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How to Buy a Wetsuit
Lauren Belt January 27th, 2016 Posted In: How-To Tags: Kayak, SCUBA, SUP, Surfing, Triathlon
How to Buy a Wetsuit for Your Sport of Choice
How to Buy a Wetsuit
Want to know how to buy a wetsuit? We’ve put together a wetsuit guide in order to make wetsuit buying a little less overwhelming!
First off, you’ll see a thickness at the beginning of a product (i.e. 3/2mm or 5/4/3mm). Wetsuit thickness is described in millimeters (mm) and the number is the thickness of the wetsuit material called neoprene.
The thicker the wetsuit, the more insulation it provides. However as the thickness increases, the heavier and more restrictive the wetsuit becomes. Hence, a 3/2mm wetsuit will give you much more range and flexibility compared to a 5/4/3mm wetsuit.
Every wetsuit also features a seam construction. This includes: Flatlock, Sealed, Sealed & Taped, and even Stitchless.
Flatlock:
Flatlock seams are great for warm water temps (65°F & up) as they do allow a thin layer of water to enter the wetsuit. The interior and exterior seams look like railroad tracks, but the interior is flat and comfortable against the skin.
Sealed (Glued & Blindstitched):
Sealed seams are great for cold water temps (55°F & up)! The exterior seam looks similar to flatlock but is narrower in width and the interior seam often has a glue line along the seam. Very little water will seep through these seams.
Sealed & Liquid Taped (Glued Blindstitched & Taped):
Sealed & Taped seams are great for very cold water temps (55°F & below). These seams have the same construction as sealed seams but there’s taping along either the interior seam or exterior seam (or sometimes on both sides.) This taping reinforces seams and prevents water from seeping through.
Stitchless:
Stitchless seams are featured in some super high-end wetsuits. The panels of neoprene are fused and glued together instead of the neoprene panels being pierced. This creates a lighter, flexible, and more durable seam.
With all of this in mind, here’s handy wetsuit guide to ease the guessing of what wetsuit you need:
Switch to Celsius
| 40°+ | 48°+ | 52°+ | 58°+ | 60°+ | 65°+ | 72°+ | 80°+ | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Watersports (Surf, Wake, Kite, Etc.) | 6/5/4mm Sealed | 5/4/3mm Sealed | 4/3mm Sealed & Taped | 4/3mm Sealed | 3/2mm Sealed | 3/2mm Flatlock |
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| SCUBA |
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| Triathlon & Lap Swimming | 5/3mm Full | 5/3mm John | Neoprene Vest | |||||||||||||||||||
| Kayak & Paddle | 5/4/3mm Sealed | 4/3mm Sealed | 3/2mm Sealed | 3/2mm Flatlock | Neoprene Top | Neoprene Vest | Rash Guard | |||||||||||||||
| General Watersports (Surf, Wake, Kite, Etc.) | SCUBA | Triathlon & Lap Swimming | Kayak & Paddle | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40°+ | 6/5/4mm Sealed |
| 5/3mm Full | 5/4/3mm Sealed | ||||
| 48°+ | 5/4/3mm Sealed | 4/3mm Sealed | ||||||
| 52°+ | 4/3mm Sealed & Taped |
| 3/2mm Sealed | |||||
| 58°+ | 4/3mm Sealed |
| 5/3mm John | 3/2mm Flatlock | ||||
| 60°+ | 3/2mm Sealed |
| Neoprene Top | |||||
| 65°+ | 3/2mm Flatlock |
| ||||||
| 72°+ |
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| Neoprene Vest | |||||
| 80°+ |
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| Neoprene Vest | Rash Guard |
Neoprene Types:
The grade (or type) of neoprene used for a wetsuit also affects the feel and performance. Most suits today are made of super stretch neoprene for a better fit and flexibility. Neoprene types can be broken down into Standard, Good, Great, and Superior.
Standard is your least stretchy type of neoprene but is still durable and affordable. These suits are great for general water and rental use as well as industrial applications.
Good has more flexibility than standard and the super stretch neoprene is in flex areas like the shoulders and underarms. These suits are great for entry-level performance water sports and for wetsuit users who don’t want to break the bank!
Great has super stretch neoprene throughout the entire suit thus creating a better fit and performance. You can wear these suits a couple of times a week or more!
Superior suits are made of the highest grade of super-stretch neoprene throughout the entire suit and have a higher price range. Great for serious water sport enthusiasts and pros!
Then there’s the inner lining of a wetsuit. This can increase the insulation as well as the cost of a wetsuit. Most wetsuits now use poly fleece as the lining. The poly fleece is a microfiber that helps wick water away from your skin and effectively keeps you drier faster.
Still unsure or feel overwhelmed on how to buy a wetsuit? We get it and that’s why we’re here for you! Call us at 866-906-7848, email us at service@wetsuitwearhouse.com, or hit us up on live chat!
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.
Latest posts by Lauren Belt (see all)
- Do Wetsuits Keep You Warm? - March 13, 2021
- Dangers Of Cold Water Swimming - December 8, 2020
- What Is A 3/2 Wetsuit? - July 10, 2020
I want to wear a wet suit to lengthen the season for my 20 minute daily swim in my outdoor pool. The water is presently 77 degrees which is cold for me. At 83 years old I think I need at least the GOOD for flexibility. The flat seam might be enough since I will be in the water only 20 minutes.
What do you recommend?
Hi Annette- A fullsuit might prove to be too warm in 77 degree water, especially when you’re moving around! I recommend maybe trying a baselayer top and bottom set for your sessions. There are usually constructed out of polyfleece or merino wool, and are super flexible and comfortable while offering that extra bit of warmth during your swims. You can browse some of these here to get an idea of what they look like: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/wetsuits/category/womens-polyfleece-tops.html Another option might be a long-sleeve springsuit which will be a little thicker than the baselayer pieces but will still allow you that flexibility you’re after. If you need additional assistance in finding your perfect wetsuit, you can also reach out to our awesome customer service team either via email (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com) or call 866-906-7848. Cheers!
I’m looking at buying 1mm Women’s Rip Curl G-BOMB Sleeveless Front Zip Springsuit but I’m not sure about size. Either 10 or 12. I fluctuate between 138 and 143lb at 5’4” 37” bust 31” at waist and 38 hips. Can you recommend the best size. Thanks
Hi Andrea! Based on your chest measurement (which is the recommended deciding factor when between sizes!) I would recommend going with the 12 in the 1mm Women’s Rip Curl G-BOMB Sleeveless Front Zip Springsuit for the most comfortable fit! If you need additional assistance finding your size, you can also reach out to our awesome customer service team either via email (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com) or call 866-906-7848. Cheers!
Hi Lauren,
I am looking at the 4/3 H2Odessey Momentum women’s steamer for open water and pool swimming, in Adelaide South Australia, but as a first time wetsuit buyer would like your advice on size.
I am Height: 5′ 1″
Weight: 138 Llbs
Bust: 39 – 40ins
Waist: 36ins
Hip: 41ins
Inside leg: 30ins
I have tried to send this email once before but have no idea if it was
successful. I have also rechecked my measurements, if you did happen to get my first email.
Kind regards
Pauline Suchting
Hi Pauline! I directed your inquiry to our awesome customer service team, and you should receive an email from them with more assistance in the coming days! Cheers!
Hi Lauren,
I hope you are doing well. Kindly, I would like to buy The Phelps Aqua Skin Shorty -Men wetsuit for swim training in outdoor swimming pools and higher than 65 degrees open water
https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/SU7260143.html#.X8fUHOCEY0E but I am not sure about the right size to order.
Kindly, find here after my full measurements. I would really appreciate your guidance on the right size for me.
Thank you in advance for your kind help.
GENDER: MALE
MEASUREMENTS:
A – Chest : 112 cm
B – Hips : 107 cm
C – Thigh contour 5cm below crotch : 58 cm
D – Crotch to suit length : 22 cm
E – Shoulder to suit length: 102 cm
F – Shoulder to shoulder width: 58 cm
G – Top of shoulder to suit length: 105 cm
H – Neck Contour: 48 cm
I – Waist : 101 cm
J – Height : 187 cm
K – Hips to Toes: 98 cm
L – Hips to Shoulders: 52 cm
M – Hips to Chest : 47 cm
N – Shoulder to Wrist: 64 cm
O – Weight (kg) : 95 kg
Hi Enis,
Thanks for asking about this. I would recommend going with the 2XL size for this particular shorty. Hope that helps. Thank you!