Best Wetsuits for UK Diving (2025)
Top-rated wetsuits for British waters. Compare 5mm, 7mm semi-dry suits for 6-16°C diving. Expert reviews of Bare, Fourth Element, Scubapro & more. UK sizes & prices.
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Take Our QuizRight, let's talk wetsuits. Your mate who dives in Thailand will tell you a 5mm is plenty. Your mate is wrong. UK waters are cold. Properly cold. "Why am I doing this to myself?" cold.
The UK Temperature Reality (Or: Welcome to Suffering)
Summer (June-September): Surface temperatures hit a balmy 14-16°C. That's 14 degrees warmer than your fridge, which doesn't sound great when you think about it. A 5mm might work if you're one of those weird people who claims to "run hot" and keeps dives under 45 minutes. Go deeper and you're looking at 10-12°C—that's approaching "ice lolly" territory.
Shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November): Surface drops to 10-14°C. This is where your 5mm becomes a very expensive way to discover what hypothermia feels like. After 30 minutes you'll be shivering so hard your buddies will think you're doing some sort of interpretive dance. Cold divers make stupid mistakes—like forgetting which way is up, or thinking "just five more minutes" is a good idea.
Winter (December-March): 6-10°C surface. Colder at depth. At this point you need a 7mm semi-dry minimum, or better yet, a drysuit and the self-awareness to question your life choices.
Why 3mm Is Just Fancy Swimwear
Tropical wetsuits are designed for 24°C+ water—you know, actual warm water where fish don't wear jumpers. In UK temperatures, a 3mm wetsuit will protect you from jellyfish and absolutely nothing else. You'll be hypothermic within 20 minutes. Don't learn this lesson the expensive way (like I did, off Lundy, in April, looking like a frozen prawn).
The 5mm Option
A 5mm wetsuit works for summer UK diving if you run warm and keep dives under 45 minutes. Add a hood and you extend the season slightly. Expect to pay around £150-250 for a decent 5mm suit.
Good for: Summer-only divers, those building toward 7mm purchase, warm-blooded individuals.
Not suitable for: Year-round UK diving, anyone who gets cold easily, dives longer than 45 minutes.
The UK Standard: 7mm Semi-Dry
A 7mm semi-dry suit is the workhorse of British diving. Semi-dry design minimises water circulation with sealed wrists, ankles, and neck. You get warmth approaching a drysuit at half the price and complexity.
Budget around £250-400 for a quality 7mm semi-dry. Brands like Fourth Element, Bare, and Scubapro make suits specifically for UK conditions. The difference between a £250 suit and a £400 suit is often fit quality and seal effectiveness.
Fourth Element Proteus (around £350-400) is designed in Britain for British waters. The fit accommodates our body types, and the seals are engineered for our temperatures.
Bare Velocity Ultra (around £300-350) offers excellent value with quality construction. Proven performer in UK diving clubs.
Scubapro Everflex (around £350-400) provides good mobility without sacrificing warmth. Popular choice for active UK divers.
Fit Matters More Than Brand
A perfectly fitting mid-range suit outperforms a loose-fitting premium suit every time. Water circulation is your enemy. Every gap where cold water flushes through steals body heat.
Try suits on with your hood. Test the seals at wrists and ankles. Squat, reach, and simulate diving movements. A suit that restricts movement will tire you faster.
When to Consider Drysuit
If you dive year-round in UK waters, a drysuit becomes economical. You'll be warmer, dive longer, and extend your season. Initial investment is higher (£800-1,500 plus undersuit and training) but comfort improves dramatically.
Most UK divers who dive 20+ times annually eventually transition to drysuits. If you're committed to this hobby, it's worth planning for.
Hooded Vests and Accessories
A hooded vest under your wetsuit adds significant warmth for around £50-80. This extends a 5mm suit into shoulder seasons or makes a 7mm suit comfortable in winter.
Separate hoods (£30-60) are essential for UK diving. Heat loss from the head is substantial. Never dive UK waters without hood coverage.
Our Recommendation
For year-round UK diving, invest in a 7mm semi-dry suit from a reputable brand. Budget around £300-400 and prioritise fit over features. Add a quality hood and consider a hooded vest for extended seasons.
Still deciding between wetsuit and drysuit? Our comparison guide breaks down the full analysis.
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Start the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What thickness wetsuit do I need for UK diving?
For year-round UK diving, a 7mm semi-dry wetsuit is recommended. Summer diving (June-September, 12-16°C) can be done comfortably in a 5mm suit with a hood. Winter diving (December-March, 6-10°C) typically requires a 7mm semi-dry or drysuit. Most UK divers own both a 5mm and 7mm suit or transition to a drysuit after gaining experience.
Should I buy a semi-dry wetsuit for UK waters?
Semi-dry wetsuits are excellent for UK diving, offering warmth close to a drysuit at half the price. They feature sealed wrists, ankles, and neck to minimize water circulation. Brands like Fourth Element, Bare, and Scubapro make semi-dry suits specifically designed for British cold water conditions, typically priced £250-450.
How long does a wetsuit last in UK conditions?
With proper care, a quality wetsuit should last 3-5 years of regular UK diving (50+ dives per year). Cold water is actually less damaging than warm water, but UV exposure during surface intervals and improper storage are the main factors affecting longevity. Always rinse thoroughly after diving in UK waters and hang to dry away from direct sunlight.
What UK brands make the best cold water wetsuits?
Fourth Element (UK-based) is highly regarded for cold water wetsuits, particularly their Proteus and Xenos lines. Other excellent options for UK diving include Bare (Canadian), Scubapro, Waterproof, and O'Three (UK). Many UK divers prefer custom-fitted suits from UK manufacturers like Otter or Seaskin for the best thermal protection.
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