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How to Choose a Wetsuit Size

   November 22nd, 2023   Posted In: How-To  

Selecting the correct wetsuit size can be tough, especially for first time buyers. Wetsuits should fit and feel tighter than clothing, and the wetsuit size you end up with may actually be one or two sizes bigger than your clothing size. Even a perfect fitting wetsuit may take some work to get on and off. 

Use these following tips to make sure you buy the right wetsuit size:

Selecting a wetsuit size based on height and weight alone is unreliable. We highly recommend using body measurements whenever possible.

How to size for Full Wetsuits and Springsuits:

  • Height and chest are the most important measurements, but it’s generally best to use height, weight, chest, and waist to get the best fit.
  • Make sure your body is relaxed while measuring. Do not suck in. 
  • You’ll want to measure your chest at the widest point, with the tape gently snug.
  • Your waist should be measured where it would generally curve inward, or near the belly button.
  • Regarding length, it’s OK if the suit is a little on the long side. It’s generally NOT OK if the suit is too short. It will likely be uncomfortable in the crotch and neck.
  • If in between two sizes, take the larger size.

Wetsuit Tops sizing tips:

  • The chest and waist measurements are most important.
  • Height is less important for tops, so as long as it’s close, the fit should work.

Wetsuit Shorts sizing tips: 

  • Waist measurement is most important.
  • Height is irrelevant for short sizing.

Sizing for Boots:

  • Order your regular shoe size. Since wetsuit boots are not typically made in half sizes and you are a half size, round UP to the nearest whole size for most brands. If you’re unsure, just reach out to one of our wetsuit experts and we’ll be happy to help.
  • Wetsuit boots should feel snug and fit tighter than regular shoes. 
  • You do not want your toes feeling crunched.

Sizing for Gloves:

  • If in between sizes, round down to the smaller size.

Need help figuring out your size? Call (866-906-7848), E-mail (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com), or chat with one of our wetsuit experts for sizing advice. We’re happy to help!

Editor’s Note:

This article was originally published in 2016 and has since been reviewed and updated.

Lauren (LoLo) has been turning words into blog posts for Wetsuit Wearhouse since 2014. She learned to surf for the first time ever in Costa Rica but she gravitates more towards SUP. When she's not scouring the web for travel deals, you can find her either hiking, running, gardening, tending to her animals, or reading a good book outside on a beautiful day.

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7 Comments

  • Al says:

    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

  • Laura Lister says:

    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?

    • Crysta Goff says:

      I’m going to send you a private email, Laura. (:

    • John Gross says:

      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$bid 15 shipping.looks new.
      And you can use as out of water jacket if its super cold.they really hold heat in shockingly so.
      Because of how hard they are to remove you might want to start with hood gloves and feet.try searchs like neoprine gloves socks hood.jacket check ebay cheap.also thift stores often have wetsuits for like 20$

  • Marco says:

    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

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