Best Women's Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2024
With the wave of female surfers rising, navigating the waters has never been more exciting - or more daunting. Finding the best gear to protect you from chilly temperatures and maximize performance can be challenging, especially when looking for an affordable hooded wetsuit designed specifically for women.
Fortunately, we've done all the research to bring you an up-to-date list of hooded wetsuits for female surfers on a budget. With inflation rising, the cost of investing in a new wetsuit continually trends upward. However, we’re proud to carry a handful of highly reputable suits from well-known brands for under $314. From flexible options with great mobility to reliable full suits offering maximum warmth and protection, we have something for everyone so you can find exactly what works best for your body type and budget.
Best Affordable Hooded Wetsuits Reviewed
Best eco-friendly wetsuit: Billabong Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95
Best value wetsuit: Buell Women’s RB2 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $299.95
Best wind protection wetsuit: Sisstrevolution Women’s Seven Seas 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $304.95
Best wetsuit with flair: Roxy Women’s Swell Series 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $309.95
Best performance wetsuit: Xcel Women's Axis 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $314.95
Read on to discover the best affordable women’s hooded wetsuits for 2024. With 5 different options to choose from, we hope you'll something to be stoked about.
Wetsuit Industry Insights and Updates
- Billabong revamped nearly it’s entire model line with a major update: going from a traditional neoprene rubber to a 100% neoprene free rubber for Fall 2024.
- Cleanline Surf now proudly carries Xcel which has been around for decades producing quality suits, boots, and gloves.
- The Buell RB2, Sisstrevolution Seven Seas, and Roxy Swell have not undergone any updates for 2024.
- Some wetsuit manufacturers are changing out the sizing on their womens suits, going from numbered sizes to letter sizes. For example, some brands now refer to a size 4 as a S (small), a 6 as a M (medium) and so on.
Billabong Women’s Synergy Natural Upcycler - $299.95
“Best eco-friendly women’s wetsuit”
Pros
- Great fit for curvy bodies
- Wide cut to neoprene
- Sizes up to 4XL in the 5/4 back zip model
- Neoprene free
Cons
- No short or tall sizes
- Baggy chest for slender body types
Our Take: First up, the revamped Billabong Synergy Natural Upcycler has it all: affordable price point, groundbreaking graphene technology, eco-friendly materials, and flexible neoprene free rubber. With features like that, it’s no surprise this suit took the top spot.
For Fall 2024, Billabong relaunched the formerly known Synergy as the all new Synergy Natural Upcycler. A proprietary Natural Rubber incredibly soft and supple, constructed out of recycled carbon black, soybean oil, and 85% natural rubber sustainably sourced from FSC certified forests. On the inside, the suit's core has a purple honeycomb-looking graphene liner known for its heat-producing properties. As someone who runs cold, I love how warm my graphene liner feels while sitting out in the lineup. In addition, the exterior jersey called upcycler pro stretch is made using 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
All seams are glued and blind stitched (GBS) with an eco-friendly water-based adhesive. The Superflex Neo Tape is used inside the wetsuit in high-stress areas such as the chest, back, inner thighs, and knees. The Synergy Natural Upcycler runs true to size and fits well for ladies with more curves or an athletic build.
If you’re shopping on a budget or looking for a dependable backup suit, the Synergy Natural Upcycler is in a league of its own being a rare affordable neoprene free option. With its durability and all-around great fit, check out the hottest suit at Cleanline today!
Read our full review here: Billabong Women's Synergy Natural Upcycler Wetsuit.
Customer Feedback
“New to the wetsuit game, and my daughter and I tried several. We both chose this suit to fit our curvier/average bodies, and it was the most comfortable to get on and off and had the best fit.”
- Meesh
Buell Women’s RB2 - $299.95
“Best value wetsuit”
Pros
- Durable Exterior Seam Weld
- Comfortable Liner
- Lightweight Neoprene
- True to size fit
Cons
- Ankles and wrists are roomier - could flush on petite, limbed bodies
- No blingy designs or logos
Our Take: The fact that the Buell Women’s RB2 ranks as a top-recommended suit speaks volumes about the design and thought that went into this beauty. It takes the cake as one of the best “value for your dollar” options.
The RB2 is one of the few affordable suits available with a durable exterior fluid seam weld, which Buell refers to as Sizzle seam seal. All seams are GBS, and with the highly flexible Ninja Neoprene and cozy thermal barrier, the RB2 offers all the warm and fuzzy feels when the water temperature dips below 50 F. From our experience, Buell is cut true to size with a forgiving fit in the curvy lady areas due to the stretchy rubber.
If you’re looking to charge the swell during your next cold water session, the RB2 won’t let you down. Once you peel the suit off, look for Buell’s hidden graphics and messages on the inside. It’ll be sure to make you smile. Grab yours today since these suits sell quickly.
Read our full review here: Buell Women's RB2 Wetsuit.
Customer Feedback
“I never leave reviews. This suit, though, is absolutely fantastic. I stay super warm in mid 50s water. This suit fits like a dream on my 5’6” curvy 145lb frame. It’s a little snug getting it over my hips, but once on, it fits really well, and it’s so comfortable. If I keep my hood on, I come out of the water with a pretty much dry head. This wetsuit rocks! Finally, a decent hooded suit that is built with a woman’s frame in mind. I highly recommend this wetsuit.”
- Sjamgo
Sisstrevolution Women’s Seven Seas - $304.95
“Best wind protection wetsuit”
Pros
- Eco-Friendly Limestone based neoprene
- Smooth Skin Paneling
- Quick-drying Fever Fiber lining
Cons
- Runs small
- Not the most flexible suit
Our Take: Join the SISSTR-hood today with a brand devoted entirely to the women’s surf community. With the catchphrase: “everything you need in a wetsuit and nothing you don’t,” let’s take a quick look at the women’s Seven Seas wetsuit.
Under the chic branding is the limestone-based Super Stretch neoprene. To the touch, the neoprene is baby skin smooth and has a decent amount of stretch. It also incorporates the Fever Fiber lining, which has a cream and maroon appearance. This liner is lightweight and insulates more thoroughly compared to similarly priced suits. To achieve the optimal warmth factor, an additional Eco Fiber liner is placed in the waist and legs of the suit.
Like other affordable suits on this list, the Seven Seas seams are GBS and internally taped with the Sisstr Super Stretch Neo 3.0 tape. To achieve the ideal fit, the design incorporates a tailored female-specific fit. If you’re an up-and-coming surfer looking for a suit that does it all, look no further than the Seven Seas.
Read our full review here: Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas Wetsuit.
Customer Feedback
“I am 5'5" and 140 lbs, with thick limbs, wide shoulders, a long torso, and 34A boobs. I got a size 10, and it fits great! Snug fit on wrists and ankles.”
- BPutz
Roxy Women’s Swell Series - $309.95
“Best wetsuit with flair”
Pros
- Durable Eco StretchFlight Neoprene
- Comfortable Eco WarmFlight thermal lining
- Made from Sustainably sourced materials
- Feminine floral patterns available
Cons
- Runs on the slender side
- Higher price point
- High amount of seams which can decrease durability
Our Take: The aesthetically pleasing and stylish Roxy Swell Series continues to be a hot pick for many first-time wetsuit buyers who often reach for this suit with its affordable price point.
Roxy uses an eco-friendly neoprene, StretchFlight, that is partially made from scrap rubber tires. On top of that, the suit maintains a flexible feel with the GBS seams. The WarmFlight thermal lining in the chest, sides, and back traps your core body heat in the suit, keeping you warm long into your session.
While all the other suits on this list have a slant zip entry, the Swell stands out as the only option where the zipper completely detaches, allowing for a bigger entry to get pull the suit on and off.
Finally, the Swell runs on the slender side with a feminine cut in the hips and chest. For you taller ladies, this is one of the rare gems that’s available in an 8T and 10T (T refers to “Tall”). Roxy has been a staple of the women’s surf culture for years, and we’re stoked to see wetsuit development progress.
Read our full review here: Roxy Women’s Swell Wetsuit.
Customer Feedback
“Bought this for my daughter. I can't believe how light and flexible it is. Way nicer than my suits! Thumbs up rating from a guy with 30+ years surfing experience.”
- Bruce
Xcel Women's Axis - $314.95
“Best performance wetsuit”
Pros
- Front and back smooth skin panels
- Avaialble in short and tall sizes
- Pre-fed chest zipper
Cons
- Most expensive suit featured
- Smooth skin panels can nick easily
Our Take: Last up, we’ve got the high-performance entry level Xcel Axis. Originating from Hawaii, Xcel has been around for decades and we’re stoked to carry their reputable and durable suits here at our shop.
Subtle details like the pre-fed zipper and smooth skin panels make the Axis stand out from other suits in this blog. Any experienced cold water surfers understands the value of a zipper that doesn’t require fumbling around when your fingers are mind-numbing cold. In addition, the smooth skin panels act as a wind barrier and also on the sunny days, it absorb the sun which adds additional warmth to the suit.
Inside, you’ll find Thermolite IR Interior Technology that is infused with infrared creating warmth and holds in the heat that’s generated by your body. The High Performance Stretch neoprene blends stretch and comfort for a high-performance feel. Although the suit doesn’t have any internal taping, which is rare on affordable suits, the seams are triple glued and blind stitched with spot taping in highstress points for added durability.
Relevant Blogs We’ve Written
- Women’s Wetsuit Fit Guide - It’s got a great FAQ section, further insight into how the different brands fit, and guidance on sizing a wetsuit.
- Surf Wetsuit Glove Guide - Read more for all things gloves from different styles, thicknesses, how to size, and construction.
- Best Women’s Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2024 - Looking to upgrade from your first entry level suit? Check out our top picks for mid-range suits that vary in price stating at $320.
- Best Women’s High-End Hooded Wetsuits for 2024 - If you’re a hard charger needing the best of the best, don’t pass on our recommendations for the premium suits full of the best tech and features.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know a little more about women’s hooded wetsuits, it’s time to find the perfect one for your needs. Thankfully, Cleanline Surf has a number of affordable options for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something with a robust liner for extra warmth like the Synergy Natural or a suit with feminine flair like the Roxy Swell, we have what you need. So, what are you waiting for? Browse our selection of cold water wetsuits and find the perfect one for your next surf mission.
Whatever your needs are, don’t hesitate to chat with one of our experts. Drop a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.
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SarahOriginally from the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Sarah now calls Oregon home. She started at Cleanline Surf in 2019 and, since then, has grown into the role of the Customer Service and Blog Manager. When she’s not at work helping dial in customers with surf gear, Sarah is happiest out adventuring. From mellow summer surf sessions to winter splitboard missions to ripping down her favorite mountain bike line, Sarah is always ready to go at the drop of a hat. |
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