Mens Wetsuit Sizing Guide

It can be difficult to choose a wetsuit when first starting out. Different seasons can demand different wetsuit thicknesses, which can add to the confusion of things.

This guide will help you decide which wetsuit and size will work for you. We explore how to fit the perfect suit and suggest various wetsuits that can work year-round or for specific seasons. Once you’ve worked out which size you need, you can buy wetsuits online from us here at Wetsuit Centre.

If you find that you still require more information once you have read this guide, you can also check our blog for more information, or contact a member of our team!

View Our Full Wetsuit Sizing Guide For Men, Women & Children Here

Contents 

• Men’s Wetsuit Size Guide
• Wetsuit Fit
• Choosing a Wetsuit
• Tips for Men's Wetsuit Sizing
• Brands and Sizing
• Men’s Skin & UV Protection Size Guide
• Men’s Impact Vest Size Guide
• Men’s Wetsuit Boots Size Guide
• Men’s Wetsuit Hoods Size Guide
• Men’s Wetsuit Gloves Size Guide
• Buying from Wetsuit Centre
  
  
  

Men’s Wetsuit Sizing Guide

Wetsuit Fit

A wetsuit should feel like a second skin, delivering a snug wetsuit fit that is tight but not restrictive. The goal is a clean body fit against your skin, with no gaps around the arms, legs, neck, or behind the knees.

When trying to size wetsuit options, check areas like under your arms, the lower back, and behind the knees. A proper wetsuit size ensures there is not too much excess material or loose material, as this can affect performance in water sports like surfing or swimming.

For a men's wetsuit, it may initially feel tighter around the arms and legs, but thanks to flexible neoprene, the suit will stretch and mould to your body over time.

Why Does a Wetsuit Need to Be Tight?

A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. This layer is warmed by your body heat, helping reduce heat loss and allowing you to stay warm in cold water. This process provides essential thermal insulation, but only if your wetsuit fit is correct. If your wetsuit size is too loose or has excess material, water will move freely through the suit, preventing heat retention.

A well-fitted wetsuit should feel tight, almost like a second skin, without limiting movement in the arms, legs, or neck.

The Lower Back

The lower back is one of the most important factors when assessing your wetsuit fit. This area protects your core and helps regulate heat around vital organs. If you can pinch large amounts of material here, the wetsuit size may be too big. A correct size wetsuit will have minimal excess and sit close to your body.

A small amount of looseness under the arms is acceptable, but the main body of the suit must remain snug for a perfect fit.

View Our Blog Article: How To Pick The Perfect Wetsuit Here

Choosing a Wetsuit

When selecting a wetsuit, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get the right size wetsuit and performance for your needs.

Thickness

Wetsuit thickness is one of the key things to consider. The thickness of a wetsuit determines how well it retains heat and how suitable it is for different conditions.

The thickness is measured in millimetres, often shown as a ratio. For example, a 3/2mm wetsuit means 3mm neoprene on the body and legs, and 2mm on the arms.

Choosing the right thickness depends on water temperature:

• 22ºC+: No wetsuit needed
• 19ºC: 2mm wetsuit
• 15ºC: 3mm wetsuit
• 12ºC: 4mm wetsuit + wetsuit boots
• 9ºC: 5mm winter wetsuit + boots and gloves
• 6ºC and below: 6mm full-length wetsuit, boots, gloves, and hood

A thicker wetsuit will naturally feel tighter, especially when dry, but this is essential to help you stay warm in cold water.

Budget

Your budget will influence which wetsuit you choose. Whether you have one or not, the price of wetsuits will always vary.

The winter months aren’t a time to stop die-hard surfers from hitting the water. The beach in winter is often reserved just for surfers, with some of the best surf.

For those who are looking for a more affordable winter wetsuit option, we would recommend the Rip Curl Freelite 4:3. It can be used from April to December in UK waters. It has a strategic panel, which, thanks to the super stretch neoprene, you will be able to freely move in the water without restriction.

As your surfing abilities progress, you might decide to go for the Mystic Star 5:3. The wetsuit is excellent at keeping you warm while also allowing manoeuvrability. It also has a chest zip, which doesn’t just allow for easy entry but also ensures a much warmer surf.

If you’re looking for a summer suit at an affordable price, you might want to start with one of our best sellers, C Skins Element 3:2. It offers a brilliant combination of performance technology at a great value. It incorporates Ultra-Stretch C-Flex neoprene as well as hard-wearing Duroflex knee pads.

If you have a bigger budget, you might want to consider O’Neill Epic 4:3. It’s a longstanding wetsuit that has progressed over the years. The Epic is well known in the community as outstanding, which is naturally expected from O’Neills. It’s a fantastic all-year-round suit if you can’t help but dive in from April until December.

Zips

Zip placement can help to maintain a bit of extra heat. Most entry-level suites are back zipped; this is because they tend to be a bit easier to get on and off.

However, these won’t keep you as warm as a chest zip; this is because chest zips remove any weak spots at the lower back, which can allow water to enter. That said, they will still keep you warm when in the water and are a lot easier on the wallet!

Tips for Men’s Wetsuit Sizing

• Height and chest are the most important measurements.
• Measure the chest at the widest point, the tape should be gently snug.
• It’s generally okay for the wetsuit to be a little on the long side.
• Ensure the wetsuit is tight around the neck, wrists, ankles and lower back. This does not mean restrictive.
• If you are in between sizes, you should generally take the larger size.
• If in doubt, give us a call! We’re always happy to help!

Brands and Sizing

Wetsuit sizing and fittings will vary from brand to brand. To ensure you find the right fit for you, you should check the brand's size guide to ensure it’s the correct size.

It’s also worth noting that wetsuits will mould to the body, so they may initially feel a bit tight, but once they’ve been used a few times, they will become more comfortable. However, this is not to say that they should feel tight to the point of being restrictive.

Men’s Rash Vest, UV Protection Size Guide

If you find yourself suffering from your wetsuit rubbing against your skin, then a rash vest can be worn underneath the wetsuit; this will help to protect your skin. Rash vests can also be worn on their own with a swimsuit or boardies to protect them from the sun. This can be especially useful in warmer climates. Rash vests won't usually improve warmth unless they include a thermal lining to help maintain heat.

Men’s Impact Vest Size Guide

Impact vests are worn over the wetsuit. They are a piece of essential safety equipment that will ensure buoyancy should you fall into the water. They are usually used for sailors, kayakers and water skiers.

Men’s Wetsuit Boots Size Guide

Wetsuit boots are essential when the water temperature drops. They ensure that your feet are kept warm. They will need to fit more like a sock than a shoe, so there should be little room between your foot and the wetsuit boot. However, they shouldn’t fit so tightly that your feet curl up.

Men’s Wetsuit Hood Size Guide

Wetsuit hoods are another cold water essential; the hood ensures your head and face are protected from the colder climates. It should fit fairly tight but not so much that it causes pain around your neck or face. When wearing a hood, be sure to pay extra attention to your surroundings and fellow surfers in the water!

Men’s Wetsuit Gloves Size Guide

Wetsuit gloves ensure that your hands retain heat and won’t suffer in the colder conditions of the UK winters!

Buying from Wetsuit Centre

No need to worry if you’re eager to get in the water, Wetsuit Centre aims for all orders before 3 pm to be shipped the same day. Orders after 3 pm should be sent for delivery the following day, providing it isn’t a bank holiday.

If you purchase a wetsuit but decide that it isn’t right for you, all items purchased from us can be returned for an exchange or refund within 90 days, provided they haven’t been used, and the tags are still intact.

Remember, our expert team is always here to help! Just give us a call on 01202 302943 or drop an email to info@wetsuitcentre.co.uk with any of your questions!