How to Put on a Swim Wetsuit

Putting on a swim wetsuit can feel like a challenge, but with the right technique, you’ll be comfortably suited up and ready to hit the water in no time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process, minimising any risk of damage to your wetsuit or discomfort in the water.

Prepare the Wetsuit

Before you start, undo the zip completely and fold the wetsuit in half. This gives you a clear entry point to step into the suit.

Always pull the suit on from the inside, using the fabric side. This reduces friction and avoids damaging the smooth neoprene exterior with fingernails, which can easily cause tears. Using the pads of your fingers instead will help preserve the material.

Getting the Legs In

Step into the legs of the suit, making sure the seams align properly along the inside of your legs.

The longer side of each leg hole should face forward, while the shorter side faces back.

Once you’ve pulled the wetsuit up over your legs, gently shift the neoprene towards your crotch to ensure a snug fit.

You don’t want any excess material bunching around your lower legs.

Pulling It Over Your Shoulders

Next, pull the neoprene up towards your shoulders, avoiding any use of your nails. This part can feel tricky, so be patient.

Make sure the arms of the wetsuit sit correctly, with the seams aligned comfortably.

The key here is not to rush, as pulling too quickly can lead to overheating, which makes the material more difficult to adjust.

Zipping It Up

Hold the base of the zipper firmly while using the pull cord to zip up the suit. If the zipper seems hard to pull, don’t force it.

It can help to ask someone to assist you, especially by holding the wetsuit in place while you zip.

If the suit has an inner zipper panel, make sure it lies flat under the zipper to avoid any uncomfortable folds. A helpful tip is to push your shoulder blades together, which makes zipping up easier.

Adjusting the Fit

Once zipped, check how the suit feels. It should fit snugly, but not too tight. If the collar feels constrictive, ensure the suit is pulled up high enough at the hips and shoulders.

This can sometimes be adjusted by having someone help you pull the back of the suit upward.

The goal is for the wetsuit to feel like a second skin—secure, but not restricting your movement or breathing.

Removing the Wetsuit

When it’s time to take off the wetsuit, unzip it first before attempting to remove the collar.

To prevent stretching or damage, hold onto the body or shoulders of the suit while peeling it off. Always be mindful not to use excessive force, as this could damage the delicate neoprene.