The 10 Best Wetsuits for Surfing of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Surf Buyer | May 10, 2023
Whether you’re a committed cold water surfer from the East Coast, a die-hard dawn-patroller in Central California, or just want a little extra warmth and sun protection down in Baja, evo has you covered with our list of best wetsuits for 2023. 10 options from the best wetsuit brands round out this list. You’ll be able to paddle out in all but the most frigid temps in a hooded 5/4, or just keep the morning chill at bay in a 1.5mm rashy. This list is designed to provide a plethora of options so you can get something that will fit your frame, your preferences, and the water temps at your local break. Options to consider when choosing a wetsuit are chest vs. back zip, hooded vs. non, and the various thicknesses offered in these wetsuits.
New This Year:
Trends this year include a focus on extra-flexible neoprene, and various eco-friendly material and construction advances that we are more than happy to support! You can minimize your environmental impact while surfing as long as your body will allow with one of the following neoprene wonders!
This Year's Best Surfing Wetsuits:
XCEL 5/4 Infiniti Hooded
Get your cold water setup dialed with the XCEL 5/4 Infiniti Hooded Wetsuit. With an emphasis on warmth and durability, the Infiniti will allow your focus to remain on the swell, not the frosty temps. Complete with Radiant Rebound in the chest, an engineered fit system to eliminate unnecessary bulk, and an attached hood to keep you duck-diving on command and ready for the next set.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 5/4 mm | Chest Zip | $449.95 |
O'Neill 3/2 Ninja Chest Zip
The working man's wetty, the O'Neill 3/2 Ninja Chest Zip Wetsuit, has a ton of value packed into it. From the warm double-lined Firewall neoprene to the super stretchy UltraFlex rubber in movement areas, the 3/2 Ninja Chest Zip Wetsuit keeps you warm and comfortable in the water. Its F.U.Z.E chest zip entry is impeccably designed and refined by O'Neill through years of experience, and triple glued and blindstitched seams combined with internal taping make the O'Neill 3/2 Ninja Chest Zip Wetsuit flush-resistant and extremely long-lasting.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 3/2 mm | Chest Zip | $289.95 |
XCEL Axis 2mm Short Sleeve Back-Zip
The XCEL Axis 2mm Short Sleeve Back-Zip Fullsuit will get you out in the water quickly and give you the warmth and comfort to stay out as long as your stoke demands. Built for warm weather surfing, this glued and blindstitched short-sleeve suit is durable, comfortable, and provides an excellent range of motion.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 2 mm | Back Zip | $194.95 |
Billabong 5/4 Absolute Chest Zip Hooded
Built for those who want premium heat and reliable, lightweight performance at an incredible value, the Billabong 5/4 Absolute Chest Zip Hooded Wetsuit leaves little to argue with. Lined with Billabong's super warm and quick-drying Graphene Recycler Plus lining and finished with machine-applied pressure bonded stretch taped interior seams, the eco-conscious 5/4 Absolute Chest Zip Hooded Wetsuit is an absolute steal of a deal that you'll only find here at evo!
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 5/4 mm | Chest Zip | $279.99 |
Vissla 5/4 High Seas II Hooded Chest Zip
The Vissla 5/4 High Seas II Chest Zip Hooded Wetsuit packs a serious warm punch. This suit has been completely redesigned with fewer panels to create even more stretch and is now made with Ridiculous Rubber – Vissla's most flexible yet. So get ready for longer paddles, less fatigue, and a wetsuit that surfs like you!
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 5/4 mm | Chest Zip | $359.95 |
Vissla 7 Seas 4/3 Chest Zip Hooded
The Vissla 7 Seas 4/3 Chest Zip Hooded Wetsuit is a must-have for any surfer looking to stay warm and protected in the water. Made from a durable neoprene material, this wetsuit has a 4/3 thickness suitable for water temperatures in the 49 - 56 degree Fahrenheit range. The chest zip design and attached hood make it easy to put on and take off, while the full suit coverage design covers the entire body for maximum warmth and protection.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 4/3 mm | Chest Zip | $309.95 |
O'Neill 1.5mm Hyperfreak Long Sleeve Top
Make sure you're prepared for chilly water with the O'Neill 1.5mm Hyperfreak Long Sleeve Top. O'Neill has been refining their neoprene for years, and the latest Technobutter 3 material is 20% lighter with 30% less water absorption, making it more comfortable, warm, and flexible than ever
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 1.5 mm | Zipless | $119.95 |
XCEL 5/4 Axis Hooded
When you drive out to the coast and know you're getting into the water no matter what, look to the XCEL 5/4 Axis Hooded Wetsuit for some peace of mind. This well-balanced wetty fights frosty water and wind chill and is designed to keep you toasty warm from Fall to Spring. Featuring a Thermo Lite Infrared Chest and eco-friendly Superprene Japanese Limestone neoprene for the chilliest of swells.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 5/4 mm | Chest Zip | $299.95 |
Vissla 4/3 7 Seas Chest Zip
Simplicity at its finest, the Vissla 4/3 7 Seas Chest Zip Wetsuit offers flush-free warmth and 100% Japanese limestone Super Stretch neoprene comforts. For surfers of every ability level who want a reliable, solid color, and proper fitting wetsuit, the 4/3 7 Seas Chest Zip Wetsuit delivers in spades while high-quality finishes like triple glued and blind stitched seams, abrasion resistant knee pads, and internal Super Stretch Neo 3.0 taping throughout ensure top-notch performance and longevity.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 4/3 mm | Chest Zip | $269.95 |
O'Neill 4/3+ Hyperfreak Chest Zip Hooded
Get pitted and stay toasty in cold water with the O'Neill 4/3+ Hyperfreak Chest Zip Hooded Wetsuit. For surfers demanding the best performance, warmth, and durability, O'Neill's TechnoButter 3 neoprene ranks top of the class. The minimal seam design maximizes flexibility for comfortable paddling, while the external key pocket will ensure the seagulls don't run off with your car.
| Thickness | Entry Style | Original Price |
| 4.5/3.5 mm | Chest Zip | $409.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Surf Guides:
- Surfboards - How to Choose a Surfboard
- Surf Fins - How to Choose
- Surf Leashes - How to Choose
- Surf - How to Wax a Surfboard
- Surf Traction Pads - How to Apply
- Wetsuits - Thickness Guide & Temperature Chart
- Wetsuits - How to Put On
- Wetsuits - Repair and Care Guide
Check Out Our Favorite Surf Gear
The Selection Process:
Our surf buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things surfing stemming from years of experience in the surf industry in tandem with their countless hours out in the water catching waves around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
Hey there! I'm Jack Mace, the Surf Buyer at evo.com. Born and raised in Washington, I developed a love for the outdoors and water activities like surfing during my childhood summers spent on the water and in the mountains. My passion for surfing grew while attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, where I'd hit the waves at local spots like La Push and Westport Jetty with friends on weekends.
After moving back to Seattle, I worked as a sailing instructor at my cousin's rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012. Starting in customer service, I eventually found my way to the merchandising team, where I could turn my passion for the outdoors and surfing into a fulfilling career as the Surf Buyer.
I live in Seattle with my wife, our two sons, and our pup Mac.