Scuba Wetsuit Size -  A wetsuit guide on how to choose your scuba wetsuit 

This wetsuit size guide is meant to assist you when buying or trying on a wetsuit for the first time.  Choosing the right scuba wetsuit fit is essential if you want to feel comfortable underwater. Deciding on the right wetsuit size can be a daunting task especially for beginners and will often end up with wetsuit that is a size too large. However, If you understand the characteristics of wetsuits and how they are supposed to fit you, you will be on the right track to choosing one which fits you perfectly.

Forget the design and styles of a wetsuit. A great design may look cool but it does not necessarily mean that it will do it’s job in protecting you from the elements.

What you really need in a wetsuit, is a snug fit, period. When you are putting on a scuba wetsuit for the first time, you will think that a larger size will feel more comfortable. However for the wetsuit to work effectively, you will want a snug fit so that the wetsuit will fit you just like a second skin.

The wetsuit should be tight enough around your body to keep out any excessive water from entering your suit. Remember you do not want to have constant fresh cold water entering your wetsuit as it will be impossible for your body to heat up. 

Wetsuit size test

When wearing your wetsuit for the first time, you will also notice that it feels very different from wearing clothing and may feel quite strange in the beginning until you get used to it. Your movements may be slightly restricted with slightly bend arms and knees. No need to worry, as this is completely normal. You should know that, when a wetsuit it dry, it feels tighter than a wet one.  In time your scuba wetsuit will expand and will feel looser.

However, here are some pointers to look out for when testing out a wetsuit for the correct size:

 

• A right sized wetsuit will be one that fits you snugly and feels a bit tight all over

• Be sure to check that arm, leg and neck openings are tight enough to prevent excessive water from flushing into your suit. Make sure that the arms and legs are long enough to cover up the entire length of your limbs

• Check for any excess neoprene in places like under your arms, back, chest, shoulders, knees and crotch. Again here the wetsuit should be snugly fit in these areas of your body.

• Pull the neoprene away from your body. There should not be too much of a gap between the suit and your body. If this is the case then this wetsuit is too big.

• Avoid buying a wetsuit which is too tight. A tight wetsuit can be dangerous as it will cut your blood circulation and restricts your movement, making your dive extremely uncomfortable. To test if a wetsuit is too small, you will notice that when you put it on, it forces you to bend forward with your shoulders bent inward. A tight wetsuit will also restrict your breathing or may cause some pain in parts of your body. Another test to perform is to try crouching, bending over, jumping, moving your arms to see if there are any restrictions of movement. If you feel that you are too restricted, then try one size larger.

Scuba wetsuit Size chart

When buying a new wetsuit it is important that you refer to the correct wetsuit size chart. Just like clothing, styles and brands may differ in sizes. You may find a wetsuit which will be a Large in one style or brand but maybe a Medium Large in another. The most important thing, although you have to first refer to the wetsuit size chart, is to try it on. That is the only way you are going to know whether the wetsuit is a perfect fit.  Below is a wetsuit size chart which should be used for guidance when choosing your new scuba wetsuit.

Scuba Wetsuit Size Chart

Well that’s about it for choosing the perfect wetsuit fit. Hope you have enjoyed this article. Be sure to check out more of our wetsuit guides on: