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, Ripcurl and more. 

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

• 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?
• Tips for Plus-Size Wetsuit Sizing

How Tight Should My Wetsuit Feel?

 

If you’re new to wearing a wetsuit or are in need of an updated size,  it can be confusing to know whether your new wetsuit is too tight, or just right! 

Put simply, a wetsuit should fit snugly, but never be restricting or uncomfortable. The perfect wetsuit fit can be described as a ‘second skin’, offering you a close fit that will keep you warm even in the coldest of conditions. 

Unlike other items of clothing, wetsuits do need to fit tightly to function properly. This is because there needs to be a minimal gap between your body and suit so that any water that seeps in can be quickly warmed by your body. The aim of a good-fitting wetsuit is to ensure you lose as little heat as possible, meaning you can comfortably stay out in the water for long periods of time. 

While your wetsuit should be close-fitting, these simple questions can help you determine whether your wetsuit is the right level of tight: 

- Can you swing your arms without restriction? 

- When the wetsuit is fully zipped up, can you breathe easily? 

- Can you turn your head without the suit causing any discomfort around your neck? 

If you answer ‘no’ to any of the above, it is recommended you try a size up in your chosen wetsuit.

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 XXXL 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 isn’t going to do anything to help you stay warm in the water. If your wetsuit is too big,  the fabric will wrinkle and produce gaps which will allow the water in. People can be tempted to choose a wetsuit that is too big due to the ease of getting it on and off, but don’t be fooled, this will provide more pain than gain in the long run! Additionally, while a larger wetsuit may feel more comfortable to wear in the try-on phase, if there is any looseness on dry land, this is only going to get baggier once you are in the water. 

Two quick ways to check if your wetsuit is too big are:

- Seeing/feeling fabric rolls and gaps in your wetsuit

- If you can grab a handful of fabric around your shoulder or back

What Thickness Of Wetsuit Is Right For Me? 

 

When picking the thickness of a wetsuit, you will also need to consider the time of year you plan to use your suit. We offer a range of winter, summer and all year round wetsuits from 3mm-7mm.  

Everyone has slightly different thresholds when it comes to the cold, so it’s really about finding a suit that works for you. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the wetsuit is, the more warm you will feel. Take a look at our wetsuit thickness guide below: 

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 Fitting Guide 

 

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!