Wetsuit Returns Guide

At the Wetsuit Centre, we know finding the right wetsuit can be a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—we're here to help you find one that fits just right, keeps you warm, and lets you focus on having fun in the water. No pressure, no jargon—just friendly advice and gear that works.

Before you return your product, please see our check list below to help ensure you have the right fit:

Wetsuit Fitting Guide

  1. General Fit: Wetsuits should feel tight as they are meant to be like a second skin to keep you warm.
  2. Length: Ensure knee pads align with your knees for proper length fit.
  3. Shoulders & Upper Back: If tight in these areas, pull the sleeves up to loosen the fit and improve movement.
  4. Neck: Wetsuits should fit snug around the neck to prevent water entry, but allow for comfortable breathing. If too tight, consider a back zip wetsuit for easier neck adjustment.
  5. Stretching: Neoprene stretches by about 10% once wet, so if the suit feels slightly too big, try a smaller size.
  6. Lower Back: Make sure that the air pocket in the suit around your kidneys and lower back is as small as possible. If your organs are well insulated, the suit will feel a lot warmer.
  7. Brand’s sizing: The brand of your wetsuit can also have a difference in how the suit fits. Here are some rough specifics per brand that will help with fitting and choosing the right brand/model to suit you and your body type:
    • C-Skins - Come up slimmer around the waist and chest and also longer in the limbs
    • Rip Curl - More generous across the shoulders, however slightly tighter in the upper legs and shorter in the limbs.
    • Xcel - Suit tall, broad body shapes
    • O’Neill - good well rounded brand that fits majority of people
    • Zion - Come up small, so size up slightly e.g. O’Neill (medium small) - Zion (Medium)

Wetsuit Boots Fitting Guide

  1. Fit: Boots should fit tightly, like socks, with your toes at the end, but not crunched.
  2. Heel Fit: Avoid air pockets around the heel to prevent discomfort and water trapping.
  3. Foot Shape: For narrow feet, look for boots with a velcro strap. For wider feet, consider brands like Rip Curl with “wide fit” options.

Wetsuit Hood Fitting Guide

  1. Fit around Head: The hood should fit snugly on your head but not be overly tight on the neck.
  2. Face Seal: It should feel tight around the face, but you should still be able to fit two fingers between the seal and your skin to avoid discomfort.

Swimming Wetsuit Fitting Guide

  1. Tighter Fit: Swimming wetsuits are generally tighter than multipurpose wetsuits due to the difference in material.
  2. Flexibility: Swimming wetsuits use more flexible neoprene, though it’s more fragile (watch those fingernails).
  3. Leg & Arm Length: The suit doesn’t need to cover the ankles and wrists fully. Pull sleeves and legs up slightly to focus more neoprene on your core and shoulders, enhancing movement.

If you are still unsure, please feel free to give us a call on 01202 302943 or drop us an email at info@wetsuitcentre.co.uk whereby our experienced staff will be more than happy to help check you have a well-fitting product, provide additional advice or suggest alternative options.

Still need to Return or Exchange?

If you wish to return your wetsuit or any item back to us—whether it’s for an exchange or a refund—please follow the link below for easy step-by-step instructions.

Create a Return