Wetsuits come in all different shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one can be an overwhelming prospect if you’re not sure what to look for. With this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best wetsuit by understanding your own body type, water temperature preferences, and activity level. You’ll even find tips on which Orca wetsuit will be the best fit for each part of your body!
- Wetsuit thickness
Thicker neoprene is warmer, but it’s also less stretchy. Thin wetsuits allow you more freedom of movement, which is ideal if you’re an experienced diver or surfer. But if you’re a beginner, a thick neoprene suit will help insulate your body heat and protect against those chilly winter months. Consider how active you’ll be once in the water before deciding which type of wetsuit is best for you.
- Wetsuit size
Brands will use a variety of sizes, so you need to be aware of what size is offered by the brand you’re looking at. That being said, most brands offer small, medium, and large-size options that should be accurate. When in doubt, it’s best to go with the smaller size as this will be slightly form-fitting but still allow for flexibility.
- Wetsuit entry system
There are three main types of wetsuit entry systems: back zip, chest zip, and zip free. A wetsuit’s entry system dictates how easily you can get into and out of it.
- Different kinds of seams
Wetsuits made with flatlock seams are typically more expensive, but the super tight stitching of these seams makes them long-lasting and elastic. While it may be more difficult to get in and out of a wetsuit with a taped seam, they provide an affordable option and are usually considered faster at water leakage. Blindstitched seams do not offer much elasticity, so they’re not ideal for diving. Sealed seams help with reducing water leakage by preventing pressure points that can cause watertight problems in normal seams over time.
- Do I need a lined wetsuit?
A lining is an extra insulating layer on the inside of a wetsuit. They are usually worn during cold weather because they can trap more warmth. A lining can either be a thin or thick fitting. thicker linings are often good if you want added warmth, while slim-fitting linings might be better if you want a streamlined suit.
- When should I wear boots with my wetsuit?
Generally, it is recommended that people wear either a boot or sock with their wetsuit. A boot will not only protect your foot from injury but keep you warm too. One way to figure out which might work best for you is to test out both options when you go shopping and see what feels better and fits more comfortably.
Buying Online – Do’s and Don’ts
Before you buy a wetsuit online, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. How do you know what size to buy? What should you look for in a wetsuit when looking online? It helps if you have a shop at a business where you can call up and ask for advice and instructions as to which is going to be the best for you and also how you can measure yourself.
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