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. When the suit is too large and the material piles up in certain areas, cold water seeps in and runs through the suit (a phenomenon known as flushing). A wetsuit that is too small, however, is too tight and can restrict your freedom of movement 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.If the suit is too big, it might be easy to get into, but in the water, it’s not going to function properly.
Should a wetsuit be tight or loose?
You want your wetsuit to be tight everywhere, but it is most important that your wetsuit fits snuggly over the lower back and core. Big gaps in the back or over your chest will fill up with water and make you cold. 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.Note that the wetsuit will stretch out slightly after wearing it, just like a pair of jeans. Your waist should fit right, but it’s okay if it’s slightly tight or loose, there is no chance of water coming into your suit at the waist area. However, a snug fit is best.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.Use Gloves: Wetsuits can be scratched pretty easily, so make sure you take care while pulling your suit up. Trim your nails or wear gloves, and try keeping the suit inside out as much as possible while you pull it up. Ensure You’re 100% Dry: We don’t recommend putting on your wetsuit while you’re wet.
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. If your wetsuit is too thin for the water or weather temperature you will be cold, shivering and not at peak performance. On the other hand if your wetsuit is too thick for the occasion, you may find yourself over heating and carrying unnecessary resistance.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.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.An excellent way to tell if your wetsuit fits well is to ensure there is little or no excess neoprene on the lower back. The body of your suit must fit well to your body, with the lower back protecting and keeping your kidneys warm. If your kidneys stay warm, then you will continue to pump warm blood around your body.In colder waters, 6mm to 7mm diving wetsuits are your reliable companions. These thicker suits offer superior insulation, keeping you comfortable and warm even in chilly depths.
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. 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.How right fitting should a wetsuit be? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) 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.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.While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction.
Do I need a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
The 5mm is usually forgotten about as people usually select the 7mm for cold water/winter season and the 3mm for summer/warm tropical waters. 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. When you first put on a wetsuit, it may feel extremely tight. While wetsuits are designed to be quite snug, you should not feel excessively uncomfortable or claustrophobic while wearing it.Next up it’s the 5mm wetsuit. It’s a perfect wetsuit that will suit most diving conditions. The 5mm is usually forgotten about as people usually select the 7mm for cold water/winter season and the 3mm for summer/warm tropical waters.Thicker wetsuits may reduce this range of motion slightly, so take this into account before going up a size in 5mm and 7mm suits. Seals at your neck, wrists, and ankles should be snug but not too tight, and the suit should conform to your body everywhere.Because water loosens neoprene, wetsuits stretch more once wet. The first time you wear a wetsuit, or wear it again once fully dried, it will have less give until moistened again. Soaking in warm water can loosen the fabric, but this can also reduce overall elasticity over the long term.A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the wetsuit.
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. F. Booties are optional but highly recommended. A premium 3/2 mm wetsuit also works well for this temperature range. Suggested wetsuits to consider are the RB1 Accelerator 4/3 Fullsuit for Men and RBZ Stealth Mode 4/3 Fullsuit for Women.A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.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.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.