A wetsuit is one of the trickiest things to buy, so many choices and an endless mass of black rubber for which you are supposed to make the perfect decision within one click. Here are some tips to help you find the right wetsuit and truly enjoy your triathlon or open water swimming experience.
- Remember what a wetsuit is for: It's there to keep you warm and help your swimming experience. Don't expect it to swim for you, but do expect it to make it more enjoyable!
- Get the right fit: Rule #1 is to be honest with yourself regarding your height, weight and body dimensions, and then go up a size if in doubt. We have everything you need to know about sizing to help you choose the perfect fit on our Sizing Page.
- What is your swimming ability? If you're an accomplished swimmer, the key benefit of a wetsuit is flexibility because you know how to swim, and you don't want that altering at all. If you are buying your first wetsuit and have only done just enough swimming to get you through the event, then we would strongly suggest you buy a mid-range wetsuit at a discounted price or an entry-level wetsuit (but you'll have more fun with a high-value suit that may have had a price reduction). Some wetsuits in our range are designed to aid your swimming, so they may have different densities for buoyancy or stiffness panels to stop your body from snaking. These are more speciality suits and maybe something you would consider on your second purchase, but if you have a swimming background, we strongly recommend a mid-level wetsuit (£300 and up).
- Get advice: Call the HUUB office, go to our live chat online, or visit one of our incredibly knowledgeable retailers.
- Get a good deal: Flexibility does come with a price... If you want the finest neoprenes to keep your swim stroke as natural as possible, expect to pay £250 to anything near £700 in the HUUB range of wetsuits. Do note last year's model with 50% off is just as good as this year's model without 50% off if you're lucky enough to find it in your size because the changes are typically colour, and that's it! Don't forget to check out HUUB's monthly Ex-Demo sale. The Ex-Demo wetsuit grading from A to C is based on the aesthetic standard of the wetsuit and will not affect its actual performance. Ex-Demo wetsuits may have been tried on for fitting purposes, returned, tested in the water, or rented out for an event.
- Patiently try your wetsuit on: One thing that will happen is when you get your wetsuit out of the box, you'll look at it, shake your head and say, "there is no way I am ever going to fit in that". But trust us, with the right fitting direction and instructions (watch our 'how to put on a wetsuit' video). You'll be amazed at what you can squeeze yourself into and how flexible neoprene can be. Never dismiss the wetsuit as too small or the wrong size without trying it first. A properly fitting wetsuit should take 20 minutes to get on, use plastic bags for hands and feet, and don't try it on in a sweltering shop or room.
- Assess the size: Once you have your wetsuit on, it should fit comfortably and slightly tighter than you expected. Lie on the floor and pretend you are swimming - you'll find less tightness because gravity isn't directly running through your body/core and fighting the suit. Please remember that the zip goes to the back when you wear the wetsuit, and you may need someone to help you with the zip. Once you have the suit on, revisit the fitting video to ensure it fits the best it can.
- Contact us: The best wetsuit companies will let you buy a couple of suits and return the ones that don't fit for free. But even better, HUUB is more than happy to have a phone call or set up a video call to help you assess if your wetsuit is the right size or to help you through the fitting process. We have male and female staff members trained and knowledgeable in putting you in the right and correct fitting wetsuit.
- Visit a retailer: You could visit one of the countries' triathlon wetsuit retailers. There are only a few around, but if you're in London, there's a fantastic shop on the embankment called Ocean Leisure. They stock a wide variety of HUUB suits and are more than happy to help. Or find HUUB at an open water venue near you on these dates: 6th April - Cromhall Quarry (Gloucestershire), 15th April - Lake 32 (Gloucestershire), 30th April - Spring Lakes (Derbyshire) and 13th May - Taplow Lakeside (Buckinghamshire).
- Go for a swim: When you go for your first swim in your wetsuit, think about how you'll get changed afterwards. A HUUB Changing Robe may be ideal, so you can undo the wetsuit and take it off inside. Your wetsuit will need washing after you've used it. Wash inside out with clean water, and do not dunk your suit in the lake or the sea because it will contain impurities that will fester, start to smell, and degrade the lining materials.