Nothing’s worse than forking out a bundle of cash only to find your wetsuit leaks like a sieve as soon as you duckdive your first wave. Gemma Wagstaff, the designer at New Zealand wetsuit brand Gemma Lee, has spent more time than most thinking about exactly that. Here’s her advice to getting wetsuit fitment just right.
With eight years of experience in the wetsuit industry as a designer and spending a large chunk of my life wearing one, I know my way around a wetsuit. Growing up by the seaside, competing in ocean sports, and later dedicating my career to crafting high-performance wetsuits, I’ve come to understand what really makes a wetsuit fit perfectly. It’s not just about getting the size right; it’s about achieving the right balance between performance, comfort, and style.
Feeling good in your wetsuit makes all the difference when you’re out there in the water. So, let’s break down the key things you should keep in mind when finding your next wetsuit fit – because a well-fitted wetsuit can elevate your surf sessions by helping you focus on the waves, not the gear.
Snug, But Not Restrictive
When trying on a wetsuit, the ideal fit should feel snug – like a second skin, but never so tight that it restricts your movement or causes discomfort. The snug fit is essential because of how wetsuits work: they trap a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. Your body heat warms up this layer, creating insulation that helps keep you warm. If the wetsuit is too loose, cold water will continuously flush in and out, making it harder to stay warm, which is why getting that perfect snug fit is so important.
Here’s how to know you’ve got it just right:
1. Initial Tightness: A brand-new wetsuit will feel tighter when dry, and that’s normal. It should loosen slightly once in the water. You want it snug enough to trap water and prevent flushing, but still comfortable. Move around a bit – raise your arms, bend your knees, and twist your torso. If there’s pinching or discomfort, particularly in the shoulders, neck, or knees, the wetsuit might be too tight.
2. Breath Test: Take a deep breath while wearing the wetsuit. You should feel some resistance, but you should still be able to take a full breath comfortably. This snugness ensures water stays trapped close to your skin without restricting your ability to breathe or move. If breathing feels difficult, it’s probably too small.
3. Full Range of Motion: Make sure you can perform the movements you’d typically do while surfing – like paddling motions or crouching into a surf stance. If the suit pulls or limits your range of motion in your shoulders, back, or hips, it’s likely too small. You want that balance of tightness to keep you warm but still give you the freedom to move with ease.
Minimal Wrinkles Or Bagging
A well-fitted wetsuit should lay smoothly against your body with minimal wrinkling or excess fabric. Too many wrinkles or baggy areas can affect performance by allowing cold water to circulate through the suit, reducing warmth.
Here are a few practical tests to check for the right fit:
1. Visual Check for Wrinkles: Stand in front of a mirror and inspect areas like the torso, crotch, and arms. While some light wrinkling is normal, especially in a new wetsuit, deep wrinkles or sagging fabric – particularly in the lower back, chest, or thighs – indicate that the wetsuit is too large.
2. Squat Test: Crouch down as if you’re popping up on your surfboard. Pay attention to the knees, back of the thighs, and hips. If there’s significant wrinkling in these areas, it suggests the suit might be too large.
3. Arm Test: Stretch your arms above your head and then out in front, simulating paddling. If you notice sagging or wrinkles in the shoulders or underarms, it could be a sign the wetsuit is too big. A well-fitted wetsuit should move with your body without creating excess folds.
By running through these simple checks, you can avoid a loose fit that compromises your wetsuit’s performance.
Test the Seal
A key element of a properly fitting wetsuit is that it creates a tight seal against your skin to prevent water from flushing in and out. When water flushes in, it can cool your body down and reduce the suit’s ability to keep you warm.
To test for gaps and flushing:
1. Check Key Areas: Pay close attention to the neck, wrists, and ankles. These are the most common spots where gaps can form. When trying on the wetsuit, there should be no noticeable space between the suit and your skin in these areas.
2. Stretch and Move: Perform a few movements, like stretching your arms or bending at the waist. If you feel air entering or see gaps forming at the neck, wrists, or ankles, the wetsuit may be too loose.
3. Feel for Tight Seals: The seals around your wrists and ankles should feel snug, but not overly tight. This prevents cold water from flushing in when you duck dive, fall, or paddle out. You want a good seal, especially if you’re surfing in colder conditions.
Finding the perfect wetsuit fit is essential for any surfer looking to maximise their time in the water. A wetsuit should feel like a second skin, allowing you to move freely as you paddle out and catch waves. Every surfer has unique preferences and needs, so investing time in finding a wetsuit that meets your requirements is crucial. Ultimately, a well-fitted wetsuit will keep you warm and comfortable, allowing you to focus on what you love – surfing.
