions. So all sorts of wetsuits were made, varying in thickness, material and style. People maybe get confused when they choose & buy a wetsuit, so we've compiled a list of different types of wetsuits you might come across. This article will quickly show you the different types of wetsuits.

Spring Suit

Spring suit is also called shorty wetsuit. It is often used in warm waters and during transitional seasons, such as spring and autumn. Most are short arms and legs version or long arms version, and typically no more than 3mm in thickness.

Wetsuit Jacket

A wetsuit jacket ( wetsuit top) is exactly what it sounds like, it covers you from the waist upwards, and it can have either short sleeves or long sleeves and is usually made from a thin layer of neoprene, usually around 0.5mm-2mm. It is suitable for warm yet windy locations or cold early morning when a little extra warmth is needed. Normally, the board shorts, bikini bottom, or neoprene pants can be paired with the top. The jacket can be also come as a part of the two-piece suit, combined with a John/Jane wetsuit.

Wetsuit Vest

Wetsuit vest is basically the same as the wetsuit jacket, but it has no sleeves. It is usually made from 1-2mm neoprene. They provide against UV rays or rashes. Some wetsuit vests are with hoods and can be worn under or over a full suit for extra warmth in cold water.

The Full Wetsuit

Full suit (Steamer) is the most common type of wetsuit, which will cover your entire body except for your head, hands and feet. It is designed for cold to cold water and comes in many different thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 7mm. Also, there’re short sleeve full suit and hooded full wetsuit. Short sleeve full suit is a wetsuit with full- length legs and arms that stop before the elbow. The full wetsuit with a hood  is the ultimate protection for surfers. Because 40% to 45% of body temperature is lost through the head, wetsuit with hood keeps the brain and ears warm in the most extreme air and water temperatures.

John/Jane Wetsuit

John/Jane wetsuit can have full or short legs but are always sleeveless. They are designed to leave your arms uncovered. John/Jane wetsuits  are often sold in combination with a jacket. In this case, the two pieces of wetsuit overlap in the core providing extra thermal protection.

Wetsuit Bottoms

Wetsuit bottoms are neoprene shorts or pants, which offer additional warmth in warmer waters.

Rashguard

Rashguard is not a type of thin wetsuit. It’s made from Lycra, which protects against UV rays and rashes .In the summer, they can be worn for most water activities.