Wetsuits 3 4: The Ultimate Guide for UK Waters

It’s a common point of confusion, but when someone in the UK talks about a '3/4 wetsuit', they’re almost certainly not talking about its length. It's actually a bit of local slang for a 4/3mm wetsuit, which happens to be the perfect sweet spot for warmth and flexibility during those transitional seasons.

Decoding the 3/4 Wetsuit

Let's clear this up right away. The term '3/4 wetsuit' can definitely throw you for a loop. You might be picturing a suit with cropped arms and legs, but in the UK watersports scene, it’s code for a full-length 4/3mm suit. Understanding what those numbers mean is the key to figuring out how the suit is built to keep you comfortable in cool water.

Think of a 4/3mm wetsuit as your go-to for British spring and autumn sessions. The name itself tells you exactly how it’s constructed, with the numbers representing the neoprene thickness in millimetres:

• 4mm on the Core: The thicker 4mm neoprene is used for the panels covering your torso and upper legs. This area is like the engine room of your body, and the extra insulation keeps your vital organs toasty.
• 3mm on the Limbs: Your arms, shoulders, and lower legs get slightly thinner 3mm neoprene. This is a deliberate trade-off, sacrificing a tiny bit of warmth for a huge gain in flexibility and movement.

This clever design means you get the warmth you need without feeling like you’re paddling in a straightjacket. For example, a Loco 4/3mm wetsuit uses this exact principle to ensure you can paddle freely without restriction while your core stays warm. If you're new to wetsuits and want to get a feel for different thicknesses before you buy, checking out options like freediving wetsuit rentals can be a massive help.

Your Personal Thermostat

Imagine trying to paddle your SUP while wearing a bulky winter coat. Sure, you’d be warm, but your strokes would be stiff and exhausting. A 4/3mm wetsuit avoids this by putting its insulation exactly where it’s needed most.

This strategic placement of different neoprene thicknesses is the secret sauce behind a great multi-season wetsuit. It’s a design that understands you need both core warmth and the freedom to move like an athlete.

This infographic breaks down exactly how a 4/3mm wetsuit zones its neoprene to give you the best of both worlds.

As you can see, the thicker core panels lock in heat, while the thinner material on the limbs allows you to paddle and move without restriction.

Out on the Cornish Coast

Let’s put this into a real-world context. Picture a paddleboarder getting ready for a session in Cornwall on a crisp April morning. The water’s still got a bite to it, but the sun’s out, and they’re planning an energetic paddle.

This is the perfect scenario for a Loco 4/3mm wetsuit. The 4mm core takes the sting out of that initial plunge into the cold water and holds onto body heat for the whole session. At the same time, the 3mm arms mean they can paddle freely and efficiently without their shoulders getting tired.

A thicker 5/4mm winter suit would be overkill, leading to overheating, while a 3/2mm summer suit just wouldn't provide enough warmth. The 4/3mm is that perfect middle ground—the ultimate blend of comfort and performance for the UK's shoulder seasons.

Matching Neoprene Thickness to UK Water Temperatures

Getting the right wetsuit is all about playing matchmaker with the water you’ll be paddling in. Here in the UK, the 4/3mm wetsuit (often mistakenly called a 3/4) is the undisputed king of the shoulder seasons. We're talking about spring and autumn, that huge chunk of the year when the water is hovering between 12°C and 17°C.

This thickness hits the sweet spot. A 4/3mm suit gives you just enough insulation to keep the shivers at bay, letting you extend your sessions without turning blue. But it’s not so bulky that you’ll be sweating buckets on a milder day or when you're paddling hard. It's the perfect compromise.

This versatility is a huge reason why the UK wetsuit scene is so strong. With our incredible coastline and the explosion in sports like SUP and surfing, especially down in Cornwall and Devon, people need gear that just works. The 4/3mm fits the bill perfectly.

Wetsuit Thickness and UK Water Temperature Guide

Temperature charts are a brilliant starting point, but they don't tell the whole story. Think of a temperature guide as the base recipe for staying warm – you still need to factor in your own personal ingredients, like how hard you're working and whether the wind is howling, to get it just right.

A wetsuit's temperature rating is a scientific best guess. Your personal experience on the day—factoring in wind, sun, and how hard you’re working—is what truly determines your comfort level.

This table is a solid guide for UK conditions, helping you connect the dots between neoprene thickness and the seasons.

Wetsuit Thickness (mm)	Ideal Water Temperature (°C)	Typical UK Season	Recommended Activities
5/4 or 5/4/3	8°C - 12°C	Winter / Early Spring	Surfing, Wing Foiling
4/3 (aka '3/4')	12°C - 17°C	Spring / Autumn	SUP, Surfing, Kayaking
3/2	16°C - 20°C	Summer	SUP, Surfing, General Beach Fun
2/2 Shorty	19°C+	Peak Summer	Casual Paddling, Swimming

As you can see, the 4/3mm absolutely dominates that middle ground where most of us spend our time on the water. It’s the true workhorse of any UK water enthusiast's wardrobe.

Beyond the Chart: Personal Factors Matter

Numbers on a chart can't feel the cold for you. How you actually feel in a 4/3mm wetsuit can change dramatically depending on a few key things.

• Activity Level: Are you frantically paddling for a wave, generating heaps of body heat? Or are you on a gentle SUP cruise, standing relatively still? The more you move, the warmer you'll be. Simple as that.
• Sensitivity to Cold: We all have a different internal thermostat. If you're someone who's always cold, you might reach for your 4/3mm when your mates are still in their summer suits. It's not just about physical toughness; even the pros have to get their gear right, like the mindset of an ultra-endurance swimmer tackling extreme cold water.
• Wind Chill: This is the big one for us stand-up paddleboarders. A stiff breeze can suck the warmth right out of you, especially when you're exposed on top of the board. Even on a sunny day, that wind chill can make a 4/3mm an absolute necessity. If you want to know more about this, check out our guide on essential winter SUP tips.

Real-World Scenarios: A Tale of Two Paddlers

To really bring this home, let’s imagine two different people wearing the exact same Loco 4/3mm wetsuit on the same day.

Scenario 1: The Cornish Surfer
It’s May, and a surfer is out in the water off a Cornish beach. The sea is about 14°C. They're constantly moving – paddling, duck-diving, and popping up. All that effort generates a huge amount of body heat, keeping them perfectly comfortable in their 4/3mm without ever feeling like they're overheating.

Scenario 2: The Scottish Loch Paddleboarder
Meanwhile, a paddleboarder is cruising across a calm but chilly Scottish loch. The water is also 14°C, but there's a brisk wind cutting across the surface. Their pace is steady but less intense. Here, the 4/3mm isn't just about the water temp; it's a vital shield against that relentless wind chill, trapping their core body heat so they can enjoy a long paddle.

See? In both situations, the 4/3mm is the perfect choice, but it's doing a slightly different job. For the surfer, it balances warmth with high-energy performance. For the paddleboarder, it's all about insulation and protection from the elements.

This incredible adaptability is what makes wetsuits 3 4 (or rather, 4/3s) the ultimate all-rounder for UK waters.

Key Features of a High-Performance Wetsuit

Beyond the crucial 4/3mm thickness, the real magic of a high-performance wetsuit lies in its construction. The small details in how a suit is stitched, sealed, and designed are what separate a merely adequate suit from a great one. Understanding these features will help you decode the jargon and see exactly where your investment is going.

It all starts with the seams. The way the neoprene panels are joined together is arguably the most important factor for warmth and durability in wetsuits 3 4 and beyond. A poorly sealed seam will constantly let in cold water, completely defeating the purpose of the suit.

Understanding Wetsuit Seams

Think of seams as the gatekeepers of your wetsuit. They can either form a weak point or create an impenetrable barrier against the cold. There are two main types you'll encounter.

• Flatlock Stitching: This is a basic, breathable stitch you’ll often find on entry-level or summer wetsuits. You can spot it by the visible, flat zigzag pattern on both sides of the seam. While it’s durable, the needle holes go all the way through the neoprene, which means it’s not watertight. It's totally unsuitable for the cooler temperatures a 4/3mm suit is built for.

• Glued and Blind Stitched (GBS): This is the gold standard for cold water performance. First, the neoprene panels are glued together to create an initial waterproof bond. Then, a special sewing machine stitches only partway through the neoprene from the outside, never fully piercing it. This creates a strong, flexible, and—most importantly—watertight seam that keeps cold water out.

A wetsuit with GBS seams is like a well-insulated house with double-glazed windows. It's engineered to prevent any warmth from escaping or cold from getting in, which is exactly what you need for UK waters.

Quality brands like Loco Surfing exclusively use GBS construction on their multi-season suits, as it’s essential for maintaining core body temperature during long sessions. For instance, if you take an unexpected fall while paddleboarding in a Loco wetsuit, GBS seams prevent that cold shock of water from seeping in, helping you stay warmer for longer.

Wetsuit Entry Systems Compared

How you get into your wetsuit might seem like a small detail, but it has a massive impact on flexibility and how well the suit prevents 'flushing'—that shocking rush of cold water down your back.

Entry System	Pros	Cons	Best For
Back Zip	Easiest to get on and off, great for beginners.	Less flexible across the back, zipper can allow some water entry.	Ease of use, recreational paddlers.
Chest Zip	More flexible shoulders, better seal against water.	Can be trickier to get into at first.	Performance, flexibility for paddling/surfing.
Zipless	Maximum flexibility with no stiff zipper.	Most difficult entry, can stretch out over time if not careful.	Ultimate performance, advanced users.

For most paddleboarders and surfers, the chest zip offers the best balance. The lack of a long, rigid zip down the spine gives you much better freedom of movement for paddling strokes. This improved shoulder flexibility is a key reason so many experienced water users now prefer chest zip wetsuits 3 4.

The Details That Make a Difference

Beyond seams and zips, a few other key features elevate a good wetsuit to a great one. These are the finishing touches that improve comfort, warmth, and ultimately, how long your suit will last.

• Durable Knee Pads: Essential for surfers and increasingly for paddleboarders who might kneel on their board. These reinforced panels protect both your knees and the wetsuit from abrasion, adding years to the suit’s life.

• Internal Thermal Linings: Many high-performance suits, including our Loco models, feature a fuzzy, quick-drying lining on the chest and back panels. This material not only adds an extra layer of insulation but also feels much softer against the skin.

• Smooth Skin Panels: You’ll see these rubbery-looking panels on the chest and back of many suits. Their main job is to cut down on wind chill by repelling water and wind. For stand-up paddleboarders, who spend a lot of time exposed above the water, this feature is a real game-changer for staying warm.

When you see a suit with GBS seams, a chest zip entry, and thoughtful details like thermal lining and robust knee pads, you know you’re looking at a piece of gear designed for serious performance.

How to Find Your Perfect Wetsuit Fit

Let’s be honest, you can have the flashiest, most tech-packed wetsuit on the market, but if it doesn't fit properly, it’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Nailing the fit is the single most important part of buying any wetsuit, especially a versatile 3/4 wetsuit that you’ll be living in for hours at a time.

If it’s too loose, you’ll get that lovely surprise of cold water constantly flushing through. Too tight, and you'll be restricting your movement and, even worse, your breathing. Neither makes for a great day out.

Think of your wetsuit as a second skin. Its main job is to trap a tiny layer of water between the neoprene and your body. Your body heat quickly warms this water up, creating a personal heating system. But if there are baggy spots, cold water just sloshes around in those gaps, completely defeating the purpose and chilling you to the bone.

Your Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

Before you even glance at a size chart, you need to get your own measurements sorted. Grab a soft tape measure and a friend if you can—it makes getting accurate numbers much easier.

1. Height: Kick your shoes off, stand straight against a wall, and measure from the floor to the very top of your head. This is usually the first number you'll look for.
2. Chest: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it level all the way around, just under your armpits.
3. Waist: Find your natural waistline—it's typically just above your belly button. Measure around it, but don't suck in or pull the tape too tight!
4. Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips and bum. This is a really important one for getting a good fit, particularly for women's suits.

With these four key numbers written down, you can start comparing them to a brand’s size chart, like the one on the Loco Surfing website. And a word of warning: sizes are all over the place between brands. A 'Medium' from one company could easily be a 'Large' in another. Always use the specific size chart for the exact suit you're looking at.

The Second Skin Test

When you pull the wetsuit on, it should feel snug. Everywhere. You're looking for zero baggy areas or air pockets, especially in the spots where a bad fit likes to hide.

Here's the golden rule of wetsuit fitting: if it’s easy to get on when it's dry, it’s probably too big. A good fit requires a bit of a wiggle and a pull to get into.

Keep a close eye on these classic problem areas:

• Lower Back: This is the most common culprit for a poor fit. You shouldn't be able to get more than a couple of fingers in the gap at the small of your back.
• Underarms and Crotch: The suit needs to sit right up against your skin here, with no sagging or bunching material.
• Wrists and Ankles: The seals here should be nice and snug to stop water from shooting up your arms and legs.

This snug fit is what creates the thermal barrier that allows the UK's brilliant surfing community to get out on the water all year round. It’s no surprise that the demand for well-fitting, full-sleeve suits is a huge driver in the local market. For a deeper dive, check out the insights on the UK's wetsuit demand at Future Market Insights.

The All-Important Mobility Check

Okay, so the suit is on and it feels like a second skin. You’re not done yet. The final, crucial test is checking if you can actually move. A suit that fits perfectly while you're standing like a statue is useless if you can't paddle or pop up in it.

Run through these simple moves right there in the changing room or at home:

• Full Squat: Drop into a deep squat. Can you get all the way down without the suit feeling like it's about to split across your back or knees?
• Arm Circles: Swing your arms in big circles, both forwards and backwards, to mimic paddling. You should feel some resistance—it’s neoprene, after all—but it shouldn't feel like it’s holding you back.
• Torso Twist: Gently twist your upper body from side to side. The suit should feel like it's moving with you, not fighting against you.

If you can tick off all these movements without feeling seriously restricted, then congratulations—you've likely found your perfect size. This simple five-minute check means you can buy with confidence, knowing your new suit will perform when it really matters.

Making Your Wetsuit Last Longer

A decent wetsuit is a real investment in your time on the water, so you want to make it last. The good news is, with the right care, your 3/4 wetsuit will see you through many seasons. It doesn't take a complicated routine either—just a few simple habits after every session will make a world of difference to its lifespan and keep it feeling fresh.

The golden rule is simple, but it’s absolutely non-negotiable: always rinse your suit thoroughly with fresh, cold water after every single use. Saltwater is a killer for wetsuit materials. If you let it dry, the salt crystals act like tiny razor blades, slowly grinding away at the neoprene and weakening the seams.

Neoprene's Biggest Enemies

Your wetsuit is a tough bit of kit, but there are a couple of common things that will destroy it faster than anything else: hot water and direct sunlight.

• Hot Water: It might feel tempting to rinse your suit in hot water on a chilly day, but it’s a terrible idea for the neoprene. Heat breaks down the chemical bonds in the rubber, making it lose its stretch and turn brittle over time. Always, always stick to cool or lukewarm water.
• Direct Sunlight: The sun's UV rays are just as bad. They’ll bleach the colour out of your suit and degrade the neoprene, leaving it stiff and prone to cracking. Never leave your suit to bake in the sun on your car bonnet or hanging on a washing line all day.

Think of your wetsuit like a high-performance tyre; if you leave it out in extreme heat and constant UV, the rubber will perish. It’s that simple. A little bit of care really does go a long way.

The Right Way to Dry and Store Your Wetsuit

How you hang your suit to dry is just as important as how you rinse it. The sheer weight of a wet wetsuit can cause serious, irreversible damage if it’s hung up the wrong way.

The single biggest mistake people make is hanging a wet suit by the shoulders on a thin wire hanger. The weight of the water stretches the shoulder panels, ruining the fit permanently.

Instead, get into this simple habit:

1. Find a Shady, Well-Ventilated Spot: An open garage, a covered balcony, or even a shower cubicle with the window ajar is perfect.
2. Use a Wide Hanger: Grab a purpose-built, chunky wetsuit hanger or even a thick plastic jacket hanger will do the trick.
3. Fold it at the Waist: This is the key. Instead of hanging it from the shoulders, fold the suit in half over the bar of the hanger. This spreads the weight out evenly and stops any stretching.
4. Dry it Inside-Out First: This lets the interior—the part that was against your skin—dry and air out properly, which is crucial for preventing that classic wetsuit funk. Once the inside is dry, flip it back the right way round to finish off the exterior.

Every few sessions, it’s worth giving it a deeper clean with a dedicated wetsuit shampoo. This stuff is designed to kill bacteria and odours without using harsh chemicals that could damage the neoprene. When it's time to pack it away for the off-season, make sure your Loco wetsuit is bone dry, then store it either lying flat or folded loosely over its wide hanger in a cool, dark place. Looking after your gear like this is key, especially in an industry where broader factors like raw material costs and supply chain stability can affect the gear available. You can discover more about the dynamics of the UK wetsuit market and its future on Market Report Analytics. Follow these steps, and you'll protect your investment and make sure your suit is ready to go for your next adventure.

Choosing the Right Wetsuit for Stand-Up Paddleboarding

While surfers and paddleboarders often share the same patch of water, the way we use our bodies is completely different. A surfer spends ages submerged, waiting for a set. A paddleboarder is mostly out of the water, which throws up a whole new set of challenges for staying warm and comfortable.

That’s why picking the right wetsuits 3 4 for SUP isn't just about the water temperature. The biggest thing to consider is freedom of movement in your upper body. A repetitive, powerful paddle stroke needs maximum flexibility through the shoulders and back. A suit that’s too restrictive won't just feel annoying; it'll wear you out faster and can lead to some seriously painful chafing on a long paddle.

Prioritising Flexibility and Wind Resistance

To make sure you can paddle efficiently for hours, you need to look for features specifically designed for movement. This is where a chest-zip entry system really comes into its own for paddleboarders. By getting rid of that long, stiff zip down the back panel, it frees up a huge amount of stretch, something you’ll be thankful for with every single stroke.

Another game-changer is large, seamless underarm panels. Fewer seams in this high-movement zone means less friction and a much lower chance of irritation. It's a small design detail that's crucial for avoiding that dreaded underarm rash that can cut a great day on the water short.

The ideal SUP wetsuit acts less like a thick winter coat and more like performance athletic gear. It provides targeted warmth without ever getting in the way of the repetitive motion that defines the sport.

Beyond pure flexibility, you’ve got to think about wind chill. Because you’re standing up on your board, you’re far more exposed to the wind than a surfer who's lying low in the water. This is where smooth skin panels on the chest and back are incredibly effective. These rubbery sections act as a windbreaker, stopping the breeze from sucking the heat right out of your core.

The Perfect Suit for a Coastal Tour

Let's paint a picture: you're planning a coastal SUP tour on a bright but breezy day. You need a suit that can handle the cool water and the non-stop wind. A purpose-built Loco 4/3mm suit is the perfect partner for this kind of adventure.

• Chest-Zip Freedom: The chest-zip entry gives you all the shoulder flexibility you need for an efficient, powerful paddle stroke over several miles.
• Windproof Core: Those smooth skin panels on the chest and back provide an essential barrier against the wind, keeping your core temperature stable even when you're not in the water.
• GBS Seams: The Glued and Blind Stitched seams mean no cold water is going to seep in if you do take an unexpected dip.

This combination of features makes a world of difference. Sure, a basic back-zip suit might feel okay for a quick paddle, but a properly kitted-out suit gives you targeted protection and flexibility right where it counts. It's what allows you to paddle further, for longer, and in total comfort. For more advice on dressing for the conditions, check out our complete guide on what to wear when paddleboarding.

Your 4/3mm Wetsuit Questions Answered

Even after getting the lowdown on thickness, zips, and seams, you might still have a few questions rattling around. That’s perfectly normal. Let's tackle some of the most common queries we hear to make sure you feel totally sorted before you hit the water.

Can I Use a 4/3mm Wetsuit in the UK Summer?

You absolutely can. In fact, for a lot of UK paddlers, a 4/3mm is the go-to suit for the majority of the year. It’s perfect for those early morning sessions, cooler windy days, or if you’re heading further up north where the water never gets that warm.

That said, if a proper heatwave hits the South West and the sun is blazing, you'll probably find yourself overheating. On those rare glorious days, a thinner 3/2mm or even a shorty wetsuit will be a much more comfortable choice. For example, a Loco 4/3mm is ideal for an August paddle in Northumberland, but might be too warm for the same day in Cornwall where a 3/2mm would be better.

What Is the Difference Between a Men's and a Women's Wetsuit?

It’s all in the cut and shaping. Women’s wetsuits aren’t just smaller versions with different colours; they are specifically patterned to fit the female form. This usually means more room in the chest and hips, with a narrower waist and shoulders.

This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying warm. A snug, anatomical fit prevents cold water from constantly flushing through the suit, which is the whole point of wearing one in the first place! Always go for a gender-specific model, like the dedicated men's and women's designs offered by Loco Surfing, to get the best performance.

Choosing a wetsuit designed for your body shape isn't just a matter of comfort; it's a critical factor for warmth. A poor fit with gaps and baggy areas will constantly let cold water in, completely undermining the suit's ability to keep you warm.

Is a Chest Zip or Back Zip Better for a 4/3mm Wetsuit?

This often boils down to personal preference, but when it comes to performance on the water, the chest zip generally takes the top spot.

• Chest Zips give you way more flexibility across your back and shoulders. For the repetitive motion of paddling, this is a massive advantage. They also create a much better seal, letting in far less water.
• Back Zips are undeniably easier and quicker to get into, which is a big win, especially if you're new to the world of wetsuits. The downside is that the long zip down your spine is less flexible and can be a prime spot for water to sneak in.

And remember, while your wetsuit keeps you warm, other gear keeps you safe. For anyone on a paddleboard, knowing about flotation devices is non-negotiable. You can learn more about choosing a buoyancy aid for SUP in our detailed guide.

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Ready to find the perfect all-rounder for UK waters? Explore the performance-driven range of wetsuits and expert gear at Loco Surfing and get kitted out for your next adventure.
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