A Guide to Wetsuit Gloves
Wetsuit gloves keep your hands warm in cold water. They also protect against cuts, scrapes, and stings.
There are many types of wetsuit gloves. Choosing the right pair depends on water temperature and your activity.
Why Wear Gloves?
Cold water makes your hands numb quickly. Gloves help maintain blood flow and finger movement.
You’ll need gloves for surfing, diving, kayaking, or swimming in cold conditions. Even mild cold can affect performance.
Gloves also protect from rough rocks, coral, or jellyfish. Better safe than sorry.
How Wetsuit Gloves Work
Wetsuit gloves use neoprene, the same rubbery material as wetsuits. It traps a thin layer of water.
Your body heats this water, and the glove insulates it. This keeps your hands from freezing.
Thicker neoprene means warmer gloves, but also less finger movement. It’s a trade-off.
Glove Thickness Guide
-
1mm to 2mm: Best for mild waters (60°F/15°C and up). Good finger dexterity.
-
3mm: Works in cool water (50–60°F or 10–15°C). Balanced warmth and movement.
-
5mm: For cold water (40–50°F or 5–10°C). Warmer, but stiffer.
-
7mm: For near-freezing water. Very warm, but hard to move fingers.
Pick the right thickness or your hands will suffer. Too thin, and you’ll freeze. Too thick, and you’ll fumble.
Different Types of Gloves
There are three main types: gloves, mittens, and lobster claws.
-
Gloves: Look like regular gloves. Good grip and finger control.
-
Mittens: All fingers together. Warmest type but poor dexterity.
-
Lobster Claws: Split fingers. Two or three fingers together, rest separated. A balance between warmth and control.
Choose based on what you’re doing. Surfers often prefer gloves or lobster claws. Divers like mittens in very cold water.
Fit Is Everything
Gloves must fit snugly. Too loose, and water will flush through. Too tight, and circulation is cut off.
Try them on before buying if possible. Your fingertips should touch the ends, without curling.
Avoid wrinkles or folds. They’ll cause discomfort and let in water.
Seams and Stitching
Seams matter. They affect how warm and waterproof your gloves are.
-
Flatlock stitching: Breathable, not fully waterproof. Best for warmer water.
-
Glued and blind-stitched (GBS): More watertight. Ideal for cold conditions.
-
Taped seams: Highest seal. Keeps hands driest and warmest.
If you're in cold water, go for GBS or taped seams. Your hands will thank you.
Wrist Seals and Entry
Wetsuit gloves can be short or long at the wrist. Long cuffs overlap with wetsuit sleeves.
This overlap keeps cold water out. Some gloves also have Velcro straps or seals.
Getting gloves on can be tricky. Dry hands help. A little water inside isn’t bad—it will warm up.
Additional Features
Some gloves have textured palms for grip. This helps you hold your surfboard or paddle.
A few models include pre-curved fingers. This reduces fatigue when gripping things.
Others have quick-dry linings or thermal layers. These cost more but are cozy.
Care and Maintenance
Rinse gloves with fresh water after each use. Salt and sand wear them down.
Dry them out of the sun. Direct sunlight breaks down neoprene over time.
Turn them inside out to dry faster. Do both sides to avoid mildew.
Store them flat or hanging. Don’t crumple them up or stuff them in a bag.
When to Replace Your Gloves
If your gloves start leaking or tearing, it’s time to replace them.
Old neoprene gets stiff and loses insulation. Cold hands mean less fun.
Final Tips
-
Test gloves in your local water before a big trip.
-
Don’t share gloves—fit is personal.
-
Buy good gloves once instead of cheap ones twice.
Summary
Gloves keep hands warm, safe, and working in cold water. Choose thickness and type based on conditions.
Fit, seams, and features matter. Treat them well and they’ll last longer.
Your hands deserve comfort. Cold fingers ruin a good day.
