A good neoprene wetsuit for
"A good neoprene wetsuit for beginners."
FIT GUIDANCE
Snug everywhere, restrictive nowhere. You should feel the suit holding your body without pinching at the shoulders or compressing your chest to the point where breathing feels laboured. If you can't take a full breath on land, size up. If there's loose material across the shoulders or chest, size down. Air pockets at the lower back usually mean you need a longer suit, such as an MT (Medium Tall), not a smaller size.
Size down if you're racing — a tighter fit gives you more from the suit's buoyancy and reduces water flushing. Size up if you're prioritising comfort for longer open water swims or training sessions where you'll be in the suit for extended periods.
Take your time the first time. Undo the zip fully and fold the top half of the wetsuit down, zip on the back. Start at the ankles and slowly work the neoprene up your legs in sections —don't try to pull from the top. Smooth out any air pockets as you go, particularly around the lower legs and crotch, before pulling the suit up over your torso. Reaching your hands towards the sky and helps to slide the arm sleeves into place. Use the pads of your fingers throughout, never your fingernails. The Silk-X lining will make this easier than most suits, but neoprene always requires patience on the first few wears. It will get easier as the suit breaks in.
Take your time the first time. Undo the zip fully and fold the top half of the wetsuit down, zip on the back. Start at the ankles and slowly work the neoprene up your legs in sections —don't try to pull from the top. Smooth out any air pockets as you go, particularly around the lower legs and crotch, before pulling the suit up over your torso. Reaching your hands towards the sky and helps to slide the arm sleeves into place. Use the pads of your fingers throughout, never your fingernails. The Silk-X lining will make this easier than most suits, but neoprene always requires patience on the first few wears. It will get easier as the suit breaks in.
