O'NEILL Women's Wetsuits Overview

In this article we’ll be reviewing all the Women’s Wetsuits by O’Neill: Tops, Jackets, Shortys, Springers, Steamers.

Table of Contents

How to Choose

1mm / 1,5mm / 2mm / 2/1

3/2

4/3

5/3

About the Brand

Founded in 1952
California, United States
Jack O’Neill

Jack is credited to have invented the surf wetsuit and his son Pat the leash on the surfboard. The company logo symbolizes a breaking surf wave. The rash vest and split-toe wetsuit surf boots were the later inventions by Jack. By today, O’Neill produces a wide array of surfwear, wetsuits for men, women, and kids that are sold worldwide.

Why to Choose O’Neill over others?

Although the fact that there are a lot of other competitive wetsuit makers, O’Neill stands out due to its wide range of technologically advanced models at a reasonable price tag. O’Neill wetsuits for women come in a lot of different sizes and color schemes to choose from. Whether you are surfing the warm waters on the east coast of Australia or the cold breaks at Tofino’s Long Beach – O’Neill wetsuits can be seen everywhere around the world for a good reason!

How to correctly choose a wetsuit for surfing?

THICKNESS
Know the seasons and average water temperatures of your local surf spots.
A wetsuit is a technical garment that must be chosen for the right conditions. Too thick wetsuit in warm waters could lead up to overheating, while the thin wetsuit stops your body from generating heat that could lead to hypothermia.
SIZE
A wetsuit must fit snug!
Not too big, not too small. Wetsuits today are very comfortable that allows you to stay in the cold water for hours if the thickness is chosen correctly. Check out the O’Neill’s women’s wetsuits size chart down below to help you choose the right size for you!
WEIGHT is more important than HEIGHT – When in between two sizes.
Pick the MODEL and TYPE you like
Now the fun part! If you are aware of the wetsuit thickness and size – choose the model you like. The rule of thumb is simple, with quality increases the price as well. Although all O’Neill wetsuits are perfect for their price, experienced and demanding surfers prefer more advanced gear over regular surfing wetsuits.

Back-Zip – Easy entry through a large entrance. On the downside, the wetsuit might get the occasional flush when duck-diving
Chest-Zip – Small entrance area, but is the warmest that that’s also widely used in winter wetsuits
Front-Zip – Popular on summer wetsuit shorties due to an accessible entrance

Return Policy

If you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase, you are welcome to return any unworn and unwashed items with tags intact and original packaging included.

Wetsuit Thickness Recommendation

Take no exception when you are planning to spend countless hours in the water surfing. Always choose the right thickness for the recommended weather. It is a great sensation being in cold water in a decent wetsuit, feeling warm and protected! Always use recommended gear to avoid hypothermia!

SURF WETSUITS TERMS

Springer = Warm water full wetsuit
Steamer = Coldwater full wetsuit
Fullsuit – A wetsuit that covers your whole body
Long Jane – A wetsuit with no sleeves and long legs
Shorty – A wetsuit with either or both short-/no sleeves or short/long legs.
Rash vest/Rashie/Rashguard – A thin neoprene shirt or a jacket to prevent chest rash from the surfboards wax
Jacket – Long-sleeve wetsuit top for warm waters

O’Neill Women’s Wetsuit SIZE Chart

Always choose the right size wetsuit. O’Neill provides those guides down below specifically.

O’Neill Women’s Wetsuit
MODELS range

Jackets/Tops: Thermo X
Shortys: Bahia, Reactor, Reactor 2
Springers: Bahia, Reactor, Reactor 2, Flair
Steamers: Epic, O’Riginal, Psycho Tech

O’Neill – THERMO X Long Sleeve Insulative Top

Incredible insulation with low bulk and quick-dry properties

This is not just another rashie. This women’s O’Neill Thermo X Jacket is a packet with all the essentials more than you could ask for those warm-water surf sessions. It is good-looking and has high-performance capabilities at a reasonable price. Another excellent product by O’Neill!

SIZES: S, M, L, XL
TYPE: Insulative Top
MATERIAL: UPF 50+ 220g Nylon/spandex with water repellency and odor resistance

Skin Cancer Foundation recommended with UPF 50+ ultraviolet protection. Thermo-X layering fabric provides incredible insulation with low bulk and quick-dry properties. Super low neck with no interference with the neck of your wetsuit. Strategic seamless paddle zones – an ergonomic, seamless undersleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing. Flexible and unique design that utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort. Flatlock stitched – The most popular method of sewn construction. The stitch uses four needles and six threads and works by overlapping the neoprene panels and sewing them together. It is a strong stitch and is very comfortable because it is flat, but it is not a sealed seam, so it is not intended for icy conditions.

O’Neill – Bahia

Front Zip
1mm
Seamless paddle zones, flatlock seams
Great for 66’F / 19’C and up

O’Neill – Reactor 1.5mm Women’s Jacket

UltraFlex Neoprene
72’F / 22’C and up
Front Zip
Flatlock

O’Neill – REACTOR 2 1.5mm Long Jane

Full of features at a great value price

Comfortable, knee padding, external key loop – this O’Neill’s long jane is a great warm water wetsuit for sure!

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
TYPE: Front-zip 1.5mm sleeveless Long Jane
MATERIALS: UltraFlex neoprene

Front zip for easy access, a fun colorway, plasma ankle seals, durable Krypto knee pads and flatlock seams, and an external key loop with a pocket.

O’Neill – BAHIA 2mm

Designed for the new generation of athletes that want to bring beauty, personality, and confidence to the water. The combination of chic styling and absolute function makes Bahia is a unique wetsuit line for the style-savvy and performance-driven athletes.

Good looking warm-weather essential surf suit with a front zipper. It comes in plenty of sizes and a few basic color schemes to choose from. It’s super stretchy and comfortable. Although the surf suit itself is UPF 50-rated, don’t forget to use sunscreen on your arms and the back of your legs!

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
TYPE: 2mm front-zip one-piece shorty
MATERIAL: UltraFlex neoprene

Flatlock stitched construction helps prevent water leakage, and seamless paddle zones inhibit unrestricted movement – An ergonomic, seamless undersleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing. Flexible and unique design that utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort. Double super seal neck gaskets prevent flushing and deliver a smooth fit and feel. UPF 50-rated fabric shields your skin from the sun’s nasty UV rays. 100% UltraFlex neoprene is a High-performance super-stretch neoprene with durable outer skin that resists velcro pulls and snags. Stretch factor: 150%. Strategic seamless paddle zones: An ergonomic, seamless undersleeve panel that allows for unrestricted motion and eliminates rashing. Flexible and unique design that utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort.

O’Neill – BAHIA 2/1

Widely used wetsuit for Èl-Paradiso temperatures

Another popular summer wetsuit for women. It’s got all the basics to keep you warm in those mellow summer waves.

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
TYPE: Front-zip 2/1mm short sleeve short leg shorty
MATERIAL: UltraFlex neoprene

Flatlock stitched – The most popular method of sewn construction. The stitch uses four needles and six threads and works by overlapping the neoprene panels and sewing them together. It is a strong stitch and very comfortable because it is flat.

O’Neill – BAHIA 2/1

Bring beauty, personality, and confidence to the water

The combination of chic styling and absolute function makes Bahia a unique wetsuit line for the style-savvy and performance-driven athletes. A vast section of color schemes is available. I’m sure there’s something for everyone out of the Bahia series. Technologically, it’s got is all you need to go for a warm-water surf, snorkel, or SUP session.

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
TYPE: 2/1 long sleeve back-zip shorty
MATERIAL: 100% Superstretch, 100% UltraFlex DS

Flatlock stitched seams, strategic seamless paddle zones

O’Neill – REACTOR 2

Durable, comfortable, toasty, and very affordable

Perfect choice since it is probably the best bang for the buck on the market! The 2mm reactor shorty has quite a few features hidden in that overlooked wetsuit. I liked the vibrant color schemes that are available for those beautiful summer wetsuits.

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
TYPE: 2mm Back-zip short
MATERIAL: O’Neill standard neoprene

Fully adjustable strategic seamless paddle zones, super seal collar. Hook and loop, zipper closure. Hidden key pocket, flatlock stitching with breathable seam. Ykk back-zip system. Top sleeve & under seam: Fluid FlexNeoprene that’s very stretchy neoprene. Body: Fluid foam – Oneill’s standard Neoprene, Chest/Back: Mesh smooth skin Fluid foam. Smooth skin fluid foam – a dry neck seal.

O’Neill – REACTOR-2

Superior feel, flexibility, and elevated performance

As you saw above, – Reactor 2 is PACKED with everything that you can expect from one of the oldest wetsuit companies today. Can’t go wrong with the Reactor 2 when choosing for a women’s summer wetsuit!

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
TYPE: 2mm back-zip shorty
MATERIAL: UltraFlex neoprene and Fluid Foam

FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY

Water-resistant, easy entry back-zip closure. Ultra-stretch neoprene that’s made of incredibly soft premium material. Seamless paddle zones. Flexible design that utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort and maximum mobility. Wind-resistant smooth skin provides extra insulation and protection against the cold. SmoothSkin panels help defend against cool ocean breezes that can steal warmth. The seamless paddle zones allow a full range of motion when you’re paddling to the line-up. Rounding things out, the Krypto Knee Padz enhances durability where you need it, and the back zip entry helps you stay comfortable when you’re duck diving under the oncoming waves.

O’Neill – BAHIA 2/1

Vibrant and comfortable

The Bahia women’s wetsuit series is similar to the Reactor shorties. Bahia’s range offers more vibrant color schemes for anyone who’d like to have a bit of a customized styling wetsuit when surfing. Bahia has an UltraFlex DS neoprene, which’s one of the most comfortable wetsuit materials for this price!

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
TYPE: 2mm back-zip shorty
MATERIAL: 100% UltraFlex DS

Strategic seamless paddle zones, double super seal neck with flatlock stitched seams, strategic seamless paddle zones, and a super stretchy UltraFlex construction.

O’Neill – REACTOR

The reactor is one of the most popular women’s wetsuit models that’s used all around the world!

Minimalistic and sporty look – the Reactor is one of the most popular women’s wetsuits available today! It’s warm, it’s stretchy, and is a perfect all-rounder wetsuit for any water-loving woman!

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
TYPE: Back-zip full springer wetsuit
MATERIAL: 95% nylon. 5% spandex

Fully adjustable super seal neck. Krypto pads provide ergonomic knee protection. Abrasion-resistant kevlar at knee pads. Hidden key pocket. Flatlock stitched breathable seams. Strategic seamless paddle zones. YKK back zip system. O’Neill logos at the front and back

O’Neill – REACTOR 2

Ideal entry-level value-driven wetsuit

Reactor 2 for women has most likely the best full size-chart available! Perfect For Surfing, diving, paddlesports, lake activities, and regular beach days. O’Neill Reactor 2 is most likely one of the most widely used women’s surf wetsuits in the world. The 3/2 reactor 2 is a must-have wetsuit for those in-between seasons – late summers and early winters! The model Reactor has been around for ages, and the 2-series has plenty of features at a price-tag that sits below 100USD!

SIZES: 4, 6 ,8 ,8 short, 8 tall, 10, 10 short, 10 tall, 12, 14, 16
TYPE: 3/2 Back-zip springer full wetsuit
MATERIAL: Neoprene, nylon

Back zip system with water-resistant closure. Ultra-stretch neoprene provides an incredibly superior feel, flexibility, and elevates performance. Seamless paddle zones and flexible design utilizes minimal seam placement for comfort and maximum mobility. Wind-resistant smooth skin provides extra insulation and protection against the cold. Flatlock seams, Krypto knee pads, and super soft neoprene. Clean graphics complete the design.

O’Neill – FLAIR 3/2

The Flair is a fantastic go-to wetsuit for the demanding surfer

The Women’s Flair by O’Neill is one of the most advanced models on this list. The Flair has all the premium features that a die-hard wahine could ever ask for Christmas! One of the best springer back-zip springer wetsuits available.

SIZES: 4, 6, six short 8, 10, 10 short, 10 tall, 12
TYPE: 3/2mm back-zip full springer wetsuit
MATERIALS: UltraFlex Neoprene

Single fluid seam weld with watertight technology. FluidFlex firewall. Z.E.N. zip closure with an anti-flush barrier panel to provide a flexible, dry, user-friendly entry system. Plasma wrist & ankle seals. Krypto knee pads, external key pocket with loop. Contortionist seamless shoulders. Super soft & gooey UltraFlex DS material constructed with watertight single fluid seam weld technology. FluidFlex firewall.

O’Neill – Epic

Epic is O’Neills mid/entry-level wetsuit, ideal for those who are looking for a warm, comfortable, yet durable and great value wetsuit to join surfing, and any other water-related activity.

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 10, 10, 12, 14
TYPE: 3/2mm back-zip full springer wetsuit
MATERIALS: UltraFlex Neoprene
Sealed neck closure
High-end neoprene
Fluidflex firewall lining for a warmer and lighter experience
Water-resistant zipper
Seamless paddle zones

O’Neill – O’RIGINAL 4/3

Super soft for superior feel, flexibility, durability, and high performance

The fully sealed O’Riginal full wetsuit checks all the right boxes for the Best Women’s Wetsuit. Classic style paired with modern technology and the best fit in the industry. Ultra stretchy, super soft for superior feel, flexibility, durability, and high performance. The Smoothskin exterior sheds water and reduces wind chill. One of “THE BEST” wetsuits is available today at a reasonable price for its features! Definitely one of the O’Neill’s greatest. Plenty of sizes for the tall and short wahines as well.

SIZES: 4, 6, 8, 8tall, 10, 10 tall, 12
TYPE: 4/3 Chest-Zip Steamer full wetsuit
MATERIALS: UltraFlex neoprene

Ultra-flex Neoprene: Ultra-stretch, super soft for superior feel, flexibility, durability, and high performance. Fully Taped Seams. Soft and durable neoprene seam tape. 0.5mm split-neoprene applied to triple-glued seams to seal out water keeping you dry. F.U.Z.E. 360° barrier with drain holes. Strategic seamless paddle zones. Chest/back carbon firewall seams, Smoothskin carbon firewall: The interior thermal lining absorbs body heat and retains it. UltraFlex Neoprene on arms, shoulders, lower body. F.U.Z.E. Front Upper Zip Entry (chest) uses the same technology as our patented Z.E.N. Zip entry with train holes to keep you dry and feeling loose.

O’Neill – EPIC 4/3

All the possible sizes and ten different color schemes. The best value-driven wetsuit!

Built for surfing, but is also ideal for diving, paddle sports, swimming, lake activities, or merely snorkeling. The Epic women’s wetsuit by O’Neill is most likely one of the most produced winter wetsuits around the world! Not to forget the modest price. Check out all the other wetsuit color-schemes and find the best fit for your needs!

SIZES: 2, 4, 6, 6 short, 8 short, 10, 10 tall, 12, 12 short, 12 tall, 14
TYPE: 4/3mm back-zip full steamer wetsuit
MATERIALS: Ultra-stretch Neoprene, Nylon, Polyester, Spandex

Ultra Stretch Neoprene: Incredibly Soft Premium Material Has Superior Feel, Flexibility, And Elevates Performance

O’Neill – PSYCHO TECH 5/4

Waterproof Rating: 10,000 mm

The Psychotech will stand up to the coldest days with ease, matter of fact – it’s designed for that.

SIZES: 6, 8, 8 tall, 10, 12
TYPE: Chest-Zip 5/4 full hooded winter wetsuit
MATERIALS: ENVY NEOPRENE, TB3X INTERIOR JERSEY

Windproof, and even though it is a WETsuit, the Psycho Tech is waterproof! Type of Waterproofing: Xt.L 10K/10K Laminate and Spylon+ with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. F.U.Z.E. CLOSURE – Front Upper Chest Zip Entry uses the same technology as our Patented ZEN Zip closure with drain holes to keep you dry and feeling loose. TB-AIR FIREWALL SMOOTHSKIN – The most advanced insulative neoprene available. Trapped air technology with quick-dry properties. TECHNOBUTTER 3 Buttery soft premium neoprene stretches like crazy. Technical yarns and a revolutionary foam rubber core make it light & durable with quick-dry properties.

Published by:

Ermo J

I created Nulltuul to share my experience, research and analysis with other surf enthusiasts out there. If I'm not surfing on my travels - I like to photograph waves, surfers, and the surf lifestyle in general.

O’Neill Women’s Surf Wetsuits