Is it okay if a wetsuit is a little big?
If your wetsuit is too big, several issues can arise: Water Flow: A wetsuit needs to fit snugly to minimize water flow. If it’s too big, water can enter and exit the suit more easily, which reduces insulation and can make you feel cold. 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.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.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.Modern wetsuits aren’t just warm – they’re engineered for performance. Whether you’re racing in your first sprint triathlon or aiming for a PR in open water, the right wetsuit can help you swim faster, more efficiently, and with less fatigue.Unfortunately, a wetsuit that is too thick does have a few downsides. It doesn’t allow you to lose excess heat and can make you feel too hot. Additionally, the thick neoprene fabric on the arms and legs can limit your range of movement, which is not what you want when surfing, swimming, windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Do wetsuits get bigger in water?
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. Your wetsuit should feel close-fitting but not uncomfortable or overly-restrictive and you should be able to move in it. Wetsuits do feel slightly looser once you get in the water and water is allowed into them, too.Also, a suit that is too tight will put a lot of stress on the wetsuit, causing the neoprene to thin out and the seams to leak and break down faster. If the suit is too big, it might be easy to get into, but in the water, it’s not going to function properly.Never put your wetsuit in the washing machine. Never use normal laundry detergent. Do not dry your wetsuit in direct sunlight. This is a quick way to shorten the lifespan of your wetsuit as it will break down the neoprene.Avoid Vaseline You probably know this already but just to repeat, don’t use Vaseline or other petroleum-based lubricants with your wetsuit. Most wetsuit manufacturers will tell you that doing so voids the suit’s warranty because it’s proven to degrade neoprene.Rinse your wetsuit in clean fresh water after each use (warm or cold is fine! Turn it inside out and allow it to completely dry away from direct sunlight before turning it back right side out. To store your wetsuit it is best to hang on a wide suit-style jacket hanger to avoid creasing.
Do Xcel wetsuits run big or small?
Although we find the Xcel size charts to be quite accurate, they are to be used as a general guide and if your measurements fall between sizes, we suggest choosing the next largest size. Wetsuits are so stretchy that you may feel that it fits even if it is actually too small. If your wetsuit is too big, the fabric will wrinkle and produce gaps which will allow the water in. People can be tempted to choose a wetsuit that is too big due to the ease of getting it on and off, but don’t be fooled, this will provide more pain than gain in the long run!As you go deeper underwater, the air compresses. This means that it takes up less space. The neoprene of the wetsuit will therefore compress during the way down. The thickness of the neoprene of your wetsuit will decrease and you will have a thinner protection between your skin and the cold water.So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently. Also wearing anything under an already tight-fitting wetsuit will reduce flexibility, so if you want the maximum range of movement in your wetsuit, it’s probably best to wear nothing under it.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. Pleasure and pain, however, are never far apart.
Do wetsuits shrink when wet?
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. It’s only exposure to hot water, such as that from a hot tub or overly hot wash, that can cause shrinkage. 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.A good-fitting wetsuit is easier to put on If you want to put on your wetsuit easily and fully enjoy your time in the water, finding a proper-fitting wetsuit is key. A wetsuit that is too small is harder to put on and won’t be as comfortable during your activity in the water.If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”. Water sloshing around in your wetsuit isn’t conducive to you being the best you. You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad.If your wetsuit feels slightly tight in certain areas, there are safe methods to gently stretch the material. Soaking the wetsuit in warm water before wearing it can temporarily increase its elasticity, making it easier to put on and adjust.
Does a wetsuit make a big difference?
So, if you’re not a particularly floaty person wearing a wetsuit might make you feel less “sinky” in the water and can make swimming feel a little easier (and sometimes faster). If you’re a naturally buoyant person wearing too thick a wetsuit might make you too floaty. That, in turn, can make it harder to swim. More Buoyancy 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 Should a Wetsuit Fit? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited.Your body heats that water, and the neoprene helps retain the warmth. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water.For different top and bottom sizes, we recommend opting for a larger alternative of up to two sizes. Women’s wetsuits can sometimes feel slightly constricted around the neck, but this will feel more comfortable once you’re in the water.
How to soften a wetsuit?
One effective method to soften a wetsuit is to soak it in a tub filled with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the neoprene to absorb moisture and become more supple. After soaking, gently massage the wetsuit to help distribute the moisture evenly throughout the material. If you haven’t used your wetsuit in a while (eg since last winter) give it a rinse in fresh water then dry before your first use. This will soften the rubber and reduce the risk of damage when you go to use it again.Soak It. As soon as you can, soak your wetsuit in cold or lukewarm freshwater (hot water can cause the suit to lose flexibility) with a mild solution of baking soda or wetsuit shampoo.Rinsing your suit after every use will help keep it fresh, but when it becomes stiff and smelly, it’s time to reach for the cleaner. The steps for cleaning your wetsuit are simple: Get a wetsuit cleaner and a tub of cool water; then stir in the cleaner.Despite their name, wetsuits do not entirely dry you out. They instead produce a thin water barrier between the suit and your skin. After reaching body temperature, this layer becomes an insulating barrier. Wetsuits maintain this layer of warmth to keep you warm even when you’re submerged in chilly water.Cotton underwear, for example, is not a good idea: it absorbs water, dries slowly, and can cause chafing as you move. Loose-fitting clothing is also not recommended, as it can bunch up and fold under your wetsuit, which not only feels uncomfortable but also affects the fit of the suit.
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. If your wetsuit feels slightly tight in certain areas, there are safe methods to gently stretch the material. Soaking the wetsuit in warm water before wearing it can temporarily increase its elasticity, making it easier to put on and adjust.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.Can you swim in a 5mm wetsuit? Yes, you can swim in a 5mm neoprene thickness, but it depends on the activity and conditions: Pros: A 5mm wetsuit provides excellent insulation, making it ideal for cold water swimming.Neoprene Tops and Shorts 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.You should always consider personal comfort and the sizing guidelines, but if you’re between sizes, it’s usually recommended to go with the smaller size. This helps ensure a snug fit and comfort underwater. Just remember, it’s essential that the wetsuit is not too tight.