Heather’s Wetsuit Primer
First, know that air temp and sunshine vastly impact how warm or cold we feel in the water. Sun on your back can make 70 degree water feel just fine, while cloud cover can make us feel even colder.
We never have a guarantee of weather anywhere, ever!
So! What can we do to make sure we enjoy our cool water time to the fullest? I recommend a little extra layer. I have put together a few thoughts, ideas and tips about what to look for to simplify and find something you’ll feel good in.
Right Tool for the Right Job!
When we talk about wetsuits for swimming, it’s really important to search for SWIMMING, SWIM RUN or TRIATHLON wetsuits, as opposed to snorkel or diving suits. This is about fit, materials and prevention of chafing. Generally, swimming wetsuits offer a snug fit and are made of smoother neoprene that will not chafe, with a thicker layer covering your core, and thinner layer on the shoulders for maximum flexibility. In a few instances, you can use a spring suit made for surfing, but if the neoprene around the neck is too high or too loose, it may chafe. I’m breaking it all down for you below.
Note: The links I have provided direct you to women’s options because most of you on our Croatia trip identify that way! For our one male guest (👋🏻 Hi, Kev! Don’t worry there will be some male guides, too!), click around for links to men’s suits. Generally, you gents will have any easier time fitting into neoprene than most women, so congratulations. ☺️
THE FULL LENGTH WETSUIT
These offer the most warmth and protection with long legs and arms. They come in a few thicknesses, but I would not go over 3mm for this trip, as they are harder to get on the thicker they are. They will keep you warm, and they will make you buoyant - so much so that if you choose to go this route, I highly recommend putting in some yards in one as it will radically change your body position and you will need time to adjust. Sizing can be tricky as length / height makes a big difference in overall fit. I think a full wetsuit is probably overkill for this trip, but if you are prone to getting cold even in the tropics, you may want to consider one. These can be found in “farmer john” style (without sleeves) making them a little easier to put on, especially for swimmers with large shoulders for their height. These suits typically have zippers in the back with long pull cords so you can zip and unzip yourself.
Pros:
Maximum warmth
Cons:
Challenging to fit properly
Difficult to get on especially if wet
Change of body position in the water
Bulky to travel with
Potentially expensive
Brands and styles to consider (there are many more!):
THE “SHORTY” WETSUIT
I like this option a lot, as a wetsuit without full legs is much easier to get on, especially for those of us with curves. We don’t lose much heat from our forearms and shins, so the ease of wear seems worth a minor sacrifice in coverage. Being shorter, these tend to dry more quickly making them even easier to slip on. Shorties are usually in the 3mm range for thickness, which is manageable. A really great option in the shorty style are swim-run suits. These have short legs (half way down thigh) and either long or short sleeves. Swim run suits have zippers either in the front or down the back. My personal preference is for a back zipper, as I can easily get the suit off by myself once it’s unzipped. Shorties can also be found in a “farmer john” style for those who prefer to have their shoulders free.
Pros:
Warm core, hips and probably shoulders
Easier to get on
Not as much change to body position
Less bulky to travel with
Cons:
Still can be challenging to fit properly
Potentially expensive
Brands and styles to consider (there are many more!):
SPECIALTY PIECES LIKE SPRING SUITS, PULLOVER TOPS & VESTS
If you have traveled with us to Greece, you have seen me in my little Rip Curl Spring suit. It looks like a bathing suit with long sleeves. This is technically a “spring suit” for surfing, but it’s only 1mm thick, fits me like a glove and the material is smooth enough so that it doesn’t chafe. To my knowledge, Rip Curl has discontinued this exact suit but here is a link to a similar style from Rip Curl. From one woman to another, be advised that surf suits with bathing suit style bottoms (rather than shorts) tend to be a little cheeky. I always wear a bather underneath anyway so I don’t mind too much.
If you explore surf suit vendors, you’ll find a variety of pieces including rash guards with neoprene on chest and back to little vests that zip up the front (which you also may have seen on me!). Your best option here is to try a few different types and see what fits you best and makes you most comfortable. Remember to insure a snug fit and ideally smooth neoprene at the shoulders and neck.
Pros:
Warm core
Easier to get on
Quick drying
Not much change to body position
Less bulky to travel with
Not as expensive as full swimming, tri or even swim run suit
Lots of cool colors and patterns😍!
Cons:
Still can be challenging to fit properly
May chafe if not snug enough or if neoprene is too rough
Brands to Consider (there are so many just shop around! As you search the bots will send you more of what you are looking for 🤣)
Rip Curl - I just bought this cutie suit and will be bringing it
Billabong - this one looks interesting but may not be smooth enough neoprene to not chafe.
Check eBay, Poshmark and Playitagain sports for Billabong discontinued vests like I have!
There are many cool looking boutique brands that have spring suits in gorgeous colors and patterns! If you decide to go with one of these (I always want to!), just be sure you get a good snug fit and that the neoprene is smooth and not too rough in the shoulders!
Practice Persistence & Patience!
All of the wetsuit brands build their suits a little differently, so be sure to try different sizes as well as different brands. For example, as you all know, I am short but curvy. ROKAs tend to be a little long and narrow for me. ORCAs fit me a little better. BlueSeventy used to fit me perfectly but they changed their general torso length and now they don’t. In some brands I’m an XS, others I’m a medium. Ladies, don’t be afraid to try a men’s size - these tend to be narrower in the hips but much more generous in the trunk and shoulders. Gentlemen, there are some great jammer style options if you’d like a neoprene bottom only, or to pair it with a top. Again, I would not go thicker than 3mm, and you’ll probably be ok with something at 1, 1.5 or 2mm.
Almost all brands will allow you to return them, and many will even let you swim in them before returning. Most of them stretch pretty significantly, so don’t be alarmed if it looks impossibly small out of the box! Trim your nails before trying it on so you don’t put a hole in it! Generally you’ll be able to tell when you try them on if the fit is comfortable and snug enough to keep you warm and not chafe. Move your arms as if you are swimming. Bend over and make sure it doesn’t ride up too much in the crotch. If you can swing it, buy a few different brands, styles and sizes, try them on, keep only the one that feels best.
Often I will look on the brand websites to see what might work for me, then go to aggregate sites like SwimOutlet, Wetsuit Wearhouse or even Amazon to see if I can get last year’s models or a better deal than the manufacturer offers (be sure it’s not a final sale!). I have even seen slightly used pieces on second hand sites like Poshmark and ThreadUp. Just be sure to select swimming or tri wetsuits if you search on aggregate sites.
When you’re trying on, be sure to wear a bathing suit underneath as you will most likely do this when you use the suit. Otherwise you’ll have to peel it off in front of everyone and show us your goods!
Once you have your suit, definitely put some yards in with it! Even shorties and specialty pieces will impact your buoyancy and body position and take a little getting used to. Also be sure to get in some salt water if you can - salt water chafes much more than fresh water does, and if you know where your sensitive spots are, you can apply body glide before each swim.
Questions? Fire away! We are here to help and make sure you are comfortable no matter what Mother Nature may throw at us! If we are geared up right, I think it’s going to be spectacular.
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