7 Best Wetsuit Surf Gloves for 2025

For those dedicated souls who dare to endure the elements and paddle out in conditions that turn the weak-hearted away, we have reviewed the 7 best surf gloves of 2025. A good pair of gloves can make a huge difference and help you surf in colder water more comfortably for longer. Selecting the right glove has a lot to do with personal preference. We’re here to help you choose the best glove to prolong your next cold water session.

Best Wetsuit Surf Gloves Reviewed

Best long-term reputation: O’Neill Psycho Tech Gloves - $79.95+

Best budget-friendly surf gloves: Rip Curl E-bomb Gloves - $49.95

Best warm & fast drying surf gloves: Rip Curl Flashbomb Gloves - $54.95+

Best innovative 3D design gloves: Manera Magma Gloves - $65.00+

Best Eco-friendly surf gloves: Patagonia Yulex Gloves - $85.00+

Newest edition to Cleanlines inventory: Xcel Infiniti Gloves - $69.95+

Best specialized surf gloves: Solite Gauntlet Gloves - $84.95+

O’Neill Psycho Tech Gloves - $79.95+

"Trusted long-lasting reputation"

Our Take: O’Neill’s Psycho Tech gloves have been a shop favorite. I have personally owned them for the past 2 years. The gloves combine O’Neill’s technology with an anatomical design that conforms to the hand and creates a comfortable, reliable fit. The glove is constructed from hydrophobic Technobutter 3 Neoprene and includes a Technobutter Firewall. The Technobutter neoprene cuts wind exceptionally well and fits like a second skin. The gloves have a tacky grip on the palm and fingers to help when you need to carry your gear and grip your board.

We find the Psycho Tech glove is cut a bit longer and has a snug-fitting wrist compared to most gloves. If you have thicker wrists, we suggest sizing up. Lastly, our owner, Josh, sports the 1.5mm Psycho Tech for wind kiting since they offer the best grip and dexterity for holding the bar.

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O'Neill Psycho Tech 1.5mm Gloves - $79.95
O'Neill Psycho Tech 3mm Gloves - $84.95
O'Neill Psycho Tech 5mm Gloves - $89.95
O'Neill Psycho Tech 5mm Mitten Gloves - $89.95

Rip Curl E-bomb Gloves - $49.95

"Best Bang for your Buck"

Our Take: The Rip Curl E-Bomb is a unique set of gloves: one of the only models with an adjustable wrist strap. The strap allows you to snugly tighten the wrist of the glove to help reduce the chances of flushing and moving around on your hand. If you aren’t a fan of the straps, don’t sweat, they are fully detachable. Constructed using E4 Neoprene, the E-Bomb has a cool feature in that it is stitchless.

The glove uses tape and glue to create a durable seal. These features help make the E-Bomb one of our top recommended 2mm options. The fit of the E-Bomb is similar to the Flashbomb in that they are a bit longer in cut. If you are a fan of Rip Curl, check out another bestseller, the Dawn Patrol 3mm Gloves, a great budget option.

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Rip Curl E-Bomb 2mm Gloves - $49.95

Rip Curl Flashbomb Gloves - $54.95+

"Fastest drying surf gloves"

Our Take: The Rip Curl Flashbomb is the best choice for those looking to find the warmest option possible. Lined with Rip Curl’s Flash Lining, you know you can count on these gloves to keep your hands warm in the coldest conditions. The Flash Lining, also found in Rip Curl’s high-end wetsuits, is quick-drying, helping to ensure dry gloves at the start of your sessions. In addition to the liner, the gloves are taped and externally sealed at the seams. This seam construction helps keep the gloves watertight and warm throughout your sessions. The Flashbomb is cut longer than other gloves, so keep this in mind when sizing.

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Rip Curl Flashbomb 3/2mm Gloves - $54.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb 5/3mm Gloves - $59.95
Rip Curl Flashbomb 7/5mm Mitten Gloves - $69.95

Manera Magma Gloves - $65.00+

"Comfortable 3D Tech"

Our Take: Manera has created some outstanding designs by focusing on pushing the boundaries of wetsuit technology. With a 3D computer design transformed into a 2D physical design, the Manera Magma gloves stand out in warmth, flexibility, and durability.

The Glide Skin neoprene and Magma Plus liner make these gloves excel in comfort. The Magma Plus liner dries extremely fast and is highly stretchable. The donut cuff implemented in the design helps keep water from entering the wrist section of the glove, which, in return, keeps your hands toasty warm. The gloves are also offered in a lobster style if you prefer the extra warmth produced by not separating your fingers. From my experience, going with a mittens-style glove substantially improves the warmth factor.

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Manera Magma 2.5mm Gloves - $79.00
Manera Magma 2.5mm Lobster Gloves - $65.00
Manera Magma 5mm Lobster Gloves - $69.00

Patagonia Yulex Gloves - $85.00+

"Sustainable production with a great warranty"

Our Take: The Patagonia Yulex is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option. Constructed out of 85% Yulex and 15% synthetic rubber, this glove uses materials from Forest Stewardship Council-certified sources. The Patagonia Yulex sports 100% external seam sealing, with taping in high-stress areas of the glove. This helps with the seal and durability.

The interior is made of a quick-drying 100% recycled polyester liner to keep your hands warm. The Yulex’s articulated panels allow for the glove to conform to the shape of your hand and create a snug fit. In addition, the micro gasket at the wrist cuff keeps water from sneaking into the glove. With all these features packed into an eco-friendly package, you can stay warm while doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint. We find the Patagonia Yulex to fit true to size.

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Patagonia R2 Yulex 2mm Gloves - $85.00
Patagonia R3 Yulex 3mm Gloves - $89.00
Patagonia R4 Yulex 5mm 3 Finger Gloves - $99.00
Patagonia R5 Yulex 7mm Mitten Gloves - $109.00

Xcel Infiniti Gloves - $69.95+

"Slim lightweight option"

Our Take: The Xcel Infiniti gloves offer a minimalistic, high-performing, lightweight design. The stretch is hard to beat. Available in the rare 1.5mm thickness, check out the Infiniti for the cooler sessions.

The gloves feature a Thermolite IR interior liner, which includes an infrared, quick-drying fiber that promotes and sustains body warmth. The technology reminds me of Billabong's award-winning graphene liner, which creates heat within the material. The Tatex outer seams used on these Infiniti gloves add durability to the already strong design. One of the key components of these gloves is the grip palms, which allow you to maintain traction while maneuvering your board. 

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Xcel Infiniti 1.5mm 5 Finger Gloves - $64.95
Xcel Infiniti 3mm 5 Finger Gloves - $74.95
Xcel Infiniti 5mm 3 Finger Lobster Claw Gloves - $79.95
Xcel Infiniti 5mm Mitten Glove - $79.95

Solite Gauntlet Gloves - $84.95+

"A little bit of everything"

Our Take: The Solite Gauntlet gloves are top-of-the-line in warmth, flexibility, and durability. Solite is a company that specializes in surf accessories, and they make some of the best surf boots and gloves in the industry.

With the Thermal-Rebound lining, the gloves are exceptionally warm and fast drying. The 3D Grip Palm makes it so the gloves stay secure while gripping your board. The gloves are made with minimal seams and an Overkill seam construction. These two seam features make the gloves exceptionally durable and long-lasting. 

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Solite Guantlet 2/2mm Gloves - $84.95
Solite Guantlet 3/2mm Gloves -  $89.95
Solite Guantlet 5/3mm Gloves - $99.95

Honorable Mentions

Xcel Comp X 4mm 5 finger—These gloves are unique because they are 4mm thick. They are comfortable and have superior insulation.

Billabong Furnace 5mm 5 finger—The Billabong Furnace gloves are made with SMART Foam neoprene and partially recycled materials. They’re not on this list because Billabong currently has limited inventory due to ownership.

Best Surf Gloves FAQ

Do I really need surf gloves?

If you're surfing in water colder than about 55°F (13°C), surf gloves can make a huge difference. They help maintain grip, dexterity, and—most importantly—keep your fingers from freezing. Even a 2mm glove can extend your session time dramatically in chilly conditions.

What thickness surf glove should I get?

It depends on your local water temps.

• 1–2mm: Best for cool water (55–60°F) when you want warmth without bulk.
  

• 3mm: Great middle ground for water temps between 50–58°F.
  

• 5mm+: Needed for serious cold water surfing (below 50°F), but keep in mind these can reduce dexterity.
  

What's the difference between mittens, claws, and glove styles?

• Gloves: Like regular five-finger gloves. Best for dexterity and grip.
  

• Claws (lobster style): Group some fingers together for better warmth but allow some grip movement.
  

• Mittens: Warmest option since all fingers share heat, but the trade-off is reduced board handling.
  
  

Should I size up or down with surf gloves?

You want them snug—no bunching or loose fabric—but not circulation-cutting tight. Gloves that are too big will fill with water and defeat the purpose. Most brands have size charts, so definitely check hand measurements before buying.

Do all surf gloves use the same materials?

Not exactly. Most use some form of neoprene, but high-end gloves often feature limestone neoprene, graphene linings, or thermal fleece interiors for better heat retention and flexibility. Eco-conscious brands like Vissla and Patagonia use plant-based or recycled neoprene alternatives too.

Similar Blogs We've Written

• 7 Best Surf Boots for 2025

• 9 Best Surf Hoods of 2025

Final Thoughts

There are many different styles and thicknesses of surf gloves. Whenever you are shopping for a pair, it’s most important to consider where you will be surfing with them. If you need to find the perfect-sized glove, check out our Surf Glove Guide for tips and tricks. We hope this blog helped you with your decision, and we look forward to seeing you out on some waves!

If you have any questions about these gloves or any of the 30+ styles of gloves we stock, feel free to contact us at support@cleanlinesurf.com or toll-free at 1-888-546-6176, or leave a comment below.

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James

James grew up as a snowboarder in the Wasatch Mountain range, with an admiration of the sea. After catching his first wave and soaking up the sea breeze, he gained an eternal love for surfing. Nowadays, he lives to ride sideways and is stoked to share his passions with others while writing blogs and working on the Customer Service team. If you don’t see him at the surf break, he’ll be pumping a bowl or ripping down a mountain.