4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

28 Reviews

$139.00 $99.00 Save $40.00

Free Shipping $170+

Australian Made

Money Back Guarantee

CHILLPROOF ESSENTIALS VEST WOMENS

Escape the Windchill Trap

3mm-equivalent warmth. Windproof core protection. Maximum arm movement.

The Sharkskin Chillproof Essential Vest is our high-action thermal vest, built to add core warmth and stop windchill without the bulk, restriction or buoyancy of thicker neoprene.

Wear it on its own, layer it with Thermal Flex or other Chillproof garments, or add it under a wetsuit when conditions demand more warmth.

Deep scooped underarms allow maximum shoulder movement, while flat overlocked edges help reduce rubbing and chafe.

Warm core. Free arms. Less bulk. Built for action.

Key Features

Adds 3mm-equivalent core warmth

Windproof and breathable Chillproof technology

Wear on its own, layered with Sharkskin, or under a wetsuit

Scooped underarms for maximum arm movement

Flat overlocked edges to help reduce chafe

Helps reduce the need for thicker neoprene

Great for divers, swimmers, paddlers, surf lifesavers and bodyboarders

Australian made technical waterwear

Liquid error (snippets/image-element line 113): invalid url input

The Essential Vest is not neoprene.

It uses Sharkskin’s proven 3-layer Chillproof technical fabric system.

Outer layer: water-repellent finish to help shed water
Middle layer: breathable windproof membrane to help block windchill
Inner layer: soft wicking fleece to hold warmth against the body and improve comfort

The result is warm, flexible, breathable core protection that works in, on and around the water.

Swimming
Surf lifesaving
Nippers
Bodyboarding
Surfing
Paddling
Kayaking
Jet ski
Boating
Diving
Surface intervals
Beach training
Cold mornings
Windy afternoons
Layering under wetsuits
Layering with Thermal Flex
Layering with Chillproof garments

Thicker neoprene can add warmth in the water, but it also adds problems.

More bulk.

More restriction.

More buoyancy.

More lead for divers.

And once you are wet and exposed to wind, thicker neoprene still does not properly solve the Windchill Trap.

The Essential Vest gives you a smarter option.

Add warmth and wind protection at the core, keep your arms free, and avoid moving to heavier neoprene unless conditions truly demand it.

Wear the Essential Vest on its own when conditions are cool or windy but you still want maximum arm freedom.

Layer it with Thermal Flex or with Rapid Dry when you want extra warmth, sun protection and comfort without bulky neoprene

Combine it with other Chillproof garments when you need more wind protection across the body.

Wear it under a wetsuit when you need extra core warmth but do not want to move to a thicker, bulkier suit.

No.

The Essential Vest is made from Sharkskin Chillproof technical fabric, not neoprene.

It is designed to provide warmth, wind protection and breathability without the bulk, stiffness and buoyancy of traditional neoprene.

The Essential Vest adds warmth at the core without forcing you into thicker neoprene.

That matters because thicker neoprene can increase buoyancy, affect trim and require more lead weight.

The Essential Vest is also highly useful before, between and after dives, when wet windchill can strip heat fast on boats, shore entries and surface intervals.

SHIPPING
FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $170.00+

Otherwise shipping costs is a flat fee of $10 for standard postage or $15 for express postage. Selection options available at checkout.

Express postage, if selected, is sent with either Australia Post Express Post or StarTrack Courier (depending on the size of the order) and is considered the fastest domestic delivery service available.

RETURNS
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
30-DAY RETURN POLICY

If you receive a product that you believe is not what was expected we will replace the item or refund your purchase at our discretion.

For more information please visit our RETURNS, EXCHANGES & WARRANTIES Page.

At SHARKSKIN, we deeply care about the environment, as many of us are avid scuba divers and natural world enthusiasts. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through five key company initiatives.

Solar Powered
We are pleased to announce Sharkskin’s new building is 100% solar powered.
Environmental Manufacturing
Sharkskin manufactures in its own factory, allowing us to strictly control waste and efficiency. We pack our orders effectively to reduce freight and waste, and we use cutting-edge technology to minimize material waste throughout the manufacturing process.
Biodegradable Packaging
We have transitioned to biodegradable packaging. Currently, 95% of our range uses this packaging, with a goal to reach 100% soon. All newly manufactured items will be packed in the new biodegradable bags, while items in stock will remain in existing packaging.
Australian Made
We are proud to announce that we have been accredited to use the official Australian made Logo. The official website states, “The famous ‘Australian Made, Australian Grown’ (AMAG) logo is the true mark of Aussie authenticity. It’s Australia’s most trusted, most recognised and widely used country of origin symbol, and it’s underpinned by a third-party accreditation system, which ensures, products that carry the logo are genuinely Australian”.
95% of our range is proudly Australian-made. Products that do not feature the "Australian Made" logo below the "buy now" button are not manufactured in Australia.
Built to Last
We believe in creating quality gear that stands the test of time and the harsh Australian conditions. This not only results in a better product but also keeps items out of landfills, reducing waste and environmental impact for the future.

{"id":44742295126153,"title":"Red \/ 6","option1":"Red","option2":"6","option3":null,"sku":"SSCPEVRD06","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":{"id":41538247032969,"product_id":7210406772873,"position":16,"created_at":"2026-09-10T14:50:13+10:00","updated_at":"2026-09-10T14:50:15+10:00","alt":null,"width":1100,"height":1400,"src":"\/\/sharkskin.com.au\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CHILLPROOF_ESSENTIAL_VEST_WOMENS_IN_RED_FRONT_2.png?v=1789015815","variant_ids":[44742295126153,44742295158921,44742295191689,44742295224457,44742295257225,44742295289993,44742295322761,44742295355529,44742295388297]},"available":true,"name":"CHILLPROOF ESSENTIAL VEST WOMENS - Red \/ 6","public_title":"Red \/ 6","options":["Red","6"],"price":9900,"weight":210,"compare_at_price":13900,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":null,"featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":32448937033865,"position":16,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.786,"height":1400,"width":1100,"src":"\/\/sharkskin.com.au\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CHILLPROOF_ESSENTIAL_VEST_WOMENS_IN_RED_FRONT_2.png?v=1789015815"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}

The Windchill Trap

A wetsuit can help keep you warm in the water.

But once you are wet and exposed to wind, cold air can pull heat from your body fast.

You get cold before you enter the water.

You get colder when you surface.

You lose heat between sessions.

Then you go back in already chilled.

That is the Windchill Trap.

Most people try to solve it with thicker neoprene. But thicker neoprene adds bulk, restriction and buoyancy - and for divers, that often means more lead.

The Essential Vest solves the problem differently.

It adds targeted warmth and wind protection at the core, without forcing you into a thicker, bulkier wetsuit.

Built for High-Action Movement

The Essential Vest is Sharkskin’s maximum-movement Chillproof vest.

It is designed for water sports where shoulder freedom matters - swimming, paddling, surf lifesaving, bodyboarding, diving and active days around the water.

The deep scooped underarms give your arms room to move without restriction.

The flat overlocked edges sit close to the body to help reduce bulk, rubbing and chafe.

This is the vest you choose when you want warmth and wind protection, but do not want anything getting in the way.

Why Divers Love It

Divers often need more warmth, but moving to a thicker wetsuit comes with trade-offs.

More neoprene can mean more bulk, more buoyancy, more lead weight and more restriction.

The Essential Vest adds core warmth under your wetsuit without the same bulky neoprene penalty.

It is also ideal before, between and after dives - on the boat, at the shore, during surface intervals and anywhere wet windchill hits.

More warmth where it matters. Less bulk where it does not.

Wear It Your Way

On its own
Wear it over swimwear when conditions are cool, windy or changeable and you want core warmth without covering your arms.

With Thermal Flex
Layer it over Sharkskin Thermal Flex for extra warmth, sun protection and comfort without bulky neoprene.

With other Chillproof garments
Combine it with Chillproof tops, jackets, pants or accessories when you need more warmth and wind protection across the body.

Under a wetsuit
Add it under a wetsuit when you need extra core warmth but do not want to move straight to thicker neoprene.

Warm core. Free arms. Less bulk.

The Sharkskin Chillproof Essential Vest is a high-action thermal layer built to help break the Windchill Trap.

It adds 3mm-equivalent core warmth and wind protection without the bulk, restriction and buoyancy of thicker neoprene.

Wear it on its own, layer it with Thermal Flex or other Chillproof garments, or add it under a wetsuit when conditions demand more warmth.

Built with deep scooped underarms and flat overlocked edges, it gives you warmth where you need it and freedom where you move.

High-action Chillproof thermal vest
Adds 3mm-equivalent core warmth
Windproof and breathable
Helps break the Windchill Trap
Wear on its own, layered with Sharkskin, or under a wetsuit
Adds warmth without thicker wetsuit bulk
Helps divers avoid unnecessary buoyancy and lead weight
Scooped underarms for maximum movement
Flat overlocked edges to help reduce chafe
Ideal for swimming, paddling, surf lifesaving, bodyboarding and diving
Not neoprene
Australian made technical waterwear

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

Based on 28 reviews

Slide 1 selected

28 reviews

Sort

AH
Angela H.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
6 days ago
Fabulous!
My vest was true to size. As an ocean/river swimmer, it allows me swim to swim for longer because it keeps me warm, it is also very comfortable. The fleecy lining is super soft and when you pull it on you can just tell the quality and integrity of it. Love the bright blue colour too!!
Was this helpful?
Activity Swimming
JA
JILLIAN A.
Verified Buyer
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
4 weeks ago
What a Difference
The ocean where I swim is down to 11 degrees now. I added the sharkskin vest - so bathers vest wettie - and it really does make a difference. The vest lees my core warmer and I can stay in longer. It works too just for quick bathers and vest swims. I will be investing in more for next winter. Very happy with this product.
Was this helpful?
Activity Swimming
CF
Cindy F.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 month ago
Great to wear under my wetsuit!
Highly recommend this vest! It kept my heart / core warm while snorkelling during the winter months at the Southern Great Barrier Reef. I wore it under my 5 mm wetsuit.
Was this helpful?
Activity Snorkeling
HS
Helen S.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 month ago
Just what I need
I am going on a holiday soon which will involve snorkelling every day. My vest is a perfect fit, easy to take off and very warm. It has a fleecy lining which will be excellent on windy days. I chose the high vis pink for safety.
Was this helpful?
Activity Snorkeling
DD
Denise D.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 months ago
Winter essential
I am very impressed with the chill proof vest, which does guard against the wind chill, in and out of the water. I’m an all-year- round open water swimmer who encounters very chilly winter conditions. My core is now warm, under my wetsuit, greatly enhancing my comfort factor. Purchased the gorgeous blue, fits snug, not bulky, doesn’t budge. It is shaped well for the female form. But, size up! 🆙 I’m a size 8 but needed the 10.
Was this helpful?
Activity Swimming
HV
Helen V.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
3 months ago
Childproof vest
I wore it the first time last weekend. Water temp was 19c. My torso was lovely and warm. Very impressed
Was this helpful?
Activity Swimming
DK
Dr K. P.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
4 months ago
Chilly no more
So the water where I swim is 16 degrees and I was getting cold after being in the lake for 50 min. My wetsuit is not thick enough so I was thinking about getting a new one. However I bought a Chillproof vest and started wearing it under my wetsuit and it’s awesome. The vest means no arm restrictions and I’m warm. Just waiting to try some Sharkskin pants to see if that is workable. Great gear.
Was this helpful?
Activity Swimming
ER
Erin R.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
5 months ago
Perfect Fit!
I am very pleased w my SharkSkin vest. I am usually a Medium, but I ordered the Large. Anything smaller would have been too small. I am 5'0".... 120lbs.... I have a 39 inch bust...29 inch waist. Fits comfortably. Keeps me warm for laps in the unheated backyard pool. Already swimming earlier than usual. Springtime April in the Arizona Sonoran desert. Lovely hue of pink!
Was this helpful?
LC
Lara C.
Verified Buyer
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
7 months ago
this is a great product light & warm
Love this I have 2. They are great for river swimming and ocean swimming nice big armholes so not rubbing.
It is very light, give you sun protection and dries pretty quick on the line.
but they can be hard to get off :)
Was this helpful?
Activity Swimming
RT
Rebecca T.
Verified Buyer
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
9 months ago
Excellent
I can't speak highly enough about these. They are true to size, flexible and very warm. They are cut for women and move with your body. Excellent produce.
Was this helpful?
Activity Sailing

CHILLPROOF ESSENTIAL VEST WOMENS