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.
Men's wetsuit size | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
170-175 |
57-64 |
93-95 |
72-75 |
|
166-171 |
59-68 |
95-99 |
75-79 |
|
173-178 |
61-70 |
95-99 |
75-79 |
|
183-188 |
66-75 |
95-99 |
75-79 |
|
169-174 |
66-75 |
99-104 |
79-84 |
|
175-180 |
70-77 |
99-104 |
79-84 |
|
185-191 |
73-82 |
99-104 |
79-84 |
|
171-177 |
73-82 |
104-110 |
84-89 |
|
178-183 |
77-86 |
104-110 |
84-89 |
|
188-193 |
82-91 |
104-110 |
84-89 |
|
174-179 |
82-91 |
110-117 |
89-94 |
|
180-185 |
86-95 |
110-117 |
89-94 |
|
191-196 |
91-100 |
110-117 |
89-94 |
|
183-188 |
95-104 |
117-123 |
94-99 |
|
183-191 |
104-113 |
123-130 |
99-112 |
|
185-193 |
113-122 |
130-136 |
112-122 |
Women’s wetsuit sizes chart
View the size chart below to find your ideal women’s wetsuit. If your measurements border on the top end of your chosen size, go for the next size up.
Women's wetsuit size | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
155-160 |
41-48 |
76-81 |
62-67 |
|
160-165 |
45-52 |
77-83 |
64-69 |
|
159-164 |
48-54 |
80-85 |
66-71 |
|
163-168 |
50-57 |
80-85 |
66-71 |
|
166-171 |
52-59 |
80-85 |
66-71 |
|
161-166 |
52-59 |
83-88 |
69-74 |
|
165-170 |
54-61 |
83-88 |
69-74 |
|
169-174 |
57-64 |
83-88 |
69-74 |
|
164-169 |
57-66 |
86-91 |
74-77 |
|
168-173 |
59-68 |
86-91 |
74-77 |
|
171-177 |
61-70 |
86-91 |
74-77 |
|
170-175 |
64-73 |
90-95 |
77-81 |
|
173-178 |
68-77 |
94-99 |
79-85 |
|
175-180 |
75-84 |
98-103 |
85-89 |
Kids wetsuits size chart
Have a look at the wetsuit size chart below to find your ideal kids wetsuit. If the measurements of your child border on the top end of your chosen size, go for the next size up.
Kids wetsuits size | Length (cm) | Weight (kg) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
88-98 |
11-13.5 |
48-53 |
45.5-51 |
|
98-108 |
13.5-16 |
51-56 |
48-53 |
|
108-118 |
16-18 |
53-58 |
51-56 |
|
118-126 |
18-25 |
58-64 |
51-56 |
|
126-133 |
22.5-29.5 |
62-67 |
55-60 |
|
133-141 |
27-34 |
66-71 |
58-64 |
|
141-147 |
34-41 |
71-76 |
58-64 |
|
147-155 |
41-48 |
74-79 |
64-69 |
|
155-163 |
48-54.5 |
79-84 |
69-74 |
|
163-170 |
54.5-61 |
84-89 |
71-76 |
Wetsuit sizing tips: how to measure
Height: stand right up and measure the length from the ground to the top of your head.
Weight: measure your weight on a time of day you would normally go surfing. In the morning, you are usually lighter so don’t cheat.
Chest: keep your arms relaxed by your side and measure the widest part of your chest.
Waist: breathe out and measure around your natural waistline.
Do you still have questions about wetsuit sizes after reading this article? You can always contact our help support for questions or leave a comment below the page!
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