1.Determine the water temperature in which the wetsuit will be used. Wetsuits are evaluated according to their thickness, and thicker suits provide more insulation for colder waters. It's important to choose a wetsuit that is thick enough to provide the necessary amount of warmth, but not so thick as to encumber movement necessary to complete the activity.

2.Select the style of wetsuit you need. Men's wetsuits and women's wetsuits come in different styles, including "shorties" that have short sleeves for the legs and the arms, "full lengths" that cover all of the arms and legs, "farmer john/janes" that have an overall shape, jackets and vests. For cold-water diving, full coverage is best.

3.Try on the wetsuit for the proper fit. It's important to always choose women's designs because a wetsuit must fit tightly to your body in order to work correctly. Women's wetsuits are cut to fit women's curves snugly, so that water cannot escape from the suit.

4.Choose accessories to complement your wetsuit. Men's and women's hoods, booties and gloves are available to provide extra protection. In cold water or where marine life poses a hazard, these accessories are required.

5.Select a jacket or vest to wear over a wetsuit to provide additional warmth in cold waters. Jackets and vest can also be worn alone.

6.Check the stitching of the wetsuit. Blind stitching is the newest and best way for wetsuits to be constructed because this type of sewing doesn't put holes in the neoprene and break the seal.