Do wetsuits shrink when wet?
Only when thrown into hot water, the wetsuit might shrink. Common ocean or pool water on the other hand does not impact the size of the wetsuit significantly. It’s only exposure to hot water, such as that from a hot tub or overly hot wash, that can cause shrinkage. It should fit like a second skin, tightly wrapped around your body. After all, a wetsuit only works when the fit is right. On the other hand, you don’t want it to be too restrictive or tight, and want to avoid excess material in areas like your armpits, lower back and behind your knees.How Tight Should a Wetsuit Be? 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 don’t actually loosen once you’re in the water, but they do tend to feel more comfortable. This is because the neoprene material softens slightly when wet, allowing it to mould more closely to your body over time.For some people, when the water dips below 80 degrees, it’s time to suit up in a full wetsuit. Other swimmers never wear a wetsuit, even when the water is near freezing.
Can a wetsuit be too thick?
Thicker wetsuits protect you from cold water by helping you retain body heat, but the thickest wetsuits can also lead to premature fatigue and loss of dexterity in the water. Finding the right wetsuit for your needs demands considerations for comfort, flexibility, and dexterity in addition to warmth. THE SCIENCE BEHIND WETSUIT THICKNESS 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.A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything.C) – 3mm thick wetsuits are perfect for average water temperatures in the UK between July and October. Gloves, boots and hood are not required in these temperatures. The O’Neill Hyperfreak Chest Zip 3/2mm wetsuit is one of our bestselling 3mm wetsuits; made from super lightweight TechnoButter 3 neoprene.
Is it easier to put a wetsuit on dry or wet?
To Sum It Up But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry. Opposites just don’t attract in this case, so don’t force it. Yes, it is. Many people choose to wear nothing under their wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body, and the fewer layers underneath, the better the insulating effect. For some, this is the most comfortable option, especially during short sessions or in warm conditions.The quick answer to the question of what to wear under a wetsuit is – it can be either nothing at all, a thin garment like a rash vest, compression shorts or bikini for comfort or for extra warmth a thermal hooded rash vest.This is a practice known as going commando. Because of the wetsuit’s tight fit, wearing anything under it can feel unpleasant at times. Wearing nothing between your wetsuit and your skin reduces the quantity of water that can enter. You’ll be warmer if you decide to go nude beneath your wetsuit.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.
Is it better to have a wetsuit too big or too small?
Getting your wetsuit size right is very important. It should feel snug without being too restrictive, and there shouldn’t be any gaps between your skin and the wetsuit. It should also fit high on the neck to create a seal to stop water from getting in. Obviously, it is also possible to have a wetsuit that’s too tight. If it constricts your breathing, if moving your arms up and down feels like you’re lifting deadweights, if you need to call the fire brigade to get it on or off, there is a chance your wetsuit is too small for you.As a result, if you don’t rinse your wetsuit, all those bodily fluids are likely going to stay on the surface of the inside of your suit, and ferment even more.
Are wetsuit sizes the same as clothes?
Wetsuit sizing runs completely differently from clothing sizing! Some wetsuit brands start at size “2” and work up from there, whereas other brands start at size “4”. 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.A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck. If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”.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.Wetsuits are not meant to keep you dry. Despite being composed of waterproof neoprene foam, they allow a tiny layer of water to enter via the zippers, wrists, neck, legs, and ankles. The water quickly condenses into a thin layer of liquid and gets trapped between your skin and the neoprene.
Should I hang or fold my wetsuit?
GENERAL CARE To store your wetsuit it is best to hang on a wide suit-style jacket hanger to avoid creasing. You can hang the wetsuit in half on a wide pants hanger or from the shoulders like a shirt. Leave Your Wetsuit Hanging! Whether you want to take the best care of your wetsuit after each surf, or hibernate your suit for the winter – the best option is to use a hanger. This prevents your wetsuit from creasing when you fold it up, and allows the wetsuit to breathe better; avoiding the potential for mould.