Wetsuits
Check out the all you need to know O'Neill wetsuit and neoprene accessories guide to buying the perfect suit for you.
How do I find the right size wetsuit?
Finding the right size wetsuit can be quite a challenge. It should fit like a second skin, tightly wrapped around your body. After all, a wetsuit only works when the fit is right. On the other hand, you don't want it to be too restrictive or tight, and want to avoid excess material in areas like your armpits, lower back and behind your knees. But don’t worry, we offer suits for every body type and gladly help you choose your correct wetsuit size. This makes wetsuit shopping a lot easier than before. Keep your measurements at hand, have a look at our wetsuit sizes guide and order the right size without having to try it on in a sandy fitting room! Although we would recommend pop into our H2O Sports Store if you're local.
How to size a wetsuit?
How should a wetsuit fit? As described above, it should fit tightly around the body. Only then, a thin layer of water can be trapped between the neoprene and your skin to keep your body warm. When the suit is too large and the material piles up in certain areas, cold water seeps in and runs through the suit (a phenomenon known as flushing). A wetsuit that is too small, however, is too tight and can restrict your freedom of movement in the water. This especially the case with winter wetsuits: the thicker the neoprene, the less flexible it is. When you try on your suit, you must be able to bend down and touch your toes, and move your arms and shoulders freely.
O’Neill wetsuit sizes explained
Rather than on height, O’Neill wetsuit sizes are based on body types. While some are tall and slim, others have broad shoulders and a big chest, and yet another one is a bit heavier. Therefore, we do not only offer small, medium, large and extra large wetsuits, but multiple variants of each. SS (small small) for example, is a great fit for shorter persons with a relatively big waist and chest, while ST (small tall) is suited for taller persons that have the same waist and chest circumference. The normal S is the best choice for people who fall in between.
Wetsuit sizing tips: how to measure
Height: stand right up and measure the length from the ground to the top of your head.
Weight: measure your weight on a time of day you would normally go surfing. In the morning, you are usually lighter so don’t cheat.
Chest: keep your arms relaxed by your side and measure the widest part of your chest.
Waist: breathe out and measure around your natural waistline.
How do I find the right thickness wetsuit?
Remember that in addition to wetsuit sizes, wetsuit thicknesses are also very important!
What thickness wetsuit do I need at which water temperature?
Wetsuits are a great way to stay warm and comfortable in the water. They allow you to go out all year long, and have more fun for longer. A wetsuit should keep you warm and comfortable, but not too hot. Additionally, it shouldn’t restrict your range of movement. Therefore, it is important to choose the right wetsuit thickness for the weather conditions and water temperature in which you are going to use it. As a pioneer in wetsuit development and innovation, O’Neill tells you all about wetsuit thickness and helps you make an informed choice. Keep on reading!
Wetsuit thickness explained
The thickness of a wetsuit is measured in millimetres and is usually represented by two (or sometimes three) numbers. The first number refers to the thickness of the core and torso area, the second to the thickness of the extremities. A wetsuit with a thickness of 3/2 for example, has a 3 millimetre core and 2 millimetre arms and legs. The core is usually thicker, because it plays a key role in keeping your body warm. The arms and legs are thinner, in order to give you more freedom to move. A wetsuit with short arms and legs, also known as a shorty, usually has one thickness.
Wetsuit thickness chart
Wetsuits are often categorised by season, because the seasons are directly related to the temperature of the water. But of course, you can also choose the right wetsuit thickness by looking at the water temperature alone. Have a look at the chart below to get an idea of what thickness wetsuit you need at which water temperatures. Please note that this is just a guideline and other factors also play a role.
What wetsuit thickness do I need?
| Wetsuit Thickness | Temperature (℃) | Season |
| UV shirt or Lycra | 26+ ℃ | Summer |
| 1 mm wetsuits | 21℃ - 25℃ | Summer |
| 2mm wetsuits or shorty | 18℃ - 20℃ | Spring / Summer |
| 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuits | 12℃ - 17℃ | Spring |
| 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuits | 8℃ - 11℃ | Fall |
| 5/4mm or 6/5mm wetsuits | 4℃ - 7℃ | Fall / Winter |
| 7+mm wetsuits | Below 3℃ | Winter |
Wetsuit thickness by water temperature
As you can see in the above chart, the thickness of wetsuits ranges from 1 mm to 6 or even 7 millimetres. Probably, you will be mostly using suits from the middle of the spectrum. A 2 mm shorty is suited for water temperatures between 18°and 20Celsius (65° -70°Fahrenheit), and is a great summer suit for the UK and the rest of Europe. In fall, when temperatures often range from 12°to 17°Celsius (55° -64°Fahrenheit), you can choose a wetsuit with a thickness of 3 mm around the core and 2 mm at the extremities, or a wetsuit with 4 mm around the core and 3 mm at the arms and legs – depending on how quickly you get cold and what kind of activity you perform. A 4/3 suit is also a good choice for temperatures ranging from 8°to 11°Celsius (48° -54°Fahrenheit), but in those conditions, you can also go for the added warmth of a 5/4 mm suit. In cold winter water, a hooded 5/4 mm suit is a must, along with surf gloves and surf boots to keep your hands and feet warm.
Other factors you should consider
Water temperature is an important factor in choosing a wetsuit, but not the only one. Wind chill and the activity of your choice are also important. The longer your body is above water and the more of your body that’s exposed, the more wind and air temperature affect your body heat. In surfing, swimming and bodyboarding, your body will be in the water most of the time, while in sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding you'll be mostly out of the water. This means a surfer might prefer a thicker wetsuit in cold water temperatures and warmer air temperatures, while a windsurfer chooses a thinner wetsuit in the same conditions. At the same time, a surfer might choose a thinner suit for conditions with warm water and cooler air temperatures, while a windsurfer might prefer a thicker suit in those conditions.
So the bottomline is, that guidelines are useful, but you should find your own preferences and invest in a wetsuit quiver that allows you to go out in the water all year long!
Wetsuit care instructions: How to wash and clean your wetsuit?
After every session, you have to wash your wetsuit in order to get it fresh and ready for the next one. Apart from eliminating sand, salt, and odors, regular care will make your wetsuit last much longer. The good news is that washing your wetsuit isn’t that hard. In this blog article, we will tell you how to wash and care for your wetsuit, so you can enjoy it for longer and spend more time in the water!
How to take care of your wetsuit
Even though there are basic guidelines that apply to all wetsuits, washing instructions may vary per manufacturer or wetsuit type. Therefore, you should always carefully read the instructions on the label of your wetsuit. In general you should follow the following instructions:
1. Taking off
Avoid taking off your wetsuit while standing on gravel, grass or other rough surfaces. Instead, use the O’Neill Wetsuit Change Mat or lay down a towel to stand on.
2. Cleaning
Rinse your wetsuit in fresh, cold water and turn inside-out to dry in the shade lying flat. It is critical NOT to wash your wetsuit with hot water, dry it in the sunlight, or leave it in the boot of your car for long periods of time. Heat contact with neoprene affects the fabric’s flexibility and durability.
3. Drying
At home, hang your wetsuit on a wide plastic hanger (not wire) in a well-ventilated area; this will prevent deterioration and creases, do not fold.
How to clean your wetsuit
The best (and easiest) way to clean your wetsuit is to rinse it with cold or lukewarm water after each surf. Make sure to rinse it on both sides until all sand, salt and dirt are gone. You can either wash it in the shower or dunk it in a large bucket of water. This helps to keep the neoprene stretchy and the zippers running smoothly. After washing your wetsuit with cold water, hang it on a hanger to drip dry. Use a horizontal hanger and fold the suit in half over the waistline. Always keep the wetsuit out of direct sunlight to prevent UV and ozone damage.