How to Choose a Wet Suit

An ill-fitting wet suit can leave you chilly, uncomfortable or overexerted. Choose wisely.

Things You'll Need

  • Wet Suits
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Instructions

  1. Learn the Lingo

    • 1

      Understand that most wet suits are differentiated by the thickness of their neoprene material, measured in millimeters.

    • 2

      Recognize "shorties" as wet suits that cover the torso and have short sleeves and leggings.

    • 3

      Know that "steamers" are full wet suits covering all but your head, feet and hands.

    • 4

      Realize that a "farmer John" is not someone in the agriculture business, but a full wet suit with wide shoulder straps and no arms. These are generally sold with an outer jacket.

    • 5

      Understand that a "convertible" is a steamer with removable arms.

    • 6

      Know that wet suits come in combos like 6-4-3 (6mm torso, 4mm arms and 3mm leggings).

    • 7

      Recognize that "dry suits" have attached booties and watertight (in theory) seals around the wrists and neck, allowing the wearer to don thermal clothes underneath.

    • 8

      Practice throwing out phrases like, "Rad four-mill steamer, dude!" (Translation: "That sure is a swell-looking, 4-millimeter-thick, full wet suit, my friend.")

    Decide by Sport and Climate

    • 9

      Realize that a 2mm shorty will suffice for any sport in warm weather and water.

    • 10

      Know that surfers and sailboarders prefer wet suits with thin arms for easy paddling and movement. The 5-3 is a popular combo (5mm torso, 3mm arms/legs).

    • 11

      Remember that cold-water scuba divers rarely dive with less than a 5mm and often choose dry suits.

    Choose a Proper Fit

    • 12

      Pull on the wet suit in a dry environment.

    • 13

      Breathe in deeply.

    • 14

      Make sure neither the neck nor chest is too tight for easy breathing.

    • 15

      Stretch your arms and legs ' the wet suit should remain tight at the cuffs and neck.

    • 16

      Check to see that the suit is form-fitting, without loose folds or bubbles.

    • 17

      Enter the water.

    • 18

      Allow the suit to fill.

    • 19

      Wait until the trapped layer of water warms.

    • 20

      Swim about and observe whether too much water sloshes in and out of the suit, making you too cool.

    • 21

      Choose a good fastener; some suits are zipperless, while others have zippers on the chest or back.