The importance of choosing your wetsuit size, and making sure it is correct

You have already chosen your new Orca wetsuit, and now all you have to do is choose the correct size. This step should not be taken lightly. Keep in mind that wetsuit sizing is complicated because of how fitted they should be in order to perform properly. 

Orca's sizechat

Below, you will find the different factors to consider before choosing your size.

1. Chest: This is the first measurement to consider, as the fit of the chest area largely determines the comfort of your swim stroke. It is also related to the fit in your back and shoulders, critical points of the wetsuit.
2. Height: Height determines the wetsuit's fit in the arms and legs, as well as in the torso, since it affects the measurement from neck to crotch.
3. Weight: Finally, weight influences body shape and affects chest and height measurements.

Of course, all bodies are unique, so it is possible for all three of one swimmer's measurements to fit perfectly to one size, or on the contrary, for each of their measurements to correspond to different sizes. If you are unsure of your size, we recommend contacting info@orca.com to receive advice from our product experts.

As you know, it is important to have a well-fitted wetsuit as it will make a noticeable difference in your swimming performance. With this in mind, you should also consider the following:

1. Wetsuit Flexibility: Wetsuit materials are designed to be highly elastic to specific movements. For example, some materials can stretch to up to 200% its original size, doubling its size with little effort. If you choose the correct size, at rest, the wetsuit should not stretch to more than 115% of its original size, therefore the material will have a working interval of 115% to 200% stretch. However, if you choose a smaller size, at rest the wetsuit would stretch to 150% of its original size, and although it would not fit badly, the working interval is greatly reduced.

So, although a wetsuit may have a very flexible material, it may end up not having enough elasticity due to poor sizing.

2. Thermal Comfort: Thermal comfort depends on the conductivity and thickness of the materials, as well as the fit. The wetsuit should have a very tight fit, to ensure that the skin does not separate from the suit and to prevent the flow of water. Heat loss occurs at a higher rate in areas exposed to cold water. If the size is too large, although your body will appear to be protected, a large amount of water will flow through the wetsuit, so you will be directly exposed to the cold.

On the other hand, if you choose a smaller size, the thermal performance of the wetsuit may also be affected. If the wetsuit is too stretched, the material will not be as thick and it will be less insulating from the cold.

But if you have chosen a suitable size, at the beginning of activity, a small amount of water will wet the inside of the wetsuit. This water will absorb the heat emitted by your body during exercise, creating a thin layer of insulating warm water.

3. Wetsuit Durability: The durability of a wetsuit can be affected by poor choice of size, especially if you choose a smaller size than you should wear. The materials used in wetsuits, despite having high elasticity, have limits and can deteriorate, especially in the seams between panels. For this reason, if you choose a smaller size than you need, the wetsuit could suffer defects in the seams and other areas where there is increased tension from putting it on or taking it off.

4. Comfort: Choosing too small of a size can cause you to feel constricted and have difficulty moving. The shoulders can be especially restricted by a smaller size, and you could be restricted in the chest or even experience difficulty breathing comfortably.

TIPS FOR WEARING THE SUIT PROPERLY

• The crotch of the suit should be fitted to yours (do not worry about where the legs end).
• The wetsuit should touch the skin of your armpit (do not worry about where the arms end).
• The zipper should not be wavy or wrinkled (if it is, this means your suit is too long).
• Finally make sure that the wetsuit is not too loose in the lumbar area.

If you follow all of these tips you will surely find your perfect size, which will allow you to enjoy your adventures at sea to the fullest. When in doubt, remember that you can always contact our product experts at info@orca.com.