Good question; Texas is a varied environment. So depends on what you want
to dive.
Buy the suit that will cover 80% of your diving and then add from there. Recommend talking to a fellow diver with similar body type.
3mm- Cozumel, tropical summer, fun. 5mm- Fall and Spring. I would always buy the heavier suit first- you can use it more, but that is a personal choice.
Things to think about-
Some people get cold fast- they need thicker suits. This is mainly ladies that chill fast, like my sweet wife.
Long hair requires more attention to detail- buy a warm cap to help you stay warm after you get out.
If your dive store does not sell what makes you happy look around; dont buy something that does not make you happy.
Construction goes along way-
I like suits that are easy in and out. That means no silver stuff on the inside of suits- that drives me crazy.
I want a wrist cuff with zipper and ankle cuff, the neck needs to be comfy and seals well.
Fit- I like my suits just a hair loose. I wear a surf shirt under the suit. That makes getting in and out easier, and slows that water down moving around in the suit.
Fit is very personal and this BS about your suit needs to be tight drives me crazy. Suits will cling and feel a bit tight on land- try wet if at all possible.
Buy a scuba hanger with the suit. If possible hang to dry and if you own a house; put a rod and two brackets and mount to a wall in the garage.
Hoods go along way to helping- try lots and buy the one that fits the best.
Surf shirts- with fleece lining and then you need less sun screen. Being a red head I LIVE in my surf shirt.
Socks- Socks again are a massive help. They make the bootie easier to slip into and out of and make the comfort for water again. (I whine without my socks.)
Booties- again sneaker type fitted for fin. My pair in going on 5 years old. When you find something you like go with it.
For me in the future- DUI 30/30 drysuit- that will cover everything and easy to pack (but expensive.) My dives are going on one and half hours plus and being wet even in Cozumel is starting to get chilly.
My favorite suits have been- Bare and mares for wet and DUI for drysuit. I am looking at Pinnacle suits for future wet suits, very nice features and construction.
Surf shirt is Bare, socks are XS scuba, hood Mares or DUI ( I have strange shaped head and I will be the first to admit to it.)
If you are looking for value look for specials.
Scubatoys- 7mm Womens Pinnacle $136.00
Link-
ScubaToys Sales and Special Prices
This is a great suit at a great price. You could use this as a comparison for shopping.
Happy hunting and tell us what you think of our crazy comments.
Clear water, Andrew