When you’re getting ready to dip into cold water you’ll need the best protection so you can stay warm and comfortable.  When it comes to women’s wetsuits there are some specifics that set them apart from the men.  Women have different needs out of their cold water wetsuits and that’s we’ve got the top 3 best women’s wetsuits for cold water.

While you’re at it be sure to check out our article on the best wetsuits for SUP.  We covered some quarter length suits that will still provide you with a lot of insulation but give more freedom of movement.

What To Look For

O’Neill Women’s Superfreak

When looking for cold water wetsuits you’re going to want to consider a few different aspects.

• How thick is the suit?

• What style of wetsuit should you get?

• What kind of activities will you be doing?

Wetsuits and Thickness

When you’re looking for the best women’s wetsuits for cold water then the first thing that we’ll consider is the thickness of it.  Measured in millimeters, this will play a huge roll in the warmth of the suit and can give you a lot of information really fast.

Typically if you need a truly cold water suit then you’ll probably be looking at a 5mm suit and up.  These are purpose built for the cold and will perform well in water under 50°F and as low as 40°F, maybe colder depending on how tough you are.

If you’re interested in a suit that’s little more flexible and one that’s a little lighter then you can get away with a 4/3mm if you’re in 55-60°F water.  Again, it’s all a matter of preference and how cold you run that will help determine how thick of a wetsuit you want.

For simplicity sake we’re going to look at suits in the 5mm range and up to get a feel of what it means to be the best cold water wetsuit.

Wetsuit Style

What activity you’re doing in the water is another important factor when deciding on the best wetsuit for you.  If you’re diving then you’re going to need a different style wetsuit then if you are headed out for the next swell.

With our search focusing on truly cold water suits there are really two options and even those are very different from one another.  If you’re dipping your tootsies into 40-50°F water then then the only real option you’ve got is a full length suit, one that covers your arms and legs entirely.  The only variation that will work for these conditions is whether your wetsuit will come with a hood or not.

If you’re like me, you don’t take any chance of getting too cold out there.  Being too cold can ruin a good day on the water.  I’ll always opt for extra protection.

Best Women’s Wetsuits For Cold Water – 7mm

O’Neill Women’s 7mm Sector

O’Neill Women’s Sector – 7mm Dive Suit

For the coldest of dives or for multiple dives for extended periods of time in cold water then look no further.

The O’Neill Women’s Sector Dive Suit is 7mm of heat retaining, cold banishing, spend-all-day-under-the-water neoprene goodness.  The Sector also comes in 5mm and 3mm versions so you can find just the right suit for the job.

This is the go to suit for the coldest of day spent in the water.  Integration of the Kyrpto technology in the knees and shins gives tons of protection should you find yourself on the bottom or maneuvering on rocks.

The dive rated DS Ultraflex gives you all the mobility you need and will conform to your body to give you the best fit, so you’re not just warm, you’re comfortable.

Women’s Sector 7mm Highlights

• Available in Sizes 4-14
• Minimal seam design means less chance of loosing body heat and less water exchange
• 100% UltraFlex material so you keep the movement that you need
• Exterior is fluid seam welded, all of it
• Firewall Torso Insulation Envelope (say that 10 times fast)
• #10 zipper with an interior neoprene guard for secure closure and comfort against the skin
• Glideskin Face Seal and O ring cuffs for easy on and off and for sealing water out
• Krypto Knee & Shin Padz for added protection
• Hidden Key Pocket
• Firewall: Chest, Back, and Center Hood
• UltraFlex DS: Shoulder, Side Panel, Sleeve, and Low Body

Best Women’s Wetsuits For Cold Water – 5mm Winner

Bare Women’s 5mm Velocity

Bare Women’s 5mm Velocity Wetsuit

Next up on our list of the Top 3 Best Women’s Wetsuits for Cold Water is the Bare Velocity.  This great suit is 5mm of neoprene that is dialed in for really cold water.  Rated for water as low as 48°F the Velocity is a bomber suit for those looking for a little more flexibility than the 7mm Sector above.

The Velocity uses Bare’s new Progressive Full-Stretch technology. This uses the latest in stretch neoprene by utilizing different amounts of stretch panels into performance areas of the wetsuit.  What this does is improve fit, feel and performance making your day on the water that much better.

Bare’s proprietary BARE-Fit uses ergonomic design with articulated movement areas.  Bare then selects areas that see the most action and uses unique fabrics for each zone increasing the suit’s performance and wear-ability .

Bare Women’s Velocity Highlights

• Anatomic construction, Female specific fit
• Rated for water 48 degrees and up
• Progressive full stretch neoprene for maximum flexibility in the water
• Seams are sealed to keep the cold water out
• Features an adjustable collar and seamless underarms for extra comfort
• Heavy duty back zipper with anti-flush guard helps to keep you dry
• 2mm Glideskin collar

Best Women’s Wetsuits For Cold Water – 5mm Runner Up

Henderson Women’s 800 Series

Henderson 800 Series Women’s 5mm Wetsuit

Rounding out our list for the best cold water wetsuits for women is the Henderson Women’s 800 Series Wetsuit.  This is another great option if you’re looking to do some colder water activities.

Henderson has just released their Aqua Lock series of wetsuits. This brand new wetsuit design technology allows the inter locking of the wetsuit wrist, ankles and neck openings.

What this does is allow the suit to match with their other interlocking products like the Aqua Lock hoods, boots and gloves. Aqua Lock forms a nearly impenetrable seal which minimizes cold water exchange inside the suit making it an awesome suit to add on our list of cold water wetsuits for women.

Henderson 800 Highlights

• Female specific 5mm neoprene for water 55-60 degrees and up
  
• 100% Stretch Neoprene with Aquasilk Laminate
• Sealed & liquid taped seams keep cold water out while adding durability
• 100% golden fleece lining for superior comfort
  
• Reduced dependency on oil derived chemicals
• Interlocking wrist, ankle and neck openings for semi-dry properties
• G-lock water resistant rear zipper
• Super durable Duratex knee pads

There you go!  These 3 wetsuits will be your saving grace the next time you decide to take a dip into cold water.  There’s no substitute for having the right gear when you need it and especially when you’re headed for cold water.

See you out there!