Whether you’re an open water swimmer or triathlete, we’ll get you kitted out with the best, comfiest wetsuit.

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After several wetsuit fails (some more humiliating than others), I’ve learned the hard way what makes a wetsuit great – & more importantly, what doesn’t.

There was the time the arm of my wetsuit fell off mid-lake, the time I got stuck trying suits on during a heatwave & had to be rescued by a shop assistant, or when I wore a surf wetsuit for a triathlon & lost about five minutes in transition wrestling the thing off my legs.

And yet, despite the chaos, I can honestly say: a great wetsuit changed my swim life.

I’ve swum 13km of Cromhall Quarry laps without getting cold. I’ve done a DIY Bantham Swoosh with hot chocolates on the beach after. I’ve spent several hours in the Atlantic doing a shoot in Madeira. I even did the Hurly Burly 10km in Snowdonia in 9°C water – & felt pretty toasty.

If you feel the cold like I do, or just want to get more from your swims, the right wetsuit is a game-changer.

Whether you’re diving into your first season or replacing a trusty old suit, this guide will help you find one that works for you.

If you’re short on time, here’s what really matters:

• Prioritise fit, especially around shoulders, chest & hips.
• Look for shoulder flexibility if you’re swimming long or fast.
• Choose triathlon-specific designs for an easier time in transitions.
• Keep an eye out for more sustainable & ethical materials like Yulex – especially if you’re not racing.
• Plan ahead & buy in the off-season to bag a deal.

Wetsuit sizing isn’t just about height & weight – though that’s where most size charts start. Women, especially, can have a trickier time here. Curvier hips? Broader shoulders? Long torso? You’ll want to look for brands that offer gender-specific sizing (‘unisex’ is often actually code for ‘male cut’).

Top tips:

• Try before you buy if possible – or order from somewhere with a solid returns policy. If you're unsure, drop the seller an email – some brands, like Zone3, will even review photos of you in the wetsuit to offer tailored sizing advice.
• It’s worth investing in one that fits well – especially around the shoulders, neck & lower back.
• Avoid arm & neck gape, or anything that feels restrictive. You want snug, not strangled.

“If you can, it’s definitely worth paying a bit more for a wetsuit that fits properly – I’ve had ones that felt fine at first, but then filled with water or chafed like mad once I actually swam in them.”

– Catch community member

This is the big one for swim comfort, especially if you're planning to take on distances longer than 1.5km. If the material around your shoulders is too thick or stiff, you’ll fatigue faster & probably feel like you’re fighting your wetsuit rather than flowing in the water.

Higher-end wetsuits often have thinner, more flexible neoprene around the shoulders, which makes a noticeable difference, especially if you’re swimming longer distances or racing.

Most wetsuits for open water are between 2–5mm thick. That gives you a range of warmth, buoyancy & some speed. But depending on what you’re using it for, your ideal thickness might shift:

• Training wetsuits often have slightly thicker panels for warmth & durability.
• Racing wetsuits are typically thinner & more flexible – especially around the shoulders & ankles (so you can whip them off fast in transition, if you're into multisport or triathlon).

For multisport or triathlon events, avoid surf wetsuits unless you’ve got no other option – they’re not designed for swim mobility, they’re hard to get off, & they’ll slow you down. Triathlon-specific wetsuits are built for speed and easy removal.

Most wetsuits are made from neoprene, which gives great insulation & flexibility. But it’s a petrochemical product that is not only terrible for the environment, but also a killer. The Big Sea is a brilliant film if you want to learn about the human and environmental cost of neoprene production & the wetsuit industry's links to 'Cancer Alley'. It's a great watch, but a warning; you will never look at neoprene in the same way again.

The good news is, some brands are starting to take this seriously. Patagonia & Finisterre are already pushing sustainable alternatives like Yulex, while Orca has committed to eliminating harmful neoprene by 2026, according to Outdoor Swimmer.

“Swimming needs to catch up with surfing on this. Yulex is the future – I love my Patagonia suits, even if they’re not quite as slick through the water.” – Rebecca, Catch Co-Founder

The challenge? Fully Yulex wetsuits that are fast enough for swimming aren’t available yet – the trouble seems to be making a ‘smoothskin’ outer layer (that shiny, drag-reducing finish swimmers need). But we’re keeping an eye on this. Put pressure on wetsuit brands to finally make a 100% Yulex swimming wetsuit by dropping them an email or DM.

Here’s a breakdown of popular wetsuit brands – including ones that cater well to women swimmers:

• Zone3 – Excellent wetsuits for high-performance swimming & tackling longer distances. Their Women's Aspire wetsuit is a favourite in our community – light, fast, & slides off like a dream in transition if you're a triathlete.‍
• Orca – A well-established brand with a good range, offering models for both beginners & serious racers. They can cater swimmers who have broader hips or shorter torsos.‍
• Roka – Premium feel & price tag, strong focus on triathlon & multisport. Very flexible in the shoulders. These are some of the best quality wetsuits on the market.‍
• Patagonia – Along with Finisterre, they lead the pack on sustainability, using Yulex. Less swim-specific, but great if you value ethics over speed.‍
• Finisterre – Gorgeous, sustainable wetsuits. Worth a look if you’re doing more casual outdoor swims or mixed sport activities.‍
• C-Skins – Surf brand that’s getting better at swimming wetsuits. Their winter wetsuits are toasty & comfy.‍
• Huub – Looks the part, but durability can be an issue. Seams may not last.‍
• Blueseventy – My Blueseventy didn’t last more than 3 years, but others swear by their suits.

“I’ve had my Blueseventy suit for 5 years – it’s still going strong. Great entry-level choice!”

– Amanda, Catch swimmer

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Wetsuits aren’t cheap, but you can definitely save if you plan ahead.

• Best sales tend to land in winter, when brands clear out older stock.
• Don’t be afraid of previous-season models – they’re often near-identical to the newer ones.

• Tapered legs & arms help with streamlining & speedy removal.
• Watch out for neck chafing – higher-end suits often include softer neck linings.
• Look after your wetsuit: rinse with fresh water after swims, dry it out of the sun, & store it flat or hung up with a wide-shoulder hanger.

When you’re choosing a wetsuit, you’re not just buying gear – you’re setting yourself up for better, more enjoyable swims. The right wetsuit should feel like a second skin – warm, flexible, & freeing. And when it does? You’ll get a good feeling.

Got a favourite wetsuit brand, or still feeling stuck? Drop us a comment with your questions or recommendations – we’d love to hear what’s working for you.