How do I know my size for a wetsuit?
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. 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”.For water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 65°F (15. C to 18. C), many swimmers will wear a wetsuit to prevent their core body temperature from dropping too quickly. For those venturing into colder waters (50°F to 59°F or 10°C to 15°C), a thicker wetsuit is required for adequate protection.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.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.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 better to size up or down for wetsuits?
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. 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.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.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.
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. 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.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.Please follow some of these simple guidelines to ensure that your wetsuit stays in the optimum condition: Rinse well in fresh water after every use. Minimise time left in direct sunlight and aim to dry in the shade. Dry inside out first and then dry outside.Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between you and your suit, your body then heats that water to help keep you warm. So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently.
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. Wet suits don’t keep you dry, but they can keep you warm. Wet suits are made of waterproof, closed-cell, foam-rubber (neoprene) which insulates even when wet. The two main things that determine how warm you will be are the thickness of the neoprene and the snugness of the wet suit.Wetsuits fit more snugly than clothing. Wetsuits are meant to be form-fitting. You don’t want loose folds of neoprene or large pockets of air or water in your wetsuit.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.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.F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C): A 2mm to 3mm wetsuit works well in this range, depending on your cold tolerance. Above 75°F (24°C): No wetsuit is needed, though some swimmers might still prefer to wear a sleeveless or shorty wetsuit for added buoyancy or comfort.
Is it better to have a tighter or looser wetsuit?
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”. Is a 3mm wetsuit ok for the UK? A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for UK summer months (June–September) when water temperatures range between 14–18°C, offering warmth and flexibility for surfing and swimming.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.What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit? 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.
Do I need a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
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. Additionally, wearing your wetsuit regularly and moving around in it will naturally help to break it in and soften the material over time. As you use your wetsuit more frequently, the neoprene will gradually mold to your body shape, providing a more custom fit and greater comfort.To ensure the wetsuit material retains its flexibility for a extended period of time, it’s important to thoroughly soak and rinse the wetsuit. Soak the wetsuit in a tub of warm fresh water, not over 49°C (120°F), for at least 15 to 20 minutes.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.Zone3 Advance wetsuit can be used in water temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12 C°. International Triathlon Union (ITU) recommends that the maximum water temperature which the wetsuit can be used for racing is 22 C° so use of the wetsuit above this temperature is at the user’s risk.