As temperatures begin to drop across the northern hemisphere, surfers and other water lovers are looking for slightly thicker wetsuits to protect them from the approaching winter conditions. Water sports enthusiasts who realise that wetsuit equipment has a chequered past in terms of sustainability are looking for the best eco friendly winter wetsuits.
Wetsuit technology has improved massively over the past decade or so, resulting in previously unridden cold-water locations now becoming popular wave-riding destinations, even in the depths of winter.
A good winter wetsuit is an essential piece of kit for any keen surfer and there are plenty of options out there. However, traditional wetsuit manufacturing has been a toxic and harmful process that results in tens of thousands of kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions and thousands of metric tonnes of unnecessary landfill every single year.
Fortunately there are forward thinking and dynamic companies who realised the face of wetsuit manufacturing has to change. These brands are firmly focussed on producing wetsuits that not only perform to the highest standards in the coldest water, but nail it from a sustainability standpoint as well.
Some big manufacturers are beginning to add sustainable materials to their wetsuits ranges, however, at Sustainable Wetsuits we prefer to focus on brands who have made wholesale commitments to eco friendly processes. We always give a respectful nod of the head when a big wetsuit brands top of the range, premium wetsuit has eco credentials, and we acknowledge it’s a positive start. However, we feel that it is more important to raise awareness that their lower cost wetsuits are often still made from environmentally damaging materials and processes using questionable energy sources and labour!
Our choice of the 5 best eco friendly winter wetsuits is based on companies who have fully committed to putting the planet above their bottom line profits.
The 5 Best Eco Friendly Winter Wetsuits – Our Picks
Here at Sustainable Wetsuits we’ve tried out a huge number of eco friendly winter wetsuits. Here’s our favourites!
Best Overall
Patagonia R4 Yulex Front Zip Hooded
Warmth 5/5
Durability 4.5/5
Comfort & Flexibility 4.5/5
Price 3.8/5
Pros:
The Patagonia R4 is the go-to sustainable winter wetsuit for some of the most committed cold water surfers on the planet. The construction is second to none and the level of durability shows that a well made winter wetsuit can and will last multiple seasons. It is not only super warm but flexible when you need it to be. The warranty that Patagonia hands out with their wetsuits is also outstanding.
Cons:
I would be lying if I said that Yulex doesn’t feel a little different to standard neoprene. It doesn’t feel worse, just different, although you will adapt to the feeling very quickly and it will be the new normal after a couple of sessions. The price tag will also deter some budget conscious surfers.
About Patagonia
In the early 60s, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard sold homemade climbing gear made from recycled materials out of the back of his car. Jump forward six decades and his company has redefined the outdoors industry in terms of technically advanced sustainable products and ethical business practices following his pledge of Patagonia to climate change charities.
Features
Patagonia wetsuits are made with Yulex Rubber, a natural, plant-based alternative to traditional neoprene that is derived from the Hevea tree. The R4 utilises recycled spandex and polyester made from discarded plastic bottles for the lining, enhancing the thermal properties of this sustainable winter wetsuit.
This 4mm winter wetsuit has an easy entry chest zip and extra durable construction.
Sustainability
I guess you would have to say industry leading! Patagonia have written the blueprint for sustainable winter wetsuits with the R4. Fair Trade certification and the FSC status from the Rainforest Alliance are both solid indicators of the sustainability credentials of this wetsuit.
Best for Warmth & Durability
Finisterre Nieuwland 5mm Yulex Hooded
Warmth 5/5
Durability 5/5
Comfort & Flexibility 4/5
Price 4/5
Pros:
This is by far the warmest wetsuit I have ever worn. The size chart on the Finisterre website is spot on in terms of ordering the correct version for you with loads of choices for fine-tuning the fit. The build quality and durability is of a standard that even outperforms the Patagonia R4. The fact that Finisterre winter wetsuits are designed and made by cold water surfers, for cold water surfers, is huge.
Cons:
My only issue with the Finisterre Nieuwland 5mm Hooded Yulex is that it occasionally becomes a touch tricky for a person with wider shoulders to peel the suit down after a session.
About Finisterre
Finisterre was the brainchild of founder Tommy Kay in 2003. They have maintained the “leave no trace” ethos that sets them apart from other brands, culminating in Finisterre becoming a B-Corp Certified company.
Tom and the crew design and produce functional and sustainable products for people who share a love of the sea and the planet we live on. The cold water sustainable winter wetsuits are unique in the sense that they underwent a comprehensive testing program, where Finisterre invited the feedback of different types of surfers, from pros to beginners. Finisterre eco friendly winter wetsuits are visible in many of the coldest lineups on earth.
Features
The Nieuwland 5mm enjoys several unique features that set it apart from other sustainable winter wetsuits on this list. Finisterre have cleverly installed 6mm panels on the chest and in the lumbar region for increased warmth with no loss of flexibility. The majority of the Nieuwland 5mm has fluffy pile lining making it one of the warmest wetsuits I have ever worn.
The cleverly designed neck entry system, makes life so much easier when entering and exiting the wetsuit in the coldest of weather conditions.
Sustainability
“Sustainability as standard” is the Finisterre motto. Sustainable Yulex and recycled materials are manufactured to the highest possible standards ensuring Finisterre wetsuits last season upon season (mine is 5 years old and still going strong). This enhances the sustainability credentials of this winter wetsuit, they even offer a repair service to keep your suit fully functional. The company is driven by putting the planet first and remaining focused on Tommy Kay’s original vision.
Best for Flexibility
Picture Dome 5/4 FZ Hood
Warmth 4/5
Durability 3/5
Comfort & Flexibility 5/5
Price 5/5
Pros:
The Picture Dome 5/4 is an incredibly comfortable wetsuit with a host of sustainability features. In fact the feel is similar to a high-end O’Neill “Techno Butter” suit. It is warm enough to get you through the chilliest of winters and getting in and out of the suit is a pleasure. If you are looking for an eco friendly winter wetsuit that enables you to perform the most radical of surf moves, the flexibility properties of the Dome 5/4 could make this the perfect choice.
Cons:
The Dome is not quite as warm and not quite as durable as the Patagonia and Finisterre eco friendly winter wetsuits. These sacrifices are made to enhance performance, but don’t expect the Dome to last as long as the aforementioned wetsuits.
About Picture
This B-Corp certified company don’t take themselves too seriously. What they do take seriously is making positive change. Fighting climate change is their mission and their range of surf, snowboard, ski, and outdoors clothing and equipment is geared towards the most sustainable practices available.
Features
The Dome 5/4 Hooded FZ combines the most flexible materials with the best draining technology. The result is unparalleled freedom of movement and minimal drying time between surf sessions. Eicoprene is a non-petroleum based synthetic foam produced from a mixture of oyster shell powder, limestone and recycled tires. The Hyper-Stretch knit and Warmth Performance lining trap air within the loops ensuring the suit remains lightweight and warm during the most radical surfing moves.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of every Picture product. At Sustainable Wetsuits we realise that limestone neoprene is not the answer to solving every issue associated with wetsuit manufacture, and comes with its own environmental problems. However, we do appreciate that Picture has taken a long hard look at limestone materials and enhanced them with the introduction of proprietary processes and an abundance of truly recycled and sustainable materials, across their entire range. Their B-Corp status is testament to the commitment of Picture to a cleaner and safer planet.
Best for Comfort
Sooruz GURU Chest Zip Hood 6/5/4
Warmth 4/5
Durability 4/5
Comfort & Flexibility 3/5
Price 5/5
Pros:
The Sooruz Guru Chest Zip Hood 6/5/4 fits me like a custom made wetsuit. I literally cannot fault how well this eco friendly winter wetsuit is cut and as a result how well it performs in the coldest water in terms of zero leakages or flushes. The price is also outstanding when you consider the amount of eco features.
Cons:
The Sooruz Oysterprene is not as inherently warm as the other materials on this list, hence 6mm thickness used during manufacture. While this ensures the Guru is a toasty warm wetsuit, it does mean that flexibility is compromised compared to say the Picture Dome.
About Sooruz
Sooruz was formed in 1999 and immediately focused on eco friendly wetsuit development. Over the past two decades they have explored bamboo, recycled polyester, Yulex, and sugar cane residues. They now believe their Oysterprene material is the future of sustainable wetsuit technology and have a dedicated R&D team pushing the boundaries of eco friendly wetsuits.
Features
The Guru is designed to protect the wearer from harsh surfing conditions. Sooruz have identified that its not just the water that’s cold during the winter and as such this eco friendly winter wetsuit offers protection from wind chill factors that other wetsuits have historically struggled with. Everything on this suit is glued and sealed and their Storm-Dry lining is fantastically comfortable.
Sustainability
One thing I respect about Sooruz is that they don’t claim to have revolutionised the wetsuit industry, they simply maintain that they are trying their very best across their entire range. They are constantly working with suppliers to source new materials that are less impactful.
In 2019 Sooruz started the Second Life program, offering end of life alternatives for their wetsuits. They recycle 95% of the returned wetsuits into new products and materials.
Best for Value
Fourth Element Surface Suit 4/3
Warmth 3/5
Durability 4/5
Comfort & Flexibility 4/5
Price 5/5
Pros:
The Fourth Element Surface Suit 4/3 is an excellent no-frills choice of eco friendly winter wetsuit. Although it was originally designed for snorkelling, free-diving, and paddle boarding, the Surface Suit performs great in the surf, making it a bit of a hidden gem. The fit is fantastic and the flexibility is as good as some more expensive suits on the market. If you are looking for a budget sustainable wetsuit, that performs well in all your favourite oceanic pursuits, this could be just what you are looking for.
Cons:
Fourth Element did not design this wetsuit with cold water surfing in mind, as such it isn’t going to keep you warm during your next winter trip to Iceland! The 4/3 construction is excellent when the water is chilling down, but if you are also looking for your next pair of 5mm gloves and 6mm booties, this isn’t the suit for you.
About Fourth Element
Fourth Element set out in 1999 to become the leading dive and ocean sport brand, in pursuit of a sustainable future. They have considered the environment in every step of the way, while still focussing on innovation and performance. Although Fourth Element are very much a diving brand, I think we need to keep an eye on them in terms of the future of sustainable wetsuits for every type of water sport.
Features
The Fourth Element men’s Surface wetsuit is manufactured from 4/3mm Yulex, allowing maximum freedom of movement. The outside of the wetsuit is lined in 95% recycled polyester from discarded plastic bottles. All seams are stitched and bonded with environmentally friendly water-based glue. Only water-based ink is used for branding, and every wetsuit is packaged in an organic cotton bag.
Sustainability
Fourth Element are laser focussed on becoming Zero Waste, Zero Carbon, and Zero Impact. Their OceanPositive products and projects are fantastic examples of the steps a company can take to identify their current impact on the environment and implement the changes necessary to minimise harm.
Summary
These eco friendly winter wetsuits are, in our opinion, leading the way in terms of value, performance, and sustainability. We appreciate the honesty and integrity of each company on this list and we hope their processes and practices set the blueprint for the worlds largest wetsuit manufacturers to follow.
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