Neoprene swimming costumes – Our personal guide to cold weather protection in the water for 2025.
Before June and after October, the water around Crete is definitely too fresh for us, so we have been using neoprene swimming costumes for some time now.
Swimming in cold water can be tough on the body, but a neoprene swimsuit helps keep us warm and comfortable in chilly conditions. These special swimsuits are made from the same material as wetsuits, offering insulation and protection whilst letting us move freely in the water. We’ve found they’re brilliant for open water swimming, surfing, and other water sports where regular swimwear just won’t do.
Neoprene swimsuits come in different thicknesses and styles to suit men, women, and children. The thickness of the material makes a big difference in how warm we stay – thicker suits keep us toastier but can restrict movement a bit more. We’ve learned that finding the right fit is crucial, as a loose suit won’t keep us warm, and one that’s too tight can be uncomfortable.
When choosing a neoprene swimsuit, we need to think about where and how we’ll use it. The water temperature and activity type help us decide on the right thickness. Seams are another key factor – flatlock stitching tends to be more comfortable and durable. We spent weeks testing different neoprene swimsuits for the whole family to find ones that balance warmth, comfort, and freedom of movement.
Best Neoprene Swimsuits
We’ve spent countless hours testing neoprene swimsuits to bring you our favourite picks for the whole family. After trying dozens of options across men’s, women’s, and children’s styles, we’ve found the most comfortable, durable, and well-fitting neoprene swimwear that keeps you warm in and out of the water.
Varsany Children’s Personalised Swimsuit
We reckon this personalised swimsuit is perfect for young swimmers who want to stand out at the pool with their name in sparkly crystals.
Pros
- Diamante name adds a special touch
- Easy to put on with back zipper
- Keeps kids warm in cold water
Cons
- Sizes run quite small
- Name patch can come loose
- Limited colour options
We tried this swimsuit with kids and loved how the diamante crystals caught the light at the pool. The detachable name patch is brilliant for safety – you can remove it when needed. The neoprene material felt sturdy and kept the water out nicely.
The back zipper made getting dressed a breeze, which is ace when dealing with tired kids after swimming. We noticed the material dried quickly and didn’t lose its shape even after several uses. The double-stitched seams held up well during active play.
The sizing needs careful attention – we’d suggest going up at least one size for comfort. Even with that small snag, the suit moves well during swimming and doesn’t restrict movement. The fabric offers good UV protection, which gave us peace of mind during outdoor swimming sessions.
DESHOME Plus Size Shorty Wetsuit
We believe this 3mm neoprene wetsuit is a brilliant choice for plus-size swimmers who want comfort and warmth in the water.
Pros
- True to size fit for larger body types
- Strong, reliable back zipper
- Excellent warmth retention
Cons
- Limited colour options
- Takes a bit of effort to put on
- Slightly stiff at first
We tried this wetsuit during our recent swimming sessions, and the 3mm neoprene thickness struck a perfect balance between flexibility and warmth. The material felt snug against our skin without being too restrictive.
The back zipper system worked smoothly, though we needed a bit of help reaching it. Once on, the suit stayed in place brilliantly during our underwater adventures. No water seeped through the seams.
The sizing runs true to European measurements, which was a pleasant surprise for our plus-size team members. After a few uses, the initial stiffness began to ease up, making it much more comfortable. The short sleeves gave us good arm movement for swimming strokes.
PZZMY 3mm Neoprene Vest
We found this affordable wetsuit vest offers decent warmth for casual water activities, making it a solid choice for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts on a budget.
Pros
- Stretchy and comfortable 3mm neoprene material
- Easy to put on with YKK front zip
- Works well for multiple water activities
Cons
- Sizing runs quite small
- Length might be too short for taller people
- Underarm areas can rub during movement
We tested this vest during our morning swim sessions, and the 3mm neoprene definitely helped keep our core warm. The material feels soft against the skin, and we particularly liked the flat-lock stitching that prevented any water from seeping through the seams.
The camouflage print option adds a nice touch to the standard black design. We noticed the large arm holes provided good freedom of movement, though some of us experienced mild chafing during longer sessions. The YKK zipper worked smoothly and didn’t catch on the protective neck flap.
Getting the right size proved tricky. We’d suggest ordering one size up from your normal fit. Despite this minor setback, the vest performed well for basic water activities like swimming and kayaking. The warmth retention impressed us, especially given the modest price point.
Cressi Ladies’ Thermal Swimsuit
This stylish 2mm neoprene swimsuit from Cressi offers brilliant warmth and comfort for water activities all year round.
Pros
- Incredibly stretchy material fits like a glove
- Front zip makes getting dressed easy
- Perfect thickness for swimming and snorkelling
Cons
- Tricky to remove when wet
- Limited colour options
- Slightly short in the torso for taller people
We tested this sleek swimsuit during several water activities and loved how it performed. The 2mm neoprene provides just enough warmth without feeling bulky or restrictive.
Getting into the suit is a breeze thanks to the front zip design. The double-lined material feels premium against the skin, and the stretchy fabric allows for excellent range of motion while swimming.
The suit kept us cosy during early morning swims and snorkelling sessions. We noticed the core warmth benefit straight away, though it’s worth noting that removing it after use takes a bit of wiggling.
This piece strikes a nice balance between a regular swimsuit and a full wetsuit. The streamlined design looks smart in the water, and the high-quality construction suggests it will last for many swimming seasons.
We found it particularly useful for spring and autumn swimming when the water’s a bit nippy. The suit dries rather quickly and doesn’t hold onto that typical wetsuit smell.
Kids’ Two-Piece Thermal Wetsuit
We think this comfortable two-piece wetsuit is perfect for active kids who need extra warmth and protection in the water.
Pros
- Super easy to put on and take off
- Premium stretchy material for unrestricted movement
- Extra warmth from 2mm neoprene
Cons
- Limited colour options
- Takes longer to dry than thinner suits
- Slightly pricey compared to basic swimwear
We tested this wetsuit with kids at the beach, and the two-piece design made bathroom breaks so much easier than traditional one-piece suits. The front zip meant our 7-year-old could get dressed without help.
The premium neoprene felt lovely and soft against the skin. The kids stayed warm during a full hour of swimming in chilly water. The flatlock seams prevented any chafing or irritation, even after extended wear.
The suit held up brilliantly during active water play. We noticed the material stayed stretchy and didn’t bind or restrict movement when the children were paddling, swimming, and climbing on rocks. The shorts and top combo gave them extra freedom to move about.
Buying Guide
I find that picking the perfect neoprene swimsuit starts with getting the right fit. We always recommend trying on suits before buying, as a snug fit is essential for proper insulation and mobility.
The thickness of the neoprene matters quite a bit. I suggest 3mm for warmer waters and 5mm for colder conditions. We’ve found that thicker suits keep us warmer but can limit movement a tad.
Seam construction is crucial for comfort and durability. Look for flatlock seams in warm water suits and blind-stitched seams with glued seals for cold water use.
Key features to check:
- Zipper quality and placement
- Ankle and wrist seals
- Reinforced knees and seat
- UV protection rating
- Flexibility around joints
We need to pay attention to the intended use. Swimming needs differ from surfing or diving, and each activity might require specific features.
I always check the care instructions before buying. Some suits need more maintenance than others, and proper care helps them last longer.
For children’s suits, we look for:
- Easy-to-use zips
- Bright colours for visibility
- Adjustable features for growth
- Extra reinforcement in high-wear areas
Remember to consider your local water temperatures and typical swimming conditions. I’ve learned that matching these factors to suit thickness is vital for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m excited to share answers to common questions about neoprene swimsuits based on my years of experience helping swimmers find the perfect fit. These practical insights have helped countless customers make informed choices for their water activities.
What are the benefits of neoprene swimsuits for swimming and water sports?
We’ve found that neoprene swimsuits offer brilliant buoyancy in the water, which helps us swim with less effort. They’re also great for keeping us warm, even in chilly Mediterranean winter waters.
The material gives us extra protection against scrapes and sun exposure. We love how it supports our muscles during long swimming sessions.
How do different styles of neoprene swimsuits, like one-piece and two-piece, compare in terms of comfort and performance?
One-piece suits give us the most streamlined feel in the water. We’ve noticed they’re perfect for serious swimming and racing.
Two-piece options let us mix and match sizes for a better fit. They’re also easier to put on and take off, which we really appreciate during quick changes.
What should I look for when choosing neoprene swimwear for my children?
We always recommend checking the thickness – 2-3mm is ideal for most kids’ swimming needs. A proper fit is crucial – the suit should be snug but not too tight.
Look for bright colours or reflective strips for better visibility. We make sure zips are easy for little hands to manage.
Are there specific types of neoprene swimsuits recommended for ladies’ water activities?
We’ve seen great results with suits that offer extra chest support and tummy control panels. Longer leg lengths help prevent riding up during active movement.
Cross-back designs give us better shoulder mobility for swimming strokes. We love suits with UV protection for outdoor swimming.
How do I care for and maintain my neoprene swimsuit to ensure its longevity?
We always rinse our suits in fresh water after each use. It’s essential to avoid washing machines – gentle hand washing is best.
Hang the suit to dry in the shade. We never leave it in direct sunlight or use heat to dry it.
Could you tell me if neoprene swimwear provides any thermal advantages for outdoor swimming?
We’ve tested these suits in various temperatures, and they definitely keep us warmer than regular swimwear. The material traps a thin layer of water that our body heats up.
These suits are brilliant for extending our swimming season into spring and autumn. We stay comfortable in water temperatures that would normally feel too cold.
