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  4. 10 Best Wetsuit Hoods UK 2024 | Rip Curl, O'Neill and More
  • 10 Best Wetsuit Hoods UK 2024 | Rip Curl, O'Neill and More 1
  • 10 Best Wetsuit Hoods UK 2024 | Rip Curl, O'Neill and More 2
  • 10 Best Wetsuit Hoods UK 2024 | Rip Curl, O'Neill and More 3
  • 10 Best Wetsuit Hoods UK 2024 | Rip Curl, O'Neill and More 4
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10 Best Wetsuit Hoods UK 2024 | Rip Curl, O'Neill and More

If you partake in water sports like surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and diving, you're going to need a dedicated wetsuit hood to keep cold winds at bay and the brain freeze away. By adorning your head with a suitably warm hood, hat or cap, you'll be poised to make the most of our unique – but undeniably chilly – British waters. 


Mystic, O'Neill and Rip Curl's popular Flashbomb provide an assured level of warmth no matter the weather with 2, 3 and 4 mm surf hoods, while Cressi and Osprey have divers covered with thick 5-7 mm options. As well as a handy buying guide, we've ranked the 10 best men's and women's wetsuit hoods on Amazon, eBay and Decathlon to bring you comfort in even the coldest winter waters.

Last updated 22/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Wetsuit Hood in the UK - Buying Guide

To make sure you're able to not just endure but thrive in the coldest months of the year, it's essential to know how to spot a good hood from an ill-suited one. This buying guide will shed some much-needed light on those defining aspects that aim to warm and please. 

1

Make Sure the Hood Is Suited to Your Sea-Going Passions

Make Sure the Hood Is Suited to Your Sea-Going Passions

In water at or below 13°, just about any type of neoprene hood is better than sporting a bare and exposed head. However, some hood designs are undeniably more suited to certain activities than others.


For instance, wetsuit hoods for surfing and water sports like windsurfing, bodyboarding, kiteboarding and SUP tend to feature a built-in peak which helps to keep water and glare out of the face. These hoods also regularly feature wind skin neoprene on the outer panels for increased resistance to wind chill.


Wetsuit hoods for diving do away with any features tailored toward above-water sports, and instead, focus their attention toward covering as much of the face and head as possible. This, along with an increased neoprene thickness, helps to eliminate any potential for brain freeze from too much exposure of the forehead to water. 

2

Opt for a Cap-Style Hood if Movement Is More Important Than Warmth

Opt for a Cap-Style Hood if Movement Is More Important Than Warmth

Still very much in the hood conversation but designed with a 'less is more' approach, wetsuit hats or caps are a great way of maximising your movement while still keeping warm. Curtailing toward water sport hoods specifically, caps always feature a chinstrap instead of complete neck protection. 


This lack of neck coverage does wonders for your range of movement by helping you to feel less constricted, but it also has a huge disadvantage. By eliminating the all-important seal of hood to wetsuit, you're opening yourself up for increased water flushing – in other words, you'll feel the cold more.


Obviously, this decision comes down to preference, and these days it's certainly not uncommon to see surfers, kiters and paddleboarders sporting caps instead of hoods. If you like the idea of less restriction and fancy yourself as someone who isn't susceptible to the cold, then a cap could give you the experience you're after. 

3

How to Ensure Your Hood Is as Warm and Water-Tight as Possible

Keeping yourself warm is the name of the game here, so it's worth getting clued up on which parts of a hood's construction indicate that it will be made well and adept at fighting off the chills. You'll also want to consider thickness based on the time, or times, of year you plan on wearing your hood. Here's what you need to know. 

Consider the Hood's Neoprene Thickness for a Downright Toasty Time

Consider the Hood's Neoprene Thickness for a Downright Toasty Time

Neoprene is the go-to material for all wetsuit hoods through its unrivalled thermal properties that trap, retain and circulate warmth around your head, keeping you aware and alert through the iciest days in the water. 


The neoprene thickness is a hood's best indicator of how effective it'll be at sea. Often surfers and water sport enthusiasts actually aim to wear as little neoprene as their bodies will allow, in order to give the best range of movement while also remaining warm. This is why most people opt for 2 mm hoods in autumn and spring and 3-5 mm hoods in winter. 


Within the UK surf scene, you'll find quite a few hardened sea veterans can withstand winter sessions in 2 mm hoods, although this isn't advised from the off. When plunging below the sea's surface, your hood needs to be at least 5 mm thick, though a lot of divers prefer 7 mm for the best cold resistance.

Scope Out the Seams: GBS Keep Water Out Better Than Flat Lock

Scope Out the Seams: GBS Keep Water Out Better Than Flat Lock

The seams of a wetsuit hood will either ensure an almost watertight seal of approval against the elements, or they'll let so much water in you'll end up questioning its worth. This difference in a hood's ability to repel water comes down to whether the seams are GBS (glued and blind stitched) or flatlock in construction. 


GBS seams have become the standard for all premium and some mid-range wetsuit hoods for their ability to let as little water in as possible. This seam system involves gluing the panels together first then stitching them through the front to halfway, thus creating a glued seal with increased durability from the outer stitching.


Often the outside stitching will then be glued over, creating a premium seamless finish for confidence on even the harshest of winter days. Flatlock seams are used in budget and mid-range hoods, and refer to stitching on which panels have simply been butted together and stitched through, creating a less tight seal in the process. 

Give Yourself an Extra Boost of Warmth With a Fleece Lining

Give Yourself an Extra Boost of Warmth With a Fleece Lining

A lot of hoods and wetsuits from higher-end brands will feature fleece inner linings. These synthetic inners are good for two reasons that make them a valued addition for any avid water-going person who values warmth over everything else. 


Firstly, they offer an increased level of insulation in addition to an extra layer of comfort. They also boast quicker drying times when compared to standard nylon linings, helping your wetsuit gear dry overnight or for when one particularly good day of surf is calling for multiple sessions.


The downside is that fleece linings are known to result in a little less flexibility and a little extra weight. Where hoods are concerned, this would be very minimal, but it's still worth noting in case you want flexibility to reign supreme over warmth and comfort. 

4

Keep It Locked Down and Secure With a Fastening Face Drawstring

Keep It Locked Down and Secure With a Fastening Face Drawstring

Unlike GBS seams and fleece linings, a drawstring is in no way an indicator of the premium or budget nature of a wetsuit hood. Fastening drawstrings are included in a hood's construction to give you a greater sense of security, knowing your hood won't be slipping, sliding and jiving around your head and face. 


These drawstrings are integrated around the face opening with a fastening clip poking out the bottom to be pulled tight as needed. This feature tends to suit water sports where the conditions and scenarios people are faced with are forever changing.


Picture a rough day of surf in the winter where duck diving multiple waves isn't a possibility, it's a given, and this is where a drawstring has got you. Pulling it tight will help to keep unwanted water out of your hood when battling the paddle, then once you get out the back, you can loosen it off and feel a greater sense of freedom.

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Top 10 Best Wetsuit Hoods in the UK

Being an island surrounded by stunning coastlines means a lot of us are blessed with year-round access to the sea. However, the colder months require a wetsuit hood that's both made to fit and feel like your own. This top 10 has been crafted out of the different ways in which we enjoy the sea in all its moods and seasons. 
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Rip Curl

Flashbomb Heatseeker 4mm Hood

Rip Curl Flashbomb Heatseeker 4mm Hood 1

£77.99

High

Flash-Dry Inner and Smooth Skin Outer for Total Heat Seeking

2

O'Neill

Ultraseal 3 mm Hood

O'Neill Ultraseal 3 mm Hood 1

£51.29

High Mid

Ultra-Flex Neoprene With an Ultra-Tight Seal to Boot

3

Mystic

Marshall 3 mm Wetsuit Hood

Mystic Marshall 3 mm Wetsuit Hood 1

£42.14

High Mid

Lose the Fear of Inadequate Gear With GBS Seams and Fleece

4

Xcel

Dry-Lock 2 mm Hood

Xcel Dry-Lock 2 mm Hood 1

£53.00

High Mid

Features a Soft Glide-Skin Outer to Minimise Wind Chill

5

C-Skins

Wired 2 mm Wetsuit Hood

C-Skins Wired 2 mm Wetsuit Hood 1

£32.98

Mid

Light and Flexible With Both Fleece and Hydrophobic Linings

6

Olaian

2 mm Wetsuit Hood

Olaian 2 mm Wetsuit Hood 1

£22.99

Low Mid

All the Premium Features for a Mid-Range Price

7

Xcel

Axis 2 mm Surf Cap

Xcel Axis 2 mm Surf Cap 1

£24.00

Low Mid

Repel the Sun's Glare With an Extended Peak

8

Osprey

5 mm Wetsuit Hood

Osprey 5 mm Wetsuit Hood 1

£24.63

Mid

Protect Your Head From Winter's Icy Edge With 5 mm Neoprene

9

NCW Cornwall

2.5 mm Wetsuit Cap

NCW Cornwall 2.5 mm Wetsuit Cap 1

£15.95

Low

A Surf Cap With Velcro Chinstrap for Head-Turning Bliss

10

Cressi

Women's Diving Hood

Cressi Women's Diving Hood 1

£17.94

Low Mid

A Thick Diving Hood Designed With Women in Mind

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Rip CurlFlashbomb Heatseeker 4mm Hood

Flashbomb Heatseeker 4mm Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£77.99
High
Reference price
£77.99
High

Flash-Dry Inner and Smooth Skin Outer for Total Heat Seeking

Rip Curl's Flashbomb wetsuits have been at the forefront of design for a good and honest while. With a few wetsuit of the year awards on the trophy mantle, this hood is from a range that's held in the highest regard among the surf community.


The 4 mm Heatseeker makes no mistake to its total commitment to warmth. Built into the hood is the brand's E5 flash-dry lining and smooth skin exterior, resulting in a hood that needs to be felt to be believed. It's a premium product for a premium cost – but can you really put a price on your head? We think not!

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No.2

O'NeillUltraseal 3 mm Hood

Ultraseal 3 mm Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Ultraseal 3 mm Hood 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£51.29
High Mid
Reference price
£51.29
High Mid

Ultra-Flex Neoprene With an Ultra-Tight Seal to Boot

As the company who literally wrote the rulebook when it comes to wetsuit design, O'Neill have solidified themselves at the top of the warming order since the '50s. At 3 mm, the Ultraseal is realistically thick enough to handle all British seasons for those who aren't too susceptible to the cold. 


Without the inclusion of an inner fleece lining, this hood remains extremely flexible, suiting sports where head-turning and awareness are key. The notable peak and face drawstring combo will help keep the wind, water and glare out of your eyes and face in all weather conditions.

No.3

MysticMarshall 3 mm Wetsuit Hood

Marshall 3 mm Wetsuit Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Marshall 3 mm Wetsuit Hood 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£42.14
High Mid
Reference price
£42.14
High Mid

Lose the Fear of Inadequate Gear With GBS Seams and Fleece

The Marshall by Mystic screams premium with its flawless construction from top to bottom and inside and out. The wind skin side panels will stop at nothing to keep your head from feeling chilly, while the comfortable fleece lining wraps around the entirety of the hood's inner. 


The face drawstring will give you an added feeling of security in times of need and the seams are exactly as they should be – GBS is construction. This is a commendable hood for any avid water sport lover who's looking for something exceptional

No.4

XcelDry-Lock 2 mm Hood

Dry-Lock 2 mm Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Dry-Lock 2 mm Hood 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£53.00
High Mid
Reference price
£53.00
High Mid

Features a Soft Glide-Skin Outer to Minimise Wind Chill

Another inclusion from the famed wetsuit brand Xcel, this hood is of a premium nature that sets the bar high. Xcel's Dry-lock wetsuit series is their top-shelf, magnum opus range of wetsuit gear that leaves nothing to chance. 


Hitting all the right notes in terms of design with GBS seams, a fleece lining, a face drawstring and a functional peak, this hood is here to serve and protect. With its thickness of 2 mm, it'll suffice for most of the year, but you will probably need something plusher for the bleakest of mid-winter days. 

No.5

C-SkinsWired 2 mm Wetsuit Hood

Wired 2 mm Wetsuit Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Wired 2 mm Wetsuit Hood 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£32.98
Mid
Reference price
£32.98
Mid

Light and Flexible With Both Fleece and Hydrophobic Linings

C-Skins are another British-born company that has made a name on both the European and worldwide wetsuit stage. Through their quality wetsuits and gear, they've commendably forged a path through an already saturated market. 


The 2 mm Wired is a light and sleekly designed hood which includes GBS seams, an inner fleece lining and a hydrophobic external lining to repel water while also adding admirable multi-directional stretch. All in, this is a well-priced and well-designed hood for savvy shoppers. 

No.6

Olaian2 mm Wetsuit Hood

Reference price
£22.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£22.99
Low Mid

All the Premium Features for a Mid-Range Price

Olaian are Decathlon's signature water sports brand, producing gear that's brimming on the features front for easy-on-the-pocket prices. This is their 2 mm hood which features an inner fleece lining, face drawstring and GBS seams for a desirable shield from the elements.


The smooth-skin outer is another design aspect that brings on total protection from the elements by helping to keep wind chill at bay. Perfect for any water sport enthusiast looking for a good deal on a hood from a lesser-known brand name.

No.7

XcelAxis 2 mm Surf Cap

Axis 2 mm Surf Cap 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£24.00
Low Mid

Repel the Sun's Glare With an Extended Peak

Xcel's Axis 2 mm surf cap is a desirable option for surfers, kiters, kayakers and anyone after a bit of shade. With an extended peak, this cap is purposefully fitted to shield the eyes from the blinding combination of sunlight and water. 


A thermo-fleece inner lining has been included to increase the warmth along with providing an additional level of comfort. The drawstring will help to secure the cap in choppy seas and rounds out this cap's defining features. The one area it falls flat on its peak, as it is constructed with flatlock rather than the preferred GBS seams.  

No.8

Osprey5 mm Wetsuit Hood

5 mm Wetsuit Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
5 mm Wetsuit Hood 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.63
Mid
Reference price
£24.63
Mid

Protect Your Head From Winter's Icy Edge With 5 mm Neoprene

Osprey are hugely popular in the UK for their devotion to producing well-made gear for affordable prices. This 5 mm hood is a versatile option, as it is considered thick enough for diving yet not overly so for surfing and kayaking, among other water sports. 


The extra-long shoulder and chest panel adds another layer of protection from any pesky water trickling down into the body of your suit. Again, with flatlock seams, it's never going to be as effective as the premium hoods, though it'll surely be warm nonetheless.

No.9

NCW Cornwall2.5 mm Wetsuit Cap

2.5 mm Wetsuit Cap 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
2.5 mm Wetsuit Cap 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.95
Low
Reference price
£15.95
Low

A Surf Cap With Velcro Chinstrap for Head-Turning Bliss

North Coast Wetsuits are a family-run company from Polzeath, Cornwall with their roots firmly planted in the British surf and water sports scene. This is a really solid option for anyone who likes the idea of a surf cap instead of the more restrictive ways of a hood. 


Its 2.5 mm thickness should see people through the autumn and spring months, but it will fall up short for most of us in the winter. With the preferred GBS seams throughout, though, it's obvious NCW know what to put worth in. The only flaw is that, with a Velcro chinstrap, it runs the risk of coming loose in turbulent waters.

No.10

CressiWomen's Diving Hood

Women's Diving Hood 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Women's Diving Hood 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Women's Diving Hood 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.94
Low Mid
Reference price
£17.94
Low Mid

A Thick Diving Hood Designed With Women in Mind

Although technically all wetsuit hoods are designed to be unisex, Cressi has slimmed down this one for the ladies. This is an ideal hood for diving through its small face hole, which will help to protect the forehead and as much of the face as possible. 


At 7 mm, this hood is certainly thick enough to weather the chilly winter waters. The only slight concern is that the seams are flatlock in design, a good indicator as to why this hood is under £20. It's a good buy for anyone on a budget but ultimately, it loses out on some valuable warmth-retaining features. 

Top 5 Wetsuit Hoods

No. 1: Rip CurlFlashbomb Heatseeker 4mm Hood

No. 2: O'NeillUltraseal 3 mm Hood

No. 3: MysticMarshall 3 mm Wetsuit Hood

No. 4: XcelDry-Lock 2 mm Hood

No. 5: C-SkinsWired 2 mm Wetsuit Hood

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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