It starts with wearing a wetsuit fitting that provides comfort and warmth as well as performance underwater. A well-fitting wetsuit acts like a second skin – it’s flexible while keeping you warm. In this guide, we’ll cover some important things to look for in a wetsuit size, including what a good fit looks like in the first place, and what common mistakes to avoid.

Why fit in a wetsuit is important

It doesn’t matter if a wetsuit is made of the best material in the world. If it doesn’t fit properly, it’s completely useless. It should be tight enough that water can’t seep through, but loose enough that it doesn’t restrict your movement or breathing. Typically, a wetsuit stretches about 5-10 percent over time, so if you’re choosing between two sizes, it’s always better to go with the smaller size because you want it to fit snugly.

Key Points to Check for a Good Fit

1. Neck Fit

This area is the most important to get right, especially for the surfer who ducks in all the time. A surfing or multi-purpose wetsuit should fit just below the middle of the neck. It should seal the water out tightly, yet not be restrictive. If the wetsuit is low below the neck, it’s easy for water to get in. If it’s high on the neck, it can really pinch. Test yourself: lean forward and see if you can slide a soft finger down the back of the neck. If it does, that neck fit is too loose.

2. Shoulders/Chest/Upper Back

There should be no gaps or folds under the armpits. No large bunching around the chest and shoulder areas. Open cross-overs between zippers without pulling or tugging. Once the fabric starts to show through from being stretched too much, the wetsuit is too small.

3. Torso and Lumbar Area

The wetsuit should fit snugly around the torso and lower back as they trap a thin layer of water for insulation purposes. There should be no loose gaps, nor should anything pull away from the body. If there is a gap, the wetsuit may be too big. If the pull on the back is too tight, look for a different size.

4. Sleeves and Cuffs

The end of the wrist cuff should reach right at the crease between the arm and wrist, completely free of folds or creases. This is especially important for winter wetsuits to prevent water from getting inside your gloves.

5. Ankle and Leg Length

The wetsuit should not be too long; just reach the ankle joint. The material should not be tight behind the knees, which could mean the wetsuit is too long for you. If the wetsuit is too short, it will not fit properly over the spine and will not insulate you.

How to know if your wetsuit is right for you

If it’s too tight, it will feel restrictive to your breathing and movement at the shoulders. If it’s too loose, the space around your body will show that water is coming in. Ideally, it should feel snug, allowing you to move your arms and legs comfortably.

Wetsuit Size Chart

Final Thoughts

Finding a good fit for a wetsuit is of utmost importance so that one can get the best performance and warmth from it. If you follow this guide closely and pay attention to each of the key areas, you should be able to fit your wetsuit like a second skin. When in doubt, go for a snug fit in the middle size range as wetsuits tend to stretch a bit over time. Happy surfing, diving and swimming!

Check Also: Choosing the Right Wetsuit for Surfing