Do wetsuits break in? No, so don’t buy too small to stretch out!

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  02.03.2022
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Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber that has been used for decades to make everything from insulation to swimwear. It’s also very stretchy and pliable.

So many think that wetsuit material will conform to your body over time, making them more comfortable and easier to wear.

But does this mean you’ll never have any problems with the fit of your suit again?

Surfer trying to get into a small wetsuit

Not necessarily. If you’re looking for a well-fitted suit, then there are some things you can do before buying one online or at a store. For example, try on different sizes until you find the right one.

Buy the right fit for your wetsuit right from the get go and don’t buy too small in hopes of it stretching out to fit. The latest technology uses super stretchy materials that don’t need much breaking in because of the neoprene.

What is neoprene and how does it work?

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that was first created in the 1930s. It is made of polychloroprene, which is a type of plastic.

It’s thickness which allows it be almost as thin yet durable compared with other types such as silicone or nylon fibers found on most suits today.

How do wetsuits stretch and conform to your body over time?

This material is very stretchy and pliable, which is why it is used to make wetsuits. Wetsuits are made of neoprene because it helps keep people warm in the water.

The stretchiness of neoprene also makes it more comfortable to wear, as it will conform to your body over time.

Do wetsuits loosen up over time?

Wetsuits are made to stretch, but not made to stretch out and loosen up, so if you buy one in a size that isn’t right it won’t stretch out to fit better.

Perhaps after years of wearing they’ll stretch out, but that’s after you’ve had to deal with a too small suit for a long time if you don’t buy the proper size.

What are the benefits of a well-fitted suit?

If you are looking for a well-fitted suit, then there are some things you can do before buying one online or at a store.

For example, try on different sizes until you find the right one.

A well-fitted suit will be more comfortable and will make it easier to move in the water. It will also help keep you warmer.

What are the dangers of a poorly fitted suit?

A poorly fitted suit can be very uncomfortable and may make it difficult to move in the water.

It can also cause you to lose more heat than you would with a well-fitted suit.

How tight should a wetsuit fit?

A snug fit is ideal, but make sure you can still move comfortably.

The perfect wetsuit should feel like it’s a second skin and hug your body in all the right places.

It shouldn’t have any gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene that might catch on anything when you’re running around at sea with friends!

Conclusion

Do wetsuits need to be broken in? The answer is no!

With the latest super-stretchy materials, neoprene doesn’t require any breaking in.

So if you’re looking for a comfortable and well-fitted suit, try on different sizes until you find the right one.

Buying the wrong size in hopes of it stretching out to fit is not recommended–the material won’t stretch enough and you’ll end up with an uncomfortable suit that’s too tight.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Kauai Surf Report is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new sports with everything surfing at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2019 to help loyal readers with surfing and water sporting tips.