Best Men’s Surfing Wetsuits of 2024

JUMP TO: PATAGONIA R-SERIES | BILLABONG FURNACE COMP CHEST ZIP | XCEL DRYLOCK X SERIES | O’NEILL HYPERFREAK 2MM SPRING WETSUIT | RIP CURL DAWN PATROL SHORT JOHN | QUIKSILVER EVERYDAY SESSIONS WETSUIT JACKET | HO STEVIE WETSUIT | BUYING ADVICE | COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Sam Brilleman | Updated: Nov 5, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

A wetsuit is an essential piece of gear for most surfers and depending on where you typically surf, you’ll probably need a couple of different kinds with seasonal water changes. 

The main function of wetsuits is thermal insulation, i.e., keeping you warm in colder water. A good wetsuit will seal well and keep water out, so you don’t get flushed through the neck, sleeve, or leg openings and start to puff up like an inflatable doll. They also can serve as a layer of protection to guard your skin against abrasive wax and sharp coral reefs. 

 

It didn’t have the durability or performance of more premium models, but if you are on a budget the Ho Stevie Men’s Surfing Wetsuit is a solid choice.

 

Ultimately, the best wetsuit for you is dependent on the conditions you’re surfing in. You want your wetsuit to be sufficiently insulating without compromising mobility — which can be a hard balance to strike. In this guide, we highlight the men’s wetsuits that do it the best, offering up wetsuit recommendations for all occasions, whether you’re paddling out in the snow or catching waves in tropical waters.

If you love reading this review of the best men’s surfing wetsuits, then you'll likely love reading some of our other surfing content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

What’s the difference between a springsuit and a steamer? When should I pull out a 5/4 vs. a 3/2? What kind of alternatives to petroleum-derived neoprene are out there? We have the answers to all your men’s wetsuit questions in our buying advice at the end of the article.

 

Best Overall Steamer: PATAGONIA R-SERIES

MATERIALS: Yulex, recycled nylon, recycled spandex lining, 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content

FEATURES: Solvent-free/water-based glue, chest zip with internal gasket, corrosion-proof zipper

PRICE: $$$$$

PROS: Made in fair-trade certified factory, extremely durable, repair policy, eco-friendly neoprene-free construction, key-loop, dries fast

CONS: Relatively expensive

The Patagonia Men’s R-Series keeps you toasty, is eco-friendly, comfortable, and lasts a long time. In our book, this makes the ‘R’ — or Regulator Series — the ultimate steamer on the men’s surf wetsuit market. No neoprene here, Patagonia is committed to sustainability and features Yulex natural rubber construction, setting it apart as the most eco you can get out there. 

But there are no compromises in performance or quality in the name of sustainability. The lining, made from 100% recycled spandex, efficiently packs in the heat during cold winter surfs. An asymmetrical front zip with an internal gasket seals out water and makes getting in and out as easy as you can reasonably expect from a wetsuit. The Supratex kneepads and ankle cuffs are flexible, durable, and cozy. Speaking of durability, the zipper is corrosion-proof and uniquely replaceable so you can extend your wetsuit’s life even if the zipper fails.

And you can make that life even longer thanks to Patagonia’s impressive repair center. They do wetsuit warranty repairs covering anything that appears to have failed under normal use like a blown seam or broken zipper. They also offer non-warranty repairs for a reasonable fee, like $20 for a fin cut, $40 for a shoulder panel replacement, and $80 for a full panel replacement.

You can get the R-Series in just about any thickness range for your water temperature needs. The Men’s R-Series starts at R1 Lite at 2mm thickness for 65°-75°F water and goes all the way up to R5 which is a 6.5/5mm thickness and suited for frosty 32°-38°F surfs.

It may come in more expensive than some of the other options in this guide, but due to its long lifespan, great quality, impressive eco credentials, and high level of performance and comfort, this men’s wetsuit outranks them all for us.

Best Overall Steamer Runner-up: BILLABONG FURNACE COMP CHEST ZIP

MATERIALS: Partially recycled neoprene. 70% Recycled Nylon, 19% Nylon, 11% Elastane.

FEATURES: Lightweight Smart Foam, machine-applied Superflex neo tape for inner seams, lining from Airlite 4D infused with Billabong Graphene fibers, chest-zip entry

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Extended heat retention, durable construction, lightweight

CONS: Heavier than the Patagonia R-Series

Of the names in big corporate surf, we find that Billabong produces one of the best overall steamer wetsuits out there and increasingly boasts some impressive eco-attributes.

The Billabong Men’s Furnace Comp Chest Zip steamer suit is a comfy heat-holding cold-water surfing option that comes in a couple of thicknesses. This men’s surfing wetsuit is made from top-notch, durable materials and feels like it’s built to last. 

We highly rate the 3/2mm thickness for those cold-but-not-freezing fall surfs. The front-zip design locks you in and shuts out the water and it’s one of the easier wetsuits to paddle in that we have tried. 

The suit’s super lightweight Smart Foam is limestone-based, comprised of 30% recycled car tires, recycled scrap rubber, and recycled oyster shells. The Airlite 4D stretch jersey infused with Billabong’s graphene tech is made with 100% recycled fibers. Graphene is a Nobel-Prize-winning “wonder material” composed of a hexagonal lattice formed by a single layer of carbon atoms. Having this in your wetsuit translates to warming up more quickly and longer heat retention.

The wetsuit’s lining feels fleecy to the touch and gives the suit its “furnace” descriptor. The seams are fully externally welded and combined with Superflex Neo-taped internal seams for a smooth, sealed finish.

Best Heavy Duty: XCEL DRYLOCK X SERIES

MATERIALS: 100% stretch neoprene, poly fleece lining

FEATURES: Channel Flex tech, Ultra Stretch infrared, 100% water-resistant zipper, stitch-free power seam

PRICE: $$$$$

PROS: Super warm, goes up to 6/5mm, complementary hoods, boots, and gloves in Drylock line, eco-oriented

CONS: Often on backorder

If you surf in temperatures of 55°F and below, the men’s Xcel Drylock X Series should be on your radar. This wetsuit offers unprecedented warmth and innovation from the beloved Drylock Series.

The Xcel Drylock X suit transforms bone-chilling and skin-numbing surfs into an endurable experience. It boasts an enhanced application of Xcel's patented Celliant Black Smart Fiber technology, which incorporates heat-retaining elements into the fabric, enabling you to handle even Arctic Circle waves. The suit's Channel Flex technology is incredibly lightweight and hydrophobic, reducing tension to minimize fiber and water weight. 

Unlike the Xcel Drylock series, Drylock X features a full Channel Flex exterior, ensuring unrestricted movement for peak performance. Its watertight design includes a 100% water-resistant chest zip and stitch-free power seams, replacing Drylock's triple-glued and blindstitched seams.

The men's Drylock X line offers various thickness options, ranging from 3/2 to a hooded 6/5 version. However, be prepared for potential backorders, as these wetsuits tend to sell out quickly, with wait times extending into the next season for certain sizes and models.

Xcel is dedicated to performance and innovative design, with their research and development team constantly pushing the boundaries in Hawaii. Notably, they prioritize sustainability by using earth-mined limestone in their neoprene instead of processed petrochemicals and incorporating recycled oyster shells as a natural source of calcium carbonate.

MATERIALS: Recycled neoprene

FEATURES: Chest-zip closure, Aqua Alpha solvent-free neoprene lamination, recycled TBX fully taped glued and blindstitched seams, barrier with drain holes to keep water out

PRICE: $$

PROS: Uses recycled materials, lightweight, flexible, good at keeping water out

CONS: Less durable than some competitors, runs relatively narrow through shoulders

When paddling through chillier waters in warmer locales, the O’Neill Hyperfreak 2mm Spring Wetsuit is a thin, flexible shorty that’s worth considering. This suit strikes an ideal balance, providing ample insulation for your upper body and core when Lycra just won’t suffice, all while preventing you from getting uncomfortably toasty in a full steamer.

Touted by some as the most flexible wetsuit, we’ve found the Hyperfreak offers an impressive range of motion, although it tends to run a bit narrower and stiffer in the shoulders compared to some competing suits like the Patagonia R-Series. 

As for construction, the Hyperfreak Springsuit uses a combination of O’Neill’s recycled neoprene in TechnoButter 3 for the suit’s core body and legs and TechnoButter 3X for the arms and shoulders. O’Neill takes a mindful approach to environmental impact, incorporating recycled oyster shells and eco carbon black-infused neoprene into TechnoButter 3 and TechnoButter 3X. The wetsuit features a convenient F.U.Z.E. (Front Upper Zip Entry) chest-zip closure with a free-floating zipper panel and an anti-flush barrier, complete with drain holes to keep you dry and comfortable during your surf sessions.

Adding to the Hyperfreak’s lightweight feel is the suit’s minimal seam design featuring Aqua Alpha solvent-free neoprene lamination, fully taped glued seams with recycled TBX, and blind stitching. However, we believe the tradeoff here is sacrificing extended durability in favor of going ultra lightweight, so that’s something to consider.

MATERIALS: E5 Ultralite Neoprene

FEATURES: Unsealed seams, back-zip, mesh skin panels, e-stitched

PRICE: $

PROS: Easy to get on and off

CONS: Less eco-friendly than some other options

For a different approach, consider the short john wetsuit, designed to keep your core and legs warm while offering unrestricted movement for your shoulders and arms. The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Short John excels in delivering this balance, especially during those cooler, more relaxed surf sessions when you find yourself sitting on your board, waiting for the perfect wave.

With its short-pant design ending just above the knee, the wetsuit remains resistant to waterlogging, eliminating a common wetsuit concern. The sleeveless style not only ensures optimal paddle mobility but also leaves room to layer a wetsuit jacket for added versatility. When it comes to getting in and out, the back zipper simplifies the process, making it one of the most user-friendly wetsuits out there.

The Dawn Patrol Short John is a key component of Rip Curl's surf capsule collection, a staple in surf shops year after year. The latest iteration features Rip Curl's E5 Ultralite Neoprene, providing a remarkable 30% increase in stretch, a 20% reduction in weight, and a 10% boost in warmth compared to their previous E4 neoprene. However, these performance improvements were not accompanied by significant environmental improvements, as the Dawn Patrol Short John still relies on petroleum-based neoprene, even while other top wetsuits continue to move toward bio-based materials.

MATERIALS: Limestone-derived eco-friendly neoprene, 83% nylon, 17% elastane 

FEATURES: StretchFlight Neoprene, external seams (glued and blind-stitched)

PRICE: $

PROS: Seamless feeling, light, flexible

CONS: Tends to run small

Whether you want to layer it over a long john or simply pair it with your favorite boardshorts, a wetsuit jacket is a valuable addition to your surf wardrobe. We find it perfect for beginning a cooler summer session or embarking on a tropical dawn patrol with a zipped-up jacket. Then, as the sun rises or we warm up, it's easy to unzip and enjoy the freedom.

The Quiksilver Everyday Sessions 2mm wetsuit jacket truly lives up to its name, excelling in comfort, flexibility, and smart design for everyday surfwear. Quiksilver employs their StretchFlight Neoprene, offering a generous blend of stretch, comfort, and protection while embracing an eco-friendlier approach. This jacket is made from neoprene derived from limestone and is Bluesign® certified. Additionally, non-toxic Aqua-Alpha water-based glues contribute to its sustainability cred.

Glued and blind stitched seams keep water out and the external seams give you a seam-less feeling for increased comfort. Watch out for the sizing, however, as this jacket runs small.

Best Budget: HO STEVIE WETSUIT

MATERIALS: Limestone-derived neoprene

FEATURES: Chest-zip with YKK zipper, GBS Stitching

PRICE: $

PROS: Flexible return policy, comfortable, key-loop/pocket

CONS: Can be susceptible to flushing

Available in 4/3 and 3/2 thicknesses, the Ho Stevie Men’s Surfing Wetsuit is a wallet-friendly steamer. If you're a surfer on a budget or just starting out and don’t want to invest as heavily into your gear right off, this wetsuit could be the perfect choice for you.

Despite its affordable price, the wetsuit still prioritizes sustainability by using neoprene derived from limestone. The wetsuit's construction incorporates GBS (glued and blind stitching), making for a snug and secure fit that keeps water out while allowing you the freedom to move. The suit’s neoprene is stretchy and provides decent mobility. Entry is via a chest zip with a YKK zipper while a key-loop/pocket offers storage for your essentials. 

However, it's important to note a couple of potential drawbacks. The wetsuit can be susceptible to flushing and it might not provide the same level of warmth as premium men's wetsuits in the higher price range.

As a surfer-owned small business hailing from San Diego, Ho Stevie a brand that understands the needs of fellow surfers. Another standout feature is their flexible return policy, allowing you to return the wetsuit within 30 days for a full refund, providing peace of mind. While it may not surpass premium brands in the $400-$500 range like Patagonia or Billabong, the Ho Stevie wetsuit offers solid performance at an affordable price, delivering excellent value for your money.

BUYING ADVICE FOR MEN’S SURFING WETSUITS

Thickness

What are those numbers you keep seeing popping up when wetsuit shopping? What’s a 5/4 and how about a 3/2? Wetsuits are typically categorized by their thickness in millimeters. For colder-water suits, manufacturers often make the core thicker for insulation purposes but use one less millimeter on the arms and legs for mobility, facilitating paddling. When you see two numbers separated by a forward slash in a wetsuit’s name, the first number refers to the thickness of the suit’s core area, while the second reflects the thickness in the limbs. 

In other cases, you’ll see three numbers like a 5/4/3 when the legs and arms are different — this would indicate 5mm around the torso, 4mm around the legs, and 3mm in the arms. Sometimes, wetsuits are the same thickness throughout the whole body, so in that instance, you’ll just see one number in the product’s name. 

So, what thickness do you need? Most brands will provide recommended water temperatures on their product listings. Evo has a thorough guide that is also worth checking out. But generally, you’d want a 6/5 for 42°F and below, a 5/4 for 43°-52°F, a 3/4-5/4 for 52°-58°F, a 3/2-4/3 for 58°-63°F, 2-3/2 for 62°-68°F, and a jacket, top, or springsuit for 65°-75°F. Any warmer than that, and you’re probably good in just a rashguard. 

But keep in mind that these ranges are not absolute: some people run warmer than others, while others are more sensitive to the cold, so your personal preferences must also be considered.

ADD-ONS: The colder the water, the more you’re going to want covered at all costs. That’s where hoods, booties, and gloves come in. Boots can be good for 58-63°F and below, while you’ll probably want hoods and gloves for 58°F and below. 

 

Don’t let those winter swells go to waste. The right wetsuit and add-ons make surfing in the snow possible.

 

Styles

Wetsuits come in a variety of styles. Here are the most common cuts to look for when shopping for men’s wetties. 

STEAMER: Steamer wetsuits have full-length legs and long-sleeves, providing coverage and insulation all the way to the ankles and wrists. 

SPRINGSUIT: Springsuits, or shorty wetsuits, come in a variety of silhouettes. They can have short to long-sleeved arms and either no pant-legs or short legs. 

SHORT JOHN: These wetsuits have short-length legs and are sleeveless up top. 

JACKET: Wetsuit jackets usually have long sleeves extending to the wrists and a front zip. They allow you to keep your core warm while still rocking board shorts.

Entry/Exit

These are the most common forms of ways to get in and out of your wetsuit.

FRONT ZIP: Because laying on a zipper while paddling isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing in the world and a front zipper can be prone to flushing, we only like this style for jackets and springsuits when the water’s not as cold.

BACK ZIP: Zippers running from the base of the back up to the neck are a step-up from front-zips in terms of comfort and mobility. We prefer them for springsuits and warmer water designs. They’re also easier to get in and out of.

CHEST ZIP: Wetsuits with the zipper on the upper chest near your shoulder have become the standard for steamers because they allow for greater flexibility and insulation than the other styles. Chest zip wetsuits are harder to put on and take off, but the warmth factor cannot be beaten.

For more on wetsuit zipper styles, check out this comprehensive guide from Surfer Today weighing their respective pros and cons.

Seams

Wetsuit seams are not all made equal, and you’ll see a lot of terms get thrown around like flatlock stitching, sealed, taped, and more. Seams can have a big impact on your wetsuit’s insulation, as stitching literally punches holes in the fabric, which can let water in. Here are the essentials you need to know when shopping for surfing wetsuits: 

FLATLOCK STITCHING: This is the basic sewing method akin to what you'd find on your everyday jeans and t-shirts. Flatlock stitching involves rolling the two edges of the wetsuit panels inward and stitching them together. While cost-effective, this technique tends to offer less flexibility and can create an uncomfortable bulge on the inside of the wetsuit. As a result, you'll typically encounter this seam type in more affordable wetsuits or those designed for warm-weather use.

GLUED AND BLIND-STICHED (GBS): This is the prevailing seam in cold water surfing. In this method, the edges of the panels are adhered together, aligned from one end to the other, and subsequently stitched on the interior of the neoprene material. The stitching does not extend all the way through to the exterior of the panels. This results in a seam that is not only completely waterproof but also exceptionally flexible.

TAPED: This seam type is known for its extended durability. An elastic tape is integrated into either the interior or exterior of the wetsuit's seams, adding an additional layer of sealing, and it's typically the most resilient type of sealing method. Since the tape is generally the least stretchable component of the seam, it naturally absorbs the stresses and strains caused by the body's movements.

For a deeper dive into wetsuit seam types, Wetsuit Warehouse has a handy blog breaking it down.

 

That feeling when sitting and waiting for the waves to come is the coldest part of the session.

 

CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION: Most surfing wetsuits are primarily nylon-lined neoprene construction.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material known for its excellent insulation properties and flexibility, allowing surfers to stay warm and maneuver comfortably in the water.

The nylon jersey lining makes the wetsuit feel more comfortable on your skin, is flexible, and is another factor that makes getting in and out easier with the fabric’s “glide”.

ECO INNOVATIONS: Conventional neoprene doesn’t biodegrade, as it is a petrochemical-derived fabric. For these reasons, there is a growing demand for non-traditional wetsuit constructions. 

Limestone neoprene is one such alternative material that uses less energy to produce and is biodegradable. However, limestone is still a non-renewable resource, so while better for the environment than old-school neoprene, it’s still not the most planet-friendly choice out there.

Yulex rubber is the leading sustainable alternative to neoprene thanks to its impressive performance and the fact that it does not rely on non-renewable resources and heavy carbon-emitting industrial processes. Unlike neoprene, which is manufactured in factories, Yulex is natural rubber that is sourced from trees that actively absorb carbon through their lifespans. You can read up more on Yulex here.

Fit & Sizing

There is no actual universal sizing standard from brand to brand when shopping for men’s wetsuits. As a result, it’s important to look at different brands’ size guides and measurements, and best yet, try it on before you buy when you can. 

Wetsuits are designed to be a “second skin,” meaning they’re going to fit snug, especially when you get into them on dry land. Remember that once you hit the water, the fabric will stretch and offer more give — but how much varies between different constructions.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What material are the best men’s wetsuits made from? The standard wetsuit construction is nylon-lined neoprene, but there are high-performing, more eco-friendly alternatives out there like Yulex rubber. 

What thickness of wetsuit do I need? The thickness of your wetsuit will depend on what water temperature you’re surfing in, but generally, you’d want a 6/5 for 42°F and below, a 5/4 for 43°-52°F, a 3/4-5/4 for 52°-58°F, a 3/2-4/3 for 58°-63°F, 2-3/2 for 62°-68°F, and a jacket, top, or springsuit for 65°-75°F.

What kind of features should I look for in a wetsuit? There are a few factors to consider when wetsuit shopping like thickness, silhouette style, seam type, material, and more.

How much does a good men’s surfing wetsuit cost? Wetsuit prices can vary greatly, but a good quality men’s springsuit will probably run in the $100-$300 range, while a steamer could set you back $300-$500.

MORE INFORMATION

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