How do I know my wetsuit size?
To determine your wetsuit size, firstly measure your height from the bottom of your heels to the top of your head. Secondly, fill in your body weight. Generally this is a good indicator to estimate your chest and waist width. For instance, if you’re 180cm tall and weight 82kg, you’ll most likely fit a size Large. 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.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.Wetsuits do become more flexible when wet and will mould to the shape of your body so as we say a little space is fine. Our video walks you through how your new suit should fit. Once you have checked the knees and armpits, turn your attention to the wrist cuffs and the ankle cuffs.The water in the wetsuit then warms up to the temperature of your skin – about 91F (32. C). Contrary to popular opinion, that layer of water doesn’t warm you. But because it’s the same temperature as your skin, it doesn’t feel cold or conduct heat away from your body.
Should a wetsuit be tight or loose?
The chest should be tight but should obviously not cut off any blood flow or restrict you from breathing. If the shoulders, chest and underarm fit snug, there is less chance of water entering your suit. Note that the wetsuit will stretch out slightly after wearing it, just like a pair of jeans. If the suit is too big, it might be easy to get into, but in the water, it’s not going to function properly.
Is it better to size up or down in wetsuits?
Always go smaller than you think. You do not want it to sit loosely and allow water transfer. L might be comfortable on land but you’ll get colder quicker in the water. If the suit is too big, it might be easy to get into, but in the water, it’s not going to function properly.
What is the best wetsuit thickness?
A 4mm wetsuit can be suitable for summer surfing in the UK, while it can also last into the early winter for some, especially with the help of some accessories. Cons of Using Wetsuits While wetsuits offer great insulation, they are bulkier and restrict mobility more compared to spring suits. The thicker neoprene material limits flexibility, making paddling and maneuvering slightly more challenging.A wetsuit should feel snug and slightly restrictive, but it should not hinder your movement significantly. It’s normal to feel some resistance, especially when dry, but once in the water, it should feel more comfortable.MM TO 7MM DIVING WETSUITS These thicker suits offer superior insulation, keeping you comfortable and warm even in chilly depths. Designed to withstand harsher conditions, they provide excellent protection against the cold while ensuring flexibility for unhindered movement.The short answer is yes, you absolutely can, and it’s a great strategy for staying warm in frigid waters. Layering wetsuits can help create additional insulation and versatility when facing different water temperatures or activities.
Are wetsuit sizes universal?
Brands: Different wetsuit brands (like O’Neill, Xcel, Roxy, Rip Curl, Quiksilver, and Henderson) use varying sizing charts, but most follow a general XS to 3XL scale. While your clothing size can be a starting point, accurate measurements are essential for the perfect fit. 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.Wetsuits do stretch, and if they didn’t they wouldn’t be much use – you wouldn’t be able to get them on, for a start. Being elasticated, however, they should always resume their normal shape. If you’re wondering whether your wetsuit will “stretch out” over time, like the waistband of a pair of trousers, it won’t.WETSUIT FIT It’s the easiest way to determine your wetsuit size. A wetsuit should feel snug and slightly tight the first time you try it on. This is normal. Of course, you should be able to move freely and breathe normally, but neoprene is flexible and will stretch slightly with use, just like a new pair of jeans.When buying your suit, consider: Fit: A wetsuit should be snug but comfortable. A too-loose fit will allow water to flood the suit, undermining its warmth, while a too-tight suit can be constricting and uncomfortable. Thickness: Wetsuit materials come in a range of finely tuned thicknesses.A wetsuit’s thickness is based on the measurement of the internal foam core. In general, the thicker the foam core, the warmer the suit. On the flip side, the thinner the foam core, the more lightweight and flexible the suit. Water temperature is the main factor in determining the right wetsuit thickness for you.
What is a 5 4 3 mm wetsuit?
The 5/4/3 is a fullsuit/steamer wetsuit with 5mm neoprene around the torso, 4mm neoprene around the legs and 3mm neoprene around the arms. This is a popular choice for winter surfing in cool climates and is usually paired with a 5mm hood, glove and booties for optimum insulation and reasonable levels of flexibility. Wetsuit thickness by water temperature Probably, you will be mostly using suits from the middle of the spectrum. A 2 mm shorty is suited for water temperatures between 18°and 20Celsius (65° -70°Fahrenheit), and is a great summer suit for the UK and the rest of Europe.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.But the 5mm is the perfect option for people who get too warm in a 7mm, yet too cold in a 3mm. The 5mm can be used for those in-between seasons when it’s not cold, yet not warm. The 5mm wetsuit is perfect for both diving and cold water freediving/snorkelling adventures.A 2 mm shorty is suited for water temperatures between 18°and 20Celsius (65° -70°Fahrenheit), and is a great summer suit for the UK and the rest of Europe.