The Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, choosing the right surf wetsuit is essential to fully enjoy every session. Comfort, warmth, freedom of movement... everything depends on a wetsuit that’s properly adapted to your body shape and the climate conditions. 

At Wildsuits, we’re committed to offering you technical and durable wetsuits. Here is our complete guide to help you choose the ideal surf wetsuit.

Why choose a limestone neoprene wetsuit?

Traditional neoprene, derived from petroleum, has long dominated the surf market. But at Wildsuits, we made a different choice from the very beginning in 2016: a cleaner neoprene made from limestone rock, known as limestone neoprene.

This limestone neoprene has many qualities that combine performance, ethics, and comfort. Its carbon footprint is much lower, and its production requires less fossil energy than conventional neoprene.

This neoprene contains closed cells, making it ultra-insulating while remaining extremely lightweight. It retains its natural elasticity session after session and even has a “memory” ability to adapt to each surfer’s body shape, ensuring exceptional longevity, even for the most regular surfers.

Limestone neoprene brings together all the qualities required for a high-performance wetsuit, with no compromises. It provides surfers with optimal thermal protection, unmatched comfort, and even a reduced environmental impact compared to petroleum-based neoprene. 

the key criteria for choosing the right wetsuit.

A perfectly fitted size.

The first mistake to avoid is choosing a poorly fitted wetsuit. A good surf wetsuit should hug your body like a second skin.

If it’s too big, water will seep in, cooling you down and wearing the suit out faster. On the other hand, if it’s too small, your movements will be restricted and the neoprene may deteriorate more quickly. 

At Wildsuits, our wetsuits are designed to gradually adapt to your body shape thanks to a flexible, intelligent neoprene. Our high-performance limestone neoprene reacts to your body heat and your movements. After just a few sessions, the heat released by your body slightly relaxes the neoprene, allowing it to mold perfectly to your shape, without ever permanently deforming. It usually takes 3 to 4 sessions for the wetsuit to reach optimal comfort and a personalized fit. Thanks to this memory effect, it remains flexible, elastic, and resistant over time.

To help you choose the right size for your body type, you’ll find a complete size guide on our website, which cross-references your height and weight to determine the ideal size for each of our products. We are committed to making surfing accessible to as many people as possible, which is why we offer a wide range of sizes.

If you're between two sizes and unsure, choose the smaller size or feel free to email us athello@wildsuits.frwith our experience, we’ll give you the best advice. The neoprene naturally softens after a few uses to adapt perfectly to your silhouette.

We’ve also recently released a wetsuit specifically designed for women,which fits female body shapes perfectly thanks to precise adjustments at the chest, hips, and waist.

Choosing the right thickness.

The second essential criterion is the thickness of the wetsuit. This guarantees thermal comfort and performance, depending on water temperature, session length, and your personal cold tolerance.

At Wildsuits, our premium classics come in three thicknesses (3/2 mm, 4/3 mm, and 5/4 mm), designed to match different water temperatures:

 La 5/4 mm wetsuit is perfect for the coldest waters, ideal for Atlantic winters or Northern Europe.
La 4/3 mm wetsuit is the most versatile in Europe, offering an excellent balance of warmth and flexibility.
La 3/2 mm wetsuit is perfect for summer or temperate waters, offering great freedom of movement without overheating.

Our most technical premium models feature a stretch fleece lining from the torso to the knees for extra warmth without sacrificing flexibility — it feels like surfing on a cloud.

For spring 2025, we’ve redesigned our 4/3 wetsuit with a lightweight (fleece-free) and colorful version. Presented in a stylish ocean blue, this new edition perfectly combines style, performance, and accessibility. Lighter, without compromising on elasticity or comfort, it becomes your ideal ally for all mid-season sessions. 

If you have any questions about how to put on your surf wetsuit,we’ve got just the article to help you out :). 

By the way, have you noticed that small hole at the back of Wildsuits wetsuits? It’s not just a detail! To discover its purpose, we invite you to read our article dedicated to the water drainage system in wetsuits.

Surf All Year Round, Even in the Middle of Winter..

At Wildsuits, we firmly believe surfing has no season. Whether it’s summer or the dead of winter, every session deserves the best gear. That’s why we are constantly expanding our wetsuit range to allow all surfers to ride anywhere in the world, whatever the conditions.

For the most extreme sessions, we’ve developed hooded wetsuits available in 5/4 mm and 4/3 mmthicknesses. Designed to face harsh winters on exposed coasts, these two technical wetsuits represent all of Wildsuits’ expertise. They’ve been thoughtfully developed with our rider community and approved by our ambassadors across Europe.

Locally made with durable materials, the hooded wetsuit offers optimal thermal protection without sacrificing flexibility. It’s the ideal option to keep surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddling even when the water is freezing. More flexible than traditional thick wetsuits, it keeps you warm while ensuring excellent freedom of movement.

When the Water Warms Up.

When temperatures rise and the water becomes milder, Wildsuits has everything you need to enjoy your summer sessions without compromising comfort or protection. Our range includes three shorty wetsuit models, each designed to match your preferences and practice:

You have the choice between:

• Shorty with short sleeves / short legs:  the classic and ultra-versatile version.
• Shorty with long sleeves / short legs: for a bit more sun and thermal protection on the arms.
• Shorty with short sleeves / long legs: perfect for keeping your legs warm while staying completely free on top.

All three are made from 2 mm limestone neoprene flexible, eco-friendly, and high-performing. They feature front zips for good watertightness and GBS or flatlock seams depending on the zone, to ensure optimal strength and maximum freedom of movement.

For even more flexibility on the hottest days, our 2 mm neoprene top is the perfect alternative. Lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly flexible, it feels like a second skin while offering effective sun protection. With its ergonomic fit and technical materials, you’ll enjoy full freedom of movement to perform your best.

Whether you're a regular surfer or a tropical session enthusiast, our warm-water range is designed to follow you everywhere: surfing, paddling, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking, or snorkeling it adapts to all your summer water activities. 

The Wildsuits LongJohn: The Reinvented Retro Icon for Summer Sessions.

Want to surf in style while staying comfortable? Here’s our favorite model for warm days: The Longjohndirectly inspired by the 1980s look. 

A sleeveless, long-legged wetsuit that makes a comeback with a modern, technical, and ultra-versatile version.

Ideal for stand-up paddle, windsurfing, kayaking, or surfing in temperate waters, the LongJohn is a must-have for anyone wanting to ride freely while protecting their lower body from cold and friction.

What makes our LongJohn unique is its absolute freedom of movement. With no sleeves and an ergonomic cut, you’ll enjoy total comfort around the shoulders and arms perfect for water sports requiring agility and range.
Made from 2 mm limestone neoprene, it keeps your lower body warm while avoiding upper body overheating. The ideal balance for mid-season and summer sessions.

With careful European manufacturing, strong flatlock seams, and ultra-stretch neoprene, the Wildsuits LongJohn is ready to face the elements: salt, sun, spray, and long hours of paddling.
It also features an easy-to-adjust shoulder strap for quick dressing and targeted reinforcements to reduce wear in friction zones.
Just like the rest of our range, it’s made from eco-designed limestone neoprene, petroleum-free, and built to last season after season.

The Zip System: A Choice That Changes Everything.

A third point that might seem like a detail — but definitely isn’t is the zip placement. It affects both waterproofing, ease of dressing, and freedom of movement. So Zipless, Front Zip, or Back Zip which to choose?

The Back Zip (zip in the back) is the easiest to put on, making it a great choice for beginners. But in terms of waterproofing, it’s less efficient. That’s why at Wildsuits, we reserve it only for our surf school model. For all our public models, we’ve chosen Front Zip without hesitation.

But then, why choose a Front Zip over a Zipless?

The Front Zip stands out for its ease of putting on and taking off. Unlike the Zipless model, which can quickly become a struggle to get over your shoulders, the front opening allows you to open it wide and adjust it easily — even after a tiring session. For surfers who chain waves, this convenience is a major advantage.

On top of that, the Front Zip offers exceptional waterproofing. Thanks to an internal anti-leak flap, you stay well protected from water entry, ensuring better thermal insulation and optimal comfort throughout your session. It’s your guarantee for surfing longer, even in cold weather.

Durability is also a win. Unlike the Zipless, which puts a lot of strain on the neoprene when dressing and undressing, the Front Zip reduces premature material wear. You’ll get a wetsuit that maintains its flexibility and performance season after season.

The Front Zip stands out as the most practical daily option. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a passionate beginner, it simplifies your life without compromising performance. No trade-offs between comfort and efficiency.

The Technical Details That Make the Difference..

Looking good on the water is great! But our Wildsuits wetsuits go beyond great design — they integrate cutting-edge technologies to guarantee comfort, durability, and performance.

At Wildsuits, every detail matters to keep you warm and comfortable in the water. All our wetsuits, including summer models, are equipped with Flush Lock systems at the wrists and ankles. This technology creates an ultra-effective anti-leak barrier, even after a series of duck dives or a heavy wipeout. A close-to-body fit that adapts to your extremities after a few sessions and prevents any cold water from entering.

When it comes to seams, our wetsuits for cold and temperate water feature GBS seams (glued and blind-stitched), fully reinforced with an ultra-flexible and waterproof interior tape. This ensures optimal waterproofing without sacrificing flexibility (unlike stiff tape reinforcements often used by other manufacturers). You stay free to move even in the most demanding conditions.

We also integrate unique neoprene reinforcement patches at strategic wear points like the knees and shoulders.

Add to that silicone logos that don’t peel over time, even after long exposure to sun and salt. A discreet key cord at the front zip area, and TADA! — you get the ideal wetsuit to surf in style, equipped with the latest technology while respecting the ocean thanks to eco-designed, long-lasting materials.

To Sum Up: A Good Wetsuit is the Key to Surfing All Year Round.

Choosing the right wetsuit is about more than just style or thickness — it’s what guarantees your performance, comfort, and stoke in the water. At Wildsuits, we’re dedicated to creating technical and durable wetsuits designed to adapt to all conditions, all body types, and all seasons.

Limestone neoprene, reinforced seams, Flush Lock system, convenient Front Zip, ergonomic cuts, summer or winter options… every detail matters to help you surf longer, more freely, and with a reduced impact on the environment.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, there’s a Wildsuits wetsuit made for you.

If you have any questions about the wetsuits or are unsure about your size, feel free to contact us by email at: hello@wildsuits.frwe’ll be happy to help you find the wetsuit that fits like a second skin.

The Wildsuits Team.