If you’re a woman looking for your first wetsuit, you might be wondering what options are out there. One of the questions that comes up is can a woman wear a men’s wetsuit? The short answer is yes—but it’s important to understand how body shape, comfort, warmth and fit will affect your decision.
Here’s a helpful guide to what to expect when choosing between men’s wetsuits, women’s wetsuits or even unisex designs.
Men’s vs Women’s Wetsuits: What’s the Difference
Both types use neoprene but there are big differences in design based on the average male and female body shape.
Men’s wetsuits have:
Wider shoulders and chest
Narrower hips
Longer arms, legs and torso
Less defined waist shaping
Women’s wetsuits have:
Narrower shoulders and chest
More room around the hips and thighs
Defined waist shaping
Shorter torso and limbs
Understanding these differences will ensure your wetsuit has the right balance of comfort, warmth and mobility.
How Your Body Shape Affects Fit and Comfort
Everyone’s body shape is different. If you have narrower shoulders and wider hips, a men’s wetsuit will feel tight at the hips but too loose at the chest and shoulders. This causes:
Too much room at the shoulders or chest, allowing water to get in and reduce overall warmth.
Too tight around your hips or thighs, restricting movement and comfort.
Excess fabric around your arms or legs, causing discomfort and reduced flexibility.
If you have a straighter body shape – more like the average male shape – you’ll find a men’s wetsuit comfortable. But if you have a curvier body shape, especially wider hips or narrower waist, a women’s wetsuit will fit you much better.
Getting the Thickness Right: Stay Warm, Not Cold!
Wetsuit thickness matters for warmth. If the suit doesn’t fit well, cold water will get in and reduce your body’s natural heat and comfort. Choosing a wetsuit that fits snug but comfortable will keep your skin warm even after hours of swimming or other water sports.
Here are the thickness guidelines:
Cold water (below 15°C): 4mm or thicker
Milder water (15°C – 20°C): 2–3mm
Warm water (20°C+): 1–2mm (or short-sleeved styles)
Clarifying the Practical Application of Wetsuits in Different Activities
When it comes to choosing the right wetsuit, the water activity you're doing is what really matters. Here's how different wetsuits perform across various activities—and what to look for in each case:
Surfing:
Surfing is where flexibility really counts. You need to be able to move your shoulders and arms freely. That means you want a wetsuit that offers both warmth and ease of motion. A 3/2mm wetsuit is a good place to start.Best Fit: For surfing, you want a wetsuit that stretches where you need it to—around the arms and shoulders, and in the torso. That extra stretch will make a big difference.
Paddleboarding:
Paddleboarding is often done in calmer waters, so while flexibility is still important, comfort is key. You don't want to be restricted in any way.Best Fit: A slightly lighter wetsuit—around 2–3mm thickness—is a good fit here. That gives you the warmth and flexibility you need without the bulk.
Cold-Water Diving or Extended Exposure:
If you're diving in cold water or spending a lot of time in the water, you'll need a thicker wetsuit. That's usually around 5mm or more.Best Fit: What you want is a snug fit to reduce water movement inside the suit. That way, you stay warm.
Material and Construction of Wetsuits
The material and construction of a wetsuit makes all the difference in performance, comfort and durability. Most wetsuits are made of neoprene, a flexible and insulating material. But the way the wetsuit is constructed (e.g. seams and stitching) plays a big role too:
Neoprene Thickness and Type:
Thicker neoprene is more insulating, better for colder water, thinner neoprene is more flexible, better for warmer water. Aerogel neoprene for example is more insulating without being bulky.Seam Construction:
Flatlock Seams: Good for warmer water as they are less water-tight but more flexible.
Blindstitched Seams: More water-tight and used in colder water. This construction reduces water entry and is more durable for long-term use.
Zipper vs. Zipless:
Zippered wetsuits are easier to get on and off but may let more water in. Zipless wetsuits are more flexible and better at keeping water out but harder to get into.
Additional Fit and Comfort Considerations
When you're shopping for a wetsuit, fit is key. But so is long-term comfort. That means trying it on for a bit to see how it feels.
Try on the Wetsuit for a Few Minutes:
You want to feel snug, but not restricted—especially around the chest, hips and legs. Wear it for 5-10 minutes.Check for Chafing:
If you feel chafing in the neck, armpits or wrists, you might need a different size or style. Maybe a short-sleeve or sleeveless wetsuit would be a better fit.Consider Your Activity Level:
If you're surfing or paddleboarding, you'll want a more flexible wetsuit that doesn't restrict your movements. Divers, on the other hand, will want a thicker wetsuit that's snug around the torso for maximum insulation. That way, you can stay warm and comfortable, no matter what you're doing in the water.
Wetsuit Care: How Often to Clean or Maintain
Taking care of your wetsuit means it will last longer and perform better. Here’s how often to clean and maintain your wetsuit:
Rinse After Every Use:
Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after every use, especially if it’s been in salt water or chlorinated pools. Salt, chlorine and debris can break down the material over time.Drying Your Wetsuit:
Hang your wetsuit inside out to dry in the shade. Don’t dry it in direct sunlight as it can degrade the neoprene. Make sure it’s fully dry before storing it.Storage:
When storing your wetsuit hang it on a wide hanger or lay it flat to avoid creases or distortion. Never fold it as this can weaken the neoprene.Annual Deep Clean:
At least once a year wash your wetsuit with a wetsuit cleaner to remove oils or other residue buildup. This will also help keep the material elastic.
Addressing Cost vs Quality
A high-quality wetsuit means better durability, comfort and performance. Budget options are available but may not have the longevity and features of higher-end suits. Balance your budget with the demands of your chosen water activities. A well fitting wetsuit is worth the investment for long term comfort and performance.
Wetsuit Size Guide
When choosing a wetsuit, make sure to choose the right size for comfort and performance. Here are the measurements to take and the corresponding size ranges:
Chest (cm):
Small (S): 86–94 cm
Medium (M): 94–102 cm
Large (L): 102–110 cm
X-Large (XL): 110–118 cm
XX-Large (XXL): 118–126 cm
Waist (cm):
Small (S): 71–79 cm
Medium (M): 79–86 cm
Large (L): 86–94 cm
X-Large (XL): 94–102 cm
XX-Large (XXL): 102–110 cm
Hips (cm):
Small (S): 91–99 cm
Medium (M): 99–107 cm
Large (L): 107–115 cm
X-Large (XL): 115–123 cm
XX-Large (XXL): 123–131 cm
Height (cm):
Small (S): 150–165 cm
Medium (M): 165–175 cm
Large (L): 175–185 cm
X-Large (XL): 185–195 cm
XX-Large (XXL): 195–205 cm
Weight (kg):
Small (S): 50–68 kg
Medium (M): 68–81 kg
Large (L): 81–95 kg
X-Large (XL): 95–109 kg
XX-Large (XXL): 109–122 kg
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Check out our curated selection of men’s wetsuits for various body types, thicknesses and comfort levels for your next water adventure.
