Finding the correct wetsuit size can be a tricky process, but it is so important to have a wetsuit that fits you well when diving. Having a wetsuit that is too big can mean that too much cold water will enter the suit and will not keep you warm for very long. Becoming cold underwater is not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to hypothermia. Similarly, having a wetsuit that is too tight can be very uncomfortable when trying to move underwater. This can restrict circulation which can affect coordination and make you feel tired more quickly.
We are going to look at how to choose the perfect wetsuit size, so you will always be warm and comfortable when scuba diving.
General Wetsuit Size
What are the most common wetsuit sizes available?
Most wetsuit brands offer general sizes of S to XXL in both male and female versions that fit anatomically to our varying body shapes. For instance, the male sizes will generally have broader shoulders, and the womens will have more space in the hips. It’s good to choose a sex-specific wetsuit to get the best fit. You can use the brand’s size chart when browsing a website to compare your measurements to the measurements they use to make the wetsuits.
How to Read a Wetsuit Size Chart
There are some standard measurements to take when it comes to wetsuit sizing. These are your height, weight, chest, and waist measurements. Once you have your measurements, you can look at the wetsuit size guide and find the perfect size for you by matching your measurements.
It’s important to check the size chart for the specific brand of wetsuit that you want to buy because sizes can vary from brand to brand. For example a Women’s Medium for one brand might be smaller than a competing brand: therefore, you might have to choose a Women’s Large instead.
What if I’m in Between Sizes?
There are some wetsuit brands that offer in-between sizes such as a “Long” or “Short” version of standard sizes. Alternatively you can try a different brand whose wetsuits might fit you better in the same size. It all depends on varying body shapes and sizes.
How Should a Wetsuit Fit?
There are a few ways to tell if a wetsuit is a good fit for you. To know the importance of a correctly fitting wetsuit, first we need to understand how a wetsuit works…
How do wetsuits work?
Wetsuits are designed to fit quite tight, but still allow some water inside. This water stays in the small gap between the wetsuit and your body. It gets heated naturally by your body to insulate and keep you warm while diving. This only works with a small amount of water, though. A wetsuit that is too large will allow too much water to enter the suit, and your body simply can’t warm that amount.
The wetsuit itself is made up of layers to help keep you warm, too. The wetsuit works under the same principle as adding layers to your clothing on a cold winter’s day. Multiple layers of thinner material on top of each other works better to warm you up than one thick layer. The layers of the wetsuit trap air in between them which act as an insulator, too. One of these wetsuit layers is neoprene; a rubbery material that contains trapped air bubbles which are a great insulator. This combination of factors is how a wetsuit keeps you warm underwater.
How should it fit?
Now that we know how a wetsuit works, we can understand why getting the perfect fit is so important. The wetsuit should fit snugly against the skin. It’s important to check that there are no baggy areas: these are usually around the neck or stomach areas.
Ensure that the wetsuit has a good seal on your neck, wrists, and ankles, as these are the places that water will enter the suit from. Although a tight fit is the key to staying warm, it is equally important that the wetsuit isn’t too tight. This can lead to a restriction of circulation which can bring on fatigue and affect your coordination. It’s also just generally uncomfortable.
A well fitting wetsuit should feel like a second skin: snug, comfortable, and easy to move in.
Find My Size on Scuba.com
We have exciting news! Scuba.com just implemented new AI technology to help you find your perfect wetsuit size.
- Look for the “Find My Size” feature on each product page.
- Fill in your measurements (age, height, weight, pant waist).
- Find My Size will recommend the best size for you.
- Select the preferred size, then “Add to Cart.”
Scuba.com has taken the guesswork out of shopping for wetsuits. The technology is powered by Bold Metrics, which uses Artificial Intelligence to calculate the best fit based on your inputs. As wetsuit sizes vary by manufacturer and style, this simplifies the process by utilizing millions of data points. It can accurately predict the correct size for you based on hundreds of styles from top brands—so you can quickly dive into the water with your new wetsuit.
Having a perfectly fitting wetsuit can make the difference between a comfortable and an uncomfortable dive. Being uncomfortable, cold, or feeling restricted on a dive can take the joy out of an activity that you love so much. So, make sure you have the perfect wetsuit! And now it couldn’t be easier to find the perfect wetsuit size with help from Scuba.com.
