How to Shorten a Wet Suit

Before you dive in the water and enjoy the buoyancy of your wet suit, you have to make sure that it fits correctly. Fit is one of the most important factors when choosing a suit; an ill-fitting one will hinder performance and cause discomfort. If the suit is too long, you can make minor adjustments and alterations on your own, saving you time and money.

Things You'll Need

  • Tailor's chalk
  • Ruler
  • Thick cardboard (box) or cutting board
  • Razor-blade knife
  • Large needle
  • Bonded nylon thread
  • Aquaseal urethane sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the wet suit inside out and lay it flat on a thick cardboard box or cutting board. This will protect your tabletop/surface from cuts.

    • 2

      Use the tailor's chalk to mark the neoprene fabric at the desired length. Mark the inside of the wet suit; use the ruler to guide your measurements and to straighten chalk lines. Make sure the length is the same on both sides.

    • 3

      Cut along the neoprene fabric with the razor-blade knife. Use the chalk marks as guides.

    • 4

      Stitch the side seams with the large needle and nylon thread. Secure all edges and completely cover the previous thread with new stitches to prevent fraying.

    • 5

      Apply Aquaseal urethane sealant to all ends, corners and edges of the areas you've shortened. The sealant will waterproof and increase the durability of the alterations.