What To Look For
A wetsuit is a tricky item of clothing to get right. The suit must fit close to the body to prevent chafing, but it also cannot be so tight that it cuts off circulation or creates discomfort. Look for wetsuits made of Neoprene that offer stretch around the shoulders and leg openings for best body contouring. Choose a suit thickness based on the activity you will participate in. Most wetsuit brands label their suits in "frigid," "tropical" or "cold" categories based on the thickness and protection the suit will offer.
Common Pitfalls
The problem with some wetsuits is that they shrink over time. This makes it important to purchase the suit slightly large, but not so large that water can seep in under the seams. The idea of a wetsuit is to keep the wearer mostly dry and insulated from cold. If a suit hangs off the body it cannot do that. Some wetsuits only keep the wearer semi-dry, meaning that you will get a little wet even with the suit on.
Where To Buy
It is possible to find wetsuits at sporting supply stores throughout the United States. The Internet is a great place to find discounted suits for less. Stores like Sierra Trading Post.com, REI, Sports Authority and Altrec.com have a wide variety of men's wetsuits for many different sports and purposes. Look for sales and discounts to bring the cost of the wetsuit down. It is also possible to purchase wetsuits used if they are in good condition. Make sure there are no rips or tears in the material and that the suit fits like a glove.
Cost
Most men's wetsuits cost between $100 and $500 as of 2010. The price will vary depending on the thickness of the suit as well as the size and flexibility. It is possible to find the U.S. Divers Mercury Shorty Adult Wetsuit for less than $100. The Body Glove Vapor Slant Zip suit costs about $400. The Rip Curl E-Bomb Pro Chest Zip costs about $270. Some stores will offer discounts that will lower the cost of a wetsuit. Some stores offer wetsuits for less than retail value.
Comparison Shopping
Watch out for cheaply made wetsuits versus quality made wetsuits. Look for suits that offer thick stitching around all seams to prevent rips. Quality suits are usually made from better, more flexible materials, such as neoprene and spandex. Suits without zippers offer more water protection and warmth, but they are harder to get on and off. Typically, suits more than $200 from well-known brands such as Body Glove and Rip Curl offer the highest quality wetsuits.
Insider Tips
For triathlon swimming, choose a suit that blocks as much water as possible and a suit that offers stretch around the shoulders and well-placed flotation devices. Galt Tech.com recommends the U.S. Divers Mercury Shorty Adult Wetsuit for surfing and other beach activities. Surfing Magazine recommends the Body Glove Vapor Slant Zip suit for surfing performance. Surfing Magazine also recommends the Rip Curl E-Bomb Pro Chest Zip.
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