Best Kids’ Wetsuits 2025
Are Kids' Wetsuits Worth It?
As parents, we want the best for our kids, even if they’ll outgrow it way too soon. Wetsuits help protect them from the sun, cold water, jellyfish stings and even rashes from surfboards. Plus, if they’re into watersports like waterskiing or wakeboarding, a wetsuit is a must for safety.
But how do you pick the right one?
Thickness matters (depending on how cold the water is) and features like flexible seams and stretchy panels help kids move freely. And, let’s be real, easy on-and-off is important unless you want a meltdown before you even hit the water.
We’ve compared design, comfort and price to find the best options. Ready to see our top 5 picks? Let’s jump in!
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Kids Wetsuit Comparison
Compare the specs or head down to the kids’ wetsuit reviews now.
Score
7.4
Fabric/Material
3mm Neoprene
Price
$$$
Kids Wetsuit Reviews
#5: GUL Response Wetsuit
The Gul Response wetsuit is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for watersports enthusiasts. Designed with a 3/2mm neoprene thickness, it balances warmth, flexibility and durability, making it suitable for a range of conditions. Its construction and features cater to both casual and more frequent users, offering reliable performance at an affordable price point.
Summary
Comfort: Designed with comfort in mind, its X-Flex super-stretch panels ensure ease of movement, while the flatlock seams provide a smooth, irritation-free experience and the Pro neck seal eliminates chafing. Whether you’re surfing or building sandcastles, the suit remains flexible and comfortable throughout.
Durability/Functionality: With its Powertex4 knee panels and reinforced seams, the Gul Response excels in durability. The non-petroleum-based neoprene and taped interior seams enhance warmth and resilience. There is the potential for minor issues like water pooling in the lower legs and difficulty adjusting the zip.
Fabric/Material: X-flex, Powertex4
Approx Price: $54.87
Rating
Durability: 4
Comfort: 7
Warmth: 7
Fit: 6
Construction: 6
OVERALL: 6
Where to get it:
Pros: Excellent warmth retention, flexible and easy to move in and a great value suit for the price.
Cons: Slightly tricky zip mechanism and can be tricky to get off. Minor water pooling in lower legs.
Verdict: The Gul Response wetsuit combines comfort, functionality and affordability, making it a solid choice for casual and seasonal users who want a reliable suit without breaking the bank.
#4: O’Neill Toddler Reactor
The O'Neill Kids Reactor 2mm is a great entry-level wetsuit built with quality in mind. Its UltraFlex neoprene and durable flatlock seams clearly focus on flexibility and comfort. While it's only 2mm thick, the seals at the neck, arms and legs helped trap warm water effectively, which are an important feature when it comes to thermal retention. Best of all, the kids stayed warm and had no complaints during testing!
Summary
Comfort: The backzip makes it easy to get the wetsuit on and off, which makes it perfect for wriggly kids or first-time wearers. The super-stretchy neoprene feels soft and flexible, making it comfy to move around in while still protecting against UV rays and chilly water down to about 60°F.
Durability/Functionality: The seams are stitched in a way that keeps everything strong and secure, even after lots of use. The stretchy UltraFlex material lets kids move freely while still keeping them warm. One standout feature for us was the neck lining, as it kept water out without feeling too tight or uncomfortable.
Fabric/Material: Fluidfoam Neoprene and Fluidflex Foam, 83% nylon/17% spandex
Approx Price: $94.95
Rating
Durability: 6
Comfort: 6
Warmth: 9
Fit: 6
Construction: 7
OVERALL: 6.8
Pros: The suit does a great job of keeping kids warm and protected from the sun.
Cons: It had a bit of a strange smell out of the package. We’ve washed it a few times and it’s still there, but we expect it’ll fade over time.
Verdict: Overall, we’re happy with how well this wetsuit works. The materials do a solid job of shielding kids from both the cold and the sun. The smell is a minor issue that should go away with use.
#3: Quiksilver Prologue Range
The 2/2 Prologue wetsuit is made from soft, stretchy materials that are great for kids. It’s a great beginner option with just the right thickness to help keep the cold out. Unlike some wetsuits with childish designs, this one looks a bit more grown-up, which is perfect if you’re shopping for older kids or teens aged 5 to 16. The stitching is smooth and doesn’t rub or irritate the skin, which is a big plus. We also like that it uses recycled neoprene, which is a nice touch for the environment.
Summary
Comfort: The Quiksilver Prologue wetsuit is super comfy and flexible, thanks to the stretchy FreeMax and StretchFlight neoprene it’s made from. We especially liked the seams, as they’re stitched in a way that doesn’t rub or itch, which is great for kids.
Durability/Functionality: This suit is made to last. It uses soft but tough neoprene that keeps kids warm, and it’s made from recycled rubber tires (limestone-derivate eco-friendly neoprene), which makes it more eco-friendly too. The stitching lets in just a tiny bit of water so kids don’t overheat and the back zipper makes it easy to get on and off, just like the other wetsuits we tested.
Fabric/Material: 83% Nylon, 17% Elastane, FreeMax neoprene for durability, StretchFlight neoprene for comfort and warmth
Approx Price: $76.00
Rating
Durability: 6
Comfort: 7
Warmth: 8
Fit: 8
Construction: 6
OVERALL: 7.0
Where to get it:
Pros: It’s a great choice if you want a warm, reliable wetsuit that’s also kind to the planet. Perfect for cold water!
Cons: There aren’t many colour options and the design looks a bit more grown-up (more like an adult wetsuit).
Verdict: This suit offers great stretch, warmth and value, and for eco-conscious parents, the sustainable materials are a big bonus.
#2: Seavenger Scout
Take your child for surf lessons in winter as this wetsuit’s thick 3mm neoprene really keeps them warm! With full-body coverage and extra protection at the knees, there’s not much to stress about. We had a winter swim with our kids and they stayed warm the whole time, so we had no complaints at all!
Summary
Comfort: We love that it doesn’t rub or cause irritation, and the built-in UV protection is a bonus. The 3mm neoprene is thicker than most in this category, which makes a big difference when it comes to keeping kids warm in cold water. The stitching is soft and sits flat, so it doesn’t bother their skin.
Durability/Functionality: This suit is built for busy, active kids, from toddlers to teens. It’s made to handle rough use, with strong seams and extra rubber padding on the knees, making it perfect for surfing or playing on rocky surfaces. The ankle zippers make it easier to put on and stop cold water from rushing in, too.
Fabric/Material: 3mm neoprene
Approx Price: $100.00
Rating
Durability: 8
Comfort: 7
Warmth: 9
Fit: 5
Construction: 8
OVERALL: 7.4
Pros: It’s great value for money considering the quality. The soft seams and easy-entry zippers on the ankles and back make it comfy and hassle-free. But most importantly, it really keeps kids warm.
Cons: The fit was a bit off for our kids as it ran long and narrow. Our kids are average weight and slightly taller than average, and we had to fold the sleeves and legs a little to make it work.
Verdict: This wetsuit ticks all the right boxes: warm, protective and comfy. Just be ready to adjust the fit a bit depending on your child’s size.
#1: Realon Kids
With strong stitching, built-in sun protection, stretchy fabric, and adjustable Velcro straps, the Realon kids wetsuit is loaded with practical features. Whether your child is swimming, snorkelling, or just playing at the beach, this suit won’t hold them back. It’s breathable, super flexible and the 2mm thickness allows for plenty of movement. It’s also easy to get on and off, dries quickly and feels like great value for what it offers.
Summary
Comfort: The stretchy nylon makes it easy for kids to move around without feeling stiff or restricted and the neoprene helps keep them warm by holding in body heat. The snug fit around the neck, wrists and ankles also helps stop cold water from getting inside the suit.
Durability/Functionality: This wetsuit is built to handle all kinds of water activities. The 2mm neoprene adds extra warmth and keeps water out, while the fabric fits close to the body to help seal in heat and block cold water from sneaking in.
Fabric/Material: 90% Neoprene +10% Stretch Nylon
Approx Price: $37.99
Rating
Durability: 8
Comfort: 9
Warmth: 9
Fit: 8
Construction: 8
OVERALL: 8.4
Where to get it:
Pros: Realon nailed the warmth factor. Our 8-year-old hopped into a chilly pool and didn’t even flinch — she ended up staying in longer than usual! Plus, it dries fast, which makes it super convenient to use and easy to care for.
Cons: We did notice a strong chemical smell when it first arrived. After a wash, it was better but still noticeable. That said, this seems pretty normal for wetsuits — you can’t expect them to smell like flowers right out of the box!
Verdict: This wetsuit has everything you need: it keeps kids warm, lets them move freely and holds up to outdoor adventures. The best part? Our kids loved wearing it, which made it a clear favourite for us.
Kids Wetsuit FAQs
Is it worth getting kids a wetsuit?
If your child enjoys swimming, snorkelling, or surfing, especially in cooler water, a wetsuit is a great investment. It keeps them warm, comfortable and protected.
What is the best wetsuit thickness for kids?
It depends on how cold the water is. For warm water (above 70°F), a 2mm wetsuit should do the job. For cooler water below 70°F, look for a 3/2mm or 4/3mm suit. In really cold conditions (under 50°F), go for at least 5mm. Just remember: thicker wetsuits are warmer but can also be harder to move in, which some kids might find uncomfortable.
Should kids wear anything under wetsuit?
It’s not necessary, but some kids feel more comfortable wearing swimmers or a rash vest underneath. Just keep in mind that extra layers can reduce warmth slightly, but they do help with modesty and comfort.
Should wetsuits be tight?
Yes, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin. Don’t buy a size too big, thinking they’ll grow into it. A loose wetsuit lets water in, making it less warm and more uncomfortable. Make sure it’s firm around areas like the armpits, knees and neck, but not so tight that it’s hard to move or breathe.
What are the disadvantages of wetsuits?
Wetsuits can feel a bit stiff at first and may cause chafing if they don’t fit well. They can also be too warm if the water isn’t cold enough, but if you get the right size and thickness, they help kids stay in the water longer and have more fun.
Do you go commando in a wetsuit?
Yes, lots of people do! Not wearing underwear helps the wetsuit fit better and feel more comfortable, but kids can wear swimmers underneath if they prefer.
What not to wear under a wetsuit?
Avoid cotton, as when it gets wet, it stays cold and heavy. If your child wants to wear something under the suit, go for quick-drying materials like nylon or polyester instead.
Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?
Always choose a size that fits snugly rather than sizing up. A tighter fit keeps the warmth in and helps your child move better. Don’t size up thinking they’ll grow into it, as wetsuits work best when they fit properly from the start.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.