How Do Wetsuits Work: A Beginner’s Guide

Rip Curl wetsuits have been a pivotal part of surfing’s evolution over the past 50-odd years, unlocking epic arctic waves and allowing us to surf better and for longer in cold climates.

But how do wetsuits work?

We’re breaking down everything you need to know, starting with why we wear wetsuits. Then, we’ll get into how they work, how they fit, and other commonly asked questions.

Why Do Surfers Wear Wetsuits?

Our oceans’ water temps are always fluctuating, but surfing is a year-round passion! This is why wetsuits are so essential. They keep us safe and warm regardless of temp.

Surfing is also a dynamic sport requiring explosive bursts of energy and split-second reaction times. But when our bodies endure prolonged exposure to cold water and evaporative cooling from the wind, our ability to use our muscles effectively can be drastically reduced. As our bodies begin to prioritise the core, coordination goes out the window, and extremities go numb.

In some instances, a surfer may find it hard to feel the board beneath their feet or notice their fingers are unwillingly splayed, making it almost impossible to paddle.

Basically, surfing in the cold gets increasingly difficult fast, and safety and the threat of hypothermia become real issues. 

Wetsuits (and gloves and booties) have proven themselves the perfect solution. This essential gear maintains a surfer’s safe and comfortable body temp during longer sessions or in frigid water. And while the wetties of years past were impossibly heavy, chafing, and cumbersome, today's suits are flexible, comfortable, and warm.

How Does a Wetsuit Work?

A wetsuit is a waterproof garment worn by divers, surfers, and other water sports enthusiasts to keep them warm in cold water. It’s designed to create a barrier between you and the water, helping your body maintain a steady, comfortable temperature so you can stay out longer and surf stronger.

What Is a Wetsuit Made From?

Wetsuits are more about temp control than dryness, and it’s their material that keeps us warm. A wetsuit is generally made of a stretchy, insulating material called neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber that retains its flexibility even in cold temperatures.

How Insulation Works

Once you’re in the water, a thin layer of water seeps between your skin and the suit. Your body quickly warms that layer, creating a pocket of insulation that holds your heat in and keeps the cold out. The better the fit, the better that natural heating system works.

Whether a person needs a wetsuit depends on the temperature of the water. For most people, temps between 63–70°F are when insulation may start to make sense. But at temps like 43–52°F, almost everyone needs a wetsuit to stay safe and comfortable.

Wetsuit Thickness Explained

The thickness of the neoprene used in a wetsuit can vary depending on the water temperature, how much the surfer “feels the cold,” and the level of insulation needed.

In colder water, a thicker wetsuit is needed to provide more insulation. Conversely, a thinner wetsuit (or one with short sleeves) is better suited for warmer water. 

Multi-thickness wetsuits like 4/3 and 3/2 are now the norm, featuring thicker panels on the chest and legs and thinner ones on the arms. With this style, you get the best of both worlds: Warmth at the core, and freedom of movement for paddling and manoeuvres.

How Should a Wetsuit Fit?

A wetsuit should fit snugly against the body to provide the best insulation and ease of movement without excess baggy material and added drag. It should be tight enough to create a barrier that prevents water from flowing freely in and out of the suit, but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes discomfort or irritation. This is especially critical at the neck, wrists, and ankle openings, where elasticated seals maintain the fit.

The arms and legs of a fullsuit/steamer wetsuit should be long enough to cover the wrists and ankles completely, but not so long that they hinder movement.

For simplicity’s sake, here are three key signs to look out for in how a wetsuit fits:

• No air pockets
• A snug neck seal
• Easy mobility

When trying on a wetsuit, walk around and perform a range of movements to ensure that it’s comfortable and allows for a full range of motion. The wetsuit should not feel restrictive when moving the arms and legs, bending at the waist, or reaching overhead.

What Do You Wear Under a Wetsuit?

You don’t need to wear anything under a wetsuit. Bikinis, bathers, or other underwear can get bunched up and become uncomfortable, but it’s down to personal preference.

However, in the absolute coldest temperatures, it might make sense to wear thermal layers under your wetsuit—or opt for a thicker version than you use in more moderate waters.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Wetsuit

The lifespan of a wetsuit isn't a fixed time period. It depends on how well you care for and store it. If you leave your suit out in the sunshine, drag it round the car park, pee in it, and never properly wash it out, you’ll be lucky to get more than a single season.

On the flip side, these best practices will maximize your wetsuit’s lifespan:

• Dry it in the shade
• Hang it from the waist
• Use a wide hanger
  
• Wash it after every surf

Follow these guidelines, and your seams will stay water-tight for years.

Check out our complete Wetsuit Care Guide for even more hot tips.

Can I Machine Wash or Dry My Wetsuit?

Never put your wetsuit in the dryer or washing machine. Although it may be tempting to take the hands-off approach, washing, drying, and spinning are far too rough. They deteriorate seams and neoprene quickly, ruining the warmth and fit of your suit.

Do Wetsuits Stretch Over Time?

Yes, wetsuits can stretch over time, but the strength and longevity of all parts can be bolstered by regular cleaning and careful storage.

How to Clean a Wetsuit

Keeping your wetsuit clean is the best way to make it last. After every surf, give it a good rinse in fresh, cool water to wash away salt, sand, and sunscreen. Every so often, use a gentle wetsuit shampoo or neoprene cleaner to help your suit stay soft, flexible, and smelling fresh.

Regular cleaning prevents both natural and manmade elements from breaking down the nylon and rubber, and it’ll keep those seams watertight for seasons to come.

How to Fix a Tear or Patch a Wetsuit

There are some great DIY options on the market to fix tears. But if you’d rather leave it to the experts, Rip Curl offers a three-year warranty on all stitching and a twelve-month warranty on all materials, including neoprene, knee pads, liquid tape, and zips.

Read the full Wetsuit Warranty for more information.

Can You Cut a Wetsuit?

You can cut your wetsuit, but know that there’s no going back.

You can alter a fullsuit/steamer wetsuit by cutting the legs or sleeves off, essentially turning it into a springsuit. However, the sleeve openings won’t have the same secure seal or resilience as before. This means you’ll be significantly colder, and water will rush through more than before.

Are Wetsuits…? (Quick Answers)

UV Protective? Yes.
Wetsuits block UV rays, protecting the skin they cover.

Waterproof? Yes.
While not as waterproof as drysuits, wetsuits resist water penetration, only allowing a thin layer of (insulating) water between your skin and the suit.

Buoyant? Yes.
Wetsuits enhance your body’s natural buoyancy thanks to tiny air bubbles within the fabric.

Protective against jellyfish stings? Yes.
Wetsuits provide a protective barrier, keeping you safe from painful, potentially dangerous jellyfish stings.

Explore Rip Curl Wetsuits

Wetsuits are essential for surfers. They keep us warm, comfortable, and safe in cold waters, which allows us to surf for more of the year. 

Even better? Rip Curl wetsuits come in a variety of styles, including different thicknesses, to meet every surfer’s diverse needs and style preferences.

Dive into our Men’s Wetsuit Collection and Women’s Wetsuit Collection to find your perfect fit and keep surfing all year long.