Wetsuit size guide

How to measure yourself

You need a soft tape measure, a scale and about five minutes. Measure in light underwear or swimwear, standing relaxed.

  1. Height

    Stand barefoot with your back and heels against a wall. Rest something flat on top of your head, mark the wall, and measure from the floor to the mark. Height sets the length of the suit, which is where the S and T sizes come in.

  2. Weight

    Weigh yourself in the morning, before eating. Weight is the main thing most brands size by, so use a real number rather than a guess.

  3. Chest

    Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Keep it level and snug but not tight, and breathe out normally before you read it.

  4. Waist

    Measure around your natural waist, the narrowest point, usually just above your belly button. Not every chart lists it, but it helps you choose between two sizes.

Check the fit when you try it on

  • It should feel snug everywhere, a little tight when dry. Neoprene loosens slightly once wet.
  • No loose folds or air pockets in the lower back, armpits or behind the knees. Pockets fill with cold water.
  • Sleeves end at the wrist bone and legs at the ankle bone. Bunching at the wrists or ankles means the suit is too long.
  • You can raise your arms overhead and squat without the suit pulling hard at the shoulders or crotch.
  • The neck seal sits flat without choking you. A gap there lets water flush through.
  • If you fall between sizes, go by weight and chest first, then pick the short or tall cut to match your height.