Wetsuits Choosing the Right Fit for You

Scuba diving is a sport that is enjoyed by people the world round. Scuba diving trips take place everywhere from the Bahamas to the shores of Alaska to Australia, the gear that divers need is as unique as the sport as well as the people who enjoy it.

The use of a wetsuit is as important in scuba diving as an air tank. It is an essential piece of scuba gear. Choosing the appropriate wetsuit, however, depends upon many factors and preferences. For example, where will the dive be taking place? What will the water temperature be? What type of neckline or stitching do you prefer a wetsuit to have?

When buying a wetsuit, the thickness of the material that is needed is the most crucial decision to be made. The thickness of the wetsuit will be the determining factor to your warmth and comfort underwater. Most suits are sold with thicknesses of 3mm or 6mm, these two choices will be sufficient in most temperatures of water where the average dive will take place.

Another choice that needs to be made is the type of wetsuit that you will need. Wetsuits most commonly are found with short legs and sleeves and long legs and sleeves. The choice of which is right for you depends upon where you are diving, the temperature of the water and your personal tolerance level for temperature changes.

The water temperature will help you when making the decision regarding thickness and length of the wetsuit needed. If you are diving in water that is above 85 degrees, a 2 mm short suit is what you would need. However, if the dive is in water that is 60 to 70 degrees, look for a 6-7 mm long suit. The final decision regarding the thickness and type of suit that is best for you rests upon your own body characteristics.

The type of neoprene that the wetsuit is made of is as important as the thickness of it. The neoprene that a suit is made from will have an affect on several aspects of the suit, including the durability, overall look as well as cost of the wetsuit.

There are three types of neoprene used for wetsuits that are worth mentioning here. They are Gas (chemical) blown, skin and titanium. The purchase of a gas blown suit will result in a more expensive, stronger wetsuit. A chemical blown suit will have a softer feel but will tend to wear quicker as a result, this is less expensive.

The most expensive option is to get a suit that is made with Titanium. These wetsuits have the Titanium either as a coating for the inside or as threads that are woven through the suit. The thought behind adding the Titanium to the wetsuit is that it is supposed to keep you warmer by preventing heat from leaving the body while under water, however, some divers are still skeptical about the validity of this claim.

When trying on a wetsuit for size be sure to check that there are not big gaps in the armpits, that the crotch of the suit is snug, the ankles and wrists of the suit need to be snug, not loose or water will get in. Finally, if in order to close the suit, the zipper needs to be held, it is probably too small and needs to be at least one size larger. On the other hand, if it zips easily and isn't snug, try a smaller size. If you can't find a wetsuit that fits exactly right, it can and should be altered.

Use these tips along with recommendations from seasoned divers to ensure the right wetsuit for your needs. Enjoy!

Linda Moore writes on a variety of subjects including family matters, travel, personal enrichment, and

A Look at Wet Suits for Kids

Other than youth wet suits that contain built-in flotation devices -- or the odd, extremely expensive wet suit made for that tiny scuba diver or mini-athlete in the family -- these swimsuits for kids are mostly about style.

Yes, they slow down heat loss from the swimmer's body and yes, even without a built in flotation device, they provide some small measure of buoyancy; but they are mostly about having your little one look good at the beach or in the pool. Made from most of today's popular swimsuit materials, these wetsuits come in a variety of flashy colors and even flashier designs that look like space age swimming devices.

You'll see little ones trotting around the beaches in bright red and orange-colored wet suits that are so thin they barely provide protection from the sun, not to mention, the water. In fact, one mother told me she dresses her son in a youth wet suit predominately because she prefers not to slather on the sun goop every time he goes outdoors to swim and because he thinks he looks cool.

There are manufacturers that specialize in professionally made, expertly designed youth wet suits that are most definitely not simply a fashion statement or sun protection. Wet suits made for kids who scuba dive are actually more thermal heat loss resistant than the adult varieties for a few basic reasons.

One is that children's hearts beat faster. Their body metabolism operates at a higher rate than adults simply because they are still growing. As a result, children will lose body heat faster in the same temperature of water as an adult. Therefore, youth wet suits have to be just a little better at preventing heat loss than the adult versions if a child is to stay submerged for the same time as the adult who is usually accompanying him on a dive.

The second reason is that because the body mass of a growing child is much smaller, and much less dense than an adult -- even if the two metabolisms are somehow identical -- the child will still lose body heat at a faster rate. And once again, the properly designed youth wet suit will have taken this into account.

Wet Suits Info provides detailed information about triathlon, scuba, and surfing wet suits, as well as wet suits for kids and infants. Wet Suits Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

A Guide to Infant Wet Suits

In this category, the bulk of available choices in infant wet suits is all about buoyancy in the water. Since the occurrence of infant scuba divers or infant competitive swimmers is extremely rare, almost all designs center around the single most important factor for infant swimmers -- keeping them afloat in the water.

In the rare instance where you happen to have an infant who is also a scuba diver or a competitive swimmer youll probably have to purchase the smallest wet suit you can possibly find in the marketplace and then have it custom-tailored to fit your special infant.  

There are individuals around, although they are few and far between, who have the tools and the skills necessary to custom design a wet suit without altering its heat-loss properties or its buoyancy which can result in a beautiful, colorful and still effective infant wet suit should someone need it. But no company is going to manufacture them, with the same input and features as an adult wet suit, for such a tiny market.

There are, however, a vast array of choices for infant wet suits depending on the cartoon character your child likes or the color patterns he might look best in. In addition, there are infant wet suits with varying degrees of buoyancy built in, depending on the swimming ability of your child.

Obviously, the Barbie Princess wet suits are for that sweet little girl in your life and those Superman ones are for the little guy who thinks hes a superhero. The most important feature to look for when purchasing an infant wet suit is maximum swimming help. Many have built-in flotation devices while some are made out of the same materials as triathlon swim suits, only more so. Since competition is not a factor, the suits can be a bit thick and clumsy, but as long as theyre keeping that little one safely afloat, thats all they have to do.

Wet Suits provides detailed information about triathlon, scuba, and surfing wet suits, as well as wet suits for kids and infants.   For more information go to http://www.e-wetsuits.com and/or visit our affiliate site at http://www.growthink.com.

Choosing the Right Wetsuit

Wetsuits have become more than just a protective gear for divers. Today, different types of wetsuits are available for different seasons. There are also more choices in smaller details, such as stitching. With all the different options, choosing the right wetsuit can be a challenge for first-time buyers. Here is a quick guide to the features you should look for when buying a wetsuit.

Design and coverage

There are four major styles of wetsuits: spring suits, full suits, farmer johns, and short johns. Each type is best suited for a certain season or the type of weather and water temperature. For instance, spring suits are popular on summer or early parts of fall. Full suits have long sleeves and ankle-length bottoms, making them ideal for cold weather. OnShort johns offer the least protection from the heat, but they allow maximum comfort and movement

Materials and construction

Most wetsuits are made from a rubber-based fabric called neoprene, which provides insulation and waterproofing. A layer of spandex or “superflex” is usually added to keep the neoprene layer from shrinking. Some wetsuits have additional fabric layers, such as merino wool for added comfort and titanium fiber for insulation.

Also check the seams for any holes or loose stitches. Make sure the seams are tightly and evenly stitched so that water cannot leak through the needle holes.

Proper fit

Wetsuits work best when they fit snugly and conform to your body, without being too tight or limiting your movement. To check for proper fit, make sure it clings tightly to your skin and provide just enough space for water to escape. Stretchable fabrics like spandex usually provide the best fit.

MORE INFORMATION AND BUYING TIPS

A complete guide to wet suits is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

An Overview of A Wetsuit

The neoprene of the wetsuit contains small bubbles of nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas has a very low thermal conductivity. This prevents the heat inside the wetsuit from escaping to the water outside of the wetsuit. If you were in the water without a wetsuit on, the heat from your body would escape to the water because the water has a very high thermal conductivity.

The wetsuit does not prevent all of the water from getting inside the wetsuit. There is a thin layer of water that is allowed to get between the suit and the skin of the diver. The skin of the diver will warm the water. The water and the wetsuit will then serve as insulation against the cold water.

The warmth you get from the wetsuit will also be determined by the thickness of the neoprene. The suit will keep you warmer if the neoprene is thicker. The thickness is measured in millimeters. The largest size is 6 millimeters. Some manufacturers will use different thickness for different parts of the suit.

Another consideration that you might have, if you are concerned about staying warm, is how well your wetsuit fits on your body. If the wetsuit is too loose of a fit on your body, then the thin layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit might escape, along with some body heat. If the suit is not a close fit then cold water might rush into the suit, which prevents the water already inside the suit from warming up. If you use flexible seals around the openings near the feet, hands and neck, this might help keep the cold water out and the warm water in. You should choose a wetsuit that fits your body as tightly as possible, but it should not be so tight that it prevents you from having your full range of movement. You do not have to worry about the wetsuit shrinking when you get into the water, because they stay close to their original size.

There are neoprene wetsuits that have nylon fabric on the inside and a smooth surface on the outside. This is known as smooth skin neoprene. This type of wetsuit will keep you warmer because the smooth surface will absorb less water.

There is another type of neoprene wetsuit that has nylon fabric on both sides. This is known as nylon 2. The nylon 2 wetsuit is more durable than the smooth skin neoprene wetsuit. The nylon fabric will strengthen the wetsuit and make it easier to slip on and off. Neoprene wetsuits can be made using either one of two processes: chemical blown or gas blown. A chemical blown wetsuit feels softer and nicer. A gas blown wetsuit is more durable but it is also more expensive.

In the last several years, wetsuits containing merino wool and titanium thread have become popular. These suits are meant to help retain more body heat. These wetsuits are also more expensive than the neoprene wetsuits. There also are wetsuits that have no coatings and these are called skins. They fit very well and are very comfortable. They are hard to slip on and off, because they are very fragile.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Wetsuit

How to Get the Best Wetsuit

A number of people think that any wetsuit is good for just about anything. This is farther from the truth. Wetsuits come in so many variations that the buyer needs to be mindful of the types available.

Before we delve into the types of wetsuits, we need to understand the purpose of this garment. Wetsuits are protective clothing for individuals in water environments. The purpose of the suit is to keep the body warm. In fact, it purposely traps water into the suit so that it acts like a protective layer from coldwater exposure. The suits are made of a fabric called neoprene, a synthetic rubber created by DuPont. The fabric essentially allows warmth to be trapped because of the nitrogen gas in the synthetic rubber. Because of the low thermal conductivity, heat has less chance to leave the body. However, human skin in contact with water causes heat to lose rapidly from the body.

So what should we look for in wetsuits? It all depends on what you plan to do. The sport could be water skiing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, or swimming. There are wetsuits that are made specifically for these types of activities.

Otherwise, you determine the weather and conditions of the environment and make a decision based on the wetsuit thickness. Thickness is measured by millimeters (mm), so a 1mm wetsuit will literally mean that the fabric’s thickness is 1mm. For warmer waters, that don’t cause too much loss of body heat, consider 1mm to 2mm. If the water temperature is 45 to 70 degrees, consider a thickness of 3mm to 4mm. For very cold weather below 45 degrees, one might wear a 5mm suit with a hood.

The quality of the wetsuit can be determined by the seam construction. As with any clothing, tightly woven seams are indicators of quality. Conversely, loosen seams can allow exposure to the elements, which is poor quality. The purpose of the suit is to keep all elements away from the body. A wetsuit that’s closely seemed or flushed is seal proof.

Besides neoprene, there are other fabrics. Spandex, a thin fabric that can stretch very well, can be used in tropical weather conditions. It can protect one from the effects of the sun. Thermoplastic is another fabric that’s around 1.2mm. It has a little more insulation than spandex, but it can be used very warm climates.

The important part of choosing a wetsuit is trying it on. The best suits are the one that fit snug on the body, provided that it doesn’t suffocates or limits your movement. Test the suit by flexing or moving your body parts. Once you’re in the water, the suit should be much more flexible. Learning how the suit responds to your movements will allow you to better get a feel for the product.

Wetsuits varies in size, shape, quality and flexibility. Understanding these qualities will better help you to choose the right suit. If you’re not sure which suit is right for you, consult a retailer for the advice.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Wetsuit

Scuba Diving - Choosing a Wetsuit for Scuba Diving

When you are scuba diving, there is no such thing as a perfect wetsuit, but modern manufacturers have come close to perfection. The area you will dive in will determine whether you need a dry suit, a wetsuit, or a semi-dry suit. While dry suits are meant for cold dives, wetsuits keep your body warm in waters of moderate temperatures.

If you are going to scuba dive in a warmer area, you have the option of buying either a full wetsuit or a spring suit. A full wetsuit has full arms and legs while a spring suit has shortened arms and/or legs. Spring suits come in many combinations - a torso-only design, bicep length arm sleeves, or full length arms, but mid-thigh length pants.

A wetsuit called steamer cover your entire body except the head, hands and feet. Some steamers have removable arms or legs and are called convertibles. A shorty covers the torso but has short legs and arms.

Regardless of design, there is a standard way to measure a wetsuit - using the thickness of the neoprene material. A suit that has a thickness of 3mm (1/10th inch) thick in the torso, and a thickness of 2mm in the arms and legs is designated 3/2. Use a 3/2 one for dives in water that is 60F (15.5C) or above. If you need more warmth, you will need a 4/3 which is thicker. Some suits have separate numbers for the torso, arms and legs.

Like any other sports clothing, your wetsuit must fit well. Flexibility is important to allow easy movement underwater. The suit should not chafe or bind. Since you will be using your arms to navigate underwater, it is important that your suit allows for a free range of shoulder movements. It should be snug but not squeeze. Restricted blood flow near the skin surface will cause soreness and fatigue and shorten your dive time.

Secure suits will have fewer number of sturdy seams - wither glued, welded or uni-body. The material is most likely to split at the seams. Bad seams can also cause sore spots and adversely affect flexibility. While suits which are seamless or have fewer seams are best, some suit designs have to have seams because of their extra features like hydro-lock collars, integrated knife holders, removable headgear, and fire-skin linings for wicking.

If you have to dive in colder temperatures, you must have a good dry suit to keep you warm. An adult can die in a matter of minutes if exposed to waters of 50F (10C) or less. Dry suits come with attached booties that seal off your feet. They also have watertight seals around the neck and wrists. You must wear thermal underwear with your dry suit. The dry suit has sealing that keeps it dry, while the underwear has wicking that keeps moisture off the skin. In case of wetsuits, the design allows a layer of moisture which is warmed by skin.

Try on lots of models before you buy so that you find a suit that fits snug and yet allows maximum flexibility. You will be using your wetsuit for years, so invest the time in finding the right one.

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