How should a wetsuit fit?

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.

Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?

Selecting the correct wetsuit size can be tough, especially for first time wetsuit buyers. Wetsuits fit tighter than clothing, and the wetsuit size will usually be one or two sizes bigger than clothing.

How do you know if a wetsuit is too big?

A simple test is to check whether a wetsuit is too big, is to see if you can reach around and zip it up easily yourself. If you can, then the chances are it is too large for your frame. Another method is to tug gently on the lower back, if there is no give then the fit is correct.

Do wetsuits loosen up in the water?

Try on your wetsuit before your first swim or surf session, just to make sure you are fairly comfortable. It will always feel tighter when you are out of the water. Remember that it will feel a little bit looser once it fills with water.

Should you go up a size in wetsuits?

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.

Guide To a Proper Wetsuit Fit

How do I know if my wetsuit is too small?

If it feels uncomfortable while it is on, then it is too tight. If the arms and legs are a little long (or short) that's ok. More often than not, manufacturers will create the wetsuit with the arms and legs extra long. That way you can trim them to your desired length.

How tight should swimming wetsuit be?

A properly fitting wetsuit should be very snug against your entire body with no bagginess or gaps. The wetsuit should feel like a second skin with little to no wrinkles across the major areas of the suit (torso, length of arms, thighs) and little to no gathers in the underarms or crotch areas.

How tight should a new wetsuit feel?

How Should a Wetsuit Fit? 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.

Should a wetsuit feel tight around the neck?

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.

Will a wetsuit stretch 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.

Do you wear anything under a wetsuit?

You should know that wetsuits are designed to keep your body warm underwater. Some scuba diving gurus advise that you wear nothing under a wetsuit for it to perform its purpose optimally. Wetsuits are designed to feel comfortable on the body even when you are not wearing anything or wearing something.

Do wetsuits shrink?

Well the truth is, you might still have your so-called “winter coat” but the cold hard fact is that most wetsuits do shrink. In fact, some of them will shrink up to 14%.

Can you cut the legs off a wetsuit?

I have cut my wetsuits down for years and never had any issues. Just use a sharp pair if scissors and cut straight. It's neoprene so you won't have fibers fraying like you would a pair of cut off shorts.

Is weight or height more important for wetsuit size?

Also, sizing charts are different for every single brand of wetsuit. Don't presume that because you are a size small in one brand that you are a size small in all brands. Chest width is the next factor to consider. Height is least important factor in buying the correct size wetsuit.

What do you do with a new wetsuit?

What do you wear under a wetsuit in cold water?

You can choose from a wide variety of undershirts, but a rash guard or compression shirt makes for a good first layer in colder waters. Like diving shorts, they provide an extra layer of warmth and protection from wetsuit chafing.

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.

Are front zip wetsuits better?

Conclusion. With front zips, these allow your wetsuit the most flexibility when they are being worn, and you are less likely to experience flushing when wearing a wetsuit with a front zip.

What is best to wear under a wetsuit?

Diving or fitted bicycle shorts are an excellent protection for your body in the wetsuit. Since they are pressed tightly against your skin, you won't feel them once you put on your wetsuit, and they won't limit your movement.

Will a wetsuit keep you warm in cold water?

Wetsuits are designed to use the water, along with the body's temperature, to keep you warm while you swim, dive or compete in water sports. They work extremely well as long as the correct thickness and type of suit gets utilized for the water's temperature.

Is it easy to swim in a wetsuit?

It's almost impossible to swim breaststroke in a wetsuit, because your legs leave the water and the extra buoyancy bends your spine. This is especially true if you have your own buoyancy and insulation in the form of body fat – something outdoor swimmers fondly know as 'bioprene'.

Why do wetsuit legs fill with water?

Re: Why do the legs on my wetsuit always fill up with water

it design to keep the water from coming in but when water gets into the neck an goes down it prevents it from coming out.