Is there a difference between male and female wetsuits?
While a woman can technically wear a men’s wetsuit, the fit might not be ideal. Women’s wetsuits are specifically designed to support and accommodate the female form. A men’s wetsuit might not fit snugly in the right areas, which can allow cold water to circulate and reduce the suit’s ability to keep the wearer warm. Warm Waters (Above 20°C) If you’re planning to surf, swim or dive in warm waters, you won’t need a thick wetsuit but rather something with thinner neoprene. A 2mm wetsuit is perfect for these conditions as it provides a light thermal layer for your organs to ensure they are kept at the optimal temperature.Wetsuits are designed to provide thermal protection from the cold water by securing your body’s heat. Unlike dry suits, which use air and multiple under-layers to retain heat (more on that in a minute), wetsuits insulate our body’s natural heat via a thin layer of water and the suit’s material.The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water. Wetsuit thickness usually ranges from 2mm for hot summer days to 7mm for very cold conditions.Whatever you use your wetsuit for, the most important thing to get right is the fit. Your wetsuit should feel snug and tight all over. If there’s excess material in places like the neck and cuffs, it will let water in and negate all its insulating properties. Don’t be too taken aback by the tightness of a wetsuit.
Should you size up in a wetsuit women’s?
Tips for Women’s Wetsuit Sizing Make sure to check the measurements on the sizing guide of the wetsuit brand. If you have a different size top and bottom, it is recommended to go with the larger of the two sizes. If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up.Note that the wetsuit will stretch out slightly after wearing it, just like a pair of jeans. Your waist should fit right, but it’s okay if it’s slightly tight or loose, there is no chance of water coming into your suit at the waist area. However, a snug fit is best.The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time.For those who know a thing or two about wetsuit specs, a second-hand wetsuit can be a great purchase. There are some great high spec wetsuits out there in the second-hand marketplace. You can find better specced second-hand wetsuits for the same amount of money as an entry model brand new wetsuit.Can you swim in a 5mm wetsuit? Yes, you can swim in a 5mm neoprene thickness, but it depends on the activity and conditions: Pros: A 5mm wetsuit provides excellent insulation, making it ideal for cold water swimming.
Do wetsuits get tighter in water?
So how tight should it feel? Your wetsuit should feel close-fitting but not uncomfortable or overly-restrictive and you should be able to move in it. Wetsuits do feel slightly looser once you get in the water and water is allowed into them, too. The suit should feel reasonably tight when dry, but not so tight that your movement is restricted; you should be able to lift your arms and touch your toes etc. Once in the water, the neoprene will loosen up, which is another reason why it is essential that a new suit feels as tight as possible when dry.For many women, the simplest and most common choice is to wear nothing under their wetsuit. This option ensures: Maximum flexibility: No extra fabric to bunch up or restrict movement. Streamlined fit: Allows the wetsuit to conform closely to the body as it was designed for better insulation.Wetsuits are made of neoprene. If you end up in the water, you will get wet inside the wetsuit, but it offers a layer of insulation that warms the water next to your skin with your body heat.If the wetsuit is too big, you can get unwanted friction and possibly get a rash so getting the right size makes it more comfortable when using. You also don’t want your legs filling up with water.
How to choose the correct wetsuit?
On the other hand, a wetsuit that’s too tight can hinder your movement or restrict breathing. The right fitting suit should have no baggy spots or large wrinkles in the arms and legs, it should be snug in all areas but not uncomfortably tight. Sizing differs between brands, and some will offer tall or short sizes. The main difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit is their suitability in warm or cold water. Depending on thickness and personal tolerance, wetsuits are popular across tropical and temperate destinations. However, chillier temperatures below 10ºC/50ºF demand the added protection and warmth of a dry suit.When the water temperature measures between 50 and 65 degrees, wetsuits are strongly encouraged, and some races may require their use. Between 65 and 78 degrees, it’s typically the athlete’s choice of whether to wear a wetsuit.Ultimately, what you wear under your wetsuit is your choice. Whether you choose swim shorts, a swimsuit, a bikini, a rash vest, or nothing at all, the goal is optimum comfort, ease of movement and total confidence when in the water. If you’re unsure, try out some options before settling on what suits you best.Get it Wet Wearing your wetsuit in water helps it adapt more quickly to your shape. Take a short swim or soak it before your first full session.You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad. If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.
How to fit a women’s wetsuit?
Your wetsuit should feel snug all over without pinching or cutting into your skin. There should be no baggy areas, as these can trap excess water. However, it shouldn’t feel so tight that it’s hard to move or breathe. Test the fit: Raise your arms, bend your knees, and twist your torso to ensure full range of motion. A wetsuit that is too small is harder to put on and won’t be as comfortable during your activity in the water. In fact, it might even limit you in your movements. A wetsuit that is too big, on the other hand, might result in accumulations of excess neoprene that can fill up with cold water.Wetsuit sizing is based on a combination of height, chest circumference, and waist width. For women, hip measurement is also an important factor. To help you find the perfect fit, we developed an intuitive online Size Finder that makes choosing the right wetsuit size easier than ever.If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up.While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive wetsuits?
Material Quality and Warmth Retention Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models. When you enter the water a very thin layer of water will squeeze between the wetsuit and your skin. If the wetsuit is baggy then a whole lot of water will flood in to fill the gaps between the wetsuit and your body.Your body heats that water, and the neoprene helps retain the warmth. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water. Wetsuit thickness usually ranges from 2mm for hot summer days to 7mm for very cold conditions.Ultimately wetsuits should feel relatively tight and fit snuggly to your skin – there should be no pockets of air or wrinkles when you put one on. However, they shouldn’t be so tight as to limit your range of motion or dig in uncomfortably. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your body and the suit.The main reason to choose black as a wetsuit colour is, that black is the natural colour of neoprene. Besides that, psychological reasons, the thermal efficiency and a black wetsuit being THE classic style explain why black is the preferred colour for a wetsuit.