The 6 Best Youth Wetsuits of 2024

Today, more kids than ever are swimming, skimming, boogie boarding, and surfing in cold water. The wetsuit brands have noticed and offer more styles and thicknesses to keep the youth warm. Gone are the days of poorly-fitting kids’ suits made from cheap materials. Youth wetsuits are now properly tailored to fit both boys and girls, and they use all the same materials and production methods as adult wetsuits. We’ve reviewed all the different models in the shop, polled the groms, and came up with this definitive list of the best youth wetsuits of 2024.

Youth Wetsuits Reviewed

• O’Neill - Youth Reactor II Wetsuit - $94.95+
• Rip Curl - Youth Groms Omega Wetsuit - $169.95
• O'Neill - Youth Epic Wetsuit - $189.95+
• Rip Curl - Youth Dawn Patrol Wetsuit - $229.95
• Buell - Youth RB2 Wetsuit - $249.95+
• O'Neill - Youth Hyperfreak Wetsuit - $269.95+

Youth Wetsuit FAQ

Why are youth wetsuits important?

Getting the correct thickness and size for kids is critical to keep them safe and comfortable in the ocean. Wetsuits help them stay warm in cold temperatures, shield their skin from the sun’s UV rays, add buoyancy, and in general, provide another layer of protection.

How do I size a kid’s wetsuit?

Youth wetsuit sizing is unique as it’s based on their age instead of standard sizes like small, medium, large, etc. So generally, most 10-year-olds will fit nicely into a size 10 wetsuit. If they’ve hit a growth spurt or are filling out, they could be a 12. On the flip side, if they’re light for their age, they could be an 8. These measurements are just averages, so it’s always best to double-check the size chart listed just above the available sizes to confirm.

Is there a strategy for buying kids' wetsuits?

Yes, it's best to buy on a curve. Buy the wetsuit on the lower end of the size chart so the suit will be slightly oversized on them at first, but they'll be able to grow through it. Kids grow fast. Clothes, sporting equipment, and everything else require multiple purchases as they develop. Fortunately, youth wetsuits today are built to last and can survive a few generations of hand-me-downs. That being said, if a hand-me-down is too big or worn out, it won’t work properly to keep you warm. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to pick up a new suit to be sure.

With those questions answered, let's jump into a quick review of our best youth suits for 2024.

O’Neill Youth Reactor II Wetsuit - $94.95+

“Go-to First Wetsuit”

What better place to start than the affordable Youth Reactor II? This suit combines comfort, warmth, durability, and style, all at a great price point. Whether or not you’re a first-time wetsuit buyer, don’t pass on the Reactor II. It’s backed up by O’Neill’s decades-long reputation of manufacturing quality suits. 

With a blend of Fluid Foam and Ultraflex neoprene, the Reactor II is sure to be a hit with so many color options available. Don’t miss the Superman-inspired color theme on the Toddler model! Aside from the fun colors, the Reactor II uses flatlock seam construction. The Flatlock seam is the most basic and cost-effective, often used in wetsuits 3mm thick or less. Although glued for improved watertightness, it’s not uncommon for water to seep through. Lastly, the back zipper with a long zipper pull ensures that putting the wetsuit on and taking it off is a breeze. This can be a big plus for younger kids struggling with more complicated suits.

Highlights and Features

• Affordable price point
• Fun color options
• Sizes 1-6 in the 2mm
• Sizes 4-16 in the 3/2

Shop By Model

O’Neill Toddler Reactor II 2mm Wetsuit - $94.95
O’Neill Youth Reactor II 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $119.95

Rip Curl Youth Groms Omega - $169.95

“For the youngest surfers”

New to Cleanline this fall, we’re stoked to stock the Youth Groms Omega for the littlest groms out there. All the suits featured in this blog are only available in the standard sizes of 4 or 6 and above. However, this 4/3 back zip suit is also made in size 2 for young water lovers who weigh between 24 and 28.5 lbs. With the right conditions, it’s never too early to introduce your little grom to the water. 

Just because this is made for the little tykes doesn’t mean it sacrifices on features. It’s got the same E5 neoprene, sealed seams, and stress point taping that’s found in the Dawn Patrol, which we’ll get to below. You know how laughable it can be if you’ve tried to put a rubber suit on a squirmy two-year-old. That said, the Youth Groms Omega has special zippers built into the ankles of the suit, making the on/off process much more painless for everyone involved.

Highlights and Features

• Rare 4/3 in a size 2
• Sizes 2-8
• Zippers built into ankles for easier on/off

Shop By Model

O'Neill Youth Epic - $189.95+

"Ol' Faithful"

This is the classic youth wetsuit and our best-selling youth suit by a country mile. The Epic has sustained popularity for so long because it’s a simple suit done right. Built with Ultraflex neoprene that’s comfortable and super flexible, the Epic is easy for kids to get in and out of. It’s also plenty warm and more durable than an old truck. We’ve always sold so many of these because they can withstand multiple rounds of being a "hand me down."

Beyond its longevity, the Epic is easy for kids to get in and out of and has the best back zipper of any youth wetsuit. It comes in several different colors and is a no-brainer for any up-and-coming surfer.

Highlights and Features

• Many different color options
• Sizes 4-16
• Best seller

Shop By Model

O'Neill Youth Epic 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit - $189.95
O'Neill Youth Epic 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $199.95
O'Neill Youth Girls Epic 4/3 Back Zip Wetsuit - $199.95

Rip Curl Youth Dawn Patrol - $229.95

“Best Value” 

Without a doubt, the Dawn Patrol has been a best seller for years in both the adult and grom models. Rip Curl hasn’t made any changes to this suit in the past few years, which is a testament to the reputation of the Dawn Patrol.

Trusty E5 neoprene packs in warmth and comfort while holding up to the wear and tear of a pounding beach break. Robust internal taping is placed at the high-stress areas, adding durability to the suit. In addition, glued and blind stitched seams round out the key features. Look no further than the Dawn Patrol for one of the best value suits on the market.

Highlights and Features

• Sizes 6-16
• Same features as the adult model
• Competitive price in the 5/4 hooded wetsuit market

Shop By Model

Rip Curl Youth Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $229.95

Buell Youth RB2 - $249.95+

"Favorite from a Wetsuit Vet"

Buell has been making serious waves recently, and their youth wetsuits are perfect examples of why they’ve earned so much recognition. They are built to last and do it with style. The Ninja neoprene flexes and retains heat like a suit twice its price, and Sizzle Seam Weld over glued and blind stitched seams for total warmth.

The Youth RB2 is tough and holds up strong, so if you need a hooded suit to survive a few rounds of hand-me-down in the PNW or East Coast Winters, this is our pick. It’s also one of the rare hooded 6mm options available in youth sizing.

Highlights and Features

• Rare 6mm youth wetsuit
• Sizes 4-16 in the 5/4
• Sizes 6-16 in the 6/5/4
• Exact same features as the adult model

Shop By Model

Buell Youth RB2 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $249.95
Buell Youth RB2 6/5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $269.95

O'Neill Youth Hyperfreak - $269.95+

"The Cream of the Crop"

If you want to spoil the grom in your life, the O’Neill Youth Hyperfreak is thee most flexible youth wetsuit available. Even though it’s about a third less than the adult version, the youth Hyperfreak hasn’t been watered down at all. O’Neill has taken all the great features and materials from the beloved Hyperfreak series and packed ‘em into this youth version.

That means there’s the famous TechnoButter 3 neoprene in the body and the top-tier TB3X neoprene in the paddling zone (arms and shoulders) for unrestricted mobility. The seams are all triple glued and blindstitched with TB3X tape internally for warmth, and there's a solid hood to boot. Insanely flexible, lightweight, and comfortable fit make this the best youth wetsuit on the market.

Highlights and Features

• Insanely flexible
• Best quality youth wetsuit
• Sizes 8-16

Shop By Model

O'Neill Youth Hyperfreak 3/2+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $269.95
O'Neill Youth Hyperfreak 4/3+ Chest Zip Wetsuit - $289.95
O'Neill Youth Hyperfreak 5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $309.95

Final Thoughts

Getting a quality kid's suit is a good investment and can pay for itself if you have a few groms it can cycle through. All the wetsuits featured are built for the brutal wear and tear kids put on their gear. Additionally, properly rinse the suit with fresh water after each use to extend its life and warmth over the years.

Looking for the best of the best? Go straight for the Hyperfreak. Or, if you're just getting started, check out the affordable O’Neill Reactor II. It’s got what’s needed to get your grom out in the water. No matter what suit you choose, we hope you and your kiddo are just as stoked as we are with that new suit feeling.  

If you have any questions about these suits, sizing, or anything else, feel free to call us at 1-888-546-6176, leave a comment below, or email support@cleanlinesurf.com. See you in the water!