Getting the right wetsuit is important for both comfort and speed when swimming in open water. There are different styles and sizes of wetsuits for different water temperatures. If you’re swimming in warm, temperate, or cold water, choosing the right wetsuit clothing can make a big difference in how much fun you have.
Warm Water Wetsuits
Warm water wetsuits are designed for temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 23°C (73°F). These suits are typically thinner than their cold-water counterparts, offering a balance between comfort and performance. The main goal of a warm water wetsuit is to provide just enough insulation to help maintain body temperature while allowing swimmers to move freely and comfortably.
Key Features of Warm Water Wetsuits:
- Thickness: Warm water wetsuits usually range from 1mm to 3mm in thickness. This allows for enough insulation to prevent heat loss while swimming without restricting movement.
- Flexibility: Since warm water wetsuits are thinner, they tend to be more flexible, providing a greater range of motion, which is essential for long-distance swimmers or triathletes.
- Breathability: In warmer temperatures, breathability is important to prevent overheating. The lighter material of warm water wetsuits ensures that swimmers stay cool while still maintaining buoyancy and comfort.
- Comfort: With their thinner material, warm water wetsuits are often more comfortable for swimmers who need less insulation and more freedom of movement.
These wetsuits are ideal for those swimming in lakes, oceans, or rivers with warmer water temperatures, especially in tropical or temperate climates. They allow swimmers to enjoy the water for longer periods without overheating or feeling too restricted.
Cold Water Wetsuits
Cold water wetsuits are specifically designed to protect swimmers in colder water temperatures, typically below 18°C (64°F). The primary purpose of these wetsuits is to offer superior thermal protection, keeping the swimmer warm and safe from hypothermia. Cold water wetsuits are thicker, more insulating, and designed to keep heat trapped close to the body.
Key Features of Cold Water Wetsuits:
- Thickness: Cold water wetsuits range from 4mm to 7mm in thickness. The increased thickness provides much better insulation, which helps protect swimmers in extremely cold conditions.
- Thermal Protection: The additional layers of insulation in cold water wetsuits trap heat, maintaining body temperature even in waters as cold as 10°C (50°F). These wetsuits also typically feature a smooth-skin outer layer that helps reduce heat loss from wind chill.
- Buoyancy: Cold water wetsuits are often designed with additional buoyancy features. This extra buoyancy helps swimmers stay afloat more easily in colder waters, which tend to be denser.
- Seal and Fit: Cold water wetsuits usually have seals at the wrists, ankles, and neck to prevent cold water from entering the suit. A snug fit is also essential to minimise water movement inside the wetsuit, ensuring maximum warmth.
Cold water wetsuits are perfect for those who regularly swim in colder environments, such as during winter, or in regions with colder oceans or lakes. They are a must-have for swimmers who need both insulation and protection to stay safe while enjoying their sport in harsh conditions.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a warm water or cold water wetsuit depends on where and how you plan to swim. Here are some factors to consider:
- Water Temperature: The most important factor when selecting your wetsuit is the water temperature. For warm water, a thinner wetsuit (1mm-3mm) should suffice, while for cold water, you’ll need something thicker (4mm-7mm) to keep warm.
- Comfort vs. Protection: If you’re a competitive swimmer or triathlete, flexibility might be a higher priority, in which case, a warm water wetsuit swimwear would be ideal. However, if you’re swimming in freezing temperatures, warmth and protection from hypothermia should be your primary concern.
- Duration of Swim: For shorter swims in warmer water, comfort and flexibility are key. For long-distance swims in cold water, insulation becomes the priority to ensure you don’t lose body heat over time.
In summary, the choice between warm water and cold water wetsuits comes down to water temperature, the length of time you plan to swim, and the need for flexibility versus insulation. Both types of wetsuit swimwear offer distinct advantages, and selecting the right one will help ensure that you can swim comfortably and safely, no matter what temperature the water is.