Why Wetsuit Choice Matters More Than You Think
The UK is a brilliant place to paddle, surf, kayak, and swim outdoors — but our waters are cold. Even in July and August, sea temperatures around the British coastline rarely exceed 17–18°C, and many inland lakes and rivers are significantly colder. Cold water shock is one of the leading causes of drowning in the UK: it hits instantly, triggers an uncontrollable gasp reflex, and can incapacitate even strong swimmers within minutes.
The right wetsuit is your primary line of defence. Get the thickness and fit right and you can paddle, surf, or swim comfortably for hours. Get it wrong and you'll be cold, restricted, and potentially at risk.
This guide covers everything you need to choose the right wetsuit for your activity, the UK's water temperatures, and your body.
How Wetsuits Work
A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin. Your body heats that water, and the neoprene insulates it, keeping you warm. This only works if the suit fits correctly — too loose and cold water flushes in and out constantly, stripping heat away. Too tight and you'll be restricted and exhausted within minutes.
Wetsuits are made from neoprene, measured in millimetres. A thicker suit = more insulation = warmer water.
Understanding Wetsuit Thickness Ratings
Wetsuit thickness is expressed as a two- or three-number code, for example 3/2mm or 5/4/3mm:
- The first number is the thickness of the neoprene on the torso (the core, where warmth matters most)
- The second number is the thickness on the limbs (arms and legs — thinner for flexibility)
- A third number, if present, refers to the extremities (wrists, ankles)
| Thickness | Water Temperature | UK Season | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5–2mm (shorty / spring suit) | 20°C+ | Rare in UK (warm abroad) | Warmwater surfing, mild conditions |
| 2/2mm or 3/2mm | 16–20°C | June–September (south coast) | SUP, surfing, kayaking in summer |
| 4/3mm | 12–16°C | April–May, October | SUP, surfing, kayaking spring/autumn |
| 5/4mm or 5/4/3mm | 8–12°C | November–March | Winter surfing, cold-water paddling |
| 6/5/4mm | Below 8°C | Coldest winter conditions | Extreme cold water; add hood, gloves, boots |
Our recommendation for most UK paddlers: a 3/2mm for summer and a 5/4mm for spring/autumn/winter covers 90% of UK conditions year-round. Or invest in a quality 4/3mm as an all-season compromise.
Browse our full range: Wetsuits | Winter Wetsuits
Wetsuit Styles Explained
- Full suit (steamer) — full-length arms and legs; the standard for UK conditions. Best for most water sports in British waters.
- Shorty — short arms and legs; suitable only for warm conditions (20°C+). Rarely appropriate in the UK except in a heatwave.
- Spring suit — long legs, short arms (or vice versa). A transitional option for warmer days.
- Wetsuit jacket / top — worn over boardshorts or another wetsuit layer; useful as a thermal layer or top-up in mild conditions.
Entry Systems
- Back zip — easy to get on and off; slightly more water ingress. Ideal for beginners and recreational use.
- Chest zip — less water ingress, more insulating; preferred by surfers and advanced paddlers. Slightly trickier to don.
- Zipperless — maximum stretch and minimal flush; typically premium suits for experienced users.
How to Choose the Right Size
Wetsuit sizing is not the same as clothing sizing. Never buy a wetsuit based on your T-shirt or trouser size. Brands size primarily by height and weight, with chest and waist measurements as secondary checks.
How to Measure
- Height — measure barefoot, standing straight
- Weight — use your actual weight, not an estimate
- Chest — measure around the fullest part of your chest
- Waist — measure at the narrowest point
- Hips — measure around the fullest part
Always cross-reference against the specific brand's size chart — sizing varies considerably between manufacturers.
The Fit Test
A correctly fitting wetsuit should:
- Feel snug all over — like a second skin, with no loose folds of neoprene
- Sit flush against the lower back with no gap
- Have no excess neoprene bunching at the knees, elbows, or crotch
- Allow you to raise both arms fully above your head without the suit pulling down hard on your shoulders
- Feel tight (not painful) across the chest — this will ease slightly as the neoprene warms up
Common sizing mistakes:
- Going up a size for comfort — a loose wetsuit flushes cold water constantly and defeats the purpose
- Ignoring torso length — tall paddlers often need a long-torso or tall sizing option
- Buying a suit that restricts breathing — if you can't take a full deep breath, it's too tight across the chest
UK Water Temperature by Month
| Month | Avg Sea Temp (South Coast) | Avg Sea Temp (Scotland/North) | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–February | 8–9°C | 6–7°C | 5/4mm + hood, gloves, boots |
| March–April | 9–11°C | 7–9°C | 5/4mm or 4/3mm |
| May–June | 13–16°C | 10–13°C | 4/3mm or 3/2mm |
| July–August | 16–18°C | 13–15°C | 3/2mm |
| September–October | 15–17°C | 12–14°C | 3/2mm or 4/3mm |
| November–December | 10–13°C | 8–10°C | 5/4mm + accessories |
Accessories: Don't Forget the Extremities
Below 12°C, your hands, feet, and head lose heat rapidly. Accessories become essential, not optional:
- Wetsuit boots — 3mm for mild cold; 5mm+ for winter. Key for SUP, kayaking, and coastal walking.
- Wetsuit gloves — 3mm for autumn; 5mm for winter. Paddle performance drops sharply with cold hands.
- Wetsuit hood — up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head. A 3mm hood is transformative in winter conditions.
Browse our Accessories collection for gloves, boots, and hoods.
Caring for Your Wetsuit
- Rinse thoroughly in fresh water after every session — salt and chlorine degrade neoprene quickly
- Hang to dry inside-out on a wide hanger — never a wire hanger (distorts shoulders) and never in direct sunlight
- Never tumble dry, machine wash on hot, or leave folded wet for extended periods
- Use a wetsuit-specific cleaner periodically to eliminate odour and bacteria
- Store flat or on a wide hanger in a cool, dark place
A well-cared-for wetsuit should last 3–5+ seasons.
Shop Wetsuits at EGL Sports
Browse our full range of Wetsuits and Winter Wetsuits for SUP, surfing, kayaking, and open-water swimming — or get in touch for a personal recommendation based on your activity and location.