Navy Seal-Approved Wetsuits: Dive into the Best Picks for Action

Let’s talk wetsuits. In the SEAL Teams, your gear matters—especially in the water. The right wetsuit keeps you warm, lets you move fast, and won’t fall apart when things get rough.

Guys always ask: “What wetsuit did you wear in the Teams? What should I use now?”

It’s a good question. You want something tough, flexible, and ready for any environment. Just like we needed on missions.

To pick the right wetsuit, keep it simple and mission-focused:

What’s the op? Swimming, diving, or something else?
How cold’s the water? Cold water slows you down—gear up right.
Any threats? Jellyfish, coral, sharp stuff? You need armor for that.

Know the mission. Know the environment. Then choose the wetsuit that gets the job done. Past or present, same rules apply.

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The US Navy SEALs typically wear two types of wetsuits:

DIVE WETSUITS

These wetsuits are primarily used for diving operations and are designed to keep the SEALs warm and protected from the elements while submerged in water. These suits are typically made of neoprene material and come in varying thicknesses depending on the water temperature.

ONeill Reactor

The O’Neill Reactor wetsuit is made of neoprene, nylon, and spandex, designed to withstand tough conditions during surfing, diving, paddle sports, or beach activities. This wetsuit comes in a sleek black color and is crafted for adults, with sizes ranging up to 3X-Large (Chest: 47.5″-52.5″, Waist: 39″-45.5″, Height: 6’2″). Its backzip system offers easy entry and exit, featuring a water-resistant closure to keep you dry while ensuring convenience.

What makes the O’Neill Reactor stand out is its ultra-stretch neoprene material. This premium-quality fabric not only feels incredibly soft but also provides superior flexibility, enhancing your performance in the water. The seamless paddle zones with minimal seam placement offer maximum comfort and mobility, allowing unrestricted movement during activities.

I like the wetsuit’s wind-resistant smoothskin delivers extra insulation, keeping you warm and protected against the cold elements. Ideal for those starting or seeking value-driven gear, this wetsuit promises durability and functionality for various water adventures. The O’neill Mutant and Psycho Tech are also used.

Check price at Amazon.com

Patagonia
Model: R4 Yulex, R3 Front-Zip

Notes: Used more in cold water environments; prized for eco-friendly materials and high warmth-to-flexibility ratio.

Xcel
Model: Xcel Drylock or Axis series

Notes: Known for warmth and stretch; used in colder environments.

Bare
Model: Bare Reactive or Velocity Ultra

Notes: Durable and warm, used in cold-water and training scenarios.

COMBAT SWIMMER WETSUITS

These wetsuits are specifically designed for combat swimmers and are typically worn during amphibious operations. They are made of a lightweight, breathable material that allows the SEALs to move quickly through the water while providing some insulation. These suits also come in varying thicknesses depending on the water temperature.

It’s worth noting that the US Navy SEALs have access to a wide range of specialized equipment and gear, including wetsuits, which can vary depending on the specific mission or training scenario.

For a typical swim off the shores of Little Creek, Virginia you typically swim with lycra or lightweight BDU pants (fatigues).

In the summer you may want to use a thin lycra layer to protect you from jelly fish.

In the fall and spring you would want to add a thin neoprene top and depending on temps possibly add a hoodie.

For winter you would use a full suit and hoodie and pray that you were swimming and not just sitting in an SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) submarine with little to no movement. Or better yet – in the winter your whole platoon may fly south to find warmer waters to train in.

Just got a message back from a current BUDS instructor and his go-to wetsuit for swimming with the candidates is the Oneill wetsuit (different thickness for depending on how cold it is).

🥷 Military and Tactical-Specific Wetsuit Brands
1. Aqualung (formerly Whites)
Model: Aqualung Tactical Dry Suit, Military HydroFlex

Notes: Aqualung has a specific military & professional line, often supplying units with drysuits and wetsuits.

1. U.S. Divers / Aqua Lung Military Line
   Used by: NAVSPECWAR units

Notes: Offers both wetsuits and drysuits designed for combat diving.

1. DUI (Diving Unlimited International)
   Model: CF200X or TLS350 drysuits, occasionally wetsuit components

Notes: Specializes in drysuits, but components and custom suits for special forces are available.

1. Survival Systems International (SSI) / BCWS Tactical Gear
   Notes: Designs gear specifically for special operations combat swimmers, including wetsuits integrated with flotation and stealth systems.

🛠️ Custom and Mission-Specific Suits
Many Navy SEALs use custom wetsuits depending on the mission environment:

Thickness: 3mm to 7mm, depending on water temperature

Style: Two-piece farmer johns, full suits, or shorties

Color: Typically black or camo for stealth

Modifications: Integrated knives, pockets, low-profile zippers, and silent materials

🧥 Other Gear Often Integrated with Wetsuits
Combat swimmer vests (from companies like Maritime Tactical Systems)

Weight belts or integrated weights

Rebreathers and stealth dive gear (e.g., Dräger LAR-V)

Hydration and comms systems can be worn over or under wetsuits

Question: What type of wetsuit did you wear in BUDS? I wore just the issued upper top in BUDS which was from a local dive shop in San Diego.

Question: What type of outfit did you wear in the Teams? I had a custom fitted full wetsuit. I used the heavier suit when I was training on the East Coast during fall, winter and spring.

I trained a lot in the Caribbean so I would mostly put on a long sleeve t-shirt to protect from jelly fish or a thin layer on just my chest.

Question: I heard that the SEAL Teams were looking for new wetsuits for the platoons? Do you have any info on that?

Answer: The main requirements for the new wetsuits are to have extra padding on the elbows and knees (where you will need it crawling around on a ship or coming up on a rocky shore). The outfit must allow them to swim freely and shoot weapons with no restrictions to their mobility. It will have to be very durable to handle adverse conditions on rocky shorelines, obtruding metal on oil rigs or ships and help to protect the diver from scrapes and rough use.

Question: What is the deal with the new artificial blubber used in hi-tech to help in frigid Arctic cold?

Answer: Check out the latest MIT technology in diving in cold water here:

SGPT is a proud supporter of the Navy SEAL Foundation.

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