How to Put on a Wetsuit

It can be a daunting task to put on a wetsuit, especially if you are a beginner scuba diver. Anyone who has wrestled with neoprene knows that putting on a wetsuit can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport. What should be a simple preparation for your water adventure can become a sweaty, frustrating struggle if you do it wrong.

The good news is that you can turn this notoriously tricky process into a routine with proper technique and a few insider tips. Let’s see how you can put on a wetsuit and enjoy scuba diving today!

Understanding Wetsuit Types and Their Donning Differences

Full Wetsuits

Full wetsuits cover the entire body from ankles to wrists. They use a zippered entry system and keep you warm against the cold. Depending on the water temperature requirements, they come in various thicknesses.

Donning Characteristics:

• The most challenging type to put on due to complete coverage
• Usually features a back zip, chest zip, or neck entry system
• Requires careful handling of seals at ankles and wrists
• More resistance due to thicker neoprene in cold-water models

Springsuits (Short-Arm, Long-Leg)

Springsuits feature short sleeves with full-length legs. They balance between mobility and protection and are popular in moderate temperatures.

Donning Characteristics:

• Easier entry than full suits, thanks to reduced upper body restriction
• Still requires careful control of leg material
• Usually features a back zipper system
• Less overall resistance when putting on

Shorties (Short-Arm, Short-Leg)

These compact wetsuits make sure they cover the torso with short sleeves and short legs and end above the elbows and knees. They are ideal for warmer conditions.

Donning Characteristics:

• The easiest traditional wetsuit style to put on
• Minimal resistance because there is less material to control
• Quick entry and exit make them popular for casual users
• Still requires proper technique to avoid tearing or stretching

Vest/Jacket Wetsuits

Neoprene vests or jackets cover only the torso and sometimes the arms. They are often used for wind protection or as an extra layer in moderately cool conditions.

Donning Characteristics:

• Simplest entry method, similar to putting on a tight jacket
• May feature front zip for even easier access
• Minimal lower body coordination required
• Good starting point for those new to neoprene garments

Entry System Variations

Back-Zip Wetsuits

The traditional and most common design features a zipper running up the center of the back.

Donning Characteristics:

• Requires a partner or pull cord to close (though techniques exist for solo donning)
• Provides a wider entry point during the putting-on process
• More flexible across the chest for easier initial positioning
• May include neck seal to prevent water flush

Chest-Zip Wetsuits

This more modern design uses a horizontal zipper across the chest/shoulder area, which creates a "fold-over" entry system.

Donning Characteristics:

• Can be fully donned without assistance
• Requires learning a specific technique for entry
• More water-tight once properly sealed
• More challenging for beginners, but often preferred by experienced users

Zipperless/Neck Entry Wetsuits

These suits have advanced designs featuring expandable neck openings that stretch to allow entry without zippers.

Donning Characteristics:

• Requires significant stretching of the neck opening
• Most water-tight design once on
• Demands careful handling to avoid damaging the expandable neck material
• Often requires lubricant application for smooth entry

Step-by-Step Guide to Putting On a Wetsuit

Preparation Steps

1. Choose the Right Environment

• Find a clean, flat surface free of sharp objects that could damage neoprene
• If outdoors, use a changing mat or towel to protect your suit and feet
• Check that you have enough space to move freely when putting it on
• Consider privacy needs depending on your undergarment choice

2. Pre-Check Your Wetsuit

• Examine for any damage, particularly at seams and stress points
• Check zippers are working and lubricated if necessary
• Position the suit with the opening facing up and the front side down
• Pre-identify inside from outside (logos and seams are usually on the outside)

3. Body Preparation

• Remove jewelry, watches, and sharp objects that could damage the suit
• Put on undergarments
• You could use bodyglide, wetsuit lubricant, or baby powder at ankles, wrists, and neck
• Check that your body is completely dry for easier entry (ironically, a wet wetsuit is harder to put on)

Basic Donning Technique

1. Feet and Legs First

• Bunch up one leg of the wetsuit like putting on pantyhose
• Carefully insert foot, ensuring no toenail snags the material
• Gradually work the neoprene up your leg, inch by inch, without pulling on seams
• Pull material from the sides rather than the front or back
• Repeat with second leg until the wetsuit is positioned at mid-thigh

2. Core Positioning

• Stand upright and gradually work the suit up to your waist
• Adjust the crotch area for comfort before proceeding (important for proper fit)
• Check suit is sitting symmetrically with no twisting
• Take time to smooth out any folds or bunching, especially behind the knees

3. Arms and Torso

• Similar to the legs, bunch up one arm section
• Insert hand with fingers together in a streamlined position
• Work material over elbow and up to shoulder gradually
• Repeat with second arm
• With both arms in, shimmy the suit up to position shoulders correctly

4. Final Adjustments and Closing

• For back-zip: Have partner zip up, or use attached pull cord
• For chest-zip: Fold over the top section and secure zipper across chest
• For neck entry: Carefully work head through expanded neck opening
• Adjust material around joints for maximum comfort and mobility
• Check seals (wrist, ankle, neck) are properly positioned for water tightness

Specialized Techniques by Wetsuit Type

Back-Zip Wetsuit Solo Technique

1. Attach a long piece of cord or an old shoelace to zipper pull
2. Put wetsuit on up to shoulders with cord hanging down back
3. Reach behind with dominant hand over opposite shoulder
4. Grab the cord and pull upward while using other hand to hold suit in place
5. Once zip is almost closed, switch hands over other shoulder to complete

Chest-Zip Technique

1. Step into legs and pull to waist as normal
2. Put arms into sleeves but leave chest flap open
3. Pull the suit up so your shoulders are entirely in their proper position
4. Reach across your body to grab the chest flap
5. Fold it over your chest and secure the zipper from one side to the other
6. Tuck in any neck seal for water tightness

Neck Entry Technique

1. Apply more lubricant around neck and shoulders than with other suits
2. Put legs and arms in as with standard technique
3. Stretch neck opening as wide as possible without damaging it
4. Tuck chin to chest and push head through carefully
5. Use both hands to work the neck seal over your head
6. Once head is through, adjust neck seal to lie flat against skin

Pro Tips and Hacks for Easier Wetsuit Donning

Physical Aids and Products

1. Plastic Bags Method

• Place thin plastic shopping bags over hands and feet before insertion
• The smooth plastic reduces friction and lets neoprene slide over limbs
• Remove bags once a limb is through by pulling from inside the wetsuit

2. Lubricants

• Commercial wetsuit lubricants reduce friction without damaging neoprene
• Alternative options: baby oil, silicone-based personal lubricants, or coconut oil
• Apply to ankles, wrists, neck, and any areas where you experience resistance
• Avoid petroleum-based products as they can degrade neoprene over time

3. Wetsuit Donning Tools

• Specialized plastic shoe horns designed for wetsuit entry
• Zip sticks and pull cords for solo back-zip closure
• Rubber fingertips to improve grip on slippery neoprene
• Changing mats with raised edges to keep your suit clean and sand-free

Technique Refinements

1. The "Scrunch and Push" Method

• Bunch material extensively before trying to push limbs through
• Create shorter, wider openings that offer less resistance
• Work in small sections, securing each portion before moving to the next
• Particularly effective for thicker cold-water suits

2. Partner Assistance Techniques

• For back-zip: Partner should slowly zip while you adopt a forward-flexed position
• For struggling with arms: Partner can hold material at elbow while you pull hand through
• For neck entry: Partner can stretch opening with both hands while you insert head
• Generally, pulling from the inside is more effective than pushing from the outside

3. Alignment Priorities

• Focus on symmetrical positioning before proceeding to next body section
• Align seams properly from the beginning to prevent twisted, uncomfortable wear
• Pay special attention to knee and elbow joint alignments
• Verify that padding is correctly positioned over intended protection areas

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Rushing the Process

• Don’t rush, or you can end up with misalignment, discomfort, and potential damage
• Give yourself 5-15 minutes for your first few times putting on a new wetsuit
• Experienced users with well-broken-in suits might reduce this to 2-3 minutes
• Consider timing factors when you plan your water activities

2. Pulling on Seams and Stitching

• Always pull from the neoprene material itself, not from seams or stitches
• Distribute force across broad areas rather than concentrated points
• Be especially careful with taped seams in higher-end suits
• Inspect grab points for early signs of stress or damage

3. Using Fingernails or Jewelry

• Keep your fingernails trimmed when you handle wetsuits
• Remove rings, bracelets, and watches before donning
• Use palms and pads of fingers to manipulate material
• Consider thin wetsuit-friendly gloves if nail length is a concern

4. Forcing Tight Areas

• If an area won't yield with normal pressure, stop and reassess
• Check for twisted material or improper positioning
• Apply additional lubricant if needed
• Consider if sizing might be incorrect for your body type

Special Considerations for Different Users

For Children and Youth

• Allow extra time and patience.
• Consider slightly looser fits for growing bodies and easier entry
• Back-zip styles are generally easier for parents to help with
• Zipperless neck entry suits can be particularly challenging for children
• Consider starting with shorties or springsuits before progressing to full suits

For Seniors or Those with Limited Mobility

• Opt for back-zip styles for easier entry with assistance
• Consider higher-stretch neoprene materials (may sacrifice some insulation)
• Use a sturdy chair for stability during the standing portions
• Apply more lubricant than recommended
• Take breaks during the process

For First-Time Wetsuit Users

• Expect the process to feel strange and possibly claustrophobic
• Practice at home before your first water session
• Start with thinner neoprene if possible, as it offers less resistance
• Remember that new wetsuits are stiffer; they become easier to don after breaking in
• Consider renting different styles before purchasing to determine which one works best

Post-Donning Checks

Before entering water, perform these final checks:

1. Comfort Assessment

• No pinching or binding at armpits, neck, or groin
• Breathing feels unrestricted
• Can raise arms fully above head
• Can squat without excessive tension

2. Mobility Tests

• Simulate your water activity movements
• Check for restricted rotation or reach
• Check  joints align with suit's articulated panels if present
• Confirm no excess material bunching in movement-critical areas

3. Water Seal Verification

• All zippers fully closed and secured
• Neck seal lies flat against skin
• Ankle and wrist seals properly positioned
• No obvious gaps where water could easily flush through

4. Timing Check

• Verify you haven't overheated during the donning process
• If sweating heavily inside suit before water entry, briefly open zipper to release heat
• Don't put on too early before water entry in hot conditions
• In cold conditions, timing is not important, as pre-warming the suit can be helpful

Putting On a Wetsuit: It’s a Learning Process

Imagine putting on a wetsuit as a rite of passage for scuba divers. What begins as an awkward struggle becomes, with practice, a routine that takes just minutes.

We hope our techniques and tips help you wear your wetsuit quickly and seamlessly. If not, just test new features in your own time, and after a few trials, you will see how effortless it feels. Patience, technique, and some clever hacks are all you need! Contact us to let us know if our tips helped you out!

Our staff at Divers Supply is happy to answer all your questions, help you choose the right wetsuit size, and advise you on which size best suits your body and underwater activity. Pick your new diving suit today and enjoy free shipping on orders over $25. Shop now and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and offers. Your next favorite wetsuit is just a click away!