As with every other piece of a scuba diver’s equipment, the right wetsuit for scuba diving is a very important aspect of having a great dive. For beginner and veteran divers alike, here are some things to look for when purchasing a wetsuit for the first time.

Look for a wetsuit composed of neoprene, a lightweight rubber that will help you retain body heat and give you a little buoyancy. Make sure the material will not allow for flushing, or water flowing through the wetsuit, and that it is made to maintain thermal retention.

Know the conditions in which you will be diving primarily. Choose a wetsuit with a thickness of neoprene based on those conditions. A wetsuit for scuba diving a sunny, shallow reef dive in the Caribbean will be thinner and lighter than a wetsuit for scuba diving the maximum depths of the brisk ocean water. Water temperatures below 50F may even command a drysuit, which requires additional training to use.

If you have not used a wetsuit before, you should rent one for your first dive and jump in the pool with it on first if possible. Moving freely within a wetsuit is easier in the water than on land, but you’ll want to get your body accustomed to how it feels. The difference between a good, snug fit and too tight is very small when trying suits on, but on the dive, you will certainly notice if your suit is too small.

Look for quality in the craftsmanship of your wetsuit in the way of heavy duty, well-glued and sewn seams. If you’re a female, try comparing unisex wetsuits to those that are designed specifically for women, and decide if a difference in price is worth it for you. When it comes to wetsuits, you can spend a lot or a little, but the most important factors should be quality, fit, and appropriate thickness. A warranty is always a nice added feature in case anything is wrong (or might go wrong) with the wetsuit.