Recommend a swimming wetsuit for newbie swimmer (who feels the cold)

[BaleOfHay]

I am determined to have a go at open-water swimming this year. But I am a massive wimp about the cold. Can anyone recommend a wetsuit to assist? I'll probably end up trying to find one on eBay.

Get a triathlon wetsuit if it's one to swim in. Arms will only be about 2mm thick but the main body should be about 5mm.
Go to a shop and try one on if you can too. Get a women specific one. Fit is everything.
It should be on the verge of uncomfortably tight when you are on dry land.
I used to have an Orca one and found it fantastic.

I have the Alpkit Lotic and I LOVE it!

Have a look at the Wiggle online shop - they have a decent range of brands and prices. If you are just starting out you don’t need a top of the range expensive one (I started out in one of the DC’s cast offs that we’d bought for a beach holiday in Scotland, and invested in a swimming wetsuit once I’d decided I liked it enough to spend some money on some proper kit).

Or try swim leggings and a zip up top? I find that much more comfortable to get into and out of than a full wetsuit.

I wear swimming leggings and a rash vest over a costume in the spring and autumn - not as warm as a wetsuit, but so, so much easier to get on and off. I haven't tried the neoprene bootees and gloves myself, but I know some cold-water swimmers who swear by them. I think it depends what water temperature you're thinking of getting into, OP - it's not all that cold in the UK at the moment, so you might be all right with something a bit less protective than a wetsuit if you're starting now.

Orca are the best. Former competitive open waters swimmer here.

Where did you get the leggings from? I'm tall and plus size so an awkward shape for a wetsuit!
I do wear swim shoes but other than that I've been in a bikini every time so far

@spikeandbuffy Amazon. They were about £17.

So many variables! Can you give us more info?

Breast stroke or front crawl?
UK or somewhere warmer?
Splashing about or swimming miles?
Year round or summer only?
Budget?
Height/ shape/ size?

Decathlon sell wetsuit leggings and zip up tops

Two bare feet arabella and their wetsuit bottoms or shorts over a costume

Two Bare Feet Womens Arabella 2mm Superstretch Neoprene Swimsuit Style One Piece Wetsuit https://amzn.eu/d/08yWMn2P

Whatever you decide on make sure that it is swim specific to allow for movements appropriate to swimming or you will bob about warmly and have trouble getting your hips /legs in place. As others have said make sure it is cut for a female figure.
Over time I have raced in Orca and 2XU suits. I also have a DryRobe. They are expensive but it doubles as a winter dog walking coat!