A hood is essential for snorkeling and swimming to prevent sunburn and nasty scars from jellyfish. We prefer suits with build-in hood to protect neck and ears. It doesn't come undone when you're swimming.

Hoods come in a variety of patterns, with the seams in different places to allow for a better fit. Due to the flexible fabric, the hood turns with your head, giving you full freedom of movement.

The face opening may be either wide or narrow, depending on what you want. Some readers reported being stung on the lips by jellyfish. Some manufacturers offer just an opening for the mouth and around your nose and eyes, so you can use snorkel and mask.

Your hood should fit well and move with your head when you turn to the side. It must not obstruct your vision or slop around because it is too big. Keep it in place with the strap of your snorkel mask. Make sure the hood stays out of your mask's face seal, or it will leak.

Hands and Feet

We recommend you get a suit with just a hood, maybe with mittens (gloves) if you wish, but not with full foot cover (socks) as they wear out faster than the rest of the suit.

You can get gloves separately and use them when really necessary. Some diving gloves are made from robust materials to protect your hands from sharp corals or marine life.

Wear simple tennis shoes or sandals (maybe with socks for comfort) to protect your feet and the suit's stirrups from sharp objects on the beach like sea shells.

Upgrade a regular suit

Add-on hoods are handy if you already have a body suit and want to upgrade it to a full stinger suit.

Their cut should be wide enough to cover your shoulders. Tuck them into the collar of your suit and zip it up. That should work alright, if you're careful.


Diveskins with add-on hoods.