Neoprene Pants & Leggings
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Neoprene Pants and Leggings for Water Sports
Neoprene pants, also called neoprene leggings or wetsuit pants, are thin 1.5–2 mm neoprene bottoms that keep your legs and lower back warm while leaving your upper body free. They are the go-to choice when a full wetsuit is too warm or too bulky: for SUP, kayaking, surfing, wing foiling or swimming in summer and the shoulder seasons.
In this category you will find short and long neoprene pants and leggings for women and men. They are part of our wetsuits and neoprene range and an easy alternative to a full wetsuit.
Which Neoprene Pants Should You Choose?
The right pair depends on water temperature, wind, your sport and how much time you spend in the water. Temperatures below are approximate and based on neoprene manufacturers' recommendations. In strong wind, go one step warmer; if you spend most of the time on the water rather than in it, a thinner option is enough.
| Conditions | Our pick | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| water above 26 °C, strong sun | UV leggings (lycra) | – |
| water 21–25 °C, summer SUP | neoprene shorts or perforated long pants | 1.5 mm |
| water 18–20 °C, wind, late spring and early autumn | long neoprene pants | 2 mm |
| wing foiling, frequent falls | long pants for knee protection | 1.5–2 mm |
| kayaking, sensitive lower back | high-waisted shorts or long pants | 1.5–2 mm |
| swimming and sea dips | neoprene shorts or leggings | 1.5 mm |
| water below 18 °C | a full wetsuit | – |
Neoprene Shorts or Long Neoprene Pants?
Neoprene shorts
- hot summer days and warm water
- SUP, surfing, swimming and kayaking
- keeping your kidneys and lower back protected from wind and chill
- anyone who feels the cold even in summer
High-waisted neoprene shorts add extra protection from the wind. Thin wetsuit shorts also work under a wetsuit as an extra layer.
Long neoprene pants and leggings
- late spring and early autumn
- lakes and rivers while the water is still above 18 °C but the air is cooler
- longer SUP and kayak tours
- any activity where your legs stay in the water or your knees need protection
What Thickness Do You Need: 1.5 mm or 2 mm?
Neoprene thickness decides how warm your pants are. Neoprene pants are thinner than wetsuits, so they stay light and don't restrict movement.
- 1.5 mm – warm days and sports where you spend most of the time on the water, not in it (SUP). The most comfortable option for long tours.
- 2 mm – more wind, more falls and cooler days. Extra warmth with slightly less flexibility.
Once the water drops below roughly 18 °C, or if you spend most of the session in the water, neoprene pants are no longer enough. That is the point to switch to a full wetsuit.
Classic or Perforated Neoprene Leggings?
Classic neoprene pants keep you evenly warm and insulate better when you are in the water. Perforated pants have breathable panels that let excess heat escape, so you don't overheat or sweat. Choose them for hard paddling, long tours in the sun or if you run hot.
Women's and Men's Neoprene Pants
Women's neoprene pants are cut narrower at the waist and fuller at the hips, often with a high, wide waistband that doesn't dig in. Men's pants have a straighter cut and a wider waistband. For both, the rule is the same: they should fit snugly, like sports leggings, with no folds where cold water can collect.
How should neoprene pants fit?
Choose your size by waist and hip measurements on the product's size chart. The pants should hug your body without squeezing at the waist or limiting a deep squat. If you are between sizes, go for the smaller one, as neoprene stretches slightly in the water. You can also try them on in our store in Ljubljana, where we help you pick the right size and thickness.
Neoprene Pants for SUP
On a paddle board you spend most of the time above the water, while your legs catch splashes from the paddle and the wind. That is why the best SUP neoprene leggings are thin, breathable and have an elastic waistband that doesn't press while you paddle. A key pocket for your car key is a practical extra. Add a UV rash guard or a neoprene top or jacket and adjust your layers to the weather during the tour.
Who Else Are Neoprene Leggings For?
- kayakers who want warmth and protection around the kidneys and lower back
- wing foilers who need long pants for knee protection, even in summer
- surfers, swimmers and sea bathers with a sensitive lower back
- jet ski, wakeboard and water ski riders – for protection when falling
- obstacle course racers (e.g. Spartan) who move between water and land
What to Wear with Neoprene Pants?
- On top: a UV rash guard for hot weather, a neoprene top or jacket for wind and cooler days.
- For safety: a buoyancy aid for river SUP and kayaking.
- On your feet: wetsuit boots for rocky shores and cold water.
- More core warmth: if you want long legs and a covered torso but free arms, choose a sleeveless long john or long jane from our full wetsuits.
- No neoprene needed: on the hottest days, lycra UV leggings protect you from the sun without adding warmth.
How to Care for Neoprene Pants
After every use, rinse your pants in lukewarm fresh water and dry them in the shade, first inside out, then right side out. Never dry them in the sun, on a radiator or in a tumble dryer – heat dries out neoprene. For salt and odours, use a cleaner from our wetsuit accessories.
Related categories
All wetsuits & neoprene · Full wetsuits · Neoprene tops · Wetsuit boots · Wetsuit gloves · Wetsuit hoods · Kids wetsuits · Wetsuit accessories · Drysuits