How to Choose, Fit &
Use the Right Wetsuit for Diving
A wetsuit is one of the most important pieces of dive gear when diving in cooler waters. The right wetsuit keeps you warm, extends your bottom time, and enhances comfort. But not all wetsuits are created equal—choosing the right thickness, material, and fit is essential.
Why You Need a Wetsuit
Scuba diving involves extended exposure to water, which conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. A wetsuit traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin, which warms up and provides insulation.
Without a proper wetsuit:
- You lose body heat quickly, leading to discomfort and shorter dives.
- You risk hypothermia in cold water.
- Even in warm water, prolonged exposure can make you cold over time.
Choosing the Right Wetsuit Thickness
Temperature Tolerance Varies
Everyone’s cold tolerance is different—some divers get cold easily, while others barely notice. I personally run warm and tend to use a thinner wetsuit for longer but switch to a drysuit sooner than standard recommendations suggest.
| Water Temperature (°F) | Industry Recommendation | My Wetsuit Choice |
|---|---|---|
| 80°F+ | 1mm (dive skin or shorty) | Dive skin / rash guard |
| 72–79°F | 3mm full wetsuit | Dive skin / rash guard |
| 66–72°F | 5mm full wetsuit | 3mm |
| 50–65°F | 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry | Drysuit |
| Below 50°F | Consider a drysuit | Drysuit |
Factors Affecting Your Choice:
- Your cold tolerance: If you get cold easily, consider a thicker suit than the chart suggests.
- Duration of dives: Longer dives = more heat loss. If you’re doing multiple dives per day, opt for extra warmth.
- Activity level: More movement generates more heat, while slow dives (e.g., photography) require extra insulation.
Wetsuit Fit: The Most Important Factor
Even the best wetsuit won't keep you warm if it doesn’t fit properly. A poor fit allows water to constantly flush in and out, negating the insulation effect.
Perfect Fit? Not Really.
Finding a perfect wetsuit fit is nearly impossible—every body is different, and no wetsuit will fit all proportions perfectly. Some manufacturers offer more size variations, making them a better choice if you're not a standard body shape.
This is why I personally use Bare wetsuits—they offer an XLT (Extra Large Tall), which works well for my long arms and legs.
How Should a Wetsuit Fit?
- Snug but not restrictive – It should feel tight on land, as it loosens slightly in water.
- No large air pockets or gaps – Check the lower back, armpits, and behind the knees for excess space.
- Neck, wrist, and ankle seals should be firm – Prevents cold water flushing in.
- You should be able to move freely – Test arm and leg movements before diving.
- Some wrinkles in body joints are normal, but excessive wrinkles and folds indicate a poor fit.
Signs Your Wetsuit is Too Tight:
- Difficulty breathing deeply.
- Restricts shoulder and arm movement.
- Leaves deep red marks or discomfort after a short time.
Signs Your Wetsuit is Too Loose:
- Noticeable water movement inside the suit.
- Excessive wrinkles or folds in areas other than joints.
- Cold sensation even in warm water.
Types of Wetsuits
| Type of Wetsuit | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dive Skins & 1mm | Thin protection, not much warmth | Tropical diving, stinger protection |
| Shorty (3mm) | Short sleeves & legs | Warm water diving, snorkeling |
| Full Wetsuit (3mm, 5mm, 7mm) | Covers entire body | Most recreational diving |
| Semi-Dry Suit | Almost drysuit-like seals | Cold water diving without a drysuit |
Wetsuit Zipper Styles
| Zipper Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Back Zip | Easier to put on | Can allow more water entry |
| Front Zip | Warmer, less water flush | Harder to get in/out of |
| No Zip (zip-free) | Maximum flexibility | Hardest to put on |
Accessories to Stay Warmer
- Hood: Covers your head, where 30-40% of heat loss occurs.
Best practice: Tuck the hood into your wetsuit before zipping up to reduce water flushing. - Vest: Adds core warmth under your wetsuit.
- Gloves & Booties: Prevent heat loss from extremities.
I personally wear Bare 3mm gloves on 90% of my dives because my fingers run cold. - Heated vests: Battery-powered thermal layers for cold dives.
How to Properly Put On a Wetsuit
- Start with dry skin (or use a wetsuit lubricant).
- Use Lycra socks to make it easier to slide into the legs.
(See our full guide: Neoprene & Lycra Socks for Diving) - Put feet in first, pulling the suit up gradually.
- Align the knees and crotch properly before pulling up the torso.
- Slide arms in one at a time, making sure the shoulders are positioned correctly.
- Tuck in your hood (if using one) before zipping up for a better seal.
- Zip it up carefully and adjust seals to prevent water flushing.
- "Burp" or "flush" your wetsuit when you enter the water.
— Lift the collar or sleeves to let trapped air escape.
— If you don’t, you can be several pounds more buoyant than expected, affecting your weighting. - Check flexibility before heading to the water.
Caring for Your Wetsuit
- Rinse in fresh water after every dive.
- Avoid direct sun drying – UV rays degrade neoprene.
- Hang on a wide hanger – Avoid shoulder creases.
- Store it flat or hanging – Folding causes permanent creases.
- Use wetsuit shampoo occasionally to remove salt and odors.
A Quick Dive Shop Quality Check
You can quickly gauge the quality of a dive shop by how well they care for their rental wetsuits.
- Well-maintained wetsuits = Properly rinsed, minimal wear, no heavy odors, and stored correctly.
- Neglected wetsuits = Faded, stiff, smelly, or permanently creased from improper storage.
If a shop doesn’t take care of their wetsuits, they probably don’t take great care of their other gear either—a red flag for rental equipment and dive operations.
Final Thoughts
A properly fitted wetsuit can make the difference between a warm, enjoyable dive and an uncomfortable, shivering experience. Choose the right thickness, ensure a snug fit, and take care of your wetsuit for maximum performance.