Jack's Surfboards carries women's surf wetsuits from Manera, Xcel, Rip Curl, Body Glove and O'Neill, from 2mm springsuits for summer to 3/2 and 4/3 fullsuits and hooded winter suits. Every suit here is cut for a woman's shape, in sizes 2 to 16 with tall options in many styles. Prices run from about $90 for a springsuit to $700 for a hooded winter steamer.
How should a wetsuit fit a woman?
Snug everywhere, like a second skin, with no loose folds at the lower back, chest or behind the knees. The neck should seal without choking you, and the arms and legs should end at your wrists and ankles. Women's suits are shaped for narrower shoulders and a different chest-to-hip ratio than men's, which is why a women's cut seals better. If you're taller than average for your size, look for tall sizes like 6T, 8T and 10T.
Which women's wetsuit should you get?
-
Summer: a springsuit or 2mm long sleeve, like the O'Neill Bahia, Xcel Comp+ springsuit, Body Glove Pro 3 or Manera Bikisuit.
-
Everyday 3/2 fullsuit: Rip Curl Dawn Patrol, O'Neill Hyperfreak, Manera Seafarer, Xcel IconX and Body Glove EOS, which Body Glove designed exclusively for women.
-
Winter 4/3: Rip Curl Flashbomb, E-Bomb and Dawn Patrol, Body Glove Stellar and EOS, and Manera Meteor Magma.
-
Cold water and hooded: Manera Magma Steamer, Xcel Comp+ Hooded 5/4, Xcel Axis and IconX 5/4, and Body Glove Stellar 5/4/3.
Not sure about thickness? Our wetsuit guide has a water temperature chart.
Women's wetsuit sizes
Most of our women's suits use numeric sizes from 2 to 16, and Manera uses XS to XL. Every brand fits a little differently, so use the size chart for the exact suit you want: we have women's guides for Xcel, O'Neill, Rip Curl and Body Glove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do females wear under a wetsuit?
Most women wear a bikini or a one-piece, which makes changing on the beach easier. Some wear nothing. Skip cotton, since it stays wet and cold, and add a thin thermal layer on cold days if you need it.
What is the best brand for women's wetsuits?
The one that fits you best. Manera is the biggest women's brand in our shop, and Rip Curl, Xcel, Body Glove and O'Neill all make dedicated women's suits. Try a couple of brands on if you can, since each one is cut a little differently.
Should I size up or down in a wetsuit?
Go with the size that fits snug without gaps. Don't size up for comfort, because a loose suit lets cold water flush through. If you're between sizes, the smaller one usually works better once you're in the water.
Do wetsuits get looser or tighter in the water?
A little looser. Neoprene relaxes slightly when it's wet and warm, so a suit that feels snug on land usually feels just right once you're paddling.
What thickness wetsuit should I get for surfing?
Match it to the water. A 3/2 for warmer months, a 4/3 for winter in Southern California, and a hooded 5/4 for colder water. If you get cold easily, go one step thicker.
What is the best wetsuit for a beginner?
A comfortable, durable 3/2 or 4/3 with an easy back zip, like the Rip Curl Omega, O'Neill Bahia or Body Glove EOS. Back zips are the easiest to get in and out of while you learn.
Is there a difference between a swimming wetsuit and a surfing wetsuit?
Yes. Surfing wetsuits are built to stretch for paddling, hold up to board wax and sand, and often have knee pads. Swimming and triathlon suits use slick, thin neoprene made to glide through the water and add buoyancy. Everything we carry is a surf wetsuit.
Are women's wetsuits ever on sale?
Often. Past-season women's suits from Manera, Body Glove and O'Neill show up in our wetsuit sale, so check there first.
