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. 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.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.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.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.
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. Wetsuits should fit and feel tighter than clothing, and the wetsuit size you end up with may actually be one or two sizes bigger than your clothing size. So don’t rely on clothing size as an indicator for wetsuits! It’s also good to note that a perfect fitting wetsuit may take some work to get on and off.In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene.Just like with most things in life, wetsuits naturally lose warmth over time due to factors like neoprene degradation, frequent use, exposure to UV rays, and improper care.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.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.
Do wetsuits shrink or stretch in water?
Additionally, wetsuits may stretch slightly over time with repeated use, but this is usually minimal and does not result in significant shrinkage. 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. 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”.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 main factor when considering what wetsuit thickness you need is the water temperature. After all, a wetsuit’s first job is to keep you warm, and the colder it is, the thicker the wetsuit will need to be to perform!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.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.
Is a long or short wetsuit better?
Full wetsuits are more buoyant than short suits, which can make diving and swimming easier. This extra buoyancy will also help keep your head above water after a wipeout when you’re surfing, skiing, or wakeboarding. How to clean your wetsuit. The best (and easiest) way to clean your wetsuit is to rinse it with cold or lukewarm water after each surf. Make sure to rinse it on both sides until all sand, salt and dirt are gone. You can either wash it in the shower or dunk it in a large bucket of water.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.Rinse It on the Regular After each surf session rinse your wetsuit in a bucket, bath or shower of cold, fresh, non-salty water. Yes, for sure it’s tempting to get in the shower fully-suited and whack the heat up high, but it won’t do your wetsuit any good.
Can a woman wear a men’s wetsuit?
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. Wetsuits trap water between your skin and the suit, which is then warmed by your body heat. A ‘semi-dry suit’ won’t actually keep you dry, but wrist and ankle seals help lock in that layer of water. Both types must be skin tight to prevent cold water from ‘flushing’ away the warmth.When you first get into the water in a wetsuit, you’re still going to feel the cold water. A wetsuit works by letting water in between the neoprene and your skin, which your body then warms up. However, this can still cause cold water shock, especially for first-time wetsuit swimmers.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.Wetsuits are designed to be snug, but they should never cause pain or significantly restrict movement. If you feel uncomfortable or unable to move freely, it’s a sign that the wetsuit might not be the right size.You need to get in the water with it, they always loosen up in the water and will give you a better idea of if it fits. Wetsuits aren’t really meant to be worn around the house.
How do I know if my wetsuit fits properly?
The right fit is determined by the following: The suit should feel snug and slightly tight the first time you try it on. This is completely normal. Moving freely and being able to breath should obviously still be possible. 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.Rinse your suit in cool freshwater as soon as possible, washing it thoroughly – inside and out. With your suit inside out, hang it halfway through the middle of a clothes hanger. Don’t hang it from the neck or shoulders or they will stretch out. Hang your wetsuit in a shady place, ideally with a breeze.
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. Description. A rash guard shirt is usually worn by itself when surfing in weather too warm for a wetsuit to prevent chafing from sliding on and off of the waxed surface of the surf board.