How to Size a Wetsuit

A wetsuit is made to trap a very thin layer of water next to your skin and under the neoprene of the suit. The trapped water heats up as a result of your body temperature and prevents you from getting too cold, too fast. When sizing a wetsuit you need the purpose of the suit and activity you engage in when wearing it. For example, a wetsuit used for triathlons is fit slightly different than one for scuba diving or one for surfing.

Instructions

  1. Triathlon and Surfing Suits

    • 1

      Get your inseam, arm length, height and body weight. If you have longer arms, look at suits with "L" after the first letter (for example, go with Medium L, for long).

    • 2

      Step into the legs of the wetsuit. Push your arms through the sleeves and then slide your neck and head through the gasket on the neck. Reach behind you, grip the long zipper cord and pull up to zip the suit to your body.

    • 3

      Feel your crotch area and check for any excess neoprene or bagginess. If present, go with the next smaller size. Stretch your arms up and over and feel for any excess neoprene or bunching under the arms. If present, go with the next smaller size. Excess neoprene and fabric in these areas cause chaffing and rubbing for swimming and surfing use or if you spend lots of time in motion. When in doubt, go with the next smaller size.

    Scuba Wetsuit Sizing

    • 4

      Take your height, weight and inseam. Determine the average temperature of the water you dive in. If going into cold waters such as off the California coast, go with a minimum 7 mm wetsuit. Choose the suit using your inseam, height and weight. Go with thicker neoprene for warmth. Conversely, when using the suits in warm-water climates (Florida, Caribbean) go with 3 mm to 5 mm neoprene.

    • 5

      Step into the suit, feet and legs first. Push your arms through the sleeves, and then bring your head and neck up into the neck gasket. Reach behind you and bring the zipper cord up to the neck, sipping the suit closed.

    • 6

      Bend at the knee all the way down and check for excessive fabric around the knees, waist and hips. If too baggy, go with the next smaller size. Longer arms and legs need to go with "L" versions for your body size (SL, ML, LL, XLL).