Neoprene Tops

What is the difference between a wetsuit and a wetsuit top?

A wetsuit covers your body and legs. A wetsuit top only covers your torso and arms, like a neoprene shirt or jacket, so you wear it with boardshorts or a bikini bottom. Tops are made for warm days when a full wetsuit is too much but you still want wind protection, sun protection and a little warmth on your core.

Which neoprene top do you need?

• To wear on its own: a 1mm or 2mm surf top, like Manera's Seafarer 1mm or X10D 2mm, or a front-zip wetsuit jacket like Xcel's Comp or Axis 1/0.5mm, which are easy to get on and off between sessions.
• To wear under your wetsuit: a thin base layer. Manera's 0.5mm hooded base layers add a layer of neoprene to the suit you already own, and the built-in hood seals better than a separate one. Xcel's Insulate-XR layering top uses waffle thermal fabric with thumb loops.

Need more coverage? See our springsuits and men's wetsuits.

Where a neoprene top fits in your wetsuit quiver

A top covers the warm end of the year and the coldest end. In between, most surfers wear a fullsuit. Our wetsuit guide has the water temperature chart, and hoods, gloves and boots cover the rest when the water gets cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wetsuit tops worth it?

Yes, if you surf, paddle or swim in warm water. A neoprene top keeps the wind off your core, protects you from sun and board rash, and costs a lot less than a springsuit. As a base layer, it's a cheap way to make your current wetsuit warmer.

What is a good top to wear under a wetsuit?

A thin neoprene base layer or a thermal layering top. Manera's 0.5mm hooded base layers add neoprene and a built-in hood, and Xcel's Insulate-XR top adds warmth without bulk. Skip cotton, since it stays wet and cold.

Do wetsuit tops keep you warm?

They keep your core warmer and block wind, which makes a big difference on breezy summer days. They won't keep your legs warm, so once the water gets cool, a springsuit or fullsuit is the better choice.

What are the best wetsuit tops?

For warmth on its own, Manera's X10D 2mm top. For something lighter, Manera's Seafarer 1mm or Xcel's Comp 1/0.5mm jacket. For layering under a wetsuit, Manera's hooded base layers.

What is a wetsuit shirt called?

It goes by a few names: neoprene top, wetsuit top, wetsuit jacket or surf top. A lightweight, non-neoprene version is usually called a rash guard or sun shirt.

Should I get a 1mm or 2mm wetsuit top?

A 1mm top is lighter and better on warm days or as a layer. A 2mm top is warmer and blocks more wind, which helps on cool mornings. If you only get one, 2mm covers more days.

What is a front-zip wetsuit jacket?

A neoprene top with a zipper down the front, like Xcel's Comp and Axis 1/0.5mm jackets. The zip makes it easy to get on and off and lets you cool down between sets.

Do you have women's wetsuit tops?

Our neoprene tops are men's styles. For women, look at our women's springsuits and Manera's Bikisuit, or a women's long sleeve springsuit for similar coverage.