How to Pick the Perfect Wetsuit: Comfort in Any Water Temperature

by Travis Hogan November 27, 2025

Choosing the right wetsuit isn’t just about thickness; it’s about comfort, performance, and knowing your body. Water temperature, personal preference, spearfishing style (drifting vs active swimming) and even body fat all affect how warm you’ll feel underwater. Here’s a guide to help you stay comfortable whether you’re spearfishing in tropical waters or cooler climates.

Stinger Suits – Tropical Comfort
For water above 27°C (80.6°F), Lycra stinger suits are perfect. Lightweight and flexible, they keep you protected from sun and stingers without overheating. Ideal for the tropics, they suit divers who tolerate warmer water easily or have a higher body fat percentage, which naturally retains heat.

1.5mm Wetsuits – Slight Chill, Big Flexibility
When the water drops slightly to 24–27°C (75.2–81°F), a 1.5mm wetsuit is a great choice. Still thin enough to allow full mobility while spearfishing, it offers a bit more warmth than a stinger suit while remaining comfortable in warmer climates. This is ideal if you get cold quickly or plan longer dives. The aimrite 1.5mm is a closed cell suit for improved durability with thin neoprene.

3mm Titanium-Lined Wetsuits – Cooler Climates
For water temperatures between 20–25°C (68–77°F), a 3mm open cell wetsuit with titanium lining keeps you insulated without needing lube while spearfishing. Perfect for subtropical waters or early mornings, these wetsuits work well for divers with lower body fat who need extra warmth.

5mm Titanium-Lined Wetsuits – Cold Water Champions
In cooler waters 11–19°C (51.8–66°F), a 5mm open cell wetsuit with titanium lining is essential. The extra thickness and heat retention make longer dives more comfortable. Even divers with higher body fat may find the extra layer helpful for prolonged exposure while spearfishing.

Aimrite wetsuits balance warmth, flexibility, and ease of use. We use the highest quality limestone based yamamoto neoprene with four way stretch and adaptive paneling for extreme comfort.

***** These recommendations are just a guideline. If you normally get hotter or colder than the average person for any reason you should choose your wetsuit accordingly *****

How to Pick the Perfect Wetsuit: Comfort in Any Water Temperature

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