How to Choose a Wetsuit for Swimming?

Whether diving into chilly waters or participating in water sports, a high-quality wetsuit can make all the difference. Wetsuits improve your comfort and mobility in the water in addition to keeping you warm. Selecting the ideal wetsuit might be difficult with so many possibilities. Selecting the appropriate wetsuit is crucial for both performance and safety, regardless of your sport—diving, swimming, or surfing. Everything you need to know about choosing a wetsuit for swimming as a beginner is covered on Oceantailored.com, including the kinds, materials, sizes, and factors to take into account before making a decision.

Whether you're swimming, diving, or surfing, picking the correct wetsuit can improve your experience in the water. You can select the perfect wetsuit to meet your lifestyle by taking into account your unique needs, including fit, activity type, and water temperature. There is a wetsuit for any water enthusiast, with options for toddlers, ladies, and men. For a customized fit, make sure you refer to a wetsuit size chart and, if feasible, look into custom wetsuits. With confidence, dive in, remain warm, and enjoy your aquatic activities!

Basics of Understanding Wetsuits

A wetsuit is a neoprene garment that traps a small layer of water between the suit and your skin to offer thermal protection. After that, your body heats the water, forming a barrier that keeps you warm even in chilly conditions. Surfers, divers, triathletes, and anyone else involved in water sports where colder temperatures could be problematic use wetsuits.

Types of Wetsuits

Our best wetsuits for surfing are available in a variety of styles, each with a specific function:

Full-Body Wetsuits: These offer the best protection and insulation because they cover the full body, including the arms and legs. Winter surfers and deep-sea divers frequently choose them because they are frequently utilized in colder waters.

Shorty Wetsuits: Also referred to as spring suits, these only partially cover the arms and legs and the torso. In milder weather, they are perfect for surfing and other activities in warmer waters.

Wetsuit Tops and Sleeveless Options: Sleeveless options and wetsuit tops are made to be as flexible and mobile as possible. For instance, swimmers and triathletes who need their arms to have a full range of motion will love a sleeveless short women's wetsuit or a wetsuit top.

Custom Wetsuits: Getting the Ideal Fit

Many people, particularly professionals, believe that investing in a tailored wetsuit is worthwhile. Custom wetsuits are made to precisely match your body shape, increasing comfort and decreasing water entry, both of which can increase thermal efficiency. They are especially helpful for people who want to customize their wetsuit design or who struggle to obtain the correct fit from off-the-shelf choices.

Design a custom-fit wetsuit tailored for surfing, diving, and other water sports, crafted from premium Japanese Yamamoto limestone neoprene for unmatched durability and comfort.

At Ocean Tailored Wetsuits, our specialty lies in producing high-quality, custom wetsuits that fit like a second skin. Just like you can order a custom surfboard in your choice of colors and dimensions, you can now create your perfect wetsuit with us. Use our 3D app to design your own wetsuit, or simply share your ideas with us directly. As a leading custom wetsuit manufacturer, we’ll bring your vision to life, crafting a wetsuit to your exact specifications. Let us create the wetsuit you’ve always dreamed of!

Wetsuits for Men, Women, and Toddlers

Wetsuits for surfing and swimming are available in various designs for different age groups and genders:

• Wetsuits for Men: Men’s wetsuits are typically designed with a broader chest and shoulder area to fit the male body shape. Mens wetsuits come in various styles, from full-body to shorty options, to accommodate different preferences and needs.
• Wetsuits for Women: Womens wetsuits and female wetsuits are tailored to fit the female body, with a more tailored waist and chest area. Options like the sleeveless short women’s wetsuit are popular among women surfers and swimmers who prefer flexibility in the arms.
• Wetsuits for Toddlers: For younger water enthusiasts, a toddler wetsuit provides essential warmth and protection. Toddler wetsuits are designed with easy entry points and soft materials for comfort, allowing little ones to enjoy water activities safely.

Our Best Selling Custom Wetsuits for Men and Women

Men's Custom Made Wetsuits

1. Full Hooded Wetsuit for Men
2. Full Custom Wetsuit for Men
3. Short Arm Custom Wetsuit for Men
4. Men's Short Leg Wetsuit
5. Men's Shorty Custom Wetsuit

Women's Custom Made Wetsuits

1. Women's Hooded Full Custom Wetsuit
2. Full Custom Wetsuit For Women
3. Women's Hot Pants Wetsuit
4. Women's Bikini Cut Wetsuit

Choosing the Right Wetsuit Size and Wetsuit Thickness Guide

Finding the right size is critical for both comfort and performance. A wetsuit that’s too loose may allow excess water to enter, reducing insulation, while a too-tight fit can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Checking a wetsuit size chart before purchasing can help you determine the correct size. Most manufacturers provide detailed size charts that match body measurements with wetsuit dimensions.

When selecting a wetsuit, make sure it fits snugly around your torso, chest, and shoulders, with no sagging or bunching. The suit should feel like a second skin and allow a full range of motion in your arms and legs.

What Temperature is a Wetsuit Needed for Swimming?

The right wetsuit thickness depends on the water temperature. Here’s a general guideline:

• Water Above 75°F (24°C): Wetsuits are typically unnecessary at this temperature, but a lightweight wetsuit top or shorty may provide extra warmth and sun protection.
• 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C): A 2-3mm wetsuit or shorty is usually sufficient.
• 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C): A full wetsuit with a thickness of 3-5mm is recommended.
• Below 50°F (10°C): Consider a 5-7mm full wetsuit, possibly with additional accessories like gloves, booties, and a hood for maximum warmth.

Popular Uses of Wetsuits

Wetsuits are used in various water sports, each requiring unique features:

1. Surfing Wetsuits: Surfers often choose flexible wetsuits that allow freedom of movement, particularly around the shoulders. Surfing wetsuits are available in different thicknesses to suit seasonal changes in water temperature.
2. Diving and Snorkeling: Diving wetsuits are thicker to handle colder, deeper waters. They also have additional features like reinforced knees and seals to prevent water from entering.
3. Triathlons and Swimming: Triathletes and open-water swimmers often prefer a sleeveless short women’s wetsuit or a thin wetsuit top to allow maximum arm movement without compromising warmth.

Leading Wetsuit Manufacturers

The wetsuit market has numerous brands, each known for specific features and specialties. Some of the popular wetsuit manufacturers include:

• O'Neill: Known for durable and versatile wetsuits across various sports.
• Rip Curl: Specializes in surfing wetsuits with high flexibility.
• Ocean Tailored: Create a custom-fit wetsuit for surfing, diving and other watersports
• Xcel: Renowned for thermal efficiency and cold-water wetsuits.
• Aqua Lung: Popular for diving and snorkeling wetsuits.

How to Wash Wetsuit at Home

You can wash wetsuit at home, to extend the lifespan of your wetsuit, follow these care tips:

• Rinse After Each Use: Saltwater, chlorine, and sand can damage neoprene. Rinse with fresh water to keep it clean.
• Dry in Shade: Avoid direct sunlight as it can weaken the neoprene material over time. Dry your wetsuit inside out initially, then turn it right side out to finish drying.
• Store Properly: Hang the wetsuit on a thick hanger to avoid creases and keep it in a cool, dry place.