How to: Shop for a women's wetsuit

I’m in the market for a new wetsuit. My Billabong The Solution Gold Women’s 3/2 mm Wetsuit lasted a good 20 months but the seams are ripped and the bright pink lining that used to be is now a light salmon. Don’t ask me why it was pink in the first place, if a wetsuit fits, you wear it.  Anyway, when my foot went through the neck lining I knew it was time to start shopping for a new one. And as we fade into the colder part of the fall season, the water temps in Southern California are sinking into the upper 50’s and a gaping hole down the front of my wetsuit just isn’t going to cut it.

If you’re looking for a new womens wetsuit, visit your local surf shop and try on a few different styles and sizes.  Ask questions and make sure you walk out the door with the right wetsuit. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, ask if they can include your ideal wetsuit in their next order with no added cost to you. If you don’t have a local surf shop, search online. Many websites for wetsuit brands do not have descriptions for their products, so if you’re having trouble, try using a search engine to find an online retailer with the wetsuit thickness you need.

Tips when shopping for a women’s wetsuit:

1.     Style is out- don’t even make this a consideration or priority. There’s no Macy’s of wetsuit stores- there really aren’t that many options out there ladies. Find one that fits and meets the corresponding water temperatures in your region.

2.     Plan on spending $100-$200, and expect this wetsuit should last you over a year, even when you seem to be spending more time in the water than behind a desk.

3.     Different seasons call for different wetsuits. Look at the temperature range for the wetsuit thickness, measured in millimeters (mm). A 3/2 mm is good for 63 degrees and up. A 4/3 will keep you comfortable in 55 degrees and up, and a 5/4/3 mm is good for 48 degrees and up. You also deserve a badge of courage on that wetsuit if you are paddling out in 48-degree water.

4.     Wetsuits are designed in Australia, Europe, and USA sizes, all three will be noted on the sleeve or collar. Australian and European sizes are usually the same, American sizes running two numbers lower. Sizes are sold in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12). See measurement chart for height and weight to find your size.

5.     A key loop is a good feature. Being able to surf without the thought of someone finding your super-secret hiding spot for your key in the parking lot is a plus. I’ve seen (and have done) many stupid methods of stashing bike and car keys while surfing, such as burying the key in the sand at Waikiki, cradling it in a broken part of my front bumper, or wearing the key around my neck on a chain (very bad). Then you get smart and wear boardshorts with pockets in tropical water temps and buy wetsuits with key loops in cold temps.

Happy shopping