The 9 Best Wetsuits in 2021
Throwing yourself into a body of water has to be one of the most liberating feelings there is for a human. Particularly if you find yourself trapped behind a desk or stuck inside for the majority of any given day. And it’s not just the ocean either, any stretch of H20 for that matter is fair game.
However, these aquatic environments are not always the warmest, and unless you have a thick layer of blubber and a set of gills to match – you’re likely going to feel the cold.
This is where a great wetsuit is going to fit the bill and provide you with endless hours of shredding waves, kayaking your favorite river, or rock jumping your local lake. But, with so many options out there how does a wannabe fish like yourself approach the task of buying one? Leave that to us as we run down the 9 best wetsuits you can buy in 2021.
Best Buy
1. XCEL Drylock 3/2 Full Wetsuit
In recent years, this Hawaii grown brand has been quietly making a name for itself in quality wetsuits. So much so that one of their better-known customers is none other than the US Special Forces. Partner this with top-notch technology and a string of awards to boot and you have a premium wetsuit producer.
The Drylock 3/2 has unparalleled materials and features uber-efficient wrist seals and a gliding collar, both of which, when you spend time in the water, prove invaluable. Sitting on the higher end of most people’s budget, this suit is built to last, and with a high level of manufacture, it will also tackle much cooler conditions than most other 3/2 wetsuits out there.
2. O’Neill Psycho Tech
Touted as being the very first label to ever produce a commercially available wetsuit, O’Neil has been consistently pushing the advancement of wetsuit technology for over 60 years. Put simply, what these guys don’t know – isn’t worth knowing.
Their latest advancement comes in the form of the TB3 neoprene construction, which you will see is integral in the Psycho Tech series and really is inspiring stuff.
Pro-surfer Jordy Smith talks highly of this new material, and this guy knows cold water – he grew up surfing in South Africa. By utilizing trapped air technology and fluid seam welds this suit is not only incredibly flexible but it isn’t going to catch you out with those random flushes of cold water – which can happen from time to time.
3. Vissla 7 Seas 3/2 Back Zip Wetsuit
Vissla is the type of brand that’s cool, you know, the not trying too hard and don’t particularly care kind of cool. Neither are they pretentious – all round they just make good, honest, stylish gear. The Vissla 7 Seas series of suits could be interpreted as the brand’s bread and butter suit, your entry-level purchase, but do not be fooled by this.
The wetsuit is one of the most durable and best fitting products out of their entire range. Two features worth noting are the dope dyed fabric anti-fade material made by Bluesign approved mills and AquaA solvent-free water-based lamination; meaning not only do you have a great well-priced suit, but you also have one that hasn’t harmed the planet.
4. Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Full Zip Wetsuit
You want to feel guilt-free about your wetsuit, yes? Well, Patagonia has been leading the charge with environmentally made wetsuits for a while now; implemented heavily by their extensive use of sustainably sourced materials and ethical practices to which they work. Every aspect of the brand’s clothing construction has been scrutinized and made as eco-friendly as possible.
Yulex is an American corporation making huge changes in the wetsuit industry, albeit at a slow pace. By using sustainably sourced natural rubber in place of energy-intensive neoprene means up to 80% less climate-altering CO2 is emitted – and a resulting material that outperforms conventional neoprene.
Patagonia utilizes this material across their range and the results in the water are nothing short of impressive.
5. Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/4 Zip Free Wetsuit
The Australian icon of wetsuits has long been associated with the cooler waters off the country’s Southern coast around Victoria and in particular Torquay (remember the final scene of Point Break?). And boy, they get some pretty cold water down that corner of the planet.
This super stretchy suit is the perfect go to for an intermediate/advanced level of surfer, hinging its appeal on its performance and flexibility – thus allowing those freakishly talented individuals to do their thing. Rip Curl’s E6 technology is some of the best on the market and they have been fine-tuning it year in, year out.
Interestingly, this was the same wetsuit Mick Fanning was wearing when he was famously knocked from his board by a Great White in South Africa back in 2016 – did we mention it acts as a shark repellent?
6. Billabong 6/5 Hooded Furnace Wetsuit
Come winter, if you’re looking to tackle some pretty cold water and heading to some of those more northern spots, or even Canada, you’re going to need to pull out the thick stuff. Billabong’s 6/5 hooded furnace comp wetsuit is the perfect solution to avoiding a one-way ticket to hyperthermia.
Being a thicker suit, you’d be forgiven for looking at it and thinking it’s likely going to be heavy, meaning there is no way as a surfer you’re going to be pulling your best moves. Well, you’re wrong.
Graphene yarns are wrapped with carbon fibers meaning the weight of this wetsuit is 50% lighter than traditional hollow fibers. Looking to practice your air-reverses next time you take a surf trip somewhere frigid, then, this is the suit for you.
7. Hurley Advantage Plus 3/2 Wetsuit
The Hurley Advantage Plus 3/2mm Full suit is the stylish answer to get you into the water when things cool down to around 55 to 64°F. Made from lightweight, warm, and uber stretchy Exoflex neoprene, with a clever chest zip entry system, it’s super easy to get in to – and quick to get back out of!
Watertight and contoured to your shape, the Advantage Plus’s chest zipper cleverly opens at both ends, allowing it to stretch with the suit and therefore prevent breakage while getting in and out. When you’re in a hurry the innovative toggle fastener lets you secure the chest opening with one hand, so you can cinch and get out on the water in no time.
8. Matuse Dante Short Sleeve Wetsuit
When things start to warm up you will need to consider a thinner wetsuit. A short sleeve option is not only going to give you a feeling of more freedom of movement; it also means you get to tan those pipes and impress the ladies as you go about your business.
Jokes aside – the Matuse Dante is THE wetsuit for people who find putting a wetsuit on and taking it off again an irksome task. How do they do this? The Dante wetsuit has a very unique butterfly collar entry, which has to be seen to be believed.
Hence, it wholly suits people that don’t like front zips and/or back zips and it’s specifically engineered for customers – wait for it – that don’t like putting a wetsuit on or taking one-off. Score!
9. Peak Climax Pro Zip Free 4/3 Wetsuit
Should you find yourself caught in the dilemma of cold water, yet not seriously face numbing kind of cold water, then a 4/3 wetsuit is likely going to fit the bill. Designed specifically for the avid surfer who won’t let cold conditions put them off, the wetsuit is positioned as an affordable full-body intended for water temps of around 53 to 57°F; meaning the Peak Climax Pro is going to allow you to get wet whilst keeping you toasty warm and not breaking the bank either.
Zip-free means should your hands become less than functional it won’t matter, and fully sealed seams will keep the movement of water around your torso to an absolute minimum. A suit like this paired with some good booties, gloves, and hood will mean you’re pretty set to face anything the states are likely to throw at you.
Wetsuit FAQs
A wetsuit that is going to allow you the most amount of movement, whilst at the same time fitting your body shape and performing its primary job of keeping you warm. Should there be long waits between waves – and there often can be – the last thing you want is to start feeling the cold.
Your first consideration should be cost. Once you have identified your budget you can then begin to look at certain brands and see which features are prevalent amongst their line up: are they eco-friendly, are they zip free, do they come in colors and styles I like?
Sizing is an important factor also, I would strongly suggest you physically try on a wetsuit that you are keen on, after all, not all wetsuits are made the same! A certain brand’s wetsuits might fit your body shape better than another’s for a variety of reasons.
Wetsuits have come a long way and at the end of the day, you are going to pay for that. Companies have spent endless hours in research and developing their materials so the cost of your wetsuit inevitably reflects this.
Eco-friendly wetsuits are always going to cost you more, but if that’s important to you then it shouldn’t matter. For a quality full body wetsuit that is going to last you at least two years, you’re likely going to be looking around the $300-400 mark.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
