How to Choose a Wet Suit

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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An ill-fitting wet suit can leave you chilly, uncomfortable or overexerted. Choose wisely.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Understand that most wet suits are differentiated by the thickness of their neoprene material, measured in millimeters.
Step 2

Recognize "shorties" as wet suits that cover the torso and have short sleeves and leggings.
Step 3

Know that "steamers" are full wet suits covering all but your head, feet and hands.
Step 4

Realize that a "farmer John" is not someone in the agriculture business, but a full wet suit with wide shoulder straps and no arms. These are generally sold with an outer jacket.
Step 5

Understand that a "convertible" is a steamer with removable arms.
Step 6

Know that wet suits come in combos like 6-4-3 (6mm torso, 4mm arms and 3mm leggings).
Step 7

Recognize that "dry suits" have attached booties and watertight (in theory) seals around the wrists and neck, allowing the wearer to don thermal clothes underneath.
Step 8

Practice throwing out phrases like, "Rad four-mill steamer, dude!" (Translation: "That sure is a swell-looking, 4-millimeter-thick, full wet suit, my friend.")

Step 1

Realize that a 2mm shorty will suffice for any sport in warm weather and water.
Step 2

Know that surfers and sailboarders prefer wet suits with thin arms for easy paddling and movement. The 5-3 is a popular combo (5mm torso, 3mm arms/legs).
Step 3

Remember that cold-water scuba divers rarely dive with less than a 5mm and often choose dry suits.

Step 1

Pull on the wet suit in a dry environment.
Step 2

Breathe in deeply.
Step 3

Make sure neither the neck nor chest is too tight for easy breathing.
Step 4

Stretch your arms and legs ' the wet suit should remain tight at the cuffs and neck.
Step 5

Check to see that the suit is form-fitting, without loose folds or bubbles.
Step 6

Enter the water.
Step 7

Allow the suit to fill.
Step 8

Wait until the trapped layer of water warms.
Step 9

Swim about and observe whether too much water sloshes in and out of the suit, making you too cool.
Step 10

Choose a good fastener; some suits are zipperless, while others have zippers on the chest or back.

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