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 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!