5/4 mm.
The most common thickness for a winter wetsuit is 5/4 mm, also called a 5.4 or 5 mm. It is slightly warmer than a 5/3 mm due to the extra millimetre thickness in the arms. The main body panels and upper legs are 5mm in thickness, while the arms, shoulders and back of the lower legs are made with 4mm panels.
In this post
Is 3mm wetsuit OK for winter?
3mm wetsuits are perfect for temperatures below 14.5°C to around 12°C, covering most of the year from April until late November.
Should I get a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
As a general rule, there are 3 main thicknesses of wetsuit: 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. The thinner the suit, the better flexibility of movement you will have but the less warmth and buoyancy.
Thickness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warmer Better Abrasion Protection | More Restrictive Movement More Buoyant More Compression at Depth |
How cold can 5mm wetsuit handle?
The Perfect Wetsuit Thickness for Every Water Temp
| 80 to 84 Degrees (26-28 C) | 2 mm shorty to dive sking |
| 73 to 79 Degrees (22-25 C) | 3 mm fullsuit to 2 mm shorty |
| 66 to 72 Degrees (18-21 C) | 5 mm to 3 mm fuillsuit |
| 50 to 65 Degrees (10-17 C) | 8/7 mm semidry to 7 mm wetsuit |
| Below 50 Degrees (Below 10 C) | 8/7 mm semidry or drysuit |
Is 3mm thick for a wetsuit?
So when a wetsuit is referred to as a 4/3, this means it is 4mm in certain areas and 3mm in others.
3) Wetsuit Thickness.
| Water Temperature Range (°F) | Wetsuit Thickness | Wetsuit Type |
|---|---|---|
| 43° to 52° | 5/4/3mm or 6/5/4mm | Hooded Fullsuit |
| 42° and below | 6/5/4mm | Hooded Fullsuit |
Can you wear a 4 3 wetsuit in winter?
A 4/3 mm wetsuit thickness is ideal for most surfers in western Europe that want to surf from spring all the way to the beginning of winter. A 4/3 mm is most often classified as an all-season wetsuit rather than a full winter wetsuit, but for southern Europe, this is the perfect wetsuit to wear all winter.
How warm does a 3mm wetsuit keep you?
Water Temperatures 25 – 29°C / 77 – 84°F
These are pleasant temperatures for a 3mm wetsuit, full-body, or shorty wetsuit. A 3mm wetsuit is thin enough to give you full flexibility, and also provide warmth in the water.
Is 5mm wetsuit too thick for swimming?
We recommend a wetsuit thickness of at least 5mm; we recommend wearing boots, but hood and gloves are optional depending on your tolerance to the cold.
Can you swim in a 5mm wetsuit?
If you have a surfing style wetsuit, it will do just fine. It will need to be between 3-5mm. However, it is likely to be very suitable for what we do; exploration swimming in places where there might be rocks to negotiate on entry or exit rather than gravel ponds or sandy beaches. The 5mm suits are warmer.
What is the best wetsuit for cold water?
Best wetsuits for swimming in cold water by temperature range.
| Wetsuit. | Cold Water Temperature Range. |
|---|---|
| Blueseventy Thermal Reaction Wetsuit | 42°-70°F/ 6°-21°C |
| Roka Maverick Pro Thermal Wetsuit | 42°-70°F/ 6°-21°C |
| Orca Openwater Smart Wetsuit | 50°-75°F/ 10°-24°C. |
| Blueseventy Fusion Wetsuit | 50°-80°F/ 10°-26°C |
Are sharks attracted to black wetsuits?
Since sharks see contrast colors, anything that is very bright against lighter or darker skin can look like a bait fish to a shark. For this reason, he suggests swimmers avoid wearing yellow, white, or even bathing suits with contrasting colors, like black and white.
What do you wear under a wetsuit?
Sleeveless Vest
Some brands call them vests, and they come in the same thin, quick-dry, lightweight fabrics that are recommended for water sports, swimming, and for layering under wetsuits when diving.
Is 7mm wetsuit too warm?
CONCLUSION. A 7mm wetsuit is not only good but necessary for water temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. It could be dangerous to go diving in cold waters without proper insulation.
Can a wetsuit be too warm?
yes, it’s easy to overheat underwater, and yes, most likely, you’ll be hot.
What temperature is a 2mm wetsuit good for?
Wetsuit Thickness and Temperature Guide
| Water Temperature (°F) | Wetsuit Thickness | Seam Seal |
|---|---|---|
| 60°F-65°F | 3/2mm | Flatlock or Sealed |
| 55°F-60°F | 4/3mm | Sealed, Sealed + Taped |
| 50°F-55°F | 5/4mm | Sealed + Taped |
| 40°F-50°F | 6/5/4mm | Sealed + Taped |
How cold can a 4 3 wetsuit go?
Wetsuit Thickness & Temperature Guide
| Water Temp Range (°F) | Water Temp Range (°C) | Wetsuit Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 58°- 63° | 14° – 17° | 3/2 mm – 4/3 mm |
| 52°- 58° | 11° – 14° | 4/3 mm – 5/4/3 mm |
| 43°- 52° | 6° – 11° | 5/4 mm – 5/4/3 mm |
| 42° and below | 6° and below | 6/5 mm + |
What should I look for in a winter wetsuit?
A wetsuit should fit like a second skin. The wetsuit needs to heat a thin layer of water evenly around your body to regulate your body heat. Therefore, it needs to be tight to your body to work. If there are any gaping spaces, these will fill with water and cause you to feel cold.
Why are wetsuits black?
Black Provides Ultimate UV Protection
Neoprene, the type of rubber your wetsuit is likely made from, starts off as a milky white color. Carbon black is a key ingredient added, turning the rubber black to increase strength. It also provides heightened UV resistance for the same reason as heat absorption.
How tight should a wetsuit be?
How Should a Wetsuit Fit? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene.
How much does a wetsuit help in cold water?
Measured in millimeters, the thicker the wetsuit is, the colder temperatures it allows you to handle. A 7mm suit can withstand temperatures around 38 degrees. Have a suit that is less than 2mm, and you can only go into water around 70 degrees or better.
How cold of water can you swim in with a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) or colder. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius).