The Best And Most Stylish Wetsuits That Will Keep You Warm – Even In The Coldest Of Waters

As we bid adieu to summer, it's time to think about swapping your bikini for something a bit warmer, especially if you're planning a staycation on the coast. If you're brave enough to take a plunge in our cool British waters that can quite literally take your breath away, you'll be needing something practical to wear, like a wetsuit.

How do wetsuits keep you warm? If you are looking to invest in a neoprene wetsuit, they work by trapping a thin layer of air between the fabric and your skin, which is then heated up by your body and keeps you warm. Top tip: this is why you never want a wetsuit that is too big, as water will seep in and you will get cold quickly, especially in places like the UK where the water temperature is low.

Before buying a wetsuit, make sure to consider your shape. For example, being top heavy myself, I have avoided sleeveless styles incase the arm holes are cut too big, causing a side-boob situation. A wetsuit is like a second-skin, you should feel secure in it, not like you might fall out of it.

Fastenings on wetsuits is another thing to consider when purchasing. A back zip will normally have a long tie attached, making it easy to do-up. The zip will be the length of your spine and is usually a lot easier to get in and out of, whereas a chest zip is supposedly the best for keeping you warm and for flexibility when in the water. They're a little more challenging to get on, though.

A zip down the front is slightly more stylish, especially as when you're out of the water, you can unzip to your waist more easily. This type of fastening is more common on spring suits, but they usually don't fit as well around the neck, causing flushing (when the cold water sneaks in).

Take a look through the gallery below, where we've selected the most stylish and practical wetsuits available to shop now. Whether you've taken up surfing or simply want to keep warm during swimming, there's plenty of different styles to choose from.