Swimming
Wetsuit guide: what to wear by water temperature
From boardshorts to full winter suits, match your neoprene to the degrees.
5 min read
The right wetsuit turns a short, shivering dip into a proper swim. The wrong suit leaves you cold, restricted, or unnecessarily hot. Use this guide to match thickness to temperature.
Wetsuit thickness by temperature
- Above 26°C: no wetsuit needed; rash vest or swim skin optional for sun protection.
- 22–25°C: 1–2mm shorty or spring suit for long sessions; boardshorts fine for short swims.
- 18–21°C: 2–3mm full suit or long john; add boots and gloves if you feel the cold.
- 14–17°C: 3–4mm full suit with sealed seams, boots and gloves.
- 10–13°C: 4–5mm full suit, hood, gloves and boots.
- Below 10°C: 5–6mm or drysuit; cold-water training strongly recommended.