How to Put on a Wetsuit: Without Ruining It or Yourself!

How to Put on a Wetsuit: 
Without Ruining It or Yourself!

Sliding into a wetsuit can feel like a workout before you even hit the water. Too tight, and you’re sweating buckets. Too rushed, and you risk tearing the neoprene or straining your shoulders just before you paddle out. There's good news, though! With the right technique and the use of a few simple tricks we are about to share with you, putting on a wetsuit will be effortless!

We have put together a step-by-step guide to getting into your wetsuit quickly, comfortably, and without causing damage to you or your gear, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite hobbies without worrying about them being cut short by a torn-up wetsuit!

Why Proper Wetsuit Technique Matters

No matter how flawless your technique is for putting on or taking off a wetsuit, if you’re not wearing the right thickness for the season, you’ll end up either freezing or overheating. The golden rule? Match your suit to the water temperature: a lightweight summer wetsuit around 1.5mm–3mm for warmer months, and a thicker 4mm–7mm wetsuit to keep you warm through winter.

Winter wetsuits are designed to keep your body warm and snug, while summer wetsuits are ideal for added protection from the sun and harsh reefs. This can only be achieved if it fits and is worn correctly. Forcing the material of your wetsuit can:

• Stretch or tear the neoprene, which is not ideal... There is nothing worse than an icy chill flowing through your wetsuit, all sesh!
• Cut off blood flow, especially around your ankles, wrists, and neck.
• Damage the zipper or chest zip.
• Shorten the life span of your new wetsuit.

When worn the right way, your suit should feel snug but not painfully tight. That perfect fit will keep the chest, torso, and shoulders sealed so you stay warm and ready to dive in no matter the conditions!

Preparation Before Putting on a Wetsuit

Before you start, a little preparation goes a LONG way! So here is a checklist of things to do before you suit up!

• Check your size: A wetsuit should feel snug but allow you to move your arms and shoulders freely. When purchasing a new wetsuit through us, make sure to always refer to the size guide, and if you are still unsure, give us a buzz!
• Stay dry if possible: We strongly advise against changing into a wet wetsuit as this results in stretching of the suit and making it far more challenging to get into!
• Dry your wetsuit in the shade: The Simplest and most important rule in the book. Dry your wetsuit in the shade, which ensures that your wetsuit doesn't shrink from being in the harsh sun and tear when you try to put it on again.
• Have a backup wetsuit: Having a backup means you give your used suit ample time to dry out properly. There are plenty of entry-level wetsuits, like the O'Neill Originals, that are worth having as a backup.
• Remove sharp items: Rings, watches, earrings or anything that might scratch the wetsuit inside and outside can damage the material. 

Step-by-Step: Putting on a Wetsuit

To save you some extra time and hassle, we have put together a step-by-step process of the best approach to easily putting your wetsuit on, whether it's a back zip, chest zip wetsuit or zip-free suit!

Step 1: Roll and Ready

Roll the wetsuit down so you’re starting with just the legs. This makes it easier to slide in without overstretching the neoprene. The action of rolling your wetsuit down will be easier to achieve if you have a back zip entry system. For chest zips and zip-free free just grab around the neck area and get ready to step in.

Step 2: One Foot at a Time

Slip one foot in carefully, making sure your heel clears the ankle cuff. Then repeat with the other foot. Small pulls work better than big, hard yanks.

Step 3: Work It Up the Wetsuit Leg

Gently pull the neoprene up each leg, smoothing the material over your calves and knees. Don’t rush if it bunches, but rather adjust before moving forward.

Step 4: Reach the Waist

Once both legs are in place, roll the wetsuit up to your crotch area and then to your waist. Make sure the suit feels snug and the fit around your hips is even. Now, slowly pull the wetsuit to your chest and get those arms ready!

Step 5: Chest

Grab the suit and pull it gently up over your torso and chest. Make sure to take your time here, as this step determines whether the wetsuit feels comfortable or tight in the water.

Step 6: Add the Sleeves

Slide one arm in, right arm or left arm first doesn’t matter, just do it slowly and in whichever way feels the most comfortable for you. Then add the other arm. Adjust each sleeve so the wrists feel snug and seams sit flush.

Step 7: Zip It Up

If you’re wearing a chest zip wetsuit, pull the head piece over your head, connect the zipper and pull it across the chest carefully to avoid damaging the neoprene. For a back-zip suit, use the leash to pull the zipper smoothly. Never force it, but rather adjust the material first if it catches and make sure the fit is correct, as you don't want any chafing when you are in the water!

Bonus Tips & Tricks (Wetsuit Hacks)

• Wetsuit Changing Sock: Place the wetsuit changing sock over your foot or hand before sliding in, as it helps the neoprene slip right over. Remove the sock once through. We can't give this accessory enough credit! Really, one of our all-time favourites as it makes changing easy and simple!
• Plastic Bag Method: For a cheaper option, if you have a plastic bag, then place it over your foot or hand before sliding in, as this helps the neoprene slip right over. Remove the bag once through.
• Wetsuit Lubricant: A Special wetsuit lubricant can make sliding into sleeves and legs much easier while protecting your skin, but the better option is the sock
• Ask for Help: Finally, if your chest zip is being stubborn, let a friend help with the final pull.
  
  

How to Take Off a Wetsuit (Without the Struggle)

Taking your suit off is all about working in reverse and doing it as efficiently as possible.

• Peel Inside-Out: Start at the shoulders and roll the wetsuit inside-out as you go. This can sometimes be tricky, especially in a chest zip wetsuit or zip-free. If you need help, ask your friends to help you pull it down half way, from there the rest is easy.
• Slide Off Each Leg: Peel down to one leg, then use your hands to slip it past the ankle before freeing the other leg. Make sure not to stand and pull your legs as this stretches and damages the suit.
• Use Fresh Water: Rinsing in fresh water can loosen the neoprene and make it easier to remove.
• Wetsuit Changing Mat: Use a wetsuit changing mat to ensure that your wetsuit doesn't get damaged on harsh surfaces when changing.
  
  

Wetsuit Care & Maintenance

A little care goes a long way in extending your wetsuit’s life and will save you a lot of money down the line. Following these caring tips after every use will maximise the lifespan of your wetsuit and allow you to enjoy many more fun surf sessions down the line.

• Rinse in fresh water after EVERY surf, swim, or dive. Alternatively, use a wetsuit shampoo or wetsuit cleaner for ultimate freshness.
• Hang your suit in the shade and never ever in direct sunlight, as this will certainly damage the neoprene.
• Store carefully on a wide hanger or flat surface to avoid stretching at the shoulders.
• Avoid hot water and washing machines. Please never use a washing machine on your wetsuit and never rinse it with hot water.

Get Out There!

Putting on a wetsuit doesn’t have to be a battle, and with all of the above tips and tricks, you will develop your own quick and efficient way of doing things in no time. With the wetsuit changing sock method and a little patience, you’ll be zipped up, warm, and ready to jump into your next surf, dive, or open water swimming session. If you can be careful with your wetsuit, it will take care of you, giving you warmth, flexibility, and protection season after season.

Are you looking for a quality wetsuit with the perfect fit? Then look no further and explore our full range of wetsuits here, and make your next water adventure that much easier.