It can’t always be summer, but you can always be warm.

Surfline Gear Team

November 10, 2023

Disclaimer: This guide is independent of any brand sponsorship or commissions. We made this for you.

Wherever you live, once winter approaches your doorstep, it’s time to think about some extra neoprene to keep you surf-stoked through the chilly months. Is it time for a full upgrade? And if so, which suit, how chunky, and how much? Here’s some info to help make that decision a little easier for you, before you go spend your hard-earned cash.

We’ve personally checked out all the 4/3mm suits featured here and more, and in many cases, played around in their thinner and thicker cousins. And given the quality level out there in wetsuit world right now, it wasn’t easy to limit the list to this collection. They’re all good — the key is, which one will be right for you?

Winter air and water temps vary worldwide. The wetsuits listed below come in a range of thicknesses, from 3/2mm to 6/5mm hooded.

Explore Men's Wetsuits

Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion

3/2mm - 5/4mm hooded

Warmth

The Fusion is blowing surfers minds, the zip free suit showcases their new seam technology that essentially leaves you dry after a session. The suit is 96% stitch free and the E7 Flash Lining provides the ultimate combination of warmth and performance. Warmth, comfort, and innovation wrapped into one. It's also RipCurl's fastest drying wetsuit.

Made For: The on-the-go surfer who shreds before and after work.

Vissla

New Seas

V-Zip

3/2mm - 5/4mm hooded

Performance

The specialized collaboration between Vissla and AXXE has been taken up a notch. The New Seas features their V-Zip entry system (similar to a U-Zip), allowing for a complete seal of the shoulder with increased range of motion.

Made For: Anyone with shoulder injuries looking for maximum range of motion.

O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire

3/2mm - 4/3mm

Warmth

The Hyperfreak Fire is the newest suit from O’Neill and has the performance the Hyperfreak is known for, but comes in extra toasty with the addition of a TB4 Firewall. It also comes with the FUZE chest-zip entry system, but there is a back-zip option if you find them easier.

Made For: Surfers looking to stay toasty.

7TILL8 Custom

3/2mm - 5/5mm hooded + convertible hooded

Performance

7TILL8 offer custom wetsuits made with soft and stretchy Yamamoto neoprene. With specialized stitching and taping, it’s designed exactly how you want it to be and tailored to your measurements. If you haven’t worn a proper-fitting custom wetsuit, you will lose your mind in one of these. The saying “fits like a glove” comes to mind.

Made For: Certified wetsuit haters who can't quite find the right fit.

Xcel

Drylock X

3/2mm - 6/5mm hooded

Warmth

Xcel might be the most low-key brand on this list, but they consistently deliver wetsuits that compete with the market leaders. The engineered fit is impressive. Photos won’t show it, you must try it on to understand. The Drylock X comes in full tilt with features like Celliant Black and infrared capabilities that increase your overall warmth.

Made For: Anyone looking to feel comfortable in extreme conditions.

Manera

ALT

4/3mm - 4/4/3mm

Eco

Manera are new to the wetsuit market here, but by no means new to wetsuits. The Alt is an eco friendly Yulex wetsuit built for warmth and performance. Along with all the bells & whistles, you’ll find an interesting ankle design to allow easy on/off as well as solid water drainage.

Made For: The dawn patroller on the coldest days of winter.

Patagonia

Regulator

3/2.5mm - 5.5/4mm hooded

Eco

Patagonia continue to deliver a bomb-proof, environmentally friendly option in the full suit world, and this one is neoprene free. The durability on these suits is top notch and is a suit you can have confidence that you’ll get multiple seasons out of it. Built in a fair trade certified factory, with sustainable materials, you can also feel great about your enviro conscious purchase.

Made For: Surfers who prioritize quality and sustainability.

Florence

Hooded Fullsuit

3/2mm - 5/3mm hooded

Performance

Everything John John Florence touches screams “quality.” The neoprene feels buttery in your hand. You can see the workmanship in the seams and stitching. This suit makes you feel naked, allowing you to thrive in whatever environment you choose. With a 3mm working for 55°F, each suit runs warmer than you'd think. Made to order - these suits take around 6-8 weeks to arrive.

Made For: Those who play extra hard and crave durability.

Matuse Dante

3/2mm - 5/4mm hooded

Performance

The first time you slide a Matuse on, you’ll feel like you’re being kissed by angels. It’s fantastic and makes you think you should’ve paid more for it. For a mid-tier-priced suit, the performance of the Dante is impressive — plenty of stretch, yet minimal leakage or pin holes. Double check the size chart - these suits are known to run on the small size. 

Made For: Chicken leg surfers looking for something different.

needessentials

Yulex Zipperless

3/2mm - 4/3mm

Affordable

needessentials came out with their first Yulex wetsuit last year, pushing the envelope in sustainability beyond many established brands. The addition of more thermal lining means the overall stretch is sacrificed for additional warmth. It's a performance wetsuit that tends to get stiffer with time, so make sure you have more than one in your quiver.

Made For: A surfer on a budget.

Quiksilver Highline

4/3mm

Flexible

If there were an award for Most Improved Wetsuit, this suit would get it. A season or two of R&D has made a crazy difference for Quiksilver wetsuits, they've taken it to the next level. We recommend trying it on in a store first, as the fit can be a little weird for some people.

Made For: Lean surfers in need of a good fit.

Rip Curl E-Bomb

3/2mm - 5/4mm hooded

Performance

This suit is basically the F1 car in the Rip Curl matrix. Built for speed, hi-fi surfing and flexibility, it’s not meant to be their warmest option (that’s the HeatSeeker). The E6 rubber is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re surfing in boardshorts. The suit has GBS seams and some taping, but you’ll get some leaks for sacrificing warmth for performance.

Made For: Those who get too toasty too fast and crave a high performance suit.

Finisterre Nieuwland

5s Hooded

5mm

Warmth

Comfort and stretch are key in this 4mm fullsuit from UK sustainable-focused brand, Finnisterre. Made from natural rubber and recycled polyester, the suit stands out with an environmentally conscious and unique design, flex panels in the shoulders for paddling, and double needle blind stitching (instead of seam sealant) for longevity. Be aware — it’ll be a tight fit the first few surfs, then it’ll loosen up and hug you real nice.

Made For: Surfers who won't compromise on quality.

FERAL

4mm3

4/3mm

Durable

Feral are running hot right now, with a number of smart collaborations after offering consistently reliable, warm and comfortable wetsuits year after year. One of the few independent wetsuit brands, they’re a great alternative. Buy one and you’re getting all the bells and whistles, like Yamamoto rubber (#40 and #39 for all my fellow rubber nerds) along with taped GBS seams, and a design that features less panels for more freedom.

Made For: The surfer who works hard and plays harder.

Buell DR2

3/2mm - 4mm

Durable

Buell wetsuits are great for people wanting an alternative to the majors, yet there’s still years of success behind this brand. Throw in Dane Reynolds’ endorsement and you have quite the pairing. The DR2 comes correct with stretchy neoprene, taped GBS seams, and a back zip for old-school devotees.

Made For: The surfer who throws their suit in the back of the trunk and forgets about it for days on end.

Volcom Modulator

3/2mm - 5/4mm hooded

Affordable

Volcom are the most recent entrants to the neoprene world and they’ve launched with a respectable and affordable range. The Modulator rolls with thermal lining and limestone-based, stretchy neoprene, and all seams are GBS and taped for seal integrity. With a price tag under $300, they’re well worth a look.

Made For: A surfer on a budget, looking for a new brand to call their own.

SRFACE

Eco

3/2mm - 6/5mm hooded

Eco

SCFACE have come a long way since starting up in the cold waters of the Netherlands, but their commitment to making good-value warmer wetsuits for every surfer is the same. These suits feature a YKK ZIP, creating more movement in the shoulders, smoothskin panels to protect from windchill, and the inside is lined with recycled nylon that helps free it up a touch.

Made For: The cold and windy conditions surfer.

Dakine

Cyclone

3/2mm - 5/4mm hooded

Durable

You probably know Dakine from their premium leashes and surf gear, so added wetsuits to their lineup was only a matter of time. The Zip Free suit is known to be stiffer and heavier than its competitors, but it does provide maximum warmth and minimal leaks during the coldest of sessions.

Made For: Surfers looking for thick, warm suit that feels like a second skin.

Billabong Furnace

3/2mm - 6/5mm hooded

Warmth

Billabong is leading the big-name surf brands, bringing you cutting edge innovation and technology. The Furnace is lightweight and flexible, and keeps you warm with their Graphene lining. The comfort and performance capabilities of this suit are made to keep up with any surfer.

Made For: Surfers looking for an innovative, affordable wetsuit. 

Vissla 7Seas Raditude

3/2mm - 6/5mm hooded

Affordable

The 7Seas Raditude is yet another example of what Vissla has achieved in such a short time in this market. It comes with Japanese limestone neoprene that allows for freedom of movement, and it’s a very affordable wetsuit, able to compete with pricier options from more established brands.

Made For: A surfer who is ready to step up from the basics.