How a front zip wetsuit jacket should fit

A front zip wetsuit jacket should fit very snuggly and it often called a “second skin”. The objective is to trap a thin layer of water between the wetsuit jacket and the skin. The neoprene properties warm the thin layer of water that gets trapped between the jacket and the skin. Therefore, the jacket should be relatively difficult to put on but not a struggle. If the jacket is loose in areas it will create water pockets and diminish the jacket’s effectiveness and add water weight that gets trapped in the pockets. The elasticity and your mobility increase when the jacket is wet. However, a jacket is too tight if it is cutting off circulation. Often it is easier to put a wetsuit on with a rash guard or thermal rash guard layer on first.

The best indicator for size selection is weight but you should certainly consider chest or bust and waist measurements.

The front zipper should be difficult to zip but not a problem, you may have to pull your stomach muscles in to get the zipper started. The front zipper aids in easier entry and exit of the jacket and reduces the stress on the shoulders. Getting in the wetsuit jacket, start with the arms first and then pull the jacket over your back and shoulders. Taking the jacket off, completely unzip the jacket and pull the jacket off inside out starting with the shoulders and upper back and finish by pulling the arms out of the jacket. Using a front zipper jacket or vest is much easier then a traditional pullover but maintains the same amount of warmth.