How to Buy a Wetsuit

Wearing a wetsuit helps keep you warm while you’re swimming or diving, but it can be overwhelming to choose one since there are so many options. While you should always choose the wetsuit that’s the most comfortable for you, there are a few guidelines to follow depending on the activity you’re doing and the average water temperature. Before you buy a wetsuit, try it on so you can see if it fits your body snugly.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Picking a Style

1. Choose a bodysuit if you want the most warmth and protection. Bodysuits are the most common type of wetsuit and have sleeves and legs that extend down to your wrists and ankles. If you get cold easily while you’re swimming, a bodysuit might be your best option. Since a bodysuit also covers most of your skin, it can keep you safe from scrapes or abrasions if you brush against something while you’re underwater.^[1]
   
   • You will typically use a full bodysuit for scuba diving and triathlons, but you can wear them for any activity.
   • Some bodysuits also come with hoods to keep your head warm in cold water.
2. Wear a shorty if you want something that’s easier to put on. Shorties, also known as spring suits, have sleeves and legs that end at your elbows and knees. Since there’s less material, it’s much easier to pull the suit onto your arms and legs so it has a tight fit.^[2] They will also keep your body cool if you’re swimming or diving in warm water that’s around .^[3]
   
   • Your arms and legs will lose heat more quickly, so avoid using a shorty if you normally get cold while you’re swimming.
   • Avoid wearing a shorty if you’re swimming in a triathlon because the water doesn’t move as easily over your skin and will make you slower.
3. Try a sleeveless wetsuit for a better range of motion. Regular wetsuits can limit your flexibility and make it more difficult for you to move your arms around. Sleeveless wetsuits cut off at the shoulder and work perfectly if you’re swimming, surfing, or rafting. However, sleeveless wetsuits don’t cover your arms, so you may get colder when you wear them.^[4]
   
   • Sleeveless wetsuits are usually cheaper than full bodysuits and shorties.

[Edit]Selecting the Right Thickness

1. Check the average water temperatures for where you plan on swimming. Search online for the body of water where you plan on swimming and look for a temperature range. You may also ask other swimmers, divers, or local watersports shops to see if they know the average temperatures. Write down the range you find so you don’t forget it later on while you’re shopping.^[5]
   
   • Water temperatures will also get lower as you dive deeper.
2. Find the 2 thickness measurements printed on the wetsuit. Look on the sleeve or collar of the wetsuit to find 2 numbers separated by a line or colon. If you’re shopping online, look for the numbers listed in the product description. Use the first number to determine the thickness of the suit around the torso and the second number for the arms and legs. Both of your measurements will be in millimeters.^[6]
   
   • For example, if your wetsuit says “4:3”, then the material is 4 mm thick for the body and 3 mm thick for the arms and legs.
   • If your wetsuit only has 1 number printed, then it’s the same thickness throughout..
     
     Choose a 3–5 mm wetsuit if water temperatures are .
     
     Pick a wetsuit that’s 6 mm or thicker in water below .^[7]}}
3. Pick a wetsuit with thinner arms and legs for better flexibility. Thicker material restricts your movement, so you may not be able to fully extend or raise your arms. Check the thickness measurement on your wetsuit and make sure the second number is smaller than the first one listed.^[8]
   
   • Wetsuits with thinner material work great if you’re swimming or surfing.
   • Your arms and legs may get slightly colder than your core.
4. Choose a wetsuit with the same thickness throughout for more buoyancy. If your legs normally sink in the water while you’re swimming, look for a wetsuit where the material has a uniform thickness. The added material around your arms and legs will help them float so your body stays flat on the surface.^[9]
   
   • These wetsuits also prevent you from losing heat through your arms and legs.

[Edit]Testing the Wetsuit Fit

1. Check your height and weight on the brand’s sizing chart. Every brand has slightly different sizes and styles, so always consult the sizing chart. Look for the chart on the brand’s website or ask an employee at the store where you’re shopping. Find your height and weight listed on the chart and find your corresponding size.^[10]
   
   • If you can’t find a size for your height and weight combination, try contacting the brand directly through email or customer support to get their recommendation.^[11]
2. Put your feet through the legs of the wetsuit. Sit down when you start putting on your wetsuit so it’s easier for you to do. Unzip your wetsuit and put one of your legs inside. Move your leg through the wetsuit until your foot comes out from the end. Pull the wetsuit as high up as you can on your calf so it fits tightly. Then put your other leg in the wetsuit.^[12]
   
   • It’s okay to wear a standard swimsuit or diving shorts underneath your wetsuit.
3. Pull the wetsuit up so it’s tight against your groin. Work up from the bottom of the wetsuit so you can grab the most material. Hold onto any loose material that’s around your legs and pull it up closer to your groin area. Your wetsuit should fit tightly against your legs, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable. Grab the suit around your hips and pull it up as high as you can so there aren’t any wrinkles on your legs.^[13]
   
   • If your wetsuit isn’t tight against your skin, water can pool inside and make you colder and less buoyant.
4. Slide your arms into the sleeves. Put your arms in one at a time since it can be difficult to push them through the sleeves. As you slide your hand into the sleeve, pull the wetsuit further up your arm so the material doesn’t bunch up around your wrist. Once you get your first arm through the wetsuit, put on the second sleeve.^[14]
   
   • You can wear a neoprene shirt or rash guard under your wetsuit for additional warmth. It may also make it easier for you to put on the wetsuit.
5. Tug the excess material toward your chest. Look for any bunched-up material on the legs, sleeves, and hips of your wetsuit. Pull on the wetsuit tight against your skin so it lays flat and doesn’t have any wrinkles. Keep moving the bunched-up fabric closer to your chest and shoulders so there aren’t any air pockets inside the wetsuit.^[15]
   
   • If you can’t get rid of the air pockets around your arms and legs, then you may need a smaller wetsuit.
6. Zip up your wetsuit. Most wetsuits have their zipper in the back, but you may also find them in the front or on the shoulder. Grab the strap on the zipper and pull it up tightly. Press the Velcro seal over the end of the zipper so it creates a water-tight seal and doesn’t come undone while you’re swimming.^[16]
   
   • Ask a helper to zip up your wetsuit if you have trouble reaching the zipper.
   • Zipper placement all depends on personal preference, so choose the style that’s the most convenient and comfortable for you.
7. Move your arms and legs around to ensure you have a full range of motion. Spin your arms in large circles to see if your movement is restricted or not. Then try squatting down as close to the floor as you can while you raise your arms. If you have any trouble moving around or you feel like your breathing is constricted, opt for a larger wetsuit instead.^[17]
   
   • Wetsuits do feel slightly looser once they’re wet, so try swimming in the suit if you’re able to.

[Edit]Tips

• The style of wetsuit you choose depends on personal preference and what feels comfortable for you.
• If you only need a wetsuit for a few days, you can usually rent one at surf or diving shops for a daily rate.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you get a wetsuit that’s too big, more water can get trapped inside and make you cold.^[18]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Care for a Wetsuit
• Put on a Wetsuit
• Buy a Used Sailboat

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.deeperblue.com/art-buying-first-scuba-wetsuit/
2. ↑ https://www.raftingmag.com/rafting-magazine/the-gear-shed-wet-gear
3. ↑ https://www.cleanlinesurf.com/wetsuit-guide/types-of-wetsuits/
4. ↑ https://www.raftingmag.com/rafting-magazine/the-gear-shed-wet-gear
5. ↑ https://www.deeperblue.com/art-buying-first-scuba-wetsuit/
6. ↑ https://www.cleanlinesurf.com/wetsuit-guide/wetsuit-thickness/
7. ↑ https://www.cleanlinesurf.com/wetsuit-guide/wetsuit-thickness/
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/4M_i2Fywssg?t=200
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/4M_i2Fywssg?t=229
10. ↑ https://completetri.com/how-should-a-wetsuit-fit/
11. ↑ https://youtu.be/4M_i2Fywssg?t=278
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/ts1xs0OaUSc?t=19
13. ↑ https://completetri.com/how-should-a-wetsuit-fit/
14. ↑ https://youtu.be/mo66T1TIk9c?t=124
15. ↑ https://youtu.be/mo66T1TIk9c?t=181
16. ↑ https://www.cleanlinesurf.com/wetsuit-guide/how-to-put-on-a-wetsuit/
17. ↑ https://youtu.be/mo66T1TIk9c?t=206
18. ↑ https://completetri.com/how-should-a-wetsuit-fit/