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Winter Wetsuits
Riding in January requires the right thickness and truly taped seams. GlissEvolution in Pornichet offers men's winter wetsuits from ION, Prolimit, O'Neill, Mystic, and Sooruz, in 5/4 and 6/5.
Learn moreMen's winter wetsuits: 5/4 and 6/5 mm for riding from November to April
Updated September 2026
On the Atlantic coast, the water drops below 12°C from November to April, and the winter wind will chill you faster than you think. A men's 5/4 or 6/5 mm winter wetsuit, with or without a built-in hood, is what keeps you on the water when the spots empty out. At GlissEvolution, a shop based in Pornichet since 2005, we ride all year round. We can help you find the right cut and thickness for your riding style and how much you feel the cold. This category is part of our men's wetsuits, along with our mid-season wetsuits and summer wetsuits. Complete your setup with boots, hoods, and gloves. For sizing, check out our size guide.
5/4 or 6/5 mm?
A 5/4 mm will get most riders through an Atlantic winter. It has 5 mm neoprene on the torso and legs, and 4 mm on the arms to maintain mobility. It's our best-selling thickness. The 6/5 mm is aimed at riders who really feel the cold, for long sessions between December and February, or for anyone riding in the English Channel or the North Sea. Modern neoprene is much more flexible, so a 6/5 today feels like a 5/4 from ten years ago. For kitesurfing and winging, where you're constantly wet and exposed to wind chill, go one thickness up from what you would wear for surfing.
Integrated or separate hood?
A built-in hood stops water from flushing down your neck, the number one source of chill in winter. It's pretty much standard on 6/5 suits like the ION Seek Amp 6/5 Hood, O'Neill Psycho Tech 6/4+ Hooded, and Prolimit Mercury Free-X 6/4 Hood. It is also available on 5/4 models such as the Manera Seafarer Hooded, Ride Engine RE_X 5/4/3 Hooded, and Mystic Marshall Hooded. A separate hood is more versatile but will let some water in at the collar. If you're not sure, you can always wear a hooded suit with the hood down on warmer days.
Front zip, back zip, or zipless?
The front zip is the standard for winter suits. It allows less water in down the back and gives you more flexibility. The back zip is easier to get into, which helps if you have tight shoulders or you're changing in a windy car park. ION, Manera, and Prolimit still offer it in 5/4. The zipless or U-Zip design, from Manera, offers maximum water resistance for the most demanding riders.
What makes the difference in winter
Look for the internal thermal lining, like Prolimit's Thermal Rebound, O'Neill's Firewall, or ION's Hot Stuff. Check for glued and sealed seams instead of just standard stitching. Wrist and ankle seals reduce flushing. The flexibility of the neoprene is what determines how fatigued you feel after an hour on the water. The price depends more on these four features than on the neoprene thickness.
What budget for a winter wetsuit?
Price ranges in this category as of 29 September 2026, excluding sale items.
| Type | Indicative Budget | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level 5/4 or 5/3 | 200 to €300 | Occasional sessions on a tight budget |
| Mid-range 5/4, with or without hood | 330 to €450 | Riding regularly all winter |
| High-end 6/5 and 5/4, thermal lining | 450 to €630 | Riders who feel the cold, long sessions, cold water |
Free shipping on new gear over €150, excluding sale items. 14-day returns if the size isn't right. Try before you buy at our shop in Pornichet.
The brands we offer
- ION (Germany): Seek Core 5/4, Seek Amp 5/4 and 6/5, Seek Select 5/4 and 5.5/4.5 Hood. The widest range in this category.
- Manera (France): Classic, Seafarer, Xtend, and Magma, in 5,4,3 mm, with or without hood.
- O'Neill (USA): Epic 5/4, Hyperfreak 5/4+ and Fire, Psycho Tech 5/4+ and 6/4+, Blueprint Windfreak.
- Prolimit (Netherlands): Fusion Steamer 5/3, Shield, Mercury Steamer 5/4 and 6/4, the cold water specialists.
- Mystic (Netherlands), Ride Engine (USA), and Sooruz (France): Motion and Marshall Hooded, RE_X 5/4/3, Guru Wind 5/4 in Oysterprene neoprene.
Caring for your winter wetsuit
Rinse with fresh water after every session. Dry it in the shade on a wide hanger, inside out first. Never leave it bunched up in the boot of your car. A winter wetsuit is a big purchase. Our care guide explains how to get four or five seasons out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness for winter in Loire-Atlantique?
A 5/4 mm from November to April works for most riders. If you get cold easily or do back-to-back sessions in January, go for a 6/5 mm wetsuit with a hood.
Surf or kitesurf wetsuit for winter?
The wetsuits are the same. In kiting and winging, you're more exposed to wind chill, so go for the next thickness up or a suit with a built-in hood.
Integrated or separate hood?
Get one with a built-in hood if you ride all winter long; it stops water flushing in at the neck. A separate hood is fine if you only head out on milder days.
How to choose your size?
A winter wetsuit should fit snugly, with no creases in the back or under the arms. Take your height, weight, and chest measurement. Refer to the brand's chart on the product page or our size guide.
How long does a winter wetsuit last?
Four to five seasons, if you rinse it after every use and dry it in the shade. The neoprene will lose its flex long before it tears.
Where can I buy a men's winter wetsuit?
At GlissEvolution, online or at our shop in Pornichet. You can try on different brands and cuts in the same visit to compare the fit.
Why choose GlissEvolution?
Twenty years of experience serving riders, since 2005. At our Pornichet shop, you can try on wetsuits from all our brands and get advice from people who actually ride through the winter. We have new and clearance stock, full after-sales service, and free shipping on orders over €150. For personalized advice, give us a call on 09 62 64 74 77.
Find Us
GlissEvolution, 2c avenue du Gulfstream, 44380 Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique). Phone: 09 62 64 74 77. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm.
