How to size a wetsuit?
How should a wetsuit fit? As described above, it should fit tightly around the body. Only then, a thin layer of water can be trapped between the neoprene and your skin to keep your body warm. When the suit is too large and the material piles up in certain areas, cold water seeps in and runs through the suit (a phenomenon known as flushing). A wetsuit that is too small, however, is too tight and can restrict your freedom of movement in the water. This especially the case with winter wetsuits: the thicker the neoprene, the less flexible it is. When you try on your suit, you must be able to bend down and touch your toes, and move your arms and shoulders freely.
Tip: Remember that in addition to wetsuit sizes, wetsuit thicknesses are also very important! Check out our page about "what thickness wetsuit do i need at what water temperature?"
O’Neill wetsuit sizes explained
Rather than on height, O’Neill wetsuit sizes are based on body types. While some are tall and slim, others have broad shoulders and a big chest, and yet another one is a bit heavier. Therefore, we do not only offer small, medium, large and extra large wetsuits, but multiple variants of each. SS (small small) for example, is a great fit for shorter persons with a relatively big waist and chest, while ST (small tall) is suited for taller persons that have the same waist and chest circumference. The normal S is the best choice for people who fall in between.
Men’s wetsuit sizes chart
Have a look at the wetsuit size chart below to find your ideal men’s wetsuit. If your measurements border on the top end of your chosen size, go for the next size up.
1 comments
Please give choice of metric or American measurement system. Or conversion table. I know my metric measurements but hard to guess someone else’s as I think in the old system.
Linda on