Fit Guide
A wetsuit only swims fast when it fits right. This guide walks you through how to put your suit on correctly — the seven-step process our athletes use — and how to choose the right size before you order.
A few millimetres in the wrong place is the difference between a suit that feels invisible and one you fight for the whole swim. Fit affects three things, in this order.
A close fit reduces drag and saves energy stroke after stroke. Loose fabric pools water and slows you down — tight enough to compress, never tight enough to restrict.
If a suit pinches your chest or pulls at your shoulders on land, it will exhaust you in the water. The right fit lets you breathe deep, rotate freely, and forget the suit is there.
Even compression lifts your hips and legs into a horizontal swim position. A suit that's too big leaks lift; a suit that fits keeps you flat in the water and saves you the kick effort.
A suit that's been put on properly fits and performs better. Take your time with each step — rushing is the most common cause of bunched fabric, restricted shoulders, and water flushing through the neck.
Remove jewellery, watches, and bracelets that could damage the neoprene. Slip a plastic bag over each foot to help it glide through the leg opening without snagging the inner lining.
Pull the suit up over your hips and glutes. Take your time here. The suit should sit high and snug, with no fabric pooled at the back of the knees and no excess slack at the lower back.
Pull the suit up to your chest. Make sure the centre seam is straight and the suit sits flush against your stomach and lower back. Any twisting now becomes pinching once you're in the water.
Slip a plastic bag over each hand and feed your arm through the sleeve. The bag lets your hand pass through the wrist cuff without catching the seam or stretching the opening.
Lift each shoulder and let the suit settle into place. You should be able to bring your arms overhead and rotate them through a full crawl stroke without the chest pulling tight or the back panel riding up.
Pull the zip cord slowly and evenly to the top, then fasten the neck closure. The collar should sit flat against your throat — not loose enough to flush water, not tight enough to restrict swallowing.
Stretch, swing your arms, and walk around. The suit should move with you — no restriction across the chest or shoulders, no bunching behind the knees, no looseness at the lower back. If something feels wrong on land, it will feel worse in the water.
Use your height as the primary measurement. If you fall between two sizes, choose the one that matches your height — weight is secondary.
| Size | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 142–165 | 50–61 |
| S | 157–178 | 61–75 |
| MS | 157–178 | 75–82 |
| M | 170–185 | 75–82 |
| MT | 180–190 | 75–82 |
| LS | 170–185 | 80–90 |
| L | 180–190 | 80–90 |
| LT | 183–203 | 80–90 |
| XL | 183–203 | 90+ |
| XXL | 183–203 | 100+ |
| Size | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 142–155 | 43–50 |
| S | 145–162 | 47–54 |
| M | 152–170 | 52–61 |
| L | 165–180 | 59–68 |
| XL | 170–185 | 66–84 |
| XXL | 185+ | 84+ |
Still not sure? Take the wetsuit quiz for a personalised recommendation
Wetsuit fit is a small trade-off. The right call depends on what you want from the suit. Both fits are correct — pick the one that matches your goal.
Closer compression means better hydrodynamics, less drag, and more buoyancy. Going down a size suits stronger swimmers and short-course racing where every second counts. Expect a tougher first 200m before the suit warms and loosens.
A touch more room across the chest helps breathing on long swims and reduces shoulder fatigue. Better suited to Ironman distance, open-water novices, and swimmers who run hot. You give up a little speed for far more endurance.
Five problems we hear about often, and what they usually mean. If your issue isn't here, message our team — we'd rather diagnose it before you swim than after.
Got a fit question we haven't answered? Message our team and we'll talk you through it.
