Sigma Sports Guide to How to Put On a Wetsuit

Preparing, planning and training for your triathlon, you’re going to have to get a handle on how to gear up in order to perform. With the wetsuit perhaps the trickiest beast to get sorted, we thought we’d help you with a short video guide, and make sure that you make a splash on your swim.

Now, with wetsuits offering impressive protection from the icy depths, you'd be forgiven for thinking they're fortified, armour-like layers that are more than tough enough to deal with a little wrangling. What you might find though is that getting it right when it comes to fitting your wetsuit takes a little more care. With that in mind, before you plough ahead, let us show you how to get the perfect fit, every single time you need to wetsuit up.

 

Understanding Wetsuit Sizing

Wetsuit sizing can be a bit tricky, but understanding the basics can help you find the perfect fit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly around the body, trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin. This layer is warmed by your body heat, creating an insulating barrier that keeps you warm in cold water.

If your wetsuit is too big, it can allow water to enter and flush through, making it difficult to stay warm. Conversely, a wetsuit that is too small can restrict your movement and cause discomfort. Therefore, getting the right wetsuit sizing is crucial to ensure you stay warm and comfortable during your swim.

Key Fit Areas To Check

When trying on a wetsuit, there are several key areas to check to ensure a good fit:

  • The Neck - The wetsuit should fit snugly around your neck, with no gaps or excess material. A tight fit around the neck helps prevent cold water from entering the suit, which is essential for maintaining warmth.
  • The Chest - The wetsuit should fit comfortably around your chest without restricting movement. Make sure to check the fit of the chest area when trying on a wetsuit to ensure you can breathe easily and move freely.
  • The Waist -The wetsuit should fit snugly around your waist, again with no gaps or excess material. A good fit around the waist helps prevent cold water from entering the suit and ensures the wetsuit stays in place.
  • The Arms & Legs -The wetsuit should fit comfortably around your arms and legs, allowing for full range of motion. Make sure to check the fit of the arms and legs to ensure there is no restriction of movement, which is crucial for swimming efficiently.

How Tight Should a Wetsuit Be?

A wetsuit should fit snugly around your body, but not so tightly that it restricts your movement or causes discomfort. Think of it as a second skin – it should feel tight, but not constricting. If the wetsuit feels too tight, it may limit your range of motion and cause discomfort. On the other hand, if the wetsuit feels too loose, it may allow water to enter and flush through, making it difficult to stay warm.

It’s also important to note that wetsuits are designed to stretch a little, but not enough to compensate for a poor fit. Neoprene, the material used in wetsuits, does not stretch like denim, so it’s important to find a wetsuit that fits well from the start. When trying on a wetsuit, make sure to check the fit in all areas, including the neck, chest, waist, arms, and legs.

Wetsuit Fitting for Men

1. Snug, But Not Overly Tight

  • The wetsuit should feel tight but not constricting. It should fit like a second skin, allowing minimal water to enter.

  • A small amount of water inside the suit is normal, as your body warms it up and it helps maintain warmth.
  • You should be able to move and breathe comfortably without the suit pinching or pulling.

2. No Gaps or Loose Areas

The key areas to check are the lower back, underarms, behind the knees and crotch. 

  • There should be no loose fabric or air pockets, as they allow excess water to enter and make you colder. 
  • A snug fit ensures water doesn't flush through, keeping you warmer for longer. 

3. Length and Coverage

  • Sleeves should reach just above the wrists

  • Legs should end just above the ankles 
  • Neckline - the neck should fit comfortably, preventing excess water from entering but without discomfort or chafing. 

4. Torso and Shoulder Fit

The suit should hug the torso closely without bunching or sagging. 

  • Shoulders and arms - the fit should allow you lift your arms above your head comfortably without excesive pulling or tightness. 
  • Armpits: There should be no gaps or loose fabric, as water can pool in these areas.

Browse Our Mens Wetsuits

Wetsuit Size Guide For Women

When choosing a wetsuit for women, the fit is key to ensuring comfort, warmth and mobility in the water. 

1. Snug, But Not Too Tight

The wetsuit should feel like a second skin without restricting movement or breathing. A properly fitting wetsuit minimises the amount of water that enters, keeping you warmer.

2. Minimal Gaps or Air Pockets

The wetsuit should feel like a second skin without restricting movement or breathing. A properly fitting wetsuit minimises the amount of water that enters, keeping you warmer.

3. Length and Coverage

Arms and Legs: Sleeves should end just above the wrists and the legs should end right above the ankles.

Neckline: The neck should fit snugly without causing discomfort or chafing. A high neckline helps prevent flushing (water entering the suit).

4. Torso and Hips

Women’s wetsuits are cut to account for curves, so ensure that the suit hugs your waist and hips without squeezing uncomfortably. The chest area should fit snugly without excess space, preventing cold water from seeping in.

Browse our Womens Wetsuits

How to Test the Fit

  • Try squatting or stretching: Move around to ensure the suit allows for full range of motion
  • Raise your arms: Lift your arms above your head, if the suit pulls too much on the shoulders or feels restrictive, its too tight. 
  • Bend forward: Check if the back pulls too much or feels overly tight. 

Which Wetsuit Should I Buy?

Here at Sigma Sports we have wetsuit options for professional triathletes right through to newbies from brands such as:

As with any clothing, wetsuit manufacturers can vary when it comes to size so bear this in mind when you measure a wetsuit.

Thickness Considerations for Winter Wetsuits

Weighing up whether you need a winter or summer wetsuit? Obviously, featuring more thickness a winter wetsuit will help you maintain a warmer body while a summer wetsuit may allow for more freedom of movement.

  • Warm Water (72°F / 22°C+): 1-2mm shorty or spring suit.
  • Moderate Water (62-72°F / 17-22°C): 3/2mm full suit.
  • Cold Water (50-60°F / 10-16°C): 4/3mm or 5/4mm full suit with boots and gloves.

So, now you’ve got the know-how, why not take a look at our range of wetsuits for triathlon, ideal for the early stage enthusiast right up to the elite athlete. If you require further advice for wetsuit fitting, why not visit us in store at Hampton Wick or Oakham and speak to our experts about how to size a wetsuit and get hands on with our wetsuits.

Wetsuit Fitting FAQs

How Do Wetsuits Work?

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin, which your body heats to create an insulating barrier. The neoprene material also reduces heat loss by preventing cold water from continuously flushing through.

Is there a wetsuit size guide for individual products?

Yes, all of our wetsuits have a size guide on the product descriptions to help when purchasing.

Do I need other wetsuit accessories?

Depending on the season and temperature, you may need additional wetsuit accessories such as cold water swimming gloves, swim socks and a hat. One final pro tip, the addition of an anti chafe balm can be an invaluable addition when wearing a wetsuit!