10 Best Kids Wetsuits Reviewed & Rated in 2024
If you’re headed to the beach, you’ve probably got your sunscreen, swimsuits, and snacks all packed. While the beach is associated with warmth, the ocean itself can be quite cold! If you have little ones eager to swim with the fishies, consider suiting them up in a wetsuit to help them maintain body heat, and to protect them from harmful UV rays. (No one likes to swim in and out every hour to reapply sunscreen) The following wetsuits are our favorite on the children’s market. They’re strong, they keep kids healthy and safe, and they’re oh-so-easy to get your hands on (unlike little ones running rampant while you try to lather them up with the latest UV-resistant lotions). Unfurl those towels and sit back, or head out into the tides yourself for a quick family dip!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming
Made of neoprene and elastane
Is a one-piece suit for children
Has an easy front zipper
Allows maximum movement freedom
10 Best Kids Wetsuits Reviewed
1. Realon Neoprene 3 mm
3 MM Neoprene
Easy zipper for kids to dress and undress themselves
UV resistant (50+ rating)
Keeps kids warm
Helps protect against sea creature bites and stings
Chemical odor doesn’t fade
Made from a Neoprene and Lycra mix, this wetsuit is a favorite among kids and parents alike. It’s soft, comfy, waterproof, and UV-resistant.
Read moreDesign
With a 50+ UV shield, little ones can splash around in the sun without having to reapply sunscreen every few minutes. The thick material also helps to protect kids from sea lice, jelly stings, and other harmful irritants you might find in the sea. Take your family swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and more. The easy-pull zipper design makes this easy for kids to climb in and out of, while a protective flap keeps the zipper from snagging soft skin, and puts a barrier between the cold metal and your little one’s back. These are all formed from premium 3 mm neoprene, making them breathable, lightweight, quick-drying, and abrasion-resistant. Realon has so much faith in their product, they provide you with a 30-day unconditional refund if you’re at all satisfied. But given all of the user reviews so far, we don’t think you’ll need it.
Comfort
These wetsuits will keep your little one warm and safe from the sun, as well as protecting them from grumpy sea creatures that might float their way. It’s flexible and lightweight, so kids will be comfortable while they swim the day away.
Ease of Use
These wetsuits are great for lakes, beaches, and other waterfronts during the cold months, or when you live somewhere where there aren't especially warm summers. They’re comfortable and keep kids nice and warm while they swim, leaving more time to enjoy activities.
2. Aunua Youth
Extra-Long pull cord makes the zipper easily accessible
Provides full-body coverage
Flatlock seams and knee pads give the suit a high level of durability
Designed to be used for any water-based activity
Runs Small
The Aunua Youth suit serves as the perfect introductory wet suit and is designed for all water sports. Available in a wide range of sizes, children of all ages can wear this suit comfortably while boarding, snorkeling, or just hanging out at the beach.
Read moreDesign
With 3mm of premium neoprene, this wetsuit will keep your child warm in the water while also protecting them from UV rays. In fact, the suit will minimize injuries caused by underwater animals that tend to sting. It will also reduce the chance of your child experiencing board rash. When purchasing you can choose between an all-black suit, a navy suit, or a black and blue suit. The fully gusseted zipper will keep any water from entering. With long sleeves and pants legs, this form-fitting suit provides full-body coverage. The knee pads will protect your child’s knees while also extending the lifespan of the wetsuit.
Comfort
The flatlock seams provide the suit with a high level of durability while providing your child with a comfortable fit. The low profile of the seams will allow your child to wear this suit for long periods of time without experiencing any irritation or chafing. The inner panel under the zipper will prevent it from irritating your child’s skin.
Ease of Use
While the zipper is located on the back of the wet suit is easily accessible. The extra-long pull cord that is attached to the zipper allows children to easily get in and out of their suit by themselves. The stretchy material makes it easy for children of all sizes to slide the suit on over their body.
3. Cressi 1.5mm Neoprene
Perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming
Made of neoprene and elastane
Is a one-piece suit for children
Has an easy front zipper
Allows maximum movement freedom
May show signs of wear after a few uses
Sizing was an issue for some buyers
Made of neoprene, elastane, and Lycra, this swimsuit is excellent for boys and girls. A few color choices and sizes are available with this item that is perfect for outdoor activities and sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Read moreDesign
It is an Italian brand from a well-trusted company with a fabulous reputation for high-quality products since 1946. It is a one-piece suit for children with an easy front zipper, making it easy to put on and take off. This fantastic swimsuit provides cold and UV protection as well as water insect and animal defense. It is ideal for children between the ages of two- to seven-years-old. The back and front of the suit are comprised of thick neoprene and the sides, sleeves and collar are made of Lycra. It allows maximum movement freedom and no irritants to the skin. Designed for diving, running, and playing in and around water, this terrific suit will protect sensitive skin from sand. It keeps kids warm when exposed to cold water temperatures is prolonged. An UV protection of up to 50+ is given by this swimsuit, too.
Comfort
Cressi is a well-known Italian maker of swim and surfwear for kids and adults. This is one of their top-quality products that help children enjoy the water when the water temperatures are cold, and the sun is bright and reflective.
Ease of Use
For those that have sensitive skin, this swimsuit for boys and girls is a welcomed water activity item. It will protect kids’ skin from the irritating sand and 50+ UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Seavenger Scout
Has a sturdy zipper with a long leash
Includes armpit stretch panels
Contains dual loop and hook tabs at the collar
Includes flexible, textured panels on the knees
Comes in stylish designs
Can be tight and hard to get on
Some felt the item was too long for the wearer
From the respected brand of Seavenger, we feature this full-body wetsuit that is offered in a few fabulous color choices. It provides terrific thermal protection because the neoprene fabric conserves body warmth.
Read moreDesign
This suit will keep kids cozy and warm and is easy to put on and take off. It has a sturdy zipper with a long leash and a snug fit that conforms to the body. This permits flexible, easy carefree play and movement. This item includes stitching that is flat-locked and ankle zips. The ankle zips prevent skin from being chafed and minimize flushing. This swimsuit is comfortable to wear and is design in an updated model for this year with improved fit and sizing. It is suitable for all types of watersports and activities including surfing, diving, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and canoeing. Included are armpit stretch panels that will give a complete motion range and not bind. It has a zipper leash in the back that is easy to grasp and reach. This suit contains dual loop and hook tabs for tie-down at the collar that will keep the zipper stays closed securely. This great wetsuit features flexible, textured panels on the knees to give added traction and defend against wear yet not hinder movement. It comes in stylish designs that kids and teens will really love.
Comfort
A close fit is important in a swimsuit, especially a full-body one for heat preservation. This one will give your children a wonderful snug fit but still allows comfortable and free movement.
Ease of Use
This full-body wetsuit comes with textured panels on the knees for added traction and wear and tear protection. The knees are the first places where kids wear out clothes and even swimwear. With this added feature, the suit will last much longer.
5. O’Neill Youth Reactor
Has Krypto Padz and an ergonomic design
Comprised of 70% Fluid Foam and 30% FluidFlex
It has a back zipper and single seal collar
Includes a key pocket that is hidden
Use this suit alone or with other water sport gear
Can be hard to get out of
A few complaints about the odor
This spring wetsuit enables children to spend more time outdoors in and out of water areas. Use this suit alone or combined with other water sport gear for the best protection against cold water temperatures, harmful UV rays, and wind. It has seamless paddle zones that are strategically placed in the suit and includes flatlock seams that are breathable.
Read moreDesign
A key pocket is hidden on the inside of the wetsuit, plus it has a back zipper and a single seal collar that is fully adjustable. This entire wetsuit is comprised of 70% FluidFoam and 30% FluidFlex material. The sleeves are comprised of FluidFlex and the chest, neck, and back are made of the Smoothskin Fluid Foam material. Knee protection consists of Krypto Padz and ergonomic design. Several color options and sizes are available for boys and girls of many ages.
Comfort
FluidFlex and Smoothskin Fluid Foam fabrics make up this entire wetsuit for the best comfort and terrific skin feel. These materials are not only effective for wonderful protection but are stylish too.
Ease of Use
Featuring paddle zones that are seamless, this wetsuit will not tear in these well-used stress points when involved in energetic water activities. These areas were the focal point of the manufacturer to make so they will not be the first to show signs of wear and tear.
6. Speedo UPF 50+ Thermal
Sleeves are made of 80% neoprene and 20% spandex
Body of the suit is comprised of 100% polyester
Is licensed by the American Red Cross
Provides 50+ UV Block the Burn protection
Made by the leading company in swimwear
Some buyers had trouble with the sizing
Crotch and back areas may be a bit baggy
Speedo, the leading company in swimwear design, has created this stylish model with the Speedo logo and a large front zipper with a top Velcro closure. This is an open-neck design that will provide extra buoyancy and warmth.
Read moreDesign
The fabric is flexible, comfortable, and gives fantastic mobility. Protection from 50+ UV rays is provided by the Block the Burn technology, so the harmful rays of the sun will not hinder your child’s exciting fun in and near the water. It is licensed by the American Red Cross and offered in a few wonderful color and size options. The body of the suit is comprised of 100% polyester, and the sleeves are made of 80% neoprene and 20% spandex material.
Comfort
Sometimes children need some help with buoyancy as they try new watersports and activities. This swimsuit provides that added help to keep them afloat, so they can concentrate on just having fun.
Ease of Use
The American Red Cross stands behind this thermal swimsuit for kids because they have licensed it for consumers. When a well-known organization known for its fabulous reputation backs a product for children, it has to be the best.
7. O’Neill Reactor Toddler
Protects from UPF 50+ sun rays
Neck area has super seal
Back zipper has a pull-tab
Includes Krypto knee pads
Made of 100% nylon with a neoprene bonding
A few complaints about the bad odor
May be thinner than expected
Providing a snug fit that is just right for toddlers, this cute spring wetsuit comes in several great sizes. It comes in two color choices of blue/green and pink/black, so it is terrific for both boys and girls.
Read moreDesign
Protection from UPF 50+ sun rays is provided in this wetsuit that covers the knees and elbows for a fabulous fit. The sleeves and shoulders are made of FluidFlex material and the knee areas are covered with Krypto knee pads. It has paddle zones that are seamless and a neck area with a super seal that is fully adjustable. The back zipper has a pull-tab that is extended in this wetsuit that is 100% nylon with a neoprene bonding. For the best long life, this suit must be hand washed and allowed to drip dry.
Comfort
The neck area of wetsuits and swimsuits varies greatly from model to model. This is where the human body can lose plenty of body heat. This wetsuit for toddlers has an adjustable neck area with a super seal for a great fit.
Ease of Use
In the water and out, your child will need protection from the sun’s dangerous rays. This swimsuit will protect them with UPF 50+ sun protection while they enjoy their sports and activities in and around the water.
8. Cokar Neoprene
Perfect for boys and girls
Made of quality neoprene fabric
Will provide UPF 50+ sun protection
Gives perfect support and shaping
Has a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Material may be thin for some users
Some complained about the strong smell
Perfect for boys and girls with a stylish design, fit, and color choices, this one-piece swimsuit will provide the best UPF 50+ sun protection. Your child can play and participate in watersports will confidence that they will not burn or be adversely affected by the dangerous rays of the sun.
Read moreDesign
This suit is made of neoprene and is easy to put on and take off with the pull zipper feature. It gives perfect support and shaping because only the best quality materials were used for the construction of these suits. The material is quick-drying, breathable, soft to the skin, and lightweight. The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase.
Comfort
Cokar states that hundreds of swimsuits were tested for quality before they offered this wonderful item to you. Product testing ensures your satisfaction as the company finds out what is the best to offer consumers.
Ease of Use
For children, things they wear must be easy to get on and take off, especially wearables that will be wet when doing this. This one-piece swimsuit should not pose any problems with this seemingly daunting task.
9. Dark Lightning Neoprene
Different suit styles and lengths available
2 MM Chloroprene Material
Easy zipper
UV protection of 50+
Can be used for years if washed and handled carefully
Some users complained of chemical odor
Watch your little ones float and swim easy in this Dark Lightning Neoprene suit. Made from 2 MM Neoprene and Lycra, it keeps kids warm, but remains lightweight and gives them some added buoyancy in the water.
Read moreDesign
A long zipper strap in the back makes it easy for little ones to suit up all by themselves. This design is specifically tailored more towards little girls, though there are also boys’ sizes available in similar fashions. It may fit tightly at first when dry but will it adjust to be comfortable in the water. It offers 50+ UPF rated sun protection, and guards against jellyfish stings. It’s available in eight different styles and colors, and eleven different sizes. If you’re unhappy with your purchase for any reason, you can contact the company for a 30-day unconditional refund.
Comfort
These suits are designed to fit snugly and keep kids warm as they swim. They’re available in short and long sleeves, with full or short legs, so you can choose the style that is best suited to your climate and your family’s needs. It’s sun-resistant and protects from jellyfish bites, so your children can swim alongside ocean critters in harmony.
Ease of Use
It’s a little bit lighter than some other suits, but that doesn’t make it any less warm. It’s super stretchy and if treated carefully, it can last for years.
10. GoldFin Thermal 2mm
Soft and comfortable
Lightweight and not bulky
Dries quickly
Easy for children to put on themselves
Designed with a buoyancy effect
Not machine-wash safe
Goldfin’s Kids shorty wetsuit will allow your child to move freely as it is lightweight and not bulky. Not only will keep your child warm and comfortable but it will also help them float as it is designed with a buoyancy effect.
Read moreDesign
This bright pink wet suit is designed with butterfly detailing so your little fashionista can be stylish in and out of the water. The flatlock stitching displays high-quality workmanship that will allow this suit to survive countless adventures in the water. This particular suit has short sleeves and cuts off just above the knee. However, GoldFin offers several other styles that you can choose from before purchasing. When wearing this suit your child will be protected from harmful UV rays, jellyfish stings, and sea lice.
Comfort
The 2mm neoprene material will keep your child warm in the water. Furthermore, the material is soft, thus providing them with an overall comfortable fit. The zipper is backed with fabric, thus preventing your child from catching their skin in the zipper’s teeth when opening and closing. It also makes wearing the suit more comfortable. The material fits snuggly against your child’s body so you won’t have to worry about any baggy or sagging material.
Ease of Use
With the material being stretchy and the zipper located on the front, your child will easily be able to get in and out of this suit by themselves. The YKK heavy-duty zipper will keep the suit closed until your child is ready to take it off. The vibrancy of the suit makes it easy for you to spot your child at a crowded beach or pool. The suit dries quickly which means putting it away after a day full of water play will be a stress-free process. While it is recommended to wash this suit after every use, it is not recommended to put it in the washer machine. To clean it you will need to hand wash it in cold water and laundry detergent. Once you are finished squeeze it out and let it air dry.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
The suits presented are a perfect fit for cold water and meant to be worn by young surfers. The wetsuits are made of the leading companies in the industry of water sports and are proven to be of high quality.
Most of the suits listed are made of just several materials. These include neoprene, Lycra, polyester, spandex, and nylon. The neoprene is used in the wetsuits for cold-water protection. Spandex is used mostly in the arms of the swimsuits to give the best available motion range to kids. Nylon and polyester are used basically for the body sections of the swimsuits. All of these materials are long-lasting and durable to give your child several years wear from their suits. You can depend on the high-quality of these products because they come from the leading companies of watersports wearables, such as Cressi, Neosport, Seavenger, Speedo, and Cokar. You will definitely get the best items from these well-known manufacturers.
Comfort
Making sure a child is comfortable and warm in the water by wearing a wetsuit is very helpful both for the parent and the child. The wetsuits should be chosen based on the amount of comfort and warmth they provide.
These wetsuits and swimsuits are all made especially for kids from toddlers to teens in the sizes they need and the colors they love. It can be quite challenging to create a form-fitting suit in the many needed sizes for growing children, but these manufacturers listed do it well. All of these items will fit kids snugly, but not tightly, so they can enjoy the watersports and activities they love so much.
Ease of Use
The child should try on the wetsuit before purchasing it to make sure it's the right size. This will enable free movement and maximum protection.
The proper way to put on a wetsuit is to first put in the legs and get the knee pads over the knees. Get the groin area to fit the best it can, then work the suit up to the armpits as you go up the torso. Smooth out areas as you go. Then put in the arms and get them to fit well. Don’t make the mistake of putting a wetsuit on backward. Manufacturers make models with zippers on the front and some have them on the back. If it is a horizontal zipper, then it is for the front and is a chest zipper. The vertical zipper will usually have a pull tab on it and it goes in the back of the suit. The pull tab is to make it easy for the user to manipulate the zipper themselves.
This is the main element that provides comfort and warmth in the water. When a child is cold for too long in the water, a thicker wetsuit might be more useful.
The price of the wetsuit varies according to the quality. Parents should opt for medium-priced wetsuits since the children will quickly outgrow them and they will have to be replaced.
Other Factors to Consider
Value
Each item we list has been chosen because it is one of the few top-ranking items online in the number of customer reviews, plus it received one of the best overall review ratings of this category. We feature only the best for your review to save you time from looking through all of the other products that did not satisfy purchasers the best. These are the ones that customers loved the best and so will you.
Comfort
Make sure there is no extra room in the suit when it is on in the areas of the crotch, torso, knees, or shoulders. A suit that fits well will be difficult to put on when it is dry. If you leave socks on, then the legs portion will be easier to get on. When the suit is on, place your arms over your head, stretching the shoulders out. You should not be restricted in these movements much. If there is plenty of pressure for this exercise, then the fit is too small. Squatting should not be a problem either.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are the differences between a wetsuit made of neoprene and a suit made of Lycra?
The wetsuit of neoprene will allow body warming because of the thicker material, where the Lycra suit will not. These thinner suits are used for a base layer under other sportswear or to be used as a light cover. It will protect from UV rays and pests and harmful animals in the ocean water.
q: For those that are allergic to chlorine in swimming pools, will a wetsuit or Lycra suit allow them to swim in pools that have chlorine and not be bothered by the chemical?
No, a wetsuit or Lycra suit allows water to your skin to warm it between the layers of the material. The skin will still be in contact with the water containing the chemical.
q: Do children have to wear underwear under these wetsuits or swimsuits to protect them from chaffing or skin rashes?
This will greatly depend on the individual child, but the general answer is no. Nothing has to be work underneath to protect the skin, even in the more delicate areas. For children that have sensitive skin or get rashes easy, they may want to wear something underneath to protect them. Some purchasers said that a bathing suit may be worn underneath these suits, especially if it will be taken off when the child gets out of the water while still at the pool or beach. They would already be wearing something and not have to go change.
q: What is the best way to clean these wetsuits and swimsuits? Can they be washed in the washing machine and machine dried too?
There are many answers online from customers that purchased these, but the best advice seems to be the first to use the manufacturer’s recommendations for washing. However, it that is not provided, it is best to not wash in the machine or even machine dry them. The problem is not the water, but the cycling of the machine that could possibly tear the suit. Laundry detergent is not the best cleaner for these either. There is a wetsuit soap available, but one buyer stated that baby shampoo works well and might be able to remove some of the bad odor that some buyers complain about. After handwashing with one of these cleaners or just rinsing with clean, fresh water, air dry the suit. It should keep well for years with this level of care.
q: How tight should these suits fit a child?
Both types of suits, either the wetsuit or the swimsuit should be snug, but not tight. The wetsuits really need to be form-fitting because while the child is in the water, some water will seep through the suit and be trapped in the layer between the child and the suit. The body will warm the water and give the child a protective layer. If the suit does not fit well enough for this to happen, then the child will always be cold in the water. The cold water will be constantly mixing with the water that should be kept near the skin. A snug fit should allow a full range of motion for all activities.
q: Are these suits waterproof?
No, these are not waterproof. Only a dry suit is waterproof. These are swimsuits and wetsuits, meaning that water seeps through the material. For the wetsuit, the body is kept warm by a trapped layer of water between the suit and the skin.
q: Are these for boys and girls both, or are some of these just for one or the other?
The only suit that we list that is for girls is the Tuga Thermal Wetsuit. It comes in colors that would appeal best to girls and the cut of the suit is specific for a girl’s body shape. All of the other suits are for both boys and girls in colors that both will love.
q: What is the most appropriate size to choose for kids, or run do these garments run large or small?
this is the most frequent question from prospective online buyers. It is also the biggest complaint from purchasers who did not get a good fit from the suit they bought for their child. From all of the comments, we can honestly say that it would be best to buy the size that best corresponds with your child’s regular clothing size. If you purchase a size that is bigger than the regular size they wear, then you risk having a suit that is too big. This would defeat the purpose of a wetsuit if it is needed for warmth in the water. For just sun or water animal protection, a larger suit size is okay. Amazon and manufacturers of these suits seem to be great at returns and exchanges for these items just in case you may get an incorrect size.
Sources
- Wetsuit Thickness Guide & Temperature Chart, Online Article ,
- 7 Tips for Putting on a Wetsuit More Easily, Online Article ,
- Caring for your wetsuit and general wetty maintenance, Online Article ,