Junior wetsuit

Here on this page, you’ll find our best wetsuits for juniors and older children.
They come in various designs and with different features. Even though these wetsuits are for older kids, it’s still crucial that they provide warmth while in the water. Compared to wetsuits for toddlers or younger children, junior wetsuits have a wider range of uses.

Our selection includes brands like Aqua Sphere, Orca, ZONE3, and Watery — all known for their quality and durability. These brands offer wetsuits with excellent insulation and flexibility, allowing your child to enjoy all types of water activities.

In short, these wetsuits are also ideal for watersports like SUP, kayaking, and more. That’s why it’s important that the suit has the right thickness, flexibility, and thermal insulation.

A Junior Wetsuit for Every Occasion
A junior wetsuit isn’t just a wetsuit. They come in different cuts and with various features. That’s why your child’s age and the specific use matter—especially when it comes to choosing the right thickness.

If you're looking for a wetsuit primarily for swimming and playing in the water, we recommend a 2mm neoprene suit with lycra sleeves, like the one from Aqua Sphere. It gives your child maximum mobility while still retaining warmth and offering UV protection. This makes it ideal for pools, beaches, or holidays where the water temperature is 20°C or above.

Another great benefit of neoprene is that it provides buoyancy, making it easier for your child to stay afloat. This is useful for both kids who are learning to swim and those looking to improve. The thicker the neoprene layer, the more buoyant—and warm—the wetsuit becomes.

Most junior wetsuits are also great for snorkeling, as long as the water isn't too cold. Not only because of warmth and UV protection but also thanks to the added buoyancy. Snorkeling becomes much easier when children don’t have to use energy staying afloat at the surface.

We also recommend pairing the wetsuit with a quality dive mask, snorkel, fins, or a full snorkel set—otherwise, it could ruin the experience. And don’t forget a pair of water shoes for the beach to protect from sharp or hot surfaces.

The Most Important Differences in Junior Wetsuits
If you’re just looking for a basic wetsuit to keep your child warm and UV-protected, most options will do the job just fine. A neoprene thickness between 2–3 mm is a solid choice. However, there are a few more things to keep in mind.

A junior wetsuit should be comfortable and not cause chafing around the openings. That’s why many of the wetsuits on this page are designed with soft linings around the edges to prevent irritation on the skin.

If your child loves open-water swimming, we recommend a purpose-built swimming wetsuit, such as this one from Orca. It's made specifically for open water, providing warmth, buoyancy, and visibility. Visibility is especially important in open water to avoid accidents with SUP boards, kayaks, or boats.

That’s also why we recommend equipping your child with a swim buoy or dry bag, and possibly a swim cap for extra safety.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be that specialized if your junior wetsuit is mainly for watersports on the water — like paddleboarding or kayaking. In that case, the key is that the wetsuit keeps them warm and protects against the sun. Just remember: in Ireland, it’s legally required to wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when engaging in water activities.

Proper Care for Junior Wetsuits
As with most swim gear, wetsuits are sensitive to chlorine and saltwater. Although they’re made to be used in such environments, it's important to rinse them thoroughly after each use.

Here are a few simple care guidelines:

• Rinse thoroughly with cold freshwater after every use

• Avoid washing machines and tumble dryers

• Some wetsuits may tolerate machine washing at 30°C on a gentle cycle (check the label)

• Use pH-neutral soap if needed

• Let it air dry—indoors or outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the materials

• Make sure the wetsuit is completely dry before storing it

These are general tips, and individual wetsuits may come with specific care instructions. Always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure your wetsuit lasts as long as possible.

Buy Your Junior Wetsuit at Watery.ie
We understand children’s love for water — and we share that joy with them. That’s why we’re committed to offering the best products at the best prices. When it comes to kids and water, you should never compromise on quality — but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive.

If you have questions or need advice, our experienced customer service team is ready to help via chat or phone. Together, we’ll find exactly what you need. Plus, you’ll enjoy some of the best customer perks in Ireland:

• Free shipping on orders over €80

• Customer support from 08:00 to 22:00 on weekdays

• Next-day delivery on weekdays, so you get your order fast

• 100% price match guarantee – so you always get the best at the best price

So why not find the junior wetsuit you need right here on this page? We’re sure you’ll find the perfect one.