How do I find the right size wetsuit?

December 21, 2022
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!
How do I find the right size wetsuit?

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.

Tip: Remember that in addition to wetsuit sizes, wetsuit thicknesses are also very important! Check out our page about "what thickness wetsuit do i need at what water temperature?"

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.

Men’s wetsuit sizes chart

Have a look at the wetsuit size chart below to find your ideal men’s wetsuit. If your measurements border on the top end of your chosen size, go for the next size up.

Men's wetsuit size Height (cm) Weight (kg) Chest (cm) Waist (cm)
2XS 168-173 52-59 90-93 70-72
XS 170-175 57-64 93-95 72-75
SS 166-171 59-68 95-99 75-79
S 173-178 61-70 95-99 75-79
ST 183-188 66-75 95-99 75-79
MS 169-174 66-75 99-104 79-84
M 175-180 70-77 99-104 79-84
MT 185-191 73-82 99-104 79-84
LS 171-177 73-82 104-110 84-89
L 178-183 77-86 104-110 84-89
LT 188-193 82-91 104-110 84-89
XLS 174-179 82-91 110-117 89-94
XL 180-185 86-95 110-117 89-94
XLT 191-196 91-100 110-117 89-94
2XL 183-188 95-104 117-123 94-99
3XL 183-191 104-113 123-130 99-112
4XL 185-193 113-122 130-136 112-122



Check out all of our mens wetsuits


Women’s wetsuit sizes chart

View the size chart below to find your ideal women’s wetsuit. If your measurements border on the top end of your chosen size, go for the next size up.

Women's wetsuit size Height (cm) Weight (kg) Chest (cm) Waist (cm)
2 155-160 41-48 76-81 62-67
4 160-165 45-52 77-83 64-69
6S 159-164 48-54 80-85 66-71
6 163-168 50-57 80-85 66-71
6T 166-171 52-59 80-85 66-71
8S 161-166 52-59 83-88 69-74
8 165-170 54-61 83-88 69-74
8T 169-174 57-64 83-88 69-74
10S 164-169 57-66 86-91 74-77
10 168-173 59-68 86-91 74-77
10T 171-177 61-70 86-91 74-77
12 170-175 64-73 90-95 77-81
14 173-178 68-77 94-99 79-85
16 175-180 75-84 98-103 85-89



Check out all of our womens wetsuits


Kids wetsuits size chart

Have a look at the wetsuit size chart below to find your ideal kids wetsuit. If the measurements of your child border on the top end of your chosen size, go for the next size up.

Kids wetsuits size Length (cm) Weight (kg) Chest (cm) Waist (cm)
1 88-98 11-13.5 48-53 45.5-51
2 98-108 13.5-16 51-56 48-53
3 108-118 16-18 53-58 51-56
4 118-126 18-25 58-64 51-56
6 126-133 22.5-29.5 62-67 55-60
8 133-141 27-34 66-71 58-64
10 141-147 34-41 71-76 58-64
12 147-155 41-48 74-79 64-69
14 155-163 48-54.5 79-84 69-74
16 163-170 54.5-61 84-89 71-76

Check out all of our kids wetsuits


Wetsuit sizing tips: how to measure

Not sure about your measurements and weight: here is how you measure them.

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.

Do you still have questions about wetsuit sizes after reading this article? You can always contact our help support for questions or leave a comment below the page!

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