If you\u2019re a scuba diving enthusiast, you know how essential wetsuits are for this water sport. They provide thermal insulation, keeping you warm as you venture into the sea.<\/p>\n
One common problem with wetsuits, however, is finding the right fit. For instance, you might find a tight, fitting suit, but it\u2019s too short. Conversely, the length might be suitable; however, the wetsuit is too loose.<\/p>\n
Such a situation begs one question: can wetsuits be altered? That\u2019s what we\u2019ll answer in this article. So, keep reading to find out!<\/p>\n
Yes! You can alter your wetsuits. Although the diving outfit comes in various sizes and is stretchy<\/a>, you might still need a few adjustments to get your wetsuit to fit well.<\/p>\n Generally, the process involves taking your measurements and then making the adjustments. Of course, making the diving outfit smaller will cost less than increasing the wetsuit\u2019s size. That\u2019s because the latter requires adding material to the neoprene panels, which costs more.<\/p>\n Whichever wetsuit alterations you want, you\u2019ll usually need a professional\u2019s help to ensure the suit\u2019s thermal properties and durability aren\u2019t affected. That\u2019s especially true for extensive adjustments, such as adding or removing panels.<\/p>\n Most wetsuit adjustment shops offer several alterations to ensure a proper fit and improve performance. Those include:<\/p>\n Sleeves and leg lengths are the first things you should check when trying on a wetsuit. That\u2019s because the length would give you a clear idea of whether the sizing is fitting or not.<\/p>\n Ideally, you don\u2019t want any folds near the ankles and wrists because that indicates the suit is big. The former problem result in water flushing into and out of the suit. That takes away from the primary function of wetsuits, which is to trap water to keep you warm<\/a>.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t want a short length either, as a small-sized wetsuit can be uncomfortable.<\/p>\n The problem is that sometimes you can find a perfectly fitting suit, but it has long sleeves. Going a size smaller might not be an option. That\u2019s when ankle and wrist adjustments come in handy; you simply need to trim the excess material.<\/p>\n In contrast, you might need to lengthen the wrists and ankles to have a properly fitting wetsuit<\/a>. Either way, with a professional\u2019s help, you\u2019ll save the effort of buying a new diving outfit.<\/p>\n Another sizing problem you might have encountered is excess material in the torso area. A properly fitting wetsuit won\u2019t contain extra materials<\/a> on the chest and shoulders. Likewise, you shouldn\u2019t feel too much space around the waist.<\/p>\n Now, you might think, if the suit isn\u2019t fitting, why not look for another size? That\u2019s perfectly fine if you\u2019re still looking for a diving outfit.<\/p>\n However, if your last season\u2019s suit is no longer fitting, it\u2019s usually more affordable to adjust it instead of buying a new one.<\/p>\n Additionally, sometimes altering a wetsuit is the only option for tall, skinny people. If that\u2019s your body type, you know the struggle of finding a long enough suit that isn\u2019t too loose.<\/p>\n So, taking away from the torso\u2019s width might be the only option available for achieving the right fit.<\/p>\n Wetsuit alteration<\/a> doesn\u2019t always have to do with adding or removing material to adjust the size. You can also add zippers for style and convenience, as zippers can help you get in and out of a wetsuit with ease.<\/p>\n You can also consider reinforcing the seams or adding pockets! Not only do the pockets help keep your hands free during the diving adventure, but they also make for appealing aesthetics.<\/p>\n The best part is that you\u2019ve got a pool of pocket colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from!<\/p>\n Several reasons can call for wetsuit adjustments, including body weight fluctuations, changing the style, and even saving the environment.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s discuss each reason in further detail!<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re genetically blessed, body weight fluctuations are something that most of us struggle with.<\/p>\n The problem with weight gain or loss is that your diving outfit won\u2019t accommodate it. And as mentioned earlier, adjusting wetsuits to fit you perfectly is crucial for your safety.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because a wetsuit that\u2019s too loose or tight can impede your movement. Plus, poor sizing increases the risk of hypothermia<\/a>.<\/p>\n The idea behind wetsuits is to trap a thin layer of water. Your body temperature then heats that layer, making the water warm. Because neoprene is an insulator, the trapped seawater keeps its high temperature.<\/p>\n Consequently, you maintain a warm body the entire time you\u2019re in the ocean. However, that\u2019s only achievable as long as the wetsuit is perfectly fitting and prevents cold water from seeping.<\/p>\nTypes of Wetsuit Adjustments<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Ankle and wrist adjustments<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Torso adjustments<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Adding special features<\/h3>\n
Why Should You Alter Wetsuits?<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Body weight fluctuations<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Customization<\/h3>\n