How to Easily Put On a Wetsuit

Staying warm in the water is essential for surfing, sailing, or any other water sports enthusiasts. Wetsuits are ideal as they create an insulation layer between the high-tech suit and your skin to warm up water and keep you at a comfortable temperature. 

As reliable as wetsuits are for activities such as sailing, they can be just as much of a pain to put on. Their snug and protective design can often make them difficult to put on initially, with stuck limbs a common issue.

At Pinnell & Bax, we have years of experience with wetsuits, so by following our guide, you can slip on any wetsuit as easily as a pair of trainers.

Table of contents

• How should a wetsuit fit?
• Different types of wetsuit
• Best tips for putting on a wetsuit
• Wetsuits at Pinnell & Bax

How should a wetsuit fit?

Your wetsuit will always go on easier if you’ve got the right fit. A wetsuit that is too small will feel uncomfortable and restrict your movement and overall performance. Oversized wetsuits risk leaving too much room between the neoprene and your body, allowing excess cold water in that your body won’t be able to heat sufficiently.

A wetsuit should feel tight but not constricting. Well-fitting suits allow for sufficient warmth and ample movement, so no matter your activity, you can comfortably reach top performance. 

At Pinnell & Bax, we stock wetsuits varying in thickness from 1mm to 5mm. The thickness of your wetsuit shouldn’t play a role in how it fits, but we recommend thicker suits in winter and thinner suits for warmer months so you don’t overheat.

Different types of wetsuit

How you put on a wetsuit is often determined by what kind you own. There are three main types of wetsuits: front-zip, back-zip, and zipless. All of these wetsuits require slightly different methods of wearing, and we’ll walk you through each one.

How to put on a front-zip wetsuit

To get into a front-zip wetsuit, you should pull it up after inserting your legs, and once the suit is at waist height, insert your right arm into the right sleeve. Repeat with your left arm and pull the entryway over your head. Finally, zip up and check there are no wrinkles or large gaps.

How to put on a back-zip wetsuit

Back-zip wetsuits are often preferred by water sports enthusiasts with broader shoulders. These wetsuits have larger entries than front-zips, allowing easier access for some. Once your legs are sorted, fasten the velcro of your suit to prevent any of it from sticking to the rest of your suit.

When inserting your arms, it’s easiest to hold them above your head to ensure they get over your shoulders. Insert your right arm into the right sleeve first, followed by your left. Your suit may have a neck gaiter; if so, pull this over before closing the zip or velcro on your back for a snug fit.

How to put on a zipless wetsuit

Due to advancements in fabric technology, zipless wetsuits have become increasingly popular. Putting on a zipless wetsuit closely resembles applying a front zip but with a few subtle differences. Zipless wetsuits are arguably the easiest to put on because of the extra stretchy neoprene they’re made from. Once your suit is at your waist, put your left arm through the left sleeve and follow suit with your right. 

The top of the wetsuit should rest on your chest. Pull the suit over your shoulders, starting with your left arm. When pulling your right arm through, check for bunching in the material, flatten where necessary, and continue over your shoulder. Finally, pull the entry flap over your head and adjust until comfortable.

Best tips for putting on a wetsuit

At Pinnell & Bax, we understand that putting on a wetsuit can feel tricky and uncomfortable for newcomers. In our years of experience, we’ve tried and tested several methods and tricks to get wetsuits on just a bit easier. Here are a few of our favourites:

Feet first

It sounds obvious, but it’s worth pointing out that you should go in feet first for any wetsuit you try on. Pull the suit up your leg, ensuring the cuff is at your ankle. Check the knee plates are correctly aligned and pull up to your waist. From here, it depends on what suit you have. Follow the relevant steps from our specific wetsuit guides.

The plastic bag trick

Sometimes, even getting your feet in can be a challenge; this is where a simple plastic carrier bag can assist. Place your foot inside the bag and then slide into the suit. Remove the bag once your leg is in, and repeat with the other foot. The plastic glides off the neoprene much smoother than our skin and makes for a simple and slick entry.

Wear an underlayer

Layering under a wetsuit won’t just keep you warm on chilly days; it can also act as an effective buffer when putting on the suit. A layer such as a rash vest will prevent the neoprene from sticking to your skin and allow the suit to slide on without interference or snagging.

Wetsuits at Pinnell & Bax

Now that you know how to easily put on a wetsuit, it’s time to think about what wetsuit you want. At Pinnell & Bax, we stock a wide range of high-quality technical wetsuits that will help you reach top performance on the water. With men’s, women’s, and junior wetsuits available, this is your one-stop shop for water sports equipment.

Choose from leading brands such as Gill, Musto, Zhik and more to find your perfect wetsuit that fits easily and provides comfort and agility.