This brand has a great reputation for making triathlon wetsuits and the Sonar is no exception, especially for
more serious tri racers or open-water swimmers. The Sonar felt really flexible in the upper body for fast arm
strokes, but it also had strong buoyancy in the trunk and legs to help you maintain an efficient swim
position in the water. The fabric was smooth to further reduce drag, and we found the wetsuit easy to get off
for fast transitions. Suitable for water temperatures above 17C; available in sizes S-XL.
Patagonia women’s R4 Yulex front-zip hooded full wetsuit: £450, Patagonia
This is a premium wetsuit for hardy surfers who ride waves in waters just above zero. And it really does
keep you incredibly warm, helped by the built-in hood. The R4 is comfy to wear and the front-zip and
stretchy fabric makes it easier to get on and off than is often the case with thick wetsuits. As you’d expect
from Patagonia, the wetsuit’s eco credentials are strong, as it’s made from Yulux, which is composed of
natural rubber, rather than petroleum-derived neoprene. It’s also made using fair labour practices. Suitable
for water temperatures 3-9C; available in sizes 4-12.
The verdict
We made the Zone3 advance wetsuit our top choice as it was a great value, high-quality triathlon suit,
though for all-round watersports we would also recommend the Alder Impact. The Roxy zipperless long
Jane wetsuit and Picture Organic Grace 2.2 wetsuit are both fun summer alternative choices too.