Should a wetsuit be really tight?

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 stretch out 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.

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.

Do wetsuits get tighter or looser in 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.

How a Wetsuit Should Fit - Does Your Wetsuit Fit You Correctly?

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!

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.

Is it better to have a wetsuit too big or too small?

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.

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.

How do I find the right size wetsuit?

Take a look at the size chart, use your own height, chest and waist measurements, and there you'll have your letters. For example, if you're 5'8 tall, weight 150 pounds, have a 40 inch chest, and a 32 inch waist, it's likely that you'll need a MS (medium small) wetsuit.

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.

What do you do with a new wetsuit?

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%.

How do you break in a wetsuit?

Roll the suit up your leg slowly, and repeat with the other leg, the torso, and finally the arms. If convenient, jump into the water with the wetsuit and pull the suit on in the water. Whenever the suit sticks, pull it away from your body to allow water to break the seal between the suit and your body.

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.

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 do I stop wetsuit legs filling with water?

A small hole punctured through the neoprene about 6" up from the anckle cuff at the back of the leg will allow any trapped water to be released. The elastic tension in your suit should push the water out fairly quickly. You might not want to do this on a brand new suit, but it definitly works.

Can you cycle in a wetsuit?

Yep, just like he said ^. You have your bike/run clothes under the wetsuit and you just peel it off in the first transition. You unzip it and pull out your arms as you are moving from the water to your bike. Then, once you are at the bike all you have to do is get it off from the waist down.

Do wetsuits stretch or shrink?

The Material the Wetsuit Is Made From

Although all neoprene stretches a little, the higher the grade the neoprene, the more it will stretch. Inexpensive, standard neoprene will stretch a bit. “Superstretch” neoprene can stretch up to 300%, which will have the least restrictions on the wearer.

Do wetsuits shrink in the sun?

Do not dry the suit in direct sunlight; this will cause it to shrink over time. Sunlight will overheat the foam cells and also cause the fabric to fade, even a black wetsuit.

Do wetsuits lose elasticity?

The neoprene which most wetsuits are made of does degrade in rigidity and flexibility due to various factors. Eventually, it will need to be replaced. However, this shrinkage is a very slow process. Your wetsuit won't shrink or lose its elasticity in just one season unless you use it incorrectly.

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.

How often should you wash a wetsuit?

All this because you didn't care properly for your wetsuit. There is, however, a very simple way to avoid all that: wash your wetsuit. You don't even have to do this every time you surf—once a week will do just fine. But you should at least rinse it after each session, you smelly yeast beast.