Can I cut the neck of my wetsuit?

I did cut the neck out of my very old Performance brand shortie last year. It worked great - zero complaints - although I was wearing it just for buoyancy and didn't care too much about cold water. I used it a few times.

Can you trim the neck of a wetsuit?

I've had that with a couple of wetsuits and it was because the neck seal went too high and it was choking me. They are usually trimmable. I cut the neck seal to be lower and the problem was solved. Check the instructions or with the shop you bought it from to see if your neck seal is trimmable.

What happens if you cut a wetsuit?

The wetsuit once cut needs to be tight against your skin at the opening to do its job. If not, water will get through between your skin and the neoprene, and the sleeve (especially) might even roll up while swimming.

Are wetsuits supposed to be tight around the neck?

The fit around the neck should feel comfortable but tight. Ideally, you should be able to fit one finger in-between your neck and the suit. The secure neck stops excess water falling into the suit. Extra tip: Fastening the neck properly is also vital to stop any wetsuit rub and sore skin!

Can wetsuits be altered?

Can a Wet Suit be Altered or Repaired? “Absolutely yes, wetsuits can be altered!” Terrapin can repair tears, cuts, broken zippers, etc… to extend the life of your wetsuit. Repairs are priced based on labor and materials, but most cuts, tears, and open seams can be repaired at our minimum half-hour rate of $30.

Trimming the Legs of a Wetsuit

What if a wetsuit is too long?

Most people tend to buy a wetsuit that is too big for them which can then result in water seeping in and dragging, both of which will impact on your performance.

How do I stop my wetsuit chafing on my neck?

Surfers stop or prevent wetsuit rash or chafing by wearing a well fitting surfing-specific wetsuit, wearing a rash guard and using anti chafe cream. Wetsuits with soft neoprene, flexible design features and interior sealed seams are more comfortable and reduce wetsuit chafing and rashes.

Is a wetsuit better too tight or too loose?

In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene.

Do wetsuits get looser over time?

Keep in mind that neoprene stretches when it gets wet, and also stretches with use over time. If you're in doubt about what size is correct or in between sizes, go with the snugger wetsuit.

Can I cut neoprene?

Neoprene sheets can be cut with a utility knife, pre-measured die cutters, waterjet cutters, and laser cutters. Each method of cutting neoprene is ideal for different purposes, such as larger neoprene sheets for mats or smaller and more precise cuts for seals and gaskets.

Why does my wetsuit fill up with water?

Sounds like the wetsuit may be too big. A swimmers wetsuit should fit like second skin with no bagginess anywhere in the suit. If water is getting in and filling the legs then there is too much water coming into the suit and the suit is not tight enough that water can gather in the legs.

What are Sleeveless wetsuits for?

A sleeveless suit offers most of the buoyancy and speed of a full suit without the additional warmth. Sleeveless suits are easier to fit. Without the sleeves, getting into and removing a sleeveless suit makes transitions quicker.

Does neoprene unravel?

If it's conventional neoprene with the usual 'interlock' (knitted) stretchy fabric - no, it won't fray or split. Just use a very sharp knife or scissors to get a clean cut. If you use a knife, cut from the fabric side and try to cut right through in one go.

Can neoprene be stretched?

Neoprene is a stretchy material. Wetsuits can stretch five to six times their original length, which is why neoprene is used for this purpose.

Does wetsuit stretch neck?

Whether you consider this a break-in period for the wetsuit or just an improvement in your comfort level while wearing it, be sure to try it a few times before giving up (and either not wearing one or buying a new one). Each time you get in or out of your wetsuit, you will stretch it out just a little bit.

Do you wear anything under a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are designed keep you warm without anything special worn underneath. Here's what most people do: Surfing & General Watersports: Most surfers and riders wear boardshorts or a swimsuit. It's easy, convenient, and flexible.

Should you buy a wetsuit a size bigger?

It does not matter too much if it is too long on the arms and legs, as this has no additional warmth properties. If they are much taller than the size guide shows, ideally you want to choose the next size up, providing it is not a massive leap around the chest and kidneys.

Can you use Vaseline on a wetsuit?

Petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline may damage the neoprene (although many people use them). Avoid sitting on rough surfaces in your wetsuit and take care entering and leaving the water as it's easy to damage a wetsuit on sharp rocks.

How do you prevent chub rub when swimming?

How do I look good in a wetsuit?

How should a swimming wetsuit fit?

A wetsuit needs to fit snugly: if it's too loose it'll allow water into the suit that'll seriously slow you down. If it's too tight, your swimming experience won't be pleasant. When trying on in a shop, the suit should feel tight but not restrictive.

How do you hem a wetsuit?

Re: Hemming a wetsuit? The easiest way for you to do this is mark the cut off spot on the sleeve, then put the heat tape on all the seams that intersect with that mark ( both inside and out) being sure to overlap the cut mark with the tape, then cut along your mark/and thru the tape.

Can you shrink a wetsuit?

If you are worried that your wetsuit is too loose-fitting to keep you warm, there are some ways to safely shrink neoprene using gentle heat. To shrink a neoprene wetsuit, you can either wash it in warm water, put it in a cool tumble dryer, leave it in the sun, or in front of the heater.