Wetsuits help you swim faster by reducing drag and improving buoyancy, while maintaining body temperature in cold water — and we have plenty of that in Irish seas. These features only work if the suit fits you properly, so getting it right matters. This guide covers everything from suit types and zip styles to seams and how to put one on correctly.
Why Use a Wetsuit?
Wetsuits are made from neoprene — a synthetic rubber that insulates your body by slowing heat transfer to the cold water around you. The snug fit minimises water flow in and out, reducing heat loss and keeping you warm for longer. Neoprene also adds buoyancy, making you more efficient in the water.
For all of this to work, the suit needs to fit like a second skin — practically vacuum-sealed to your body.
When to Use a Wetsuit
Any activity involving cold water or extended exposure to it can benefit from a wetsuit. Here are the most common uses:
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Surfing — Keeps surfers warm and provides some protection from sun and surf injuries.
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Diving — Insulates against cold water and protects from stings or scrapes in scuba and snorkelling.
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Open-water swimming — Adds insulation and buoyancy in colder conditions.
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Kayaking & canoeing — Warmth and protection from splashes and spills in chilly water.
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Kitesurfing & windsurfing — Cold water exposure makes a wetsuit essential for comfort.
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Triathlons — Worn during the swim leg for buoyancy and warmth.
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Wakeboarding & water skiing — Keeps you warm while being towed, especially in cooler waters.
How Do Wetsuits Function?
A well-fitting wetsuit works through five key mechanisms. The neoprene material does the heavy lifting, but the construction of the seams, fit, and thickness all contribute to how well the suit performs.
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Insulation — Neoprene (synthetic rubber) slows heat transfer between your body and the cold water around you.
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Prevention of heat loss — The snug fit minimises water flowing in and out, so your body heat isn't constantly being carried away.
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Flexibility — Wetsuits come in various thicknesses. Thinner suits are more flexible for warmer water; thicker suits provide more insulation for colder conditions.
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Buoyancy — Neoprene provides natural buoyancy, helping you stay afloat and making swimming more efficient.
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Seams — Seam construction affects water resistance, durability, flexibility, and temperature regulation — all crucial for performance.
Types of Wetsuits
Steamer
Full-length sleeves and legs for maximum coverage and warmth. The most versatile option for Irish waters year-round.
Summer: 2–5mm Winter: 5mm+
Shorty
Short sleeves and legs, allowing for greater mobility and breathability. Ideal for surfing, snorkeling, or kayaking in milder temperatures.
Thickness: 2–3mm
Springsuit
Short or long sleeves with swimsuit-style bottoms for maximum mobility. Ideal for surfing, snorkeling, or kayaking in very mild temperatures.
Thickness: 1–2mm
Swimming Wetsuit
Uses a different style of neoprene designed to help you glide seamlessly through the water. This neoprene is particularly delicate — gloves are often provided when trying them on to avoid marking or piercing the material.
Long John / Jane
Covers the full body from neck to ankles but leaves the arms exposed. Great for watersports that rely on arm movement — kayaking, SUPing. Can be worn alone or layered.
Zips
Back Zip
Pro Easiest to get on and off. Great for broader body shapes as it opens fully across the back and shoulders.
Con Can restrict stretch across the back and shoulders. The long zip length makes the suit more prone to flushing (letting water in).
Chest Zip
Pro More flexibility across the back and shoulders. Shorter zip means less flushing.
Con A little trickier to get into than a back zip.
Zip-Free
Pro Maximum flexibility with minimal flushing. Found in high-performance suits.
Con Tricky to get into. Requires more stretching of the neoprene, which can reduce long-term durability.
Seams
Seams are one of the least flexible parts of a wetsuit. More seams means less flexibility, more potential for chafing, and more spots for water to enter. Seam construction is one of the biggest indicators of a suit's quality and intended use.
- Overlock Stitching Often used in lower-cost or summer suits where insulation isn't critical. Not very watertight — can be bulky and let water in.
- Flatlock Seams Stitched flat for comfort but creates holes through the fabric, allowing some water in. Mostly used in summer suits.
- Glued & Blind-Stitched (GBS) Panels are glued first, then stitched halfway through the neoprene — not all the way through. Excellent water resistance, warmth, flexibility, and durability. A sign of a quality suit.
- Taped Seams Reinforced with an additional layer of tape on the inside, offering superior waterproofing and durability.
- Seamless Construction Large panels of neoprene minimise seams altogether, maximising flexibility and comfort.
- Liquid Seal Seams Coated with liquid rubber or polyurethane for added waterproofing and flexibility. Typically found in high-end suits.
How to Put On a Wetsuit
A plastic bag on your feet and hands makes getting into any wetsuit dramatically easier — strange but true!
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Prep
Sit down to begin — it's much easier. Make sure you're not on a rough surface that could damage the neoprene. Your body should be dry and remove watches and jewellery before you start to avoid tearing the lining.
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Feet
Slip one leg in while sitting. Don't force your foot through yet — check the suit is the right way around (zip lined up for your back). Grab the suit on either side of your leg, point your toes, and push your foot through in one smooth movement to minimise stress on the seams. Repeat for the other foot.
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Legs
Stand up and pull the wetsuit up to your waist, gently easing any sections that stick. Pull the legs as high as you can without straining. Check for no folds, air pockets, or creases behind the knees — these cause chafing when kicking. The suit should sit 5–14cm above the ankle bone; neoprene around the ankle restricts kicking flexibility. The crotch won't be tight yet — that comes in the next step.
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Arms
With the legs on, clench your fist and put one arm in at a time to avoid snagging the lining with your nails. Work the material up your arms until both shoulders are covered — this naturally pulls the suit tight against the crotch. Swing your arms a few times to evenly distribute the neoprene over your whole body before zipping up.
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Zip
It's worth learning to zip up yourself even if someone else is around. Push your shoulder blades together to bring the back material closer, then pull the zip smoothly in the same direction it runs while holding the base with your other hand. Never force the zipper — if it's sticking, adjust the material first.
