Finding the perfect wetsuit fit can feel like navigating uncharted waters. Unlike your favourite pair of jeans or that go-to dress, a wetsuit needs to work with your body in an entirely different way - providing warmth, flexibility, and performance while you're swimming in open water.
We know it can be complicated, which is why we've created this comprehensive sizing guide to help you find your perfect fit.
Why Proper Wetsuit Fit Matters
Your wetsuit should feel like a second skin. Too loose, and cold water will flush through, defeating the purpose of thermal protection. Too tight, and you'll feel restricted, affecting your stroke and breathing. The sweet spot is snug but comfortable, allowing you to move freely while keeping you warm and buoyant.
Our Size Chart: A Starting Point, Not the Final Word
We offer women's UK dress sizes in our size chart as a rough guide, BUT we know how much variation there is between women's clothing retailers. For the most accurate fit, we recommend taking your own measurements and checking them against our size chart.
The four key measurements you'll need are:
- Height
- Chest
- Waist
- Hips
Your Measuring Toolkit: Top Tips for Accuracy
Getting accurate measurements is crucial, so we've put together some tried-and-tested tips to help you out:
Stand in a relaxed position - Don't suck in your stomach or puff out your chest. Just be natural and comfortable.
Ask a friend to help - It's much easier (and more accurate) to have someone else take your measurements.
Don't pull the measuring tape too tight - The tape should just about be touching you all the way round. Think of it as giving yourself a gentle hug, not a squeeze.
Check you're reading from the right end - We've all been there! Make sure you're reading the correct measurement.
Remember you are perfect as you are - The number is just a number. And a wetsuit that fits you correctly is the most comfortable wetsuit.
For Our Taller Swimmers: We've Got Your Back
If you're blessed with height, we haven't forgotten about you. We offer 'Tall' sizing in our small, medium, and large sizes specifically designed for swimmers who are taller than 5ft 7in (170cm) or those who know they have a longer torso.
Here's our advice for tall sizing: if you're only just over 5ft 7in and considering a tall size, we recommend ordering the tall if your chest, waist, and hip measurements are on the higher side of your size range. However, if your measurements are on the lower side, stick with the standard size wetsuit.
For our XL-3XL sizes, the wetsuit naturally gets longer as the sizes increase, which brings us to our next point about shorter swimmers.
Shorter Swimmers: We've Got You Covered Too
We understand that not everyone fits the "standard" proportions, which is why we've designed our ankle and leg cuffs to be adjustable. If they're too long, you can trim them down by up to an inch - this is particularly helpful if you fit into our XL-3XL sizes but are on the shorter side.
Don't worry about cutting your wetsuit - when you receive your wetsuit, you'll get a comprehensive guide showing you exactly where it's safe to cut.
Still Unsure? We're Here to Help
We know that bodies are beautifully unique, and not everyone fits neatly into standard sizing boxes. If you find yourself between two sizes or need some general advice on sizing, don't hesitate to reach out.
Drop us an email at hello@wildaswim.com and our team will be there to help you navigate your sizing questions. We're passionate about getting you into the right wetsuit, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Head over to our size chart, grab that measuring tape, and let's get you sorted for your next swim.
