Wetsuits generally fall into three categories for use in British waters, Winter, Summer and the Shortie.
The main differences in the wetsuits is the thickness of material used (neoprene) which is measured in millimetres, the stitching and the quality of Neoprene.
Winter wetsuits have a combination of 5 and 4mm or 5 and 4 and 3mm Summer suits have 3 and 2mm and the Shortie can be 3 and 2mm 2mm or even a 2 and 1mm combination.
There are two types of stitching used in wetsuit manufacture, Flatlock which is used in entry level Summer suits, it's a strong flat stitch that is comfortable against the skin but can let small amounts of water through the seams, not a problem in Summer!
Glued and Blindstitched which is a totally waterproof stitch that is used in higher-end Summer suits and all Winter suits. Top-end suits also have various types of seal and taping over these seams making them virtually bomb proof - Ideal for mid Winter outings!
Quality of neoprene is also reflected in the price, a top-end suit will consist entirely of very flexible neoprene where as an entry level suit will have a basic neoprene with maybe a few stretch panels.
Please use our wetsuit chooser to help you find the right wetsuit...