How to find a wetsuit that fits

Finding a wetsuit that slips on like a second skin has always been a tricky task and as neoprene becomes ever more flexible, it is only going to get harder to find that perfect fit. Here are five pointers to put you on the right track.

1. Don’t struggle to put your wetsuit on

Be aware that if you are putting serious strain while putting your suit on, the sizing might not be quite right.

2. Looking good is not the same as a good wetsuit fit

Remember that just because the suit looks like it fits doesn’t mean it fits well.
Once you have the suit on, you shouldn’t feel any significant resistance when bending and flexing limbs. The suit won’t “break-in” or loosen up once in the water. You will experience discomfort, rubbing, poor performance and accelerated wear on the wetsuit.

3. Always follow the size chart

A simple way to get the right size is to make sure you have the largest suit possible that still fits like a second skin. The size chart is there for a reason. Take your measurements, and try a size up and down to find your sweet spot.

4. Try a range of brands

Sometimes a brand will just not be the right fit for you. Although most brands try to create the fullest possible range of fits, people come in all shapes and sizes and to accommodate everyone is near impossible. If one brand isn’t right for you, there will be another that will suit you perfectly.

5. Try before you buy

Put the wetsuit on, walk around for a while and make sure you feel comfortable. If you are a little clammy, don’t be afraid to jump about and wave your arms so the suit can settle into its natural resting position. If you are uncomfortable in a shop, it won’t be much better in the water and two-hour paddle fest in the sea will be an unpleasant ordeal. Head over to our dealer page by clicking here.

Look for the signs of an incorrect fit. A super stretchy suit may feel like it fits ok although if its too small, the seams will become stressed and the longevity of your wetsuit will be significantly reduced.  Signs of the suit being too small are – riding up on your arms and legs. If the front of the suit isn’t long enough, it will pull on the collar and the neckline, this means water flushing when you duck dive, never nice.

Signs of the suit being too large are – bunching at the wrist and ankles, knee pad placement too low. Excess material behind knees, armpits, and the back of the neck will cause rubs and be very noticeable when paddling.

MENS XCEL SIZE GUIDE

XS S ST MS M MT MLS ML LS L LT XLS XL XLT 2XLS 2XL 3XLS 3XL
HEIGHT (CM) 163-169 168-173 175-183 170-175 173-178 180-185 168-173 175-180 170-175 178-183 185-191 173-178 180-188 191-198 175-183 183-191 178-185 185-198
WEIGHT (KG) 57-61 61-68 66-73 66-73 70-77 75-82 70-77 75-82 75-82 79-86 84-91 79-86 86-93 93-100 88-95 93-100 100-109 104-118
CHEST (CM) 90 94 94 96.5 99 99 101.5 101.5 104 104 104 109 109 109 114 114 124 124
WAIST (CM) 73.5 77.5 77.5 80 82.5 82.5 85 85 87.5 87.5 87.5 93 93 93 98 98 108 108

WOMENS XCEL SIZE GUIDE

2 4 6 6T 8S 8 8T 10S 10 10T 12S 12 14S 14 16
HEIGHT (CM) 150-157 152-160 157-167 165-173 157-163 163-170 170-178 160-168 165-173 175-183 163-170 168-175 163-170 168-175 170-178
WEIGHT (KG) 44-45 43-48 48-52 52-59 48-54 52-59 54-61 54-61 59-66 64-70 64-70 68-75 68-77 73-82 82-91
BUST (CM) 79 82.5 86 86 90 90 90 95 95 95 103 103 112 112 121
WAIST (CM) 58 62 66 66 70 70 70 75 75 75 82.5 82.5 91.5 91.5 100
HIPS (CM) 81 85 89 89 93 93 93 98 98 98 105.5 105.5 114 114 123

YOUTH XCEL SIZE GUIDE

4 6 8 10 12 14 16
HEIGHT (CM) 117-124 124-132 132-140 140-147 147-155 155-163 163-168
WEIGHT (KG) 18-25 23-29 27-34 32-39 36-43 43-50 48-54
CHEST (CM) 58.5 62 66 70 73.5 78.5 84
WAIST (CM) 51 55 58.5 62 66 71 76

TODDLER XCEL SIZE GUIDE

1 2 3 4 5
HEIGHT (CM) 71-81 84-94 96-107 109-119 122-132
WEIGHT (KG) 9-11 11-14 14-16 16-18 18-20
CHEST (CM) 48 51 53 56 58.5
WAIST (CM) 46 48 51 53 56

BOOTS XCEL SIZE GUIDE

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
HEEL TO TO (CM) 21.6-22.5 22.5-23.5 23.5-24.4 24.4-25.4 25.4-26.4 26.4-27.3 27.3-28.3 28.3-29.2 29.2-30.2

GLOVE XCEL SIZE GUIDE

XXS XS S M L XL 2XL
HAND LENGTH (CM) 15-18 16.5-19 18-20.5 19-21.5 20.5-23 21.5-23 23-24
PALM WIDTH (CM) 15-18 16.5-19 18-20.5 19-21.5 20.5-23 21.5-24 23-25.5