Coldwater sessions demand reliable warmth — these wetsuits are designed to perform when it matters most.
At this time of the year a reliable winter wetsuit becomes more than just gear; it’s your second skin against icy waters and biting winds. When winter swells roll in, the ocean calls us just as loudly as it does on those carefree warm days of summer. Thanks to the latest innovations in fit and wetsuit technology, today’s wetsuits let us stay warmer, paddle further, and surf longer.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best women’s winter wetsuits designed to keep you confident, comfortable, and chasing waves all season. Each year, surf brands push the limits of wetsuit technology, increasingly with a focus on sustainability. So whether you’re looking for a wetsuit made with neoprene or Yulex, one made with recycled materials or natural rubber, the choice is
Winter Wetsuit Guide: Rip Curl
ripcurl.eu/en I @ripcurl_women
Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion Zip Free
Stay warmer for longer in our revolutionary wetsuit that stays leak-free, for the life of the suit. The Rip Curl FlashBomb Fusion wetsuit with Fusion Dry Seam Technology features the most technically advanced seam construction we have ever created, for a stronger seal without the need for stitching that can lead to water seepage over time (96% stitch-free construction). Built using 100% E7 Flash Lining, it’s the ultimate balance of flexibility, warmth and durability. No stitch = no leak = no problem.
RRP: 5/3mm £539.99, 4/3mm £529.99
Rip Curl E-Bomb Zip Free Steamer
The E-Bomb Zip Free Steamer Wetsuit features a zip-free design and 4/3mm thickness for flexible warmth. GB seams, sealed cuffs, and 100% internally taped seams deliver solid durability, while E7 and E6 thermo lining and an external key pocket complete the setup.
RRP: 5/3mm £324.99, 4/3mm £314.99
Rip Curl Dawn Patrol Chest Zip Steamer
The Dawn Patrol Chest Zip Steamer combines E5 neoprene, sealed seams, and plant-based foam for a high-performance wetsuit that’s perfect for cooler water temps and longer sessions.
RRP: 5/3mm £279.99, 4/3mm £269.99
Winter Wetsuit Guide: O'Neill
O’Neill Hyperfreak Fire Chest Zip
The new Hyperfreak Fire is built to perform in bone-chilling sessions with next-gen TB4 Firewall neoprene, now with extra graphene-infused heat retaining durable fibres for more warmth and durability + unrivalled stretch. Fluid seam welds and fused super seal cuffs lock water out, for longer sessions.
RRP: 4/3mm+ £359.95, 5/4mm+ £369.95
O’Neill Hyperfreak Plus Chest Zip
The HyperFreak Plus Chest Zip is constructed with our exclusive super-light recycled TechnoButter 3 and TB3X neoprene containing recycled fibres. We added 0.5mm thicker material as a step-up in warmth from the HyperFreak Comp. The minimal seam design, lightweight, quality construction, and attention to detail make this another team inspired favourite.
RRP: 4/3mm+ £309.95, 5/4mm+ SRP £319.95
O’Neill O’Riginals RG8 Chest Zip
The next generation of the O’Neill RG8 legacy, first launched in 2010, the ‘Regenerate’ name stands for high-performance stretch and quality made with better sustainable materials for our planet and ocean. UltraTech and Firewall liners formulated with recycled fibres pair with an Yulex natural rubber foam core. Timeless O’Riginals style leads the evolution of sustainable wetsuit technology.
RRP: 4/3mm £259.95, 5/4mm £269.95
Winter Wetsuit Guide: Billabong
billabong.co.uk I @billabongwomenseurope
Billabong 5/4mm Hooded Synergy Chest Zip
Designed for warmth and flexibility. Made from pro-stretch recycled neoprene and nylon-polyester exterior fabric, and lined with Graphene-infused yarns, this suit heats up fast and holds warmth longer. Partially recycled Superlight Foam, crafted from upcycled car tires and neoprene scraps, offers excellent thermal retention while maintaining high stretch and freedom of movement. The GBS (glued and blind-stitched) exterior seams and super-flex taped interior seams minimise water entry and maximise flexibility.
RRP: 5/4mm £320
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Billabong 4/3mm Furnace Natural Chest Zip
The best wetsuit for warmth, flexibility, and sustainability. Made from 100% upcycled materials and a natural rubber blend (85% natural, neoprene-free), it delivers high performance while being eco-friendly. Graphene-infused lining heats up fast and holds warmth longer, while AIRLITE 4D fabric gives 20% more stretch. Power-welded exterior seams and super-flex taped interior seams keep water out, with a recycled PET jersey liner adding a green touch. The ultimate choice for staying warm, mobile, and confident in every session.
RRP: 4/3mm £360
Billabong 4/3mm Salty Dayz Natural Chest Zip
Ride the waves sustainably without compromising performance. The Salty Dayz Natural wetsuit is crafted from 100% upcycled textiles and a natural rubber blend (85% natural, 100% neoprene-free), giving you a flexible, eco-conscious ride. Featuring a Graphene-infused lining for ultimate stretch and warmth, a chest-zip entry, and reinforced Power Seams with super-flex tape, this suit is designed to move with your body and keep you comfortable in cooler waters.
RRP: 4/3mm £290
Winter Wetsuit Guide: C-Skins
C-Skins NuWave Solace Chest Zip
The NuWave Solace is built to keep you warm and free in the water while reducing environmental impact. Made with super-stretchy NuWave natural rubber and GBS seams, it offers next-level flexibility without compromising durability. Featuring our dynamic multilayered Halo X2 technology, this suit locks in warmth and comfort, so you can push harder in all conditions. The Solace delivers a premium fit with eco-friendly credentials, striking the perfect balance between performance, style and sustainability.
RRP: 5/4mm hooded £280, 5/4mm £240, 4/3mm £230
C-Skins NuWave ReWired Chest Zip
The NuWave ReWired with GBS and neo-taped seams is constructed using insanely stretchy NuWave natural rubber combined with super warm Halo X2 recycled linings. The compromise between performance and sustainability is no more. Featuring our exclusive Dark Matter chest panel, minimal seam design, Iris 3 inner closure and Enigma 3 chest entry with single cinch, the lightweight, quality construction and attention to detail make the ReWired a team inspired favourite.
RRP: 6/5mm hooded £380, 5/4mm £320, 4/3mm £310
C-Skins NuWave Surflite Back Zip
The NuWave Surflite is made entirely from our premium, super-stretchy NuWave natural rubber for full-body flexibility and an improved fit. It still hits an accessible price point and now features our high-end Dark Matter chest panel for added wind resistance and paddling comfort, along with pre-bent Recycled Dura Flex knee pads, a Super Seal Glideskin Collar and fully glued and blindstitched seams. For versatility, value and all-round performance, the NuWave Surflite stands apart.
RRP: 5/4mm £180, 4/3mm £170
Winter Wetsuit Guide: Gul
Gul Viper Yamamoto Hooded
Engineered with elite rider feedback, the Viper is your ultimate coldwater shield. Featuring premium YAMAMOTO® neoprene, advanced Graphene X BoltDry+ lining, and full Lava Flow taping, it delivers unmatched warmth, flexibility, and durability. Lightweight, unrestrictive, and built for serious performance in harsh conditions.
RRP: Hooded 6/5/4mm £280
Gul Flexor Yulex Chest Zip
Built for the modern, eco-conscious surfer, the Flexor blends sustainable innovation with high-performance design. Crafted from YULEX® natural rubber and lined with ThermoSpan insulation, it delivers exceptional warmth and flexibility without compromise. Featuring RevoFit 3D patterning, a Quadrate chest zip entry, and critical G-Tape internal taping, the Flexor is engineered for comfort, mobility, and lasting durability – naturally.
RRP: 5/4mm £210, 4/3mm £200, 3/2mm £190
Gul Flexor Yulex Back Zip
Designed for the modern surfer, the Flexor Back Zip lets you surf consciously without sacrificing performance. Made from eco-friendly YULEX® natural rubber and lined with ThermoSpan insulation, it offers superior warmth, flexibility, and comfort. Featuring a flush-resistant S-Lock back zip, RevoFit 3D shaping, and critical G-Tape internal taping, this wetsuit delivers sustainable performance with a precise fit – ride after ride.
RRP: 5/4mm £180, 4/3mm £170, 3/2mm £160
Winter Warmers Lowdown
Having the right gear is crucial for making coldwater surfing more enjoyable. Here are some key things to keep in mind when purchasing a new winter wetsuit.
Beth Leighfield Photo: C-Skins
1. Winter wetsuits are made from materials that provide excellent thermal insulation. The most common materials are neoprene (a synthetic rubber) and the eco-friendly alternative Yulex (natural rubber). These suits come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 4/3mm to 6/5mm for extremely cold climates. While thicker suits offer more insulation, they may reduce flexibility. The material thickness is often varied, with thicker sections in the torso for warmth and thinner areas where flexibility is needed.
2. Sealed seams are essential to keep cold water from seeping in, ensuring warmth and better waterproofing. Look for glued and blind-stitched seams or liquid-sealed seams in a winter wetsuit.
3. Modern winter wetsuits feature inner linings made from materials like fleece or thermal fabrics, which trap and circulate warm water close to the body for added insulation.
4. Leakproof seals are vital in winter to prevent flushing – when cold water enters and cools your body rapidly. Choose a suit with a snug neck and wrist seals to avoid this.
5. There are different zipper systems, such as chest zips, back zips, and zipperless designs. Chest zips and zipperless suits are better at preventing water entry, though they can be trickier to put on and take off when it’s cold and your fingers are numb!
6. For extra cold conditions, you can layer a thermal rash guard or neoprene vest underneath your wetsuit to boost insulation.
7. Fit is the most important factor when selecting a wetsuit. A snug fit reduces water entry, keeps you warmer, and allows for longer winter surf sessions.
8. Don’t forget to invest in wetsuit accessories like gloves, boots, and a hood for added comfort during your surf sessions.
