—— Field guide

Freediving Wetsuits - Thickness Guide, Open-Cell & Buying Advice

Freediving wetsuits are thinner, stretchier, and softer than scuba suits. Most serious freedivers use open-cell neoprene - an unlined interior that clings directly to skin and insulates more efficiently than smooth-skin alternatives. Fit, thickness, and seam construction all affect warmth and movement in the water.

Wetsuit selection comes down to three decisions: thickness (set by water temperature), construction (open-cell vs closed-cell), and fit (set by your body shape and the suit's cut). Getting any of these wrong results in either too much restriction or not enough insulation.