Open Box Wetsuits — Thermal Protection Without the Full Price

Wetsuits are the single most-returned item in diving, and the reason is always the same: fit. Neoprene sizing varies enormously between manufacturers, a suit that fits the chest may be wrong in the torso length, and there's no reliable way to know until you're standing in it. Those returns become open box — suits that were tried on in a living room and sent back, never wet.

This collection covers full suits, shorties, two-piece systems, and semi-dry suits in men's and women's cuts from Scubapro, Bare, Henderson, Mares, Waterproof, Seac, Aqua Lung, and others. Every item is inspected and graded before listing; see Product Conditions for full definitions.

Getting the Fit Right

A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water against your skin and letting your body heat it. That only happens if the suit is genuinely snug everywhere — gaps at the lower back, under the arms, or behind the knees flush cold water through continuously and the suit never warms up.

Snug is not the same as painful. You should be able to fully inflate your lungs, raise both arms overhead, and squat without the suit fighting you. If you can pinch a fold of loose neoprene anywhere, it's too big. If you can't zip it comfortably or it restricts breathing, it's too small.

Measure your chest, waist, hips, height, and weight, then check them against the manufacturer's chart for that specific model. Don't assume your size carries across brands — it frequently doesn't.

Choosing Thickness

These are starting points. Individual cold tolerance varies considerably, and so does dive duration — an hour-long dive chills you far more than a thirty-minute one at the same temperature.

What to Check Before Ordering

• Zipper condition. The most common failure point on any wetsuit. Check the condition note for any mention of zipper wear.
• Seam construction. Flatlock seams suit warm water; glued and blind-stitched seams are needed for genuinely cold water. Confirm which you're getting.
• Neoprene compression. Heavily used suits lose loft and therefore warmth. Grades of Good or Acceptable may reflect this.
• Men's or women's cut. These differ substantially in torso length and chest shaping, not just sizing.

Why Buy Open Box Wetsuits from DiveCatalog.com?

• Inspected and graded — condition stated clearly on every listing
• Major brands — Scubapro, Bare, Henderson, Mares, Waterproof, Seac, and Aqua Lung
• Expert sizing advice — send us your measurements and we'll help you match them to a specific suit's chart
• Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
• 30-day returns — with RMA approval; see our Returns & Exchanges page
• Rewards program — earn points on every purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a used wetsuit will fit?

Take your chest, waist, hip, height, and weight measurements and compare them to the manufacturer's chart for that exact model rather than relying on your size in another brand. If you're between sizes or unsure, send us your measurements and we'll advise on the specific suit.

Does neoprene lose warmth with use?

Yes. Neoprene insulates through gas bubbles in the foam, and repeated compression at depth gradually reduces loft. A suit graded Open Box or Like New has seen little or no compression. Lower grades may have lost some thermal performance, which is reflected in the price.

How should I clean a used wetsuit when it arrives?

Soak it in cool fresh water with a dedicated wetsuit shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and hang it to dry inside out on a wide hanger away from direct sunlight. Never use hot water, washing machines, or standard detergent — all three damage neoprene.

Do open box wetsuits come with a warranty?

No. Open box and used products are not eligible for manufacturer warranty coverage.

What if the suit doesn't fit when it arrives?

You can return it within 30 days with RMA approval. On open box and used items the customer pays for the return label, so it's worth getting the sizing right before ordering — we're happy to help with that.

Can a torn wetsuit be repaired?

Small tears and delaminated seams are generally repairable with neoprene cement. Zippers are harder and often cost enough to fix that it's worth factoring into the purchase decision. Check the condition note for any mention of damage.

Browse the full open box wetsuit collection above, or see all Open Box & Used gear. Send us your measurements if you'd like help confirming fit on a specific suit.