How tight should a wetsuit be?

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.

What happens if a wetsuit is too tight?

If you size your wetsuit too tight, not only will it be a total battle to get in and out of, but it'll also restrict circulation, making you fatigue faster and lose coordination. You need blood flowing into your arms and legs in order to keep them warm.

Do wetsuits loosen up in the water?

Wetsuits should be snug, but shouldn't be so tight that they interfere with breathing. They do tend to loosen up a little as they fill with water because when they are dry they tend to stick in some places and bunch in others.

How tightly should a wetsuit fit?

It should be tight, but it should not cut off your circulation or restrict your range of motion. A Wetsuit should fit similarly to compression shorts – snug with a little pressure. It may feel weird at first to have such a tight-fitting garment, but it will keep you warm and buoyant.

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.

Wetsuit Guide: Knowing The Right Fit

How do I know if my wetsuit is too small?

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 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!

Are new wetsuits tight?

When you first put on a wetsuit, it may feel extremely tight. While wetsuits are designed to be quite snug, you should not feel excessively uncomfortable or claustrophobic while wearing it.

How do I know if my 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.

Should 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 stretch after use?

Wetsuits fit Tight.

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 wetsuits shrink over time?

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%.

What do you do with a new wetsuit?

How do you stretch a tight wetsuit?

To permanently stretch your wetsuit manually pull the neoprene to its maximum stretch without breaking and hold it there. Get a friend to help you pull it or create a template out of wood and towels to put inside your wetsuit and leave for a few days. The wetsuit will stretch slightly but lose some elasticity.

How do I look good in a wetsuit?

Can you cut wetsuit legs?

Your wetsuit has been designed to ease shortening. It is completely safe to trim the legs and the arms in this case as long as you remain within the length of the cloth tape.

How should a wetsuit fit scuba?

A wetsuit should fit snuggly around your body, but not so tight that water is unable to enter and it restricts your movement or even worse your circulation. As it works by allowing a layer of water to surround your body that stays warm during the duration of your dive.

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.

How do you soften a wetsuit?

Warm water is much more effective than cold for this. Personally I would not put any wetsuit in a top loader. A front loader would give it a good safe workout. You can find fans of Listerine, Softener, Simple Green, Woolite and even wetsuit shampoo.

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.

How long does a wetsuit last?

On average, a good wetsuit from a quality manufacturer should last anywhere from 4 years to 10 years or more, depending on heavily you use it. A cheaper brand wetsuit that doesn't have the same construction quality may only last for a season or two before things like zippers become issues.

Do surfers pee in their wetsuits?

Scientists are aware you urinate in your wetsuit.

While many people feel like this is weird, it's completely natural. It's the norm amongst surfers – even if they don't all admit to it. As a waterman, you're experiencing a unique underwater phenomenon called immersion diuresis.