Plus-Size Wetsuit Fitting Guide

Finding the right wetsuit is essential for keeping you safe, warm and comfortable in the water. Here at Wetsuit Centre, we stock a wide selection of UK plus-size wetsuits in a range of seasonal styles. Our high-grade wetsuits are designed with performance in mind and tailored to suit all body types. We stock a variety of plus-size full suits, shorty suits, rash vests, and buoyancy jackets from leading wetsuit brands including O’Neill, Rip Curl and more. 

When you’re ordering a wetsuit online or picking which one to try at our warehouse, some key tips and tricks can help you find the best wetsuit for you.

Contents

• How Tight Should My Wetsuit Feel?
• What Happens if My Wetsuit is Too Tight?
• What Happens if My Wetsuit is Too Big?
• What Thickness Of Wetsuit Is Right For Me?
• Plus Size Wetsuit Sizes

How Tight Should My Wetsuit Feel?

If you are new to wearing a wetsuit or are trying to size wetsuit options again, it can be confusing to know if your wetsuit size is correct or if your wetsuit is too tight. This plus-size wetsuit fitting guide will help you understand what a good fit really feels like and how to choose the right size wetsuit for your body.

Put simply, a wetsuit should feel snug but never restrictive. The ideal wetsuit fit should feel like a second skin, creating a close seal against your skin while still allowing you to move your arms and legs freely. The aim is a perfect fit that supports movement and helps you stay warm, especially in cold water.

Unlike normal clothing, a wetsuit needs to be tight to function properly. A proper fit allows a thin layer of water to sit between your body and the neoprene, which is then warmed by your body heat. If your wetsuit size is too big, water will constantly flush through the suit, making it harder to stay warm.

When trying on a wetsuit, it is important to check key areas like the chest, waist, neck, and shoulders. The chest area should feel supported without restricting breathing, while the neck should sit close without causing discomfort or letting in water. The torso length also matters, as a poor length can cause pulling in the crotch area or sagging through the body.

To check if your wetsuit fit is correct, ask yourself:

• Can you move your arms and rotate your shoulders without restriction
• Does the wetsuit feel tight, but still allow you to breathe comfortably
• Does the neck sit close without rubbing or feeling too restrictive

If you answer no to any of these, you may need to look at a different wetsuit size or try the next size up or down, depending on your measurements.

What Happens if My Wetsuit is Too Tight? 

While your wetsuit should be a snug fit, you definitely won’t want to wear a wetsuit that is too tight.

Not only will getting your wetsuit on and off become a real challenge, but it can also restrict your circulation and affect your performance, coordination and energy levels. You need to ensure you have a good range of movement so you can keep your arms and legs moving; all that paddle power is going to keep you warm in the water! 

Your wetsuit should also be the right length for your body, and the arms and legs of the suit should not end before your ankle or wrist bone. We offer a variety of plus-size wetsuits for men and women up to a size 3XL that can accommodate a range of different body shapes and sizes. 

It is important to remember that all wetsuits will loosen once they become wet, so you can expect a greater range of movement once you are in the water versus what you try on at home or at our warehouse. 

What Happens if My Wetsuit is Too Big?

A wetsuit that is too big will not perform properly. If there is too much excess material or visible excess material around the arms, legs, or waist, the wetsuit will allow water to move freely inside. This is known as water flushing, and it prevents the suit from holding that warm, thin layer of water against your skin.

If your wetsuit size is too large, you may notice:

• Loose areas around the chest, waist, or legs 
• Gaps at the neck or under the arms
• Fabric bunching or wrinkling

A good fit should sit close to your body with no gaps. If you can grab large sections of material, it is likely you need a smaller size to achieve the right fit.

What Thickness Of Wetsuit Is Right For Me? 

Finding the right size wetsuit starts with accurate measurements. Use a size chart to compare your chest, waist, weight, and overall body length. This will help you narrow down the correct wetsuit size within the available size range. If you are unsure, always measure yourself carefully and compare with the brand-specific size chart, as each specific wetsuit can fit slightly differently. Some brands also offer options like medium tall, which can help if you need extra length without increasing width.

For women, especially when choosing from women's wetsuits, it can help to compare your UK dress size alongside your measurements to find the best match. The same applies when browsing men's wetsuits, where weight and height often play a bigger role.

When it comes to choosing your preferred suit style, a full suit is a great option for winter and all year round, while a shorty is ideal for spring-summer water temperatures. When the weather is hot, a short wetsuit or a rash vest can also protect you from the sunlight, being a safe way to avoid getting too much sun exposure on your skin.  

If you are still unsure what thickness of suit you require, do check out our blog which explains the different mm of suit so you can make the best choice for you. 

Plus-Size Wetsuit Sizes 

Our plus-size wetsuit range comes in a variety of unisex suit options. This means our fitting guide for plus-sized suits is based on actual measurements, not dress size. 

Tips For Plus-Size Wetsuit Sizing 

When working out which size wetsuit you will need there are a few simple tips that can help: 

• Chest and height are the key measurements to determining your wetsuit size. Start by measuring the chest at the widest point, and ensure the tape is close to the body. For length, it’s fine for the wetsuit to be a little longer than your measurements. 
• The wetsuit should be tight around the neck, wrists, ankles and lower back. For women, it is important to find a wetsuit that follows the arch of the back. 
• Always check the measurements on the wetsuit brands’ sites. Each brand has it’s own size guide, so it’s likely different brands will have different measurements. 
• If you are between sizes or are a different size on the bottom or top, it is recommended to go with the larger of the two sizes. 

Chest and height are the key measurements to determining your wetsuit size. Start by measuring the chest at the widest point, and ensure the tape is close to the body. For length, it’s fine for the wetsuit to be a little longer than your measurements. 

We hope this guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the right plus-size wetsuit for you.  If you’re still unsure about which size will work best for you or would like to chat with one of our friendly team members, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. 

We hope to see you on the waves!