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Wetsuit Thickness Guide: 2mm, 3mm, 5mm or 7mm?

Views: 13     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2018-01-11      Origin: Site

Wetsuit Thickness Guide: 2mm, 3mm, 5mm or 7mm?

If you are looking to dedicate your time to adventure water sports, then you should first start looking out for the sports you want to pursue. Once, blankly you have some sport in mind, start looking out for swimming wetsuits that go with the sport. Since there are numerous water sports, each has its own peculiarities and features. Although they require similar wetsuits, technicalities may differ depending on the type of sport you have selected.

The wetsuits are available in hundreds of varieties, features, sizes, quality and also the rates. If you are looking for the best quality wetsuits, you may find a lot of options on an International shopping portal. They are quality made wetsuits specialized in different patterns, styles and materials.

Wetsuits are simply the best tools for open beach swimmers, surfers, and water lovers. The thickness of your wetsuit matters highly while selecting the sport, the hours of operation and the type of activity you would be performing. The right thickness ensures that you enjoy your sport thoroughly and helps you keep your body warm even in the winter waters. Any swimming wetsuits should be made in accordance with the sport it is suitable for. The prime function of a wetsuit is to give protection to the body against air, water, sea creatures and other factors involved in the sport.

 

THICKNESS ASPECTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A WETSUIT

 

Wetsuits are available in different varieties and features. Different thicknesses mean different grades given to the wetsuits. Most of the wetsuits available today are made of neoprene material. It’s a flexible material that stands smoothly against the skin and helps to keep body movements light inside and outside the waters.

The thickness of the wetsuit is measured in millimeters. While surfing or diving, it is extremely important to preserve the core heat of the body to prevent hypothermia. High thickness would mean more warmth but gives less flexibility too. Hence the thick neoprene is selected where body movements are less and thinner neoprene is selected where body movements are constant and in motion.

MYLEDI Mens Smooth Skin Wetsuit

MYLEDI Mens 3mm Smooth Skin Wetsuit

 

HOW MUCH WETSUIT THICKNESS DO I NEED? 

This is rather the most common question haunting people. Most times, people are not given basic guidance while selecting the wetsuits. The thickness of wetsuits comes in several varieties, for example, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. You can follow this guide generally:


Water Temperature Thickness  Wetsuit Type
29˚ C and Above 1-2mm  Shorty, Springsuit, Shorty John/Jane or No Wetsuit Required (Lycra Dive Skin, Swimsuit, etc.)
26-28˚ C 1-2mm  Shorty, Springsuit, Short/Long John/Jane, Fulsuit or No Wetsuit Required  (Lycra Dive Skin, Swimsuit, etc.) 
22-25˚ C 2-3mm  Shorty Wetsuit, Springsuit, Long John/Jane or Fullsuit
18-21˚ C 3-5mm  Fullsuit + Optional Hood
10-17˚ C 5-7mm  Hooded Fullsuit + Boots + Gloves
Below 10˚ C 7mm  Hooded Semi-dry or Drysuit + Boots + Gloves

 

However, some are often perturbed by the budget they have and the wetsuit cost they like the most. More than all these factors, what matters most is the comfort of the wetsuits one wears. Your wetsuit comfort is the highest priority. Select your wetsuit wisely based on the activity you are going to do.

The thickness of the wetsuit cannot be simply determined by what you see or like, or what activity you are doing. There are also several variables attached to making a thickness choice for the wetsuits.

 

HISEA 7mm Spearfishing Reef Camo Wetsuit

HISEA 7mm Spearfishing Reef Camo Wetsuit

THICKNESS VARIABLES TO CONSIDER: 

 

Individual tolerance levels

 

Every person is different and hence has different body temperatures and tolerance levels. At the same temperature, one person may be warmer than the other. Some people prefer full-length sleeves while some prefer sleeveless. So preferences also make a lot of differences to the amount of thickness one selects.

 

Heat losing body areas

 

The three major heat losing areas of the body are the inner thighs, the head and neck, and under the arms. The poorly fitted wetsuits may allow too much water to sip in and can keep your body away from the heat. These areas require proper insulation from the cold waters especially hence proper fit is extremely needed to keep the body warm.

Two Piece 5MM Hooded Front Zip Wetsuit

Two Piece 5MM Hooded Front Zip Wetsuit

 

Venture Environs

 

The body heat is constantly losing in the water but wetsuits provide insulation against water reaching you. High thickness is needed for colder waters that will act as a safe cover. Thickness is also considered with the type of place. These materials save you from any attacks of sea creatures like bites or bruising any of the body parts.


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