What do wetsuit thickness numbers mean?Updated 10 days ago

Wetsuit thickness is usually displayed as two numbers, for example 4/3mm, 3/2mm, or 5/4mm.

The first number refers to the thickness of the neoprene in the body's core areas, such as the chest, back, and upper legs, where warmth is most important. The second number refers to the thickness used in areas that require greater flexibility, such as the shoulders, arms, and lower legs.

For example, in a 4/3mm wetsuit:

• The torso and upper legs typically feature 4mm neoprene for maximum warmth.
• The shoulders, sleeves, and lower legs typically feature 3mm neoprene to improve flexibility and freedom of movement.

The exact panel distribution may vary between wetsuit models, but the principle remains the same. This construction is also used in other thicknesses, such as 3/2mm and 5/4mm, balancing warmth and flexibility according to the intended water temperatures and conditions.