Choosing the correct Orca base layer or rash vest size helps improve comfort, flexibility and performance both in and out of the water. Whether you need extra warmth for open water swimming, added sun protection during summer sessions or a lightweight layer beneath your wetsuit, a proper fit is essential. Use our Orca base layers and rash vest size guide below to compare measurements and find the best fit for your next swim, surf or watersports session.
Orca base layers and rash vests are designed to provide lightweight protection, flexibility and comfort for a wide range of water activities. From open water swimming and triathlon training to paddleboarding, surfing and general watersports, choosing the correct size helps ensure the best balance of performance and comfort.
A properly fitting rash vest or base layer should feel close to the body without restricting movement. Tight-fitting technical fabrics help reduce drag in the water while also improving layering efficiency beneath wetsuits and swimming gear.
Use the Orca size charts below to compare your measurements and find the right fit for your swimming and watersports needs.
Orca rash vests and thermal base layers are designed with an athletic fit to help improve comfort and performance in active water environments. They should fit closely against the skin while still allowing natural movement through the shoulders, chest and arms.
Key signs of a good fit include:
Compression-style base layers may feel slightly tighter than casual sportswear, especially when dry.
| Size | Height | Chest | Weight | |||
| (cm) | (inch) | (cm) | (inch) | (kg) | (lbs) | |
| 2 | 145 - 150 | 4' 7" - 4' 9" | 75 - 80 | 29 - 31 | 35 - 40 | 77 - 88 |
| 3 | 150 - 160 | 4' 9" - 5' 2" | 80 - 86 | 31 - 34 | 40 - 55 | 88 - 121 |
| 4 | 157 - 170 | 5' 2" - 5' 7" | 85 - 91 | 33 - 36 | 56 - 61 | 121 - 134 |
| 5 | 162 - 170 | 5' 4" - 5' 8" | 90 - 95 | 35 - 37 | 61 - 66 | 134 - 145 |
| 6 | 167 - 175 | 5' 6" - 5' 9" | 95 - 99 | 37 - 39 | 67 - 74 | 147 - 162 |
| MT | 177 - 190 | 5' 10" - 6' 2" | 95 - 99 | 37 - 39 | 68 - 76 | 149 - 167 |
| 7 | 173 - 185 | 5' 8" - 6' 1" | 98 - 104 | 38 - 41 | 75 - 82 | 165 - 180 |
| 8 | 180 - 188 | 5' 11" - 6' 2" | 104 - 108 | 41 - 43 | 82 - 89 | 180 - 196 |
| 9 | 185 - 193 | 6' 1" - 6' 4" | 108 - 113 | 43 - 44 | 89 - 97 | 196 - 213 |
| 10 | 190 - 196 | 6' 3" - 6' 5" | 114 - 124 | 45 - 49 | 98 - 109 | 215 - 233 |
| 11 | 193 - 200 | 6' 4" - 6' 6" | 123 - 134 | 49 - 53 | 107+ | 235+ |
| Size | Height | Chest | Weight | |||
| (cm) | (inch) | (cm) | (inch) | (kg) | (lbs) | |
| XXS | 138 - 143 | 4' 5" - 4' 7" | 65 - 77 | 25 - 30 | 32 - 45 | 70 - 99 |
| XS | 144 - 160 | 4' 9" - 5' 3" | 78 - 86 | 31 - 33 | 46 - 53 | 101 - 116 |
| S | 157 - 167 | 5' 3" - 5' 6" | 83 - 89 | 33 - 35 | 54 - 61 | 118 - 134 |
| M | 165 - 177 | 5' 5" - 5' 10" | 89 - 94 | 35 - 37 | 60 - 67 | 132 - 147 |
| L | 170 - 185 | 5' 10" - 6' 1" | 94 - 99 | 37 - 39 | 66 - 74 | 145 - 163 |
| XL | 177 - 189 | 5' 8" - 6' 2" | 99 - 104 | 39 - 41 | 73 - 79 | 160 - 173 |
The best Orca rash vest or base layer for you will depend on how and where you plan to use it.
Rash vests are ideal for:
Thermal swim base layers are designed for:
Depending on conditions, many swimmers and watersports users combine base layers with wetsuits for additional cold water protection.
For the most accurate fit, use a flexible tape measure and compare your measurements carefully against the Orca size charts below.
The key measurements generally include:
When choosing between sizes, consider whether you prefer a tighter performance fit or slightly more relaxed comfort for casual watersports use.
Discover more Orca products designed for swimming, triathlon and open water performance.
Orca Wetsuits
Orca Swimming Accessories
Orca Open Water Swimming Wetsuits
Triathlon Clothing
Swimming Gloves & Boots
Swim Safety Accessories
