6 Best Affordable Women's Wetsuits Under $300

Today, wetsuit manufacturers are experimenting with new materials to produce the warmest and most flexible wetsuits. Thanks to all the trickle-down technology, entry-level wetsuits are more comfortable and of better value than ever. We realize that not everyone is looking for a top-tier wetsuit. More often than not, most surfers are on a budget and looking for an affordable wetsuit to get the job done without breaking the bank.

When searching for a wetsuit under $300, you’ll want to pay close attention to the seam construction and neoprene quality. Those two features can make or break your time out in the water. These are our top picks for the best affordable and quality wetsuits money can buy for under $300.

Women’s Wetsuits Reviewed

• Rip Curl - Dawn Patrol Wetsuit - $199.95+
• O’Neill - Ninja Wetsuit - $289.95+
• Buell - RB2 Wetsuit - $289.95+
• Roxy - Swell Wetsuit - $249.95+
• Sisstrevolution - Seven Seas Wetsuit - $259.95+
• Billabong - Synergy Wetsuit - $179.95+

Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol - $199.95+

“Affordable High-End Features”

The Rip Curl Dawn Patrol wetsuit has consistently been one of our top-selling wetsuits. For under $300, you can grab any of the different versions of the highly reviewed Dawn Patrol (although the hooded model tops out at $320). Rip Curl has consistently improved the model line, and the latest edition features high-end components at an affordable price tag. The suit comes standard with the 5th generation of Elastomax Superstretch Neoprene (E5). Apart from being more flexible, this material is also 20% lighter and 10% warmer than previous models.

Along with the E5 neoprene, Rip Curl has added a lighter “flash-lining” to the chest, back, and legs, which provides warmth and comfort while minimizing dry time. The Dawn Patrol back zip model has a batwing system placed in the back to prevent water from entering the zipper and flushing through the suit. The suit features internally taped seams in the high-stress areas. This type of seam construction results in a better water seal and overall durability.

We recommend sizing up if in-between sizes since Rip Curl tends to run small. The Dawn Patrol model line comes in suits ranging from 3/2 back zips to 5/4 hooded coldwater options: perfect if you’re recreating in water temperatures ranging from 45 F up to the high 60s F.

Take a look at our full review of the Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

• Wam and quick-drying liner
• Available in back and chest zip entry
• Internally taped seams
• Shop staple

Shop By Style

Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol 3/2 Back Zip - $199.95
Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol 3/2 Chest Zip - $209.95
Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol 4/3 Back Zip - $269.95
Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol 4/3 Chest Zip - $269.95
Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol 5/3 Back Zip - $279.95
Rip Curl Women's Dawn Patrol 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip - $319.95

O'Neill Women's Ninja - $289.95+

“Lasting Value”

The O’Neill Ninja series delivers quality features, overall durability, and lasting value. Available in 3/2, 4/3, and 5/4 models, we recommend the Ninja for water temperatures ranging from the high 40's to the high 60's F. The Ninja has everything you need to be comfortable out in the water. T the Ninja features UltraFlex neoprene, which is the same type of rubber found in the top-selling entry-level Epic suit. This neoprene holds up well to the bumps and trauma of a first-time surfer.

On the inside of the suit, the Fluidflex Firewall insulation adds warmth to the suit and creates a more comfortable feel. The internally taped seams keep water out better than a flatlock seam found in cheaper entry-level suits. Another thoughtful feature to highlight is that O’Neill created the suit with a strategic seamless paddle zone that improves flexibility resulting in less fatigue while paddling.

In our experience wearing O’Neill suits, the brand fits true to size. They also extend a 1-year warranty on their wetsuits and have a phenomenal warranty program. We couldn’t be happier that O’Neill now offers an affordable mid-range option for women shopping on a budget.

Take a look at our full review of the O'Neill Ninja Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

• External Key Pocket with Loop
• Internally taped seams through the majority of the suit
• Minimal branding
• Strategic Seamless Paddle Zones

Shop By Model

O'Neill Women's Ninja 3/2 Chest Zip - $289.95
O'Neill Women's Ninja 4/3 Chest Zip - $299.95
O'Neill Women's Ninja 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip - $329.95

Buell Women's RB2 - $289.95+

“Jane Of All Trades”

We may be biased, but from the get-go, many of us at Cleanline have been equally impressed with the quality of Buell wetsuits. The RB2 is highly recommended for the first-time buyer, the “summer only” surfer in the PNW, or someone looking to flatwater kayak or SUP during the shoulder seasons. Heck, don't back down when the temperatures drop: take the 5/4 out in colder water by pairing it with booties and gloves.

Next up, let's dive into the features that make this suit so versatile. The RB2 is available in sizes that will fit women ranging in weight from 105-175 lbs with its true-to-size fit. The Ninja neoprene is buttery soft with an impressive flex compared to similarly priced suits. All seams are glued and blindstitched along with a “soft seal” interior seam tape for the ideal combination of warmth and flexibility. From personal experience, I appreciate how the seam placement allows for optimal comfort and enhanced movement from top to bottom.

Read our full review of the Buell Women's RB2 Wetsuit.

Highlights and Features

• Quality features at an affordable price
• True to size fit
• Buttery soft neoprene
• Wrist and ankle “Sizzle Seal”

Shop By Model

Buell Women's RB2 4/3 Hooded Chest Zip - $289.95
Buell Women's RB2 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip - $299.95

Roxy Women's Swell - $249.95+

“Stylish Flair"

Roxy’s recently released Swell wetsuit brings you excellent flexibility for less cash. The Swell Series replaces the ever-popular Syncro. The Swell series comes equipped with an eco-friendly StretchFlight 2 neoprene made from scrap rubber tires and has 24% fewer CO2 emissions per wetsuit. The WarmFlight thermal fleece line is comfortable, warm, and fast-drying. All seams are glued and blind stitched, ensuring you stay warm and dry.

The Swell model line is not only one of the warmest and most flexible wetsuits on the market, but it’s also among the most affordable. The suits are available in a wide range of sizes from 2 to 16. You’ll appreciate that most of the Swell models are produced in Tall sizes (8T and 10T) for taller ladies. Roxy has a feminine fit with a slim waist and extra space in the chest and hips.

Why pay $500 for a wetsuit when the Swell 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip has all you need for a fraction of the cost? There is no need to sacrifice your bank account for performance out of your wetsuit.

Take a deeper look at the Roxy Women's Swell Wetsuit review.

Highlights and Features

• Feminine cut to neoprene
• Thermal fleece lining
• Internally taped seams
• Favorite among new surfers

Shop By Model

Roxy Women's Swell Series 3/2 Back Zip - $249.95
Roxy Women's Swell Series 4/3 Back Zip - $269.95
Roxy Women's Swell Series 5/4/3 Back Zip - $289.95
Roxy Women's Swell Series 5/4/3 Hooded Chest Zip - $309.95

Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas - $259.95+

“Everything you Need”

With the catchphrase: “everything you need in a wetsuit and nothing you don’t,” let’s take a quick look at the Seven Seas line offered in various entry systems and thicknesses. The price tag is a bit higher than the other suits highlighted. That said, read on for what you get with the higher price tag. Full disclosure, the 5/4 and 6/5 models jump slightly past $300 but are still a bargain for all that rubber.

Under the chic branding is the limestone-based Super Stretch neoprene. To the touch, the neoprene is baby skin smooth and has the ideal amount of stretch. All models incorporate the Fever Fiber lining, which has a cream and maroon appearance. This liner is lightweight and insulates more thoroughly compared to similarly priced suits. The 5mm and 6mm models also include an additional Eco Fiber liner in the waist and legs of the suit. Similar to the other options in this review, the Seven Seas seams are GBS and internally taped with the Sisstr Super Stretch Neo 3.0 tape.

The Seven Seas is a great suit for the price. Look no further than the Seven Seas if you’re an up-and-coming surfer looking for a suit produced with eco-friendly materials.

Read our full review of the Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas Wetsuit for further insight on what makes the suit stand out from the competition.

Highlights and Features

• Eco-Friendly Limestone based neoprene
• Liquid tape cuff seals on wrists and ankles
• Quick-drying Fever Fiber lining
• Offered in a large variety of thicknesses

Shop By Model

Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 3/2mm Back Zip - $259.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 3/2mm Chest Zip - $238.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 4/3mm Back Zip - $269.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 4/3mm Chest Zip - $248.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 5/4mm Hooded Chest Zip - $304.95
Sisstrevolution Women's Seven Seas 6/5mm Hooded Chest Zip - $324.95

Billabong Women's Synergy - $179.95+

“High Tech Graphene Liner”

Billabong makes an excellent entry-level series of suits called the Synergy that gives surfers a flexible and warm wetsuit at a price almost everyone can afford. The suit uses Billabong's partially recycled Superlite Foam, which is stretchy, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. This Superlite rubber is produced from upcycled car tires and sealed with a water-based adhesive. There's a Graphene liner on the inside of these suits, the same liner found on Billabong's most expensive suits, that provide excellent heat retention. You'll find the purple honeycomb-looking liner on the Synergy's chest, back, and legs.

We like the Synergy so much that Billabong made a Cleanline exclusive 5/4 non-hooded back zip model. This particular model is our go-to rental wetsuit for customers surfing in the cold waters of Northern Oregon. We’ve found that Billabong runs on the larger side and is a solid option for the curvier surfer. Personally, Billabong fits me well with my soccer legs and broad shoulders. You can find the Synergy available in various sizes, entry systems, and thicknesses. We think this suit is a steal at an affordable price with its high-tech features.

Read our full review of the Billabong Women's Synergy Wetsuit for more details on the groundbreaking technology of graphene.

Highlights and Features

• Produced with recycled and partially recycled materials
• Nobel-prize-winning Graphene material
• Highly stretchy neoprene
• Cleanline exclusive 5/4 back zip model

Shop By Model

Billabong Women's Synergy 3/2 Back Zip - $179.95
Billabong Women's Synergy 3/2 Chest Zip - $249.95
Billabong Women's Synergy 4/3 Back Zip - $249.95
Billabong Women's Synergy 4/3 Chest Zip - $269.95
Billabong Women's Synergy 5/4 Back Zip - $269.95
Billabong Women's Cleanline Synergy 5/4 Back Zip - $239.95
Billabong Women's Synergy 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip - $299.95

Final Thoughts

We hope that you found this review helpful in deciding what women’s wetsuit best suits you and your budget. Whichever option you choose, we're confident that you'll benefit from the improved functionality, warmth, and style of the available wetsuits. Now it’s up to you to decide. What wetsuit are you drawn to? Don't worry if you can't make a choice right away - take some time perusing through all the information we provided and consider all factors before making a final decision. Have peace of mind when paddling out at your local break, knowing that together, we have provided you with six quality wetsuit options at an affordable price!

If questions arise along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance as well! Feel free to call us at 1-888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.