Wetsuit thickness chart: what do you need for your water?
The right wetsuit thickness keeps you warm without overheating. Water temperature is the primary factor. Slide to yours and we'll tell you exactly what to wear.
By SurfSpotGuide EditorialPublished January 1, 2025
What's the water temperature?
You need
4/3mm
Fullsuit
Accessories: Booties recommended
Wetsuit Thickness by Water Temperature
| Water temp | Wetsuit type | Thickness | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 8°C / 46°F or below | Hooded fullsuit | 6/5mm+ | All required |
| 8–11°C / 47–51°F | Fullsuit | 5/4mm or 6/5mm | Booties + gloves + hood |
| 11–14°C / 52–57°F | Fullsuit | 5/4mm | Booties + optional gloves |
| 14–17°C / 58–62°F | Fullsuit | 4/3mm | Booties recommended |
| 17–20°C / 63–67°F | Fullsuit | 3/2mm | Optional booties |
| 20–24°C / 68–75°F | Springsuit or 2mm fullsuit | 2mm | None |
| 24°C+ / 76°F+ | Rashguard or boardshorts | None or 1mm | None |
The chart gave you a number. Here’s what it can’t tell you.
A chart is good at exactly one thing: the number. It won’t tell you that most surf schools hand you the board, the wetsuit and the leash with the lesson — so the gear you just looked up may not be the first thing you need to buy at all. The free Beginner’s Surf Guide covers the rest:
- What your school already provides, and the short list worth packing yourself
- The five questions to ask before you book — and the red flags hiding in the answers
- How lesson one actually runs, from dry-sand pop-ups to your first green wave
- The lineup rules nobody explains until you’ve broken one
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What the numbers mean
Wetsuit thickness is written as two numbers, e.g., "4/3mm." The first number is the torso thickness (thickest for core warmth). The second is arms and legs (thinner for flexibility). Higher numbers mean warmer but less flexible. Modern neoprene is far more stretchy than older suits.
Wetsuit types
- Rashguard / LycraUV protection, minimal warmth. For tropical water.
- Springsuit (Shorty)Short arms and legs. For warm water needing light insulation.
- Fullsuit (Steamer)Long arms and legs. The standard for most surfers in most conditions.
- Hooded SuitBuilt-in hood for very cold water. Reduces head heat loss dramatically.
Suits that hit these numbers
Know your thickness? These are the suits we'd put a beginner in.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
O'Neill Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Fullsuit (Men's)
O'Neill · Backcountry
An entry-level back-zip 3/2 from a brand with a wide size run — easy to get into for first-timers.
$220–$240Check price at Backcountry →Billabong 302 Absolute Natural Back Zip Fullsuit (Men's)
Billabong · Backcountry
The budget 3/2 — a simple back-zip fullsuit that covers most US surf from spring to fall.
$140–$220Check price at Backcountry →O'Neill Reactor II 3/2mm Back Zip Fullsuit (Women's)
O'Neill · evo
The entry-level benchmark — flatlock seams and easy back-zip entry, at the lowest price of the bunch.
$110–$120Check price at evo →O'Neill Epic 3/2mm Back Zip Fullsuit (Women's)
O'Neill · Backcountry
A step up from the Reactor in stretch and comfort, still with a forgiving back-zip.
$140–$235Check price at Backcountry →Xcel Axis 5/4mm Back Zip Fullsuit
Xcel · evo
For cold-water beginners (Pacific Northwest, New England winters) who need thickness, not a 3/2.
$240–$250Check price at evo →
Wetsuit by US region
| Region | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Boardshorts | Boardshorts (2mm optional) |
| Southern California | 3/2 | 4/3 |
| Northern California | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots |
| Pacific NW (OR/WA) | 4/3 | 5/4 + boots + gloves + hood |
| Florida | Boardshorts | 3/2 |
| Mid-Atlantic (NC-NJ) | 3/2 | 5/4 + boots + gloves |
| Northeast (NY-MA) | 3/2 | 6/5 + full accessories |
| Texas / Gulf | Boardshorts | 3/2 or 4/3 |
Frequently asked questions
What thickness wetsuit do I need for 60°F water?
60°F (15°C) water calls for a 4/3mm fullsuit. You may also want neoprene booties for comfort, especially in sessions over an hour.
Can I surf without a wetsuit?
Yes, in water above 75°F (24°C) — like Hawaii, tropical destinations, and Florida in summer. A rashguard for UV protection is recommended. Below 68°F, most surfers want at least a 2mm suit.
How tight should a wetsuit be?
Snug everywhere with no loose fabric or air pockets, but not so tight it restricts breathing or movement. You should be able to swing your arms fully overhead. A new wetsuit will feel tight — neoprene stretches slightly with use.
How long does a wetsuit last?
With proper care (rinse after every use, hang dry in shade), a quality wetsuit lasts 2-4 years of regular use. Budget suits may last 1-2 years. UV exposure and improper storage are the main killers.
Is a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit better?
Depends on your water temperature. 3/2mm is more flexible and comfortable in 63-67°F water. 4/3mm is warmer for 58-62°F water. If you're between sizes, most surfers prefer being slightly too warm over slightly too cold.
Find a surf shop near you
Don't own a wetsuit yet? Many surf shops offer affordable rentals so you can try different thicknesses before buying.
Find surf shops by state
More Surf Guides
The chart gave you a number. Here’s what it can’t tell you.
A chart is good at exactly one thing: the number. It won’t tell you that most surf schools hand you the board, the wetsuit and the leash with the lesson — so the gear you just looked up may not be the first thing you need to buy at all. The free Beginner’s Surf Guide covers the rest:
- What your school already provides, and the short list worth packing yourself
- The five questions to ask before you book — and the red flags hiding in the answers
- How lesson one actually runs, from dry-sand pop-ups to your first green wave
- The lineup rules nobody explains until you’ve broken one
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime