Wetsuits are commonly used to keep you warm in open-water swimming, scuba diving and surfing when the water temperature is cold. They can also help protect you from the elements in the water. To get the most out of your wetsuit, you need to get the proper fit, size and style for your needs.
Step 1
Determine what type of wetsuit you need. Depending on the sport and climate, you can choose from:
Full-suit. These are suits with long sleeves and full legs, covering you from your neck to your wrists to your ankles. If the water temperature is below 60 degrees, you will probably want one of these.
Spring-suit. These are knee length with long sleeves or full legs with short sleeves. If the water temperature is above 60 degrees, you will probably want this option.
Shorty. This option has shorts sleeves and short legs, and is meant for water temperatures closer to 70 degrees and above.
Step 2
Aside from the styles, you also need to consider the thickness of the suit. Wetsuits are measured in millimeters denoting the thickness of the neoprene (rubber material that most suits are made from). The higher the number, the thicker the suit and the warmer it will be. The thickness will be labeled for the chest and arms/legs. For example, a 5/3 would mean 5 mm around the chest, and 3 mm around the arms and legs.
Step 3
Go to a store that specializes in your sport. It is important to find a wetsuit that is made for your particular sport. If you need one for surfing, go to a local surf shop where the suits are made for surfing and the employees know how to help you find the right one.
Step 4
Try on several options to get the best-fitting one. Most wetsuit brands have sizing charts you can refer to. Different brands are cut differently, so try on sizes that are bigger and smaller than what you think you might need. Wetsuits are meant to be snug, not overly tight. It should be form fitting and you should be able to breathe easily. You do not want any looseness around your armpits, shoulders or crotch. You should have adequate mobility, especially in your arms, because this is where you will be doing your paddling or swimming. Make windmills with both arms forward and backward to test your movement.
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