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How To Size A Wetsuit

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If you are a fan of watersports such as surfing, kitesurfing, diving, or any type of water activities, then it might be a good idea to invest in a good wetsuit!

Wetsuits are perfect for those who love being in the water as they protect the skin from sunburn, any injuries, and stingers in the water! 

The only problem is finding one that fits just right. Wetsuits are generally very snug to the body, and so they can sometimes be a little uncomfortable.

You just have to hit that sweet spot between just tight enough, and not too tight that you can’t move!

To ensure that you have the right fit, you will have to get the correct sized wetsuit. Luckily, with our guide, you will learn exactly what size wetsuit you should be wearing, and how to size a wetsuit.

How to size a wetsuit

How to size a wetsuit

If you want the right size wetsuit, then it is all about the fit. A wetsuit, when properly worn, should fit like a second skin. This means that it should be tight enough that it keeps you really snug inside, but not too tight that your range of movement is restricted. 

Therefore, there should be no gaps in the nooks of your body such as under the arms or behind the knees. You will not want a lot of space inside a wetsuit, as you do not want much water to get inside.

A good way to check if the wetsuit is the right size is to ensure that there are no gaps by your lower back. This means that there should be no excess wetsuit where your lower back is, and it should fit tight and closely to the body. This is particularly important in the lower back, as the wetsuit needs to fit well here to keep the kidneys warm. 

With your kidneys warm, you will be able to pump warm blood around the body, keeping your body temperature right, and safe in the water. If there is a little loose wetsuit around the arms then it is not the end of the world, you just do not want it to be too baggy. 

The wetsuit should also be high and fitted around the neck, so that there is no risk of water getting into and flooding the wetsuit. A little water is unavoidable, but you do not want it so loose that a lot of water can get into the wetsuit and fill up with water. 

The most important thing is being able to move in your wetsuit. You should not wear a wetsuit that restricts your range of motion, or prevents you from moving in anyway. This can be highly dangerous when out on the water, so you need one that is tight, snug, yet allows you to be flexible. 

What size wetsuit should I wear?

When measuring up for a wetsuit, there is an easy way to check if it is the right size for you. All you have to do is hold the wetsuit onto the back of the user, and check to see if the length of the wetsuit goes from the shoulders all the way to the ankles. 

Most wetsuits are made from neoprene, which is incredibly flexible, versatile and molds to the shape of your body. That being said, you should always purchase a wetsuit that is close to your suitable clothing size, so that it is not too tight on your body. 

As a rough guide, we can take a look at the O’Neill wetsuit size guides for both women and men.

The great thing about some wetsuit retailers such as O’Neill, is that they offer sizes for regular, small and tall people, so that you do not have to size up or down just because of your height. This ensures that you are wearing your true size. 

Women’s O’Neill Wetsuit Size Guide

SizeWeightHeight
290-100 lbs5’1 – 5’3
4100-115 lbs5’3 – 5’5
6S105-120 lbs5’2.5- 5’4.5
6110-125 lbs5’4 – 5’6
8S115-130 lbs5’3.5 – 5’5.5
8120-135 lbs5’5 – 5’7
8T125-140 lbs5’6.5 – 5’8.5
10S125- 145 lbs5’4.5 – 5’6.5
10130-150 lbs5’6 – 5’8
10T135-155 lbs5’7.5 – 5’9.5
12140-160 lbs5’7 – 5’9
14150-170 lbs5’9 – 5’11
16165 – 185 lbs5’0 – 6’0

Men’s O’Neill Wetsuit Size Guide

SizeWeightHeight
2XS115 – 130 lbs5’6 – 5’8
XS125 – 140 lbs5’7 – 5’9
S135 – 155 lbs5’8 – 5’10
ST145 – 165 lbs6’0 – 6’2
M150 – 170 lbs5’9 to 5’11
MS140 – 160 lbs5’6.5 – 5’8.5
MT160 – 180 lbs6’1 – 6’3
L170 – 190 lbs5’10 – 6’0
LS160 – 180 lbs5’7.5 – 5’9.5
LT180 – 200 lbs6’2 – 6’4
XL190- 210 lbs5’11 – 6’1
XLS180 – 200 lbs5’8.5 – 5’10.5
XLT200 – 220 lbs6’3 – 6’5
2XL210 – 230 lb6’0 – 6’2
3XL230 – 250 lbs6’0 – 6’2

Should a wetsuit be baggy?

No, a wetsuit should not be baggy. If there is lots of room inside the wetsuit, then this will allow water to flow in too easily. With water flowing inside, it will slow you down and restrict how fast you can move in the water.

However, a wetsuit that is too tight can make it harder to swim properly, and feel too restrictive. 

How do I know if my wetsuit is too small?

A simple way to tell if your wetsuit is too small is to lift your knee up with the wetsuit on. If this pulls a lot around the hips and thighs when you move your legs, then the wetsuit is too tight.

The same goes for if you move your arms. If you feel some pulling, then you should probably go up a size in wetsuits.

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