Kids Wetsuit Sizing Guide

It can be difficult to choose which kids’ wetsuit to buy knowing full well that every six months or so they’ll grow out of their current wetsuit. However, that’s not to say that buying an oversized wetsuit is your best option.

This guide will help you decide on which wetsuit to get that will not only provide some warmth within the water but will also accommodate some growth.

Once you have found the perfect kids wetsuit, you can easily buy wetsuits online from Wetsuit Centre. You can also explore our blog or contact a member of our team for more information!

Contents

• Wetsuit Fit
• Choosing a Wetsuit
• Tips for Kids Wetsuit Sizing
• Brands and Sizing
• Kids Rash Vest and UV Protection Size Guide
• Kids Impact Vest Size Guide
• Kids Wetsuit Boots Size Guide
• Kids Wetsuit Hoods Size Guide
• Kids Wetsuit Gloves Size Guide
• Buying From Wetsuit Centre

Wetsuit Size Guide For Kids

Wetsuit Fit

A wetsuit is essentially a second skin; it should feel tight but not be restrictive. Be sure to check areas such as under your arms, the lower back and behind the knees.

Why Does a Wetsuit Need to Be Tight?

A wetsuit works as a barrier against the uncomfortable cold by using closed-cell neoprene. The closed-cell foam is made of tiny air pockets that slow down the conduction of heat so that your body heat can be retained.

To allow your wetsuit to do this, it needs to fit tightly. So when choosing a wetsuit, be sure to avoid any that are loose-fitting or allow an excess of material to gather or be pinchable. Excess material will allow for water to sit in between your skin and the suit, which will rapidly cool you down.

The Lower Back

As said above, a wetsuit should be tight, but not restrictive. This is especially important for areas such as your lower back, where your kidneys are situated, as you will support them to pump warm blood around your body.

A good rule of thumb is to check if the material on the lower back can be pinched. If the material can be barely pinched, then it indicates a good fit. A little bit of material under the arms is not the end of the world - it’s the actual body of the wetsuit that is critical.

Choosing a Wetsuit

Here are a few thoughtful considerations to make when intending to purchase a wetsuit.

Thickness

Whether the wetsuit is for a child or an adult, the thickness of the wetsuit is the main factor to think about.

The first place to start, is to consider what time of year you will be using the wetsuit. Wetsuits are available in an array of thicknesses to accommodate different water temperatures.

The required thickness of the wetsuit is measured in millimetres in a leg/body-to-arm ratio. For example, a 3:2 means the suit's neoprene is 3mm on the body and legs, and on the arms, the suit's neoprene will be 2mm.

The thickness of the suit will depend on the time of year you and the family like to hit the sea and how much they can tolerate the cold.

• From May until October we recommend a 3:2 full suit.
• For warmer months they may prefer to use a 2mm shorty if the water temperature is sitting around 20 Celsius or above.
• For the colder months from November to April, when the water temperature sits between 5–12 Celsius, a 5mm neoprene wetsuit is the best option.
• 5mm wetsuits can also be worn in the summertime if your child is more sensitive to the cold.

Budget

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

To get them out into the ocean during the summer you can consider the kids C Skins Element 3:2. It’s great for beginners as it offers an amazing amount of technology at such an affordable price.

If your budget's a bit bigger you might consider purchasing the kids C Skins Legend 4:3, which can even work well as an all year round wetsuit! It’s especially perfect for those who want to get out into the water from April until December.

The suit allows for great stretch and freedom for those critical paddle zones as well as keeping them warmer than any suit at this price thanks to the True Thickness!

Zips

Zip placement can help to maintain a bit of extra heat. Most entry-level suits 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 Kids Wetsuit Sizing

The right size will depend on your specifications. Are you aiming to allow some room for growth? Or do you need to ensure they are as warm as possible?

Most children will fit into two sizes; one which is smaller and firmer allowing more warmth, and the other, which is larger and a looser fit with more room for growth.

Between the ages of 12 and16 years, children can potentially start to fit into an adult’s wetsuit. Larger children between 10 and 12 years can often fit into 14 to 16 year old sizes. This might be worth considering if your child is much taller than those in their year.

Brands and Sizing

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

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

Kids Rash Venst and UV Protection Size Guide

If your child suffers from their skin rubbing against their wetsuit, then a rash vest can be worn underneath the wetsuit to protect their skin.

They 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 under the rash vest itself.

Kids Impact Vests Size Guide

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

Kids Wetsuit Boots Size Guide

Wetsuit boots are essential for when the water temperature drops. They ensure that your childs 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.

Kids Wetsuit Hoods Size Guide

Wetsuit hoods are another cold water essential; the hood ensures your childs 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!

Kids 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

Not 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 and your child decides that it isn’t right for them, all items purchased from us can be returned for an exchange or refund within 90 days, providing 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 [email protected] with any of your questions!