Finding the dream-fit wetsuit is something novice scuba divers struggle with all the time. This is mainly because they conflate the terms “snug-fit” and “tight-fit” while looking for wetsuits. The advice to buy a snug-fitting wetsuit right off the bat is simply wrong.
Although the terms snug-fit and tight-fit are used interchangeably often they aren’t quite the same thing. Snug-fit generally implies a comfortably close or secure fit, it is indeed a tight fit but not something you’re uncomfortable with.
Tight-fit, on the other hand simply means something is fitted closely and securely, possibly to the point of being restrictive or uncomfortable.
Wetsuits need to be slightly tight-fitting at the time of purchase and will gradually acquire a snug fit after 2-3 dives due to the stretching of the neoprene fabric.
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How Should a Snug Fit Wetsuit Feel Like?
While donning a brand new wetsuit it IS supposed to feel a bit tight and uncomfortable, especially around your limbs and neck. You might even feel like getting choked by your wetsuit but it’s completely normal and needs some practice getting used to.
You’re supposed to feel a slight and uniform pressure all over your body exerted by the wetsuit, this pressure is essential to trap a thin layer of water which acts as insulation while underwater.
Having slight problems performing the full range of motion with your new wetsuit? Do a few sets of some forceful dynamic stretching exercises like jumping jacks and squats, your wetsuit will ease up pretty quickly.
Remember, I said uncomfortable, not painful. If you feel the neoprene fabric cutting into your wrists and ankles or making you red in the face by cutting circulation to the neck, that suit isn’t the right fit.
Your wetsuit should stretch and mold into your body shape within the first 5 dives as the neoprene slowly adjusts its elasticity. Do not ever forcefully stretch your wetsuit to make it fit better, let it stretch naturally.
An optimally fit wetsuit should feel like stretched but jagged rubbery balloon texture on touch and uniformly stretched all over your body with no creases or folds.
By that time, performing a full range of motion during dynamic stretching will not feel restrictive at all and your wetsuit will start to feel more like a second set of skin on you.
Sizing up Or Down While Buying Your Wetsuit?
Neoprene wetsuits shrink when wet by breathing in water. So, a wetsuit that feels tighter on land should feel more relaxed in the water. In addition, wetsuits continue to lose elasticity with each cycle of stretching.
So, if you’re confused between two sizes while buying a black neoprene wetsuit always size down and go for the one smaller in size.
4 Tips to Determine the Optimal Fit for Your Wetsuit
While looking for a wetsuit keep these tips in mind to ensure that you come home with a wetsuit of perfect fit and one that will serve you for the next 5-10 years.
1. Avail Your Trial with Rental Wetsuits First
Most dive shops allow you to try on the wetsuit, and some might even allow you to take a quick dip in their backyard pool, but most won’t allow you to try out the suit in an actual dive. And buying a wetsuit without trying it out first-hand in a dive doesn’t full too assuring, does it?
So, the better choice would be to put on a rental wetsuit with proper lubing and take a dive with it. Note the manufacturer, make, and size of the one you felt the most comfortable in. Since rental wetsuits are stretched from frequent use, buy one size smaller than the noted size of the rental suit.
2. Zipping Your Wetsuit Up And Down Should Be Smooth
The zipper should be easy to pull up and down regardless of the recommended slightly tight fitting of the wetsuit. Check the zipper closure and make sure the zips contact each other naturally without having to pull them together. The pulled-up zip should lie flat against your back without buckling.
3. Keep Your Abdominal Region Relaxed
Do not tense up or engage your core. After putting on the wetsuit keep your abdominal muscles as relaxed as possible. Do a few sets of diaphragm breathing to make sure the fabric is not severely restricting your abdominal stretching.
4. Keep the Warmth Factor in Mind
While buying thicker wetsuits don’t get overwhelmed if the wetsuit makes you feel warmer than usual on land. The same suit will offer the right amount of warmth once you are in the water.
Still confused? Our scuba wetsuit temperature and thickness guide will cover it for you.
Wetsuit is Becoming Loose and Stretchy, What to Do?
As the neoprene goes through a cycle of stretching and relaxing, wetsuits become less elastic over time and in turn lose their insulating ability. It’s inevitable. You cannot stop that, what you CAN do instead is prolong its usability.
If your wetsuit feels loose and big, wear an undersuit like bicycle shorts or thermal wear to compensate for the stretched neoprene and maintain the snug fit of your wetsuit. It might feel sweltering hot on land but the heat will balance itself out on land.
At one point your wetsuit will stretch so much that the neoprene material will simply tear from thinning out. By that time, you have no option but to shed your neoprene scale and buy a new one. Don’t worry, your old tattered wetsuit is still usable, just not as your scuba exposure suit.
There’s a Perfect Fit Available for All
Wetsuits are available in every size you can imagine. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find your dream-fit wetsuit at one dive shop, just into the next one. Being picky while buying a wetsuit is natural and in fact, I recommend being picky while choosing each piece of scuba gear.
