How to measure yourself for a wetsuit
Every brand fits differently. A Medium in O'Neill is not the same as a Medium in Rip Curl. That's because each brand designs their own confection sizing — the predetermined fits and panel patterns used in mass production. The only way to get a reliable fit is to start with your own measurements.
What you need
A flexible tape measure (the kind used for sewing, not a metal one) and ideally someone to help. You can do it alone, but a second pair of hands makes chest and back measurements easier. Wear thin clothing or underwear — not a thick jumper.
The five key measurements
Height — stand straight against a wall, heels together, look forward. Measure from the floor to the top of your head. This is the most important measurement for wetsuit sizing.
Weight — step on a scale. Brands use weight ranges alongside height to determine overall size. If you're between sizes, weight is usually the tiebreaker.
Chest — wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest, just under your armpits. Keep it level all the way around. Don't puff out or suck in — just breathe normally. If you're over the chest measurement for a size, you'll struggle getting into it and paddling will feel restricted.
Waist — measure at your natural waistline, roughly at your belly button. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
Hips — measure at the widest point of your hips and buttocks. Especially important for women's sizing.
Common mistakes
Measuring over thick clothing. Sucking in your stomach. Letting the tape sag at the back (get someone to check it's level). Using a stretched-out old tape measure. Rounding down because you want to fit into a smaller size — a too-tight suit restricts movement and wears out faster.
Using the size chart
Once you have your numbers, compare them to the brand's size chart. Height and weight narrow it down. Chest measurement confirms or breaks the tie. If you fall between two sizes, consider how you prefer your fit: snug (warmer, less flushing, harder to get on) or slightly relaxed (more freedom, slightly more water entry).
A new wetsuit should feel tight. Neoprene softens and stretches with use — after a few sessions, it moulds to your shape. If it feels comfortable in the shop, it'll be too loose in the water within a month.
Tall, short, or in between
Most brands offer long (LT, tall) and short (MS, medium short) variants for people whose height-to-weight ratio doesn't fit standard sizing. If you're tall and lean, or short and stocky, look for these options before going up or down a full size.
Women's sizing
The construction is the same as men's — the difference is in the fit. Waist, hips, and bust matter more. Some women find hooded suits uncomfortable with thick or long hair — in that case, a separate hood bought a size larger can be more comfortable than an integrated one.
When in doubt: go to a shop
Online size charts get you close. Trying on suits gets you right. Your local surf shop has sized hundreds of people and can tell in seconds if a suit fits. That expertise is worth the trip.
On rubber.surf, you can add your measurements once and we'll match your size across every brand we track — so you don't have to start from scratch each time.
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