How to Buy a Recreational Swimming Wetsuit
Lauren Collison January 27th, 2016 Posted In: How-To
How to Buy a Recreational Swimming Wetsuit
A basic recreational swimming wetsuit will help keep the chill off in the ocean or for when you’re playing around in the pool.
For general purpose water play, consider an entry-level wetsuit made of Standard Neoprene -or- 30% Stretch Neoprene. If you are swimming laps occasionally, a stretchier suit will be less restricting. Look for a 30-60-or 100% stretch suit depending on your budget. Basically, the stretchier the better!
If you are serious about lap swimming, you should instead consider a triathlon wetsuit. Check out our selection of triathlon wetsuits.
Depending on water temperature, you might need a full body wetsuit (fullsuit), a springsuit, or a top or bottom.
Use the Water Temperature Guide below to determine the type of recreational swim wetsuit you may need:
Learn about wetsuit thickness below!
Check out this video for more on neoprene types:
And, here’s some information on seam types!
Hi LoLo / Team,
I am 59 and overweight. I always snorkel on top of the water and never had a wetsuit. I will be going to the Big Island this Feb and according to what I can find water temp is between 73-78 F and thinking I may need one for this trip – not sure of thickness and suit size. What do you recommend? Is a two piece better for my size?
Height 66″
Weight 245 #
Chest 51″
Waist 51″
Hips 47″
Neck 16″
Inseam 28.5″
Thanks,
Al
Hi Al. Thanks for reaching out. For snorkeling in those water temps, I’d suggest a shorty. If you’re looking for something simple but to also get a good fit, this short john in a grizzly large would be great https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/17259-02.html#.Y7R4otXMLcs
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and only plan to use it for one trip, this could work https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/MS200.html#.Y7R4YdXMLcs Most likely in a 4XL.
Hope this helps. If you have more questions, reach out to our cusotmer service department via email or phone.
Email: service@wetsuitwearhouse.com
Toll-free number: 866-906-7848
Can you advise me? I am 78 years old and find my pool a bit too cold. I would like to purchase a wet suit jacket that is very flexible and easy to swim and do aerobics in. Since swimming helps arthritis, movement is very important. I do not do straight laps, but various exercises worked into a lap. Also – I am overweight so I do not want anything “sexy”.
What do you think?
I’m going to send you a private email, Laura. (:
Hi make sure it has a full zipper they can be hard to get off at your age,you dont want a full suit or a pull over that you may need helping getting on and off,i just checked ebay theres a xxxl camo jacket full zipper,25$bid 15 shipping.looks new.
And you can use as out of water jacket if its super cold.they really hold heat in shockingly so.
Because of how hard they are to remove you might want to start with hood gloves and feet.try searchs like neoprine gloves socks hood.jacket check ebay cheap.also thift stores often have wetsuits for like 20$
Hello,
I read your blog in a quick and non efficient way. I didn’t find the answer I was looking for. I found your views very interesting, points are great too, thank you for your post. It helped me understand a little into what I was looking for. I hope you carry on with your views and different ways of wording your initial subject/subjects. Enjoy reading your book in hot summer days, it’s when you’re most alive in the most ways you can be.
Regards,
Marco
Thanks for the feedback, Marco. What answer were you looking for? I might be able to help…