How To Find The Right Wetsuit

How to Find the Right Wetsuit For Your Body And Surf Spot

Buying a new wetsuit can be a difficult decision, especially if you’re new to surfing. Many people learn how to surf in a tropical location and want to continue the fun when they get home – but realize the water where they live requires more than a bikini or rashguard.

It can be difficult to know what to look for when shopping for a wetsuit, and how to know if the wetsuit fits. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to picking the right wetsuit for you so you stay warm and comfortable all year long.

Material and Construction

Wetsuits are typically made of neoprene, but all neoprene is not created equal! Cheap neoprene has very little stretch and is often bulky, especially when you get to the wetsuits made for the coldest water. At Mamala we use only Yamamoto Limestone neoprene, which is eco-friendly, high performance, durable, and super stretchy. 

All Mamala wetsuits have seams taped with flexy jersey tape, which makes them extremely flexible. We also double blind-stitch all of our seams, meaning the panels are stitched on the outside of the neoprene and are watertight and flexible. 

Features and Options

Once you’ve thought about the material and construction, now it’s time to consider additional features. 

A big decision to make is whether you want a back zip or a chest zip wetsuit. 

All of Mamala’s women’s surfing wetsuits are chest zip, because they allow for more flexibility and less flush. This means less water will get in the wetsuit and you’ll have improved flexibility and range of motion.

The advantage of back zip wetsuits is they are easier to get into and often more affordable. However, the more you wear a wetsuit, the easier it is to put on and off, and while a chest zip might feel awkward the first time you try it on, it will get easier after each surf session. 

Many wetsuits today include a lining in the chest and sometimes down through the legs. While a lining does impact the flexibility of the wetsuit – which is why surf wetsuits don’t have linings in the arms – the plush insulation does contribute to the warmth of the wetsuit. Mamala wetsuits are lined with a flexible four-way stretch material that complements the flex of Yamamoto 40. Additionally, our quick dry thermal fleece ensures you're ready for a double session.

The next piece to consider when shopping for a wetsuit is the thickness. When you look at wetsuits you’ll see two numbers—for example 3/2. The first number is the millimeter thickness of the torso area, and the second number is the millimeter thickness in the legs and arms. If you see three numbers—like 5/4/3—then the second number is the thickness in the legs and the third number is the thickness in the arms. 

As you’ve probably realized, with wetsuits there’s a constant tension between warmth and flexibility. Wetsuits are typically thicker in the chest area, for warmth, and slightly thinner in the arms and legs, so you have less resistance when paddling. 

The thickness you choose depends on the temperature of the water where you surf, as well as your personal preference. Everyone has different cold tolerance, so you’ll often see people wearing a variety of different suits in the same temperature water.

However, to give you an idea, here is a basic guide to millimeter wetsuits and water temperature:

• 43 to 53 degrees: Opt for a 5/4-5/4/3mm.

• 52 to 58 degrees: Consider a 4/3-5/4/3mm.

• 58 to 65 degrees: Go with a 3/2-4/3mm.

• 62 to 68 degrees: Lean towards a 2/2-3/2mm.

The Fit

The final consideration when buying a wetsuit is how it fits your body. Every body is different, so finding the right wetsuit that fits you is essential.

When you first try on a wetsuit, it should feel slightly tight, because it will stretch more after a few surf sessions. You should be able to move and breathe, but you don’t want extra space under your arms or in your crotch because this will cause the wetsuit to fill with water, making it less functional. 

Check to make sure the length is right. The knee panels should be at your knees, and the bottom of the wetsuit should hit at your ankle. If the wetsuit is pulling at your shoulders or your crotch, it’s too small. If you have wrinkles at the waist or extra material around the chest, it’s likely too big. 

Finally, try paddling with your arms. While it should feel tight, you should be able to move your arms, squat, and move around without too much difficulty. 

You can’t really know what a wetsuit will feel like until you try it on and take it out for a session. What might feel amazing on land may not work in the water. That’s why we offer our Love Mamala Guarantee return policy. This means that you can buy a Mamala wetsuit and return it within 10 days for a full refund, even if you’ve worn it out in the water.