Question 1

Should a wetsuit feel tight?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a wetsuit should feel noticeably snug when you first put it on while dry, because neoprene loosens slightly once you enter the water and the suit fills with a thin layer of water that your body warms up. The suit should not restrict your breathing, limit your shoulder range of motion for swimming or paddling, or cut off circulation at the neck, wrists, or ankles. If you have large air pockets in the torso, lower back, or armpits when dry, the suit is too loose and will flush cold water through those gaps.

Question 2

Should I choose wetsuit size by height or weight?

Accepted Answer

Use both height and weight together rather than relying on either measurement alone. Height determines the torso and limb length you need, while weight and chest measurement affect how snugly the suit seals against your body. A tall, slender person may need a different size than a shorter, heavier person with the same chest measurement because the suit's torso length and arm-to-leg proportions are designed for a specific height range. Many wetsuit brands also offer short and tall versions of the same letter size for this reason.

Question 3

What if I am between wetsuit sizes?

Accepted Answer

If you are between wetsuit sizes, prioritize the size that best matches your chest measurement and torso length, because gaps in these areas allow the most water flushing and significantly reduce thermal protection. A slightly longer arm or leg is usually less noticeable than a loose torso. For surf and dive wetsuits, a tighter fit is always preferable to a loose one since the suit's insulating properties depend on trapping a thin layer of water against your skin rather than allowing it to circulate freely through large gaps.

Body Range	Size	Height CM	Weight KG	Chest
5'2-5'5, 110-130 lb	XS	157-165	50-59	34-36 in
5'4-5'7, 125-145 lb	S	163-170	57-66	36-38 in
5'6-5'10, 140-165 lb	M	168-178	64-75	38-40 in
5'9-6'0, 160-185 lb	L	175-183	73-84	40-42 in
5'11-6'2, 180-205 lb	XL	180-188	82-93	42-44 in
6'1-6'4, 200-230 lb	XXL	185-193	91-104	44-46 in

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