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How to Choose a Wetsuit Size
Lauren Belt January 28th, 2016 Posted In: How-To
Selecting the correct wetsuit size can be tough, especially for first time wetsuit buyers. Wetsuits fit tighter than clothing, and the wetsuit size will usually be one or two sizes bigger than clothing. Even a perfect fitting wetsuit will be a bit tough to get on and off; it has to be that way, since wetsuits work by trapping water between the suit and skin, creating an insulating layer of water warmed by body heat.
Use these following tips to make sure you buy the right wetsuit size:
Selecting a wetsuit size based on weight alone is unreliable. We highly recommend using body measurements whenever possible.
Sizing for Full Wetsuits and Springsuits:
- Height and chest are the most important measurements.
- Measure your chest at the widest point, with the tape gently snug.
- Regarding length, it’s generally 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.
Sizing for Wetsuit Tops:
- The chest measurement is most important.
- Height is less important for tops, so as long as it’s close the fit should work.
Sizing for Wetsuit Shorts:
- Waist measurement is most important.
- Height is irrelevant for short sizing.
Sizing for Boots:
- Order your regular shoe size. If you are a half size, round DOWN to the nearest whole size.
- Wetsuit boots are not made in half sizes. Neoprene (wetsuit material) is stretchy and will stretch a half size.
- Wetsuit boots should fit slightly tighter than regular shoes.
Sizing for Gloves:
- Measure around your palm.
- 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!
Lauren Belt
Merchandiser at Wetsuit Wearhouse
Lauren (LoLo) has been picking out the latest and greatest wetsuits and being the social media queen 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, practicing yoga, studying holistic nutrition or reading a good book outside on a beautiful day.
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Hi Lauren,
I’m 168cm 168pounds – eek
chest size is 99cm
I want a wetsuit for river/lake swimming in the UK in winter – water temperatures go down to around 42F
Can you advise?
Hi Helen,
Those are definitely chilly water temps! I would recommend a size XL in this women’s full wetsuit for open water swimming: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/HCAOF6A.html. I would also recommend that you wear a wetsuit hood, gloves, and booties or socks as 42F is really cold and we don’t want your extremities to get chilly either! Let me know if you need additional help.
Hello,
This will be my first wetsuit. I’m 6’0, 145 lbs and my chest is around 36” and my waist is 29”. Which wetsuit size am I because my body doesn’t exactly fit into one category?
Thank you
Hi Omar,
What watersport were you planning to use the wetsuit for? That’ll help me figure out what wetsuit and wetsuit size to recommend to you.
Thanks!
Hi, thanks for your post, its really helpful! I’m 5ft 9, 55kg, chest 85cm, waist 68cm, hips 95cm. Most of the wetsuits i’ve looked at seem to be too short for me to get the right waist measurements. I was wondering what you would recommend? I’ll be surfing in Donegal so hoping for a 5mm thickness.
Hi Genevieve,
I would highly recommend this fullsuit for surfing: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/14161W.html in a size 8T. I think this would work perfectly for you!
Hi lauren! i’m 5’9, 135 pounds and wear a 32 cup size what size should i get?
Hey Megan,
What’s your chest measurement in inches? We actually don’t go off of bra size. Also, what watersport are you looking to use the wetsuit for? Thanks!
Hi Lauren,
I am really struggling to find out what size suit to get. I am 5ft 5, with similar sizing to Alice above – (jumping on the bandwagon here – but you seem to give good advice 🙂 ) I think my chest size is 39 inches
Many thanks,
Kylie
Hey Kylie!
Thanks for reaching out. What water sport do you plan on using the wetsuit for? My best suggestion is to definitely go off of your bust measurement first and then your height and weight. Each product on our website has a size chart (per the manufacturer) that you can base those measurements off of to help you figure out a size. Hope that little bit of info helps, let me know!
I’m 6’5 235lbs broad shoulders trying to figure out size, all the sites have two measurements, for example 176×18. Is that a measurement of neck to ankle? And then chest? I wakesurf/wakeboard and it’s getting cold hahaha
Hey Justen,
When choosing a wetsuit size, first go off of your chest measurement. Not sure where you’re seeing the 176×18 example but that’s not how our manufacturers set-up their size charts. What water temps are you wakesurfing/wakeboarding in as well?
Thanks!
G’Day
Could someone please help me I’m looking at buying a wetsuit but I can’t seem to find the right size..My bust is 102cm , waist 92cm , height 158cm, hips 106cm, weight 67kg.
The water temperature l will be swimming in is quite cool so they say by wearing a 2mm to 3/2mm springsuit or full wetsuit with flatlock seam..
Hoping you can help me
Susan
Hi Susan,
I would recommend this 3/2mm flatlock fullsuit https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/2490.html in a size 10 for swimming. Hope that helps and let us know if you can do anything else. Thank you!
Hi Lauren I what to start wild swimming I just need help with sizing a wetsuit I’m 5foot 9 have a 46in chest 42 in waist
Hi Darren,
Are you still interested in finding a wetsuit for open water swimming? Thank you!
Hi Lauren,
I am 5ft 4 and need a wetsuit for one week surfing in Cornwall. I am 77 kg and size 14 on chest and size 16 in waist (29inch). What size will you suggest please.
Hey Alice,
Thanks for reaching out! What is your chest measurement in inches? I see that you wrote size 14 but I just want to make sure I get this right. Also, what will the water temperatures be like for surfing in Cornwall?
Thanks!
Hi Lauren. Can you help me find the right size Roxy wetsuit for my wife. She is 6 foot, 140lbs, 36A bust. Having trouble figuring out for someone that tall and skinny. thanks for your help!!
Hi Brian,
What is your wife’s chest measurement in inches? We don’t go off of bra measurements, but actual chest in inches! It seems like she could fit into this Roxy wetsuit in a size 10T, pending her chest measurement: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/SA301WG.html
I am 5’7″, 165 pounds, waist 41inches, living in Florida and do exercises in my pool daily for one hour. Iam 78 and have played tennis at a very high level and biked for 10 years till both my knees gave out in addition to being a gym rat since my 30’s. I would love to continue doing pool exercises in my outdoor pool this winter as at my age, the gym pool is no longer an option for me. I am unsure what size suit and which brand but am positive I would need a front zipper suit. I would need shoes to keep warm and appreciate your recommendations.
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out and good for you for your fitness! What is your chest measurement? And what are the water temps for your pool? Thanks!