Best Women's High-End Hooded Wetsuits For 2023
Over the years, more and more women have discovered the allure of surfing. With that, the demand for women’s specific cold water hooded wetsuits has been higher than ever. Cleanline is proud to offer a diverse variety of brands and models, each with its unique features and fit. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran, we highly recommend the suits listed below based on our personal experience.
Written by women, for women: we'll look at features like durability, fit, and performance, as well as give a few tips on how to find the right size. Are you a female surfer looking for the perfect cold water wetsuit? Or maybe you want to upgrade from your current mid-range suit but are not sure what to choose. Look no further – our top recommendations for 2023 should have something that checks all your requirements.
Wetsuits Reviewed
- O’Neill - Women’s Psycho Tech 5.5/4+ Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit -$539.95
- Billabong - Women's Furnace 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $499.95
- Rip Curl - Women’s Flashbomb 5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $499.95
- Patagonia - Women’s R4 Yulex 5.5/4 Hooded Chest Zip Wetsuit - $548.95
O’Neill Women’s Psycho Tech 5/4+ - $539.95
“It's Back, Better than Ever”
After being discontinued for a short stint, the popular women’s Psycho Tech 5/4+ is back in production for 2023! O’Neill worked on making an already best-selling suit even better with a new and improved neoprene and interior liner, which we’ll cover in more detail below.
Gone are the days of Technobutter 3 with the release of the 4th edition. Across the board, the Psycho Tech features an updated TB4 Air Firewall and TB4 Firewall liner along with Technobutter 4x and Technobutter 4 neoprene. Put simply; you get an even more lightweight, flexible, and higher-performing wetsuit than before. For readers interested in more details on these updates, check out our full review of the O’Neill Psycho Tech.
In addition, surfers in windy environments will appreciate the front and back smooth skin paneling found on the Psycho Tech. Not only does it act as a wind barrier, but it also absorbs the sun's rays to create an even warmer wetsuit.
If you’ve worn Technobutter before, you know it truly fits like a second skin. The latest model continues on that trajectory with a snug fit. Like many neoprene suits, give it a few solid sessions for the rubber to relax. In general, O’Neill fits true to size. We’ve also found that due to the flexibility of Technobutter, the Psycho Tech tends to have a more forgiving fit.
Customer Feedback
“Softest cushy rubber of all time from O’Neill wearing their suits for decades. It was 35° air, 38° water blowing 10-20 mph. Sun was out, so it was bright.”
- KTjoe
Highlights and Features
- Warmer and more flexible than previous models
- Produced with Eco-Friendly materials
- Durable seam construction
- Lightweight neoprene
Billabong Women's Furnace 5/4 - $499.95
"100% Graphene Lined"
As the market for premium women’s wetsuits grows, 2023 sees the launch of the brand-new women’s Furnace! The Furnace builds on the popularity of the Furnace Comp. What’s the difference? The Furnace is 100% lined with the Nobel Prize-winning Graphene material. This suit is no joke when it comes to the warmth factor. It turns out Graphene is an excellent conductor of heat, and the purple and black linear is noticeably warmer than competitor liners while maintaining a lightweight feel.
The Furnace is an impressive masterwork in both warmth and comfort. It's designed with Billabong's partially recycled Smart Foam Neoprene technology, made from upcycled car tires and neoprene scraps. Plus, new features like Airlight 4D fabric provide even more flexibility than before – all reinforced by fully taped and exterior fluid seam weld for added insulation and durability.
Billabong has raised the bar with this suit, bringing innovation and sustainability to a new level. It features an industry-first Graphene liner for superior durability and eco-friendly construction from premium materials – truly setting it apart as their most impressive release yet. The Furnace is also made in a 6/5 model for the true frigid water rippers. Take a look at our full review of the Billabong Furnace Wetsuit.
Highlights and Features
- 100% Graphene Lined - incredibly warm
- Eco-friendly SMART Foam neoprene
- Exterior fluid seam weld
- Fully internally taped
Rip Curl Women’s Flashbomb 5/4 - $499.95
“Unmatched Warmth and Comfort”
Don’t let the frigid water temperatures stop you from paddling out in the women’s Flashbomb. It’s got incredible comfort and warmth resulting in the ultimate cold water wetsuit. Premium E6 neoprene has the right amount of stretch to keep the fatigue from building up. Most notable is the E6 Flash Lining. The pink fuzzy liner covers the entire inside of the suit. Not only is it super comfortable, but it also dries fast once out of the water.
You’ll notice that the hood, chest, and back have gray-looking smooth skin panels. Like the Psycho Tech above, anyone surfing in the chilly winter winds will appreciate these panels since they provide added protection. Another critical feature that aids in warmth is that the suit is fully taped on the inside. With sweater-like warmth and high-end features, it’s no wonder that Flashbomb is a popular choice for surfers in gnarly cold environments.
Because the Flashbomb 5/4 is fully lined, it tends to fit on the smaller side. If you’re in between sizes, consider sizing up. If you’re interested in this high-end suit, read through our full review of the Rip Curl Flashbomb.
Customer Feedback
“Finally gave in to getting a surf suit for windsurfing after a few friends recommended the Flashbomb- it's so nice and soft and warm- perfect for cool Rhode Island water!”
- Steph H.
Highlights and Features
- Extremely quick-drying
- Super comfortable
- Toasty warm liner
- Durable internal taping
Patagonia Women's R4 Yulex 5.5/4 - $548.95
"Eco-friendly"
The R4 is definitely the warmest suit on this list, so if zapping the cold is the deciding factor for you, look no further. Patagonia uses its trademark Yulex rubber, which is not only warm and durable but sustainably sourced from hevea trees. The jersey liner is made from 100% recycled materials, saving 18 plastic water bottles per suit. If you're looking for an environmentally-conscious wetsuit, the R4 is the way to go.
Patagonia rolled out some exciting updates to the latest model. Most notable is the re-design of the shoulder seams for increased mobility. They also improved the internal seam using a low-profile tape, resulting in a more comfortable feel. While you can expect the lifespan of a typical wetsuit to last about a year with regular use, the R4 will last twice that or more. I can attest from personal experience that Patagonia’s warranty center is phenomenal and will repair its gear long after other warranty programs expire.
All in all, the latest Yulex rubber holds up to years of use and has a more flexible feel compared to previous models. Similar to Rip Curl, we’ve found that Patagonia runs small. If you’re in the market for a serious cold water suit that can hold up to water temperatures below 40 F, take a look at the updated R4 Yulex. To learn more about Yulex, read our full Women's Patagonia Yulex Wetsuit Review.
Customer Feedback
“Northern California winter ocean water is cold. Finally, I have a wetsuit that keeps me warm. This is an amazing suit. It dries fast. It’s not as hard to take off after surfing as many chest suit suits are. Love this suit!”
- She Who Persists
Highlights and Features
- Durable, neoprene-free rubber
- Warm and comfortable liner
- Iron-clad Warranty
Relevant Blogs We’ve Written
- Women’s Wetsuit Fit Guide
- Surf Wetsuit Hood Guide
- Surf Wetsuit Glove Guide
- Best Women's Mid-Range Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
- Best Women's Affordable Hooded Wetsuits for 2023
Final Thoughts
As the women’s surf culture continues to grow, so does the demand for high-performance gear. At Cleanline Surf, we’re stoked to carry the industry's best in cold water wetsuits. This list of the best hooded wetsuits for women should help you narrow down your options to find the perfect suit for your needs. Whether you're looking for a durable suit like the Patagonia Yulex or a technologically advanced suit like the O’Neill Psycho Tech, there's sure to be a wetsuit on this list that's perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start shopping for your new cold water wetsuit today.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below, call us at 1-888-546-6176, or email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com.
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