Are O’Neill wetsuits true to size?
O’Neill and Rip Curl seem to have the more reliable sizing for wetsuits. If you wear an LS in O’Neill, then order an LS, their tolerances are insanely accurate. For most companies, the accuracy of sizes is so much better now than in the past. 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.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”.A wetsuit should fit tight to your body like a second skin. There should be minimal gaps where water can flush through, as this excess water will make you cold. Your wetsuit needs to fit correctly on your torso, as this will keep you feeling warm.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”.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.
What is the warmest O’Neill wetsuit?
Freak Styles:The Psycho Freak has the best features and technology available. The lightest firewall ever produced with SuperSeam Weld and O’Neill’s Technobutter 2 Air-Insulation rapid drying TechnoButter Neoprene makes this highly innovative, technical design the best performing, warmest wetsuit available. 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.Do Wetsuits Work In Very Cold Water? A lot of people will tell you that wetsuits don’t work in very cold water. That’s incorrect. Long before we had drysuits, safety-conscious paddlers wore wetsuits – even when paddling on freezing cold water.Your body heats up this thin layer of water quickly. The wetsuit is tight-fitting and prevents water from entering, so your body stays warm and is exposed to only a limited amount of cold water at a time. Wear drysuits if you want to stay 100% dry when diving or surfing in cold water.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.The O’Neill Heat wetsuit has been a favorite among cold-water surfers since its debut in the 1980s. Known for its durable construction and classic back zip entry, it has developed a loyal following, especially among surfers who prioritize warmth, flexibility, and a traditional fit.
What not to wear under a wetsuit?
Swimwear We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort. Women can wear a swimsuit or bikini, it’s just important to pick the right one. In general, you should never have to wear any underwear under your swimsuit. If it is a one piece, you don’t need to wear a bra or panties. If it is swim trunks, swim shorts or swim briefs, you usually shouldn’t wear underwear underneath those either.If you have booked a surf, paddleboard or kayaking lesson and will be using a rental wetsuit then you need to wear swimwear underneath for hygiene reasons. If you forgot your swimwear, you can wear your underwear, it’s not ideal, but definitely better than wearing nothing.You may not choose to wear these briefs to a beach, but they are the standard attire for wearing under your wetsuit. These MAKO lycra suits totally eliminate uncomfortable bulges, often experienced when wearing other shorts, such as board shorts, under your suit.Some people do choose to wear nothing or “go commando” underneath their wetsuit – especially surfers. To some, the idea of a barrier between wetsuit and flesh is as distasteful and absurd as that of underwear to a kilt-wearing Highlands soldier.Just like above, we’d highly recommend that if you want to wet a wetsuit before putting it on, then make sure you’re wet too. If you’re wet and the suit is dry, that could lead to tears or damage to the suit because you’re trying to finagle your way in something that’s just not working.
Should I size up or down for wetsuits?
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. 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.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.Start by measuring your height. This determines how the wetsuit fits through the torso, legs, and arms. If it is too short, it can feel tight and stretched. If it is too long, it may sag or let in cold water.Step 2: Should you size up or down in a wetsuit? In this case, we’d recommend selecting the next largest size. While we don’t want excess material, mobility is important when surfing and we don’t want the size of your wetsuit to limit your motion.
What do females wear under a wetsuit?
Thermal Layers In colder waters, thermal layers can enhance warmth and comfort. Thermal Rash Guards: Designed for insulation, these are made from materials like neoprene or fleece-lined fabric. Neoprene Shorts or Tops: Add extra warmth without too much bulk. These pair well with wetsuits in extremely 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.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.Brands often use single lined neoprene on chest and back panels of a wetsuit to keep you warmer in windy and cold conditions. Single lined neoprene lets water droplets run down faster without being absorbed in the lining. This protects you against windchill and makes this material warmer than double lined neoprene.
Is O’Neill a good wetsuit brand?
Many models also feature strategic body mapping for improved fit and comfort, alongside thermal linings like TechnoButter Firewall that provide exceptional insulation. This combination of innovative materials and design features makes O’Neill wetsuits a top choice for surfers seeking both performance and warmth. Fit and Cut The fit of the Hypefreak is very true to the O’Neill size chart, and I would say, if anything, you can size down a little bit as the wetsuit is so stretchy. We tend to think that O’Neill wetsuits run a little on the tall side.
Is it better for a wetsuit to be tight or loose?
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. You may be a little warm during the summer months, but just loosen the neck of the suit and let some water in – it’s far easier to cool down when you’re hot than warm up when you’re frozen! The 5mm wetsuit option will be usable for probably 10 months of the year in the UK so it represents the most sensible option.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.The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimetres (mm); generally speaking, the thicker the neoprene, the warmer the wetsuit will be. For example, a winter wetsuit typically has 5mm neoprene in the arms and legs, while a summer wetsuit only has 2 or 3mm.