Chest Zip vs Back Zip Wetsuits – What's the Difference?

One of the questions I get asked the most whenever we release our 4/3mm Chest Zip Steamer is, "I've only ever worn a back zip... are chest zip wetsuits really that much harder to get into?"

And honestly? I completely understand why people ask.

If you've only ever surfed in a back zip, the idea of climbing into a wetsuit through a much smaller opening can look a little intimidating. I remember thinking exactly the same thing the first time I tried one. But the funny thing is, once you've done it a couple of times, it quickly becomes second nature. It's one of those things that feels unfamiliar simply because it's new, not because it's difficult.

Back zip wetsuits have been around forever, so for a lot of us, they're what we learnt to surf in. They're easy to step into, simple to zip up, and they do a great job. In fact, that's exactly why we chose a back zip design for our 3/2mm Steamer. It's designed for milder winter days and warmer water temperatures where convenience and comfort are just as important as warmth.

But when it came to designing our 4/3mm Steamer, warmth was the absolute priority.

The biggest advantage of a chest zip is that it creates a much smaller opening into the wetsuit. Less opening means less water flushing through the suit every time you duck dive, get wiped out or paddle back out. That means your body spends less energy constantly reheating cold water, helping you stay warmer for longer.

It's also why most premium winter wetsuits have moved towards chest zip designs. They simply do a better job at sealing the suit around your upper body while allowing the back panel to remain nice and flexible for paddling.

One thing we also get asked about a lot are the little holes around the chest zip.

No, your wetsuit isn't faulty!

Those small drainage holes are there on purpose.

As tiny amounts of water naturally make their way into the chest zip compartment, the drainage holes allow that water to escape again rather than pooling inside the suit. We've included drainage holes at both the front and the back of our chest zip design, so any excess water drains straight back out. They're a small detail, but one that makes a big difference to how the wetsuit performs.

When designing our 4/3mm Steamer, we wanted it to be the warmest wetsuit we've ever made, so every feature was chosen with that goal in mind. The 4/3mm premium performance neoprene provides excellent insulation while still feeling lightweight and flexible, and we've added a thermal fleece lining through the chest to keep your core warmer during those cold dawn patrols and long winter sessions. Combined with glued and blind-stitched seams, silicone grip strips at the wrists and ankles to reduce flushing, and a secure chest zip entry, everything works together to help keep the warmth in and the cold water out.

The first time you pull on a chest zip, you might spend an extra minute figuring out the best way to get into it. By your third surf, you'll barely think about it. And for most people, the extra warmth and freedom of movement make that tiny learning curve well worth it.

At the end of the day, neither entry system is "better" than the other—they're simply designed with different priorities in mind. If you're surfing in milder conditions, a back zip is a fantastic option and still one that I absolutely recommend. But if you're heading out in the middle of winter, chasing colder water, or simply want the warmest, most performance-focused wetsuit possible, that's where a chest zip really shines.

Sometimes the things that seem the most intimidating end up becoming your favourite feature. Chest zip wetsuits are definitely one of those.