Best 7mm Wetsuits Reviewed [2022]

Diving or surfing in exceedingly cold waters without the right wetsuit can be dangerous. You could even run the risk of hypothermia. But with the best 7mm wetsuit, you could swim in 45-degrees F water temperatures without getting cold.

This is because these wetsuits come with watertight seals to keep water out. They are made from durable neoprene material, which boasts great thermal insulation.

Now, you are probably wondering, how exactly do these garments work to keep you warm while under the water? And besides keeping you warm, what other benefits do they offer?

Well, in this review, we are going to answer all the questions you might have about wetsuits. We shall also look at some of the top-rated 7mm wetsuits currently available on the market and how to choose the right one.

Comparison Chart Of 7mm Wetsuits

How Does a Wetsuit Work?

Unlike a dry suit which keeps you dry, a wetsuit is designed to keep you warm by letting in water. So, there is nothing like a waterproof 7mm wetsuit. But how is this possible? Here is how this garment works. A wetsuit is designed to fit into your body tightly.

In other words, it tends to stick to your skin. However, you will find that this garment usually leaves little room for water to enter. So, once you get inside the water, the wetsuit works by trapping just a small volume of water between it and your skin.

The trapped water is then warmed up by your body heat and acts as an insulating layer. Essentially, wetsuits are made of neoprene material which works as the insulator against cold water temperatures. So, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer you can expect to be.

Benefits of using wetsuits

Besides keeping you warm while you are submerged in cold water ranging from around 40 to 60-degrees, there are other benefits of using wetsuits. These include:

Helps you swim faster

All wetsuits are manufactured from naturally buoyant neoprene materials. This makes it easy for you to stay afloat with minimal effort. Consequently, this enables you to glide easily through the water and swim faster.

Provides safety and protection

Generally, wetsuits are made from neoprene with different thickness levels ranging from 2mm to 7mm for extreme winter conditions. So, thicker wetsuits can provide you with superior protection from abrasion and even sunburns. You also won’t have to worry about your skin getting irritated or cut by sharp objects such as shells.

Extra comfort

Wetsuits are designed to be comfortable to wear for as long as it is necessary. So, by allowing you to stay warm while in the water, it means you can also swim for longer without feeling uncomfortable.

Better performance

Another benefit of using a wetsuit is that it can help enhance your performance in the water. This is because it is designed to fit tightly into your body. And as a result, it helps compress your muscles and joints, thereby allowing you to perform better.

Top 8 Picks for the Best rated 7mm wetsuits

Whether you are looking for the best wetsuit for men, women, spearfishing, or scuba diving, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top recommendations below. 

1. Neo Sport Men’s Premium Neoprene 7mm Waterman Wetsuit

This is our best overall wetsuit designed specifically for men. It is a 2-piece jacket combo type of wetsuit that doubles at the torso to provide you with superior warmth. Essentially, this scuba wetsuit for men comes in sizes ranging from small to 3X-Large to provide you with a good fit.

Another thing that makes it an excellent product is the fact that it is a multi-purpose wetsuit. This means that apart from diving, you can also use it for kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba wakeboarding, and other water sports.

You will also be pleased to know that it is made from premium neoprene to provide you with a comfortable fit. Even better, it boasts flat-lock seams, and the stress points come spot taped for maximum durability and comfort.

Special Features

• Sealed flatlock seams to keep water out
• Durable knee pads
• Front-zip closure for ease of removing
• Size ranges from small to 3X-Large
• Long sleeve

2. Henderson Thermoprene PLUS SIZE Women’s 7mm Wetsuit

Looking for the best wetsuit for women? You might want to try out this plus-size suit that comes in three sizes, including 4, 8, and 12. So, depending on your size, it will naturally fit your body shape.

In terms of construction, this suit is made from thermoprene or simply super stretch neoprene. So, compared to products made of standard neoprene, this wetsuit provides you with more freedom of movement.

Special Features

• Spine pad to protect your lower back
• Rated for 52-degree water temperatures and up
• Back zipper closure with anti-flush design
• Durable Lycra trimmed edges for comfort

3. Aqua Lung Aquaflex 7mm Men’s Wetsuit

Next up, we’ve got this premium quality wetsuit best for men of different sizes. The suit is made of high stretch neoprene to provide you with ultimate comfort. On the other hand, its seams boast liquid fusion technology for superior durability.

If that’s not enough, the best 7mm semi dry wetsuit comes with a hook and loop closure-resistant outer fabric. This is designed to provide you with additional comfort and protection from the elements. And being a jumpsuit type of wetsuit, you can expect full-body protection from this outfit.

This jumpsuit is available in many sizes ranging from X- to X-Large -Tall. Therefore, it should be easy to find your correct size. Even better, you can get it in two color choices, including black/charcoal and blue/gray.

Special Features

• Made from 4-way super-stretch neoprene
• Back zip for easy entry and exit
• Hook and loop closure
• Jumpsuit style for maximum warmth

4. Cressi Men’s & Ladies’ Full Wetsuit Back-Zip

Featuring an elegant and versatile design, this wetsuit for men and women is made of double-lined neoprene for increased durability and comfort. Basically, it is a one-piece full-body wetsuit with a closure flap to reduce neck water. In addition, the suit boasts extra padding on the knees for added protection from the elements.

Similar to other 7mm wetsuits, this product comes in a wide range of sizes to choose from. If you want a small, medium, large, X-Large, XX-Large, or even 3X-Large, you will be sure to find one. And according to different users, the suits run true to size.

Special Features

• YKK back zip-closure with lining
• Knee pads with anti-abrasion reinforcement
• Built-in water-stop system on the wrists and ankles
• The neck features an anatomic design for comfort

5. O’Neil Men’s Dive Sector 7mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

The O'Neil Men’s Dive Sector wetsuit is considered the best super-stretch neoprene suit available on the market. This is because it is constructed from 100% dive-grade stretch neoprene materials. As such, you will find it very comfortable and durable.

And you know what the best part is? This full wetsuit is equipped with a back zip featuring code red urethane coating to block water out. The seams are also 100% sealed, thereby making this product the best 7mm semi dry wetsuit for men. 

As far as sizing is concerned, this suit is available in only three sizes. These include Large Tall, X-Large Short, and XX-Large. So, if you are on the smaller size, you should consider other wetsuits in this review.

Special Features

• Moisture-wicking interior chest and back panels
• 100% sealed seams with minimal design
• Made from dive-grade UltraFlex stretch neoprene
• Back zip is coated with code red urethane to keep water out
• Inner fleece lining to keep you warm

6. Scubapro Men’s EverFlex Steamer 7mm Wetsuit

Here is yet another pair of durable wetsuits best for scuba diving. The suit is constructed from EverFlex neoprene to ensure long-lasting performance. It also incorporates multi-thickness panels to provide you with superior thermal protection and flexibility.

Both the wrist and the ankles are fitted with double-zippered seals to prevent water seepage. And for ease of wearing and removing the suit, you get a diagonal YKK zipper at the back with a KA brass slider.

Featuring a full-body style with long sleeves, you can expect this outfit to provide you with maximum protection. And the best part is that it’s available in various sizes ranging from S-tall to 2XL-short. As such, you will have an easy time finding your correct size. 

Special Features

• Made of 100% durable EverFlex neoprene
• Virtually water-tight double-blind stitched seams
• Interior chest and back panels feature absorbent Heliospan material
• Wrist, ankles, and ankles incorporate Glideskin seals
• Back YKK zipper with double seals and brass sliders

7. Bare 7mm Wetsuit

Featuring a combination of three different full-stretch material types, this wetsuit is best for comfort. The stretch materials provide you with excellent flexibility. If that’s not enough, the underarms boast a seamless design for additional comfort.

You will also be pleased to know that this bare 7mm wetsuit comes with knee pads. The pads are both wear and abrasion-resistant to protect your knees from the elements. And being a full-body wetsuit, you can expect maximum protection.

In terms of sizing, this product will not disappoint you. It comes in many sizes ranging from small to 3X-large to ensure a perfect fit. The best part is that the suit comes with a contoured glide skin collar to reduce the water entry.

Special Features

• Heavy-duty ankle, rear, and wrist zippers
• Made from progressive full-stretch neoprene
• 360-degree neck seal to minimize water seepage
• Comfortable GLIDESKIN collar with Velcro adjustment
• Seams are double-glued to lock out water

8. Mares Pure Instinct 7mm Spearfishing Freediving Wetsuit

Looking for a 2-piece wetsuit that is best for spearfishing? Well, this product features colored lining with a camouflage covering to help you easily sneak up on your prey. In addition, it boasts neoprene construction designed to provide you with superior heat retention and excellent comfort.

However, while this is a two-piece wetsuit, both the jacket and the pants are sold separately. And as for the jacket, you can only get it in two sizes, including S2-Small and large. The pants, on the other hand, are available in sizes ranging from small to XX-Large.

Special Features

• Made from open-cell neoprene to keep you warm
• Durable rugged beaver tail with double-lining
• Unique outer camouflage covering
• Reinforced chest pad on the jacket
• Beavertail fitted with quick-connect grommets

What To Consider When Buying 7mm Wetsuit

When looking to buy the best 7mm wetsuit, there are a few things you must look out for. But what are these things? Read on to find out.

Size

Wetsuits come in different sizes to choose from. However, the best wetsuit is one that fits snugly on your body. This is because a loose suit will let water in and hence will not keep you warm.

Generally, a good-fitting wetsuit should not leave any space between the suit and your skin. It should fit tightly. So, make sure to check the individual manufacturer’s size guidelines because sizes differ across manufacturers.

Type of stitching

The type of stitching particular wetsuit employs will determine how well it can prevent water seepage. For most wetsuits that are inexpensive, you will find that they use flat lock stitching. Unfortunately, this type of stitching may allow some water to seep in.

On the other hand, some wetsuits are glued and blind stitched. Some products may also feature double-blind stitch and others single-blind stitch. But overall, this type of stitching is more durable and does not allow any water to seep through. 

Zippers

A zipper makes it easy for you to get in and out of your wetsuit with ease. Generally, most products either come with a front/chest or a back zipper. But for added convenience, you might want to consider a chest zip and back zip wetsuit.

Having said that, some wetsuits also feature zippers around the ankles and wrists to provide you with a snug fit. In addition, you should consider getting a wetsuit that utilizes heavy-duty and durable YKK zippers.

Seals

The best wetsuit brands are designed to be 100% sealed to keep water out. For some products, they come spot-taped at the stress points only. Others utilize watertight seals, which are equally good at preventing water seepage.

However, the best wetsuits usually feature Glideskin seals around the wrists, ankles, and even the neck area. Overall, this is considered the best form of a seal.

Material

Almost all 7mm wetsuits are manufactured from neoprene materials. However, some suits are made from thermoprene, which has more stretch compared to standard neoprene.

On the other hand, you will find that some wetsuits feature open-cell neoprene construction. These wetsuits tend to be softer, comfortable, and very flexible but can be a little costly.

But when it comes to durability and comfort, you might want to consider getting a wetsuit made of double-lined neoprene. Other types of materials that are equally good include dive-grade stretch neoprene, high-stretch neoprene, and EverFlex neoprene.

Style/Type

There are different types of wetsuits, including shorties which are cut just above your knees. These are easy to put on and very comfortable, but they provide you with no leg protection.

Another common type of wetsuit is the full-body or jumpsuit. Although they are not as easy to wear as the shorties, they provide you with more warmth and protection.

FAQs

You probably already know that choosing the best 7mm diving wetsuit for your needs is not a straightforward process. So, we hope these frequently asked questions will make it easier for you.

What temperature is a 7mm wetsuit good for?

Because of its thickness level, a 7mm wetsuit temperature can range from 45 to 60 degrees F. But it depends on your tolerance for cold and how well the wetsuit is stitched to keep cold water out.

What thickness wetsuit for 55-degree water?

A 4mm wetsuit will work if you will just be swimming. However, if you plan to do a lot of surfing or diving at this temperature range, you should consider a 5mm wetsuit.

What to wear under a 7mm wetsuit?

There is actually no right or wrong answer here because it is a personal choice. However, you should at least wear a swimsuit in case you have to change your wetsuit in front of people. You could wear a swimsuit and tee-shirt, swimming trunks, or any type of non-restrictive swimsuit. Also, you can wear a rash guard top to keep you a little bit warmer and help ease skin irritation.

See Also : What To Wear Under Wetsuit

When to wear a 7mm wetsuit?

Generally, you can wear your 7mm wetsuit when kayaking, diving, snorkeling, canoeing, surfing, and scuba wakeboarding. Some 7mm wetsuits can also be used for spearfishing. But only if the water temperatures are around 45 to 60-degrees F.

How much weight for a 7mm wetsuit?

Generally, a 7mm wetsuit may only require about 10% of your body weight which is around 3 to 5 pounds. But depending on what you are wearing underneath the wetsuit, the weight may be more or less.

Can you swim in a 7mm wetsuit?

Conclusion

When looking for the best 7mm wetsuit, there are a couple of features to watch out for. Some of these features include fit, style of the wetsuit, type of stitching it employs, material, and even seals.

With that said, we recommend the Neo Sport Men’s Premium Neoprene 7mm Waterman Wetsuit as the best overall wetsuit. This is because it fits true to size, comes with knee pads, and offers up to 14mm warmth over your body’s core.

Alternatively, you could consider the Cressi Men’s & Ladies Full Wetsuit, which is made of double-lined neoprene for superior durability and warmth. It is also covered by a 2-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.