Wetsuits are a must-have item for scuba diving enthusiasts. They provide thermal protection and buoyancy, allowing you to stay longer in the water!<\/p>\n
The problem is that your suit needs to fit well to get the most out of it, and finding the right size is no easy feat. That\u2019s especially true for the torso, as having a wetsuit that\u2019s loose around the waist is a common issue.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll explore why a wetsuit may be loose around the waist. We\u2019ll also guide you through three steps to pick the right wetsuit<\/a> size. So, stick around!<\/p>\n Typically, a wetsuit should have a tight fit. Still, the fit shouldn\u2019t be so snug that it impairs your range of motion.<\/p>\n That said, it\u2019s natural that your scuba diving outfit feels slightly loose in the torso area, particularly the lower back. That\u2019s just the way human backs naturally arch. As a result, most people have a bit of space between their lower back and the wetsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\n The reason wetsuits are close-fitting is to help keep you warm<\/a>. How? Well, that\u2019s thanks to neoprene, the synthetic rubber most wet suits are made of.<\/p>\n Neoprene is stretchy; as you dive into the ocean, it traps a thin layer of water. Because of the temperature difference between your body and the water, heat transfer occurs.<\/p>\n Soon, your body temperature heats<\/a> the trapped water. Now, thanks to the insulation properties of water, it retains that high temperature. As a result, the suit keeps you warm the entire time you\u2019re scuba diving.<\/p>\n Several reasons can cause your wetsuit to feel extra roomy around the waist. Those include body weight fluctuations, incorrect sizing, and unsuitable maintenance practices.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s discuss each reason in further detail!<\/p>\n Your wetsuit fitting can change depending on your weight\u2014just like your entire wardrobe. If you\u2019ve lost a couple of pounds, it\u2019s only natural that the suit starts feeling roomy.<\/p>\n That\u2019s especially true if you bought a wetsuit during the winter<\/a>. The cold months are usually when most people tend to gain weight<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other factors like diet, particularly high-sodium foods, can affect your weight temporarily. As you might know, salty foods can cause short-term weight gain. Why? That\u2019s because your body retains water to balance the excess sodium you get from the food.<\/p>\n Consequently, you might look puffier than usual. Don\u2019t worry, though. Simply drink more water to flush out the excess salt and lose weight. While that sounds great, losing water weight will cause your suit to feel a bit loose.<\/p>\n Even just wearing the wetsuit<\/a> can help you reduce water retention. Thanks to neoprene\u2019s compression qualities, wetsuits alter the water-mineral balance<\/a> within the body. As a result, you lose the water weight.<\/p>\n Wetsuits are meant to fit comfortably inside the water. Trying to have a comfortable suit outside the ocean might result in fitting errors.<\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re lucky enough to get a comfy suit now, after a couple of diving sessions, the wetsuit will stretch. That\u2019s just a part of neoprene. The synthetic rubber can stretch up to six<\/a> times its length.<\/p>\n Of course, the more you use it, the more pliable the suit becomes. The problem is that the wetsuit will feel larger after a few uses if you buy the wrong size. Not to mention, neoprene will lose its elasticity over time.<\/p>\n In that case, the diving outfit will be roomy throughout your body, not just around the waist.<\/p>\n Inadequate care of your wetsuit can make it loose around the waist and shorten its lifespan. As surprising as it might sound, washing the rubber suit can do more harm than good when done improperly.<\/p>\nShould a Wetsuit Be Loose Around the Waist?<\/h2>\n
Why Does Your Wetsuit Feel Loose?<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Body Weight Fluctuations<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Incorrect Sizing<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Unsuitable Maintenance Practices<\/h3>\n