Putting on a wetsuit can sometimes feel like a workout in itself. But with a few clever tips and techniques, you can make the process a breeze. In this article, we’ll share some top tips to help put on your wetsuit easily, so you can spend less time struggling and more time enjoying your underwater adventures. 

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-timer, these handy hacks will ensure a snug and comfortable fit every time. Dive in and discover how to make your wetsuit experience smooth and easy!

Top Tips on How to Put on Your Wetsuit Easily

Getting into a wetsuit can be tricky, but with these top tips, you’ll be ready to put on your wetsuit easily and hit the water with comfort. Here’s how to make the process smoother and more comfortable.

• Size is a king.
• The plastic bag trick.
• Slip into your wetsuit while being in the water.
• Consider wearing a middle layer like lycra.
• Use slip-on socks.
• Install custom zippers.
• Skin suit, rash vests, and rash guards.
• Use a glider lube.
• Get the best results by using your buddy’s help.

Size is a King

Getting the right size for your wetsuit is crucial. Try different sizes to find one that fits snugly and comfortably. Walk and flex to ensure it minimizes water entry while allowing comfortable movement. Test a few and choose the two best fits. A well-fitting wetsuit:

• Won’t shift down when you lift your arms.
• Won’t have large air gaps under your crotch, waist, lower back, or armpits.
• Won’t feel tight or restrictive when kneeling.

The Plastic Bag Trick

Put a plastic grocery bag over your foot before slipping it into your wetsuit. After your foot is through, remove the bag and do the same with the other foot, then each hand. The plastic bag makes the neoprene glide smoothly over your skin.

Slip into Your Wetsuit While Being in the Water

If it’s convenient, hop into the water while putting on your wetsuit. When it gets stuck, try to pull it away from your body in order to let water break the seal between your skin and the suit.

Consider Wearing a Middle Layer Like Lycra

Putting on a wetsuit can be challenging, and some might find it a struggle. If you want added comfort and protection between your body and the wetsuit, consider wearing a middle glide layer.

This usually means putting on a Lycra rashguard or rash suit, which offers insulation and protects against any rubbing when donning the wetsuit. So, gear up with your middle layer for an easier time when you dive in!

Use Slip-On Socks 

Slip-on socks will help you put on your wetsuit easily. Tauchen Glide socks let your feet slide smoothly into the wetsuit, reducing discomfort and the time spent struggling.

Tauchsport Slip In Socks make it easier to put on your wetsuit or neoprene boots by reducing friction. They can also be worn on your hands like mitts to help your hands slide through wrist seals and protect delicate silverskin seals on premium wetsuits from damage by nails and jewelry.

Install Custom Zippers

Adding zippers to a wetsuit’s ankles and wrists can simplify putting it on. Many manufacturers already include these zippers, but if yours doesn’t have them, a wetsuit tailor can install them.

Note that after-market zippers increase water circulation, reducing thermal protection, and they can wear out or break over time.

Skin Suit, Rash Vests, and Rash Guards

Undersuits like rash guards and skin suits add warmth and help you put on your wetsuit easily, ensuring a better fit. Lycra is perfect for cold weather, scuba diving, and other water sports, as it enhances the wetsuit’s glide.

It fits like a second skin, allowing quick and easy wear. Plus, it’s affordable and serves a dual purpose for wetsuits and tropical waters.

Use a Glider Lube

Neoslix Lubricant (which is specially designed to fit wetsuits) allows for easy entry and exit. This lubricant also fits both neoprene wet or dry suits, in addition to that, it prevents skin rashes that are caused by friction.

It also extends the life of your suit and is compatible with materials like silicone, neoprene, rubber, and latex. Being eco-friendly, effective, and easy to apply make it a great option to consider when putting on your scuba wetsuit.

Get the Best Results by Using Your Buddy’s Help

Scuba diving is a team effort, so using your buddy’s help to put on your wetsuit easily and quickly is a good idea. It makes the process less stressful and strengthens your bond.

A trick with the help of your dive buddy

After you get your hand into the wetsuit sleeve, tell your buddy to lift the wrist seal and blow air into the wetsuit. This breaks the contact between the suit and your skin, making it easier for the rest of the sleeve to slide into place.

Two Bad Ideas

1. Using Soap, Conditioners, Shampoos or Detergents as Lubricants

Avoid using non-biodegradable soap, detergents, and other solutions with wetsuits, as they can leak into the water. Even biodegradable options can irritate or dry out your skin.

These solutions can also harm the wetsuit’s neoprene. When I began diving, I used diluted hair conditioner to help put on my wetsuit. It made slipping into the suit effortless, but over time, it caused the neoprene to become stiff and crack.

2. Using Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-based products like petroleum jelly and lubricants can damage neoprene. Avoid using oil, grease, or any oil-based compound to help when putting on a wetsuit.

The Technique is Top-notch

Putting on a wetsuit can be challenging, but these simple steps will help you get ready with ease.

• Begin with your feet and legs. Gradually pull the neoprene up, ensuring both legs are evenly covered. Make sure there aren’t any rolls when you’re finished!
• After that, proceed to pull the wetsuit over your hips and torso. Ensure there are no folds or creases around your legs to prevent excess water from entering. Once everything is adjusted, insert your arms one at a time. This is when you’ll notice the snug fit of your wetsuit and how well it suits you.
• Once everything is in place, zip up and secure the seams to prevent water from seeping in. This will keep your wetsuit comfortable and warm while scuba diving or swimming.

Finally, ensure you have a full range of motion so your wetsuit fits perfectly. You’re now ready to start your underwater adventure! Putting on a wetsuit shouldn’t be daunting. With our tips, we hope to make it easier and boost your confidence to tackle it like a pro.

Ensure proper sizing, use eco-friendly gliders, use slip-on socks, wear Lycra, and get help from a buddy inorder to put on your wetsuit easily. Proper maintenance also prolongs its life. Dive in with confidence and enjoy the adventure of wearing a wetsuit!