Customer Support Center: Knowledge Base

When shopping for a wetsuit, sizing is always an issue. It helps to keep the following tips in mind when deciding which size you should choose. First, you need to know your measurements.

Men & Boys Measurements

• Neck: Measure the circumference of your neck just above the base and around your Adam's apple. Place two fingers between your neck and the tape measure.


• Arm/Sleeve: With your arm bent slightly, put your hand on your hip. Start the tape measure at the center of the back of your neck. Run the tape measure across the top of your shoulder, down to the elbow, and then to your wrist.


• Chest: Standing with your arms at your side, place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Ensure that the tape measure remains parallel to the ground. Place two fingers between the tape measure and your body.


• Waist: While standing, wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline. Keep the tape comfortably loose.


• Inseam: Flatly lay out a pair of pants that fit you well. Using a measuring tape, measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the pant leg along the seam.


• Hats: Wrap the tape measure around the part of your head where your hat would naturally rest. This is generally 1" above the ears.


• Gloves: With your hand lying flat, wrap the tape measure around the knuckles of your strong or dominant hand, excluding your thumb.


• Shoes: Place a piece of blank paper on a hard floor. While wearing socks of normal thickness, place one foot on the paper. Using a pencil, mark the end of your heel and the tip of your longest toe. Measure the distance between the two marks using a tape measure or ruler.

You can't use the same size chart for all suits. Different brand means different maker. Some manufacturers' suits run small, some big and some run true to size. The best method of getting a size recommendation is straight from the manufacturer. How? It's easy, simply place the order and select the size closest to your measurements. Write in the checkout notes you measurements (height, weight, chest size, hips, and waist). We will verify sizing with the manufacturer before we ship. Be honest. It would be impossible to get the right suit if you don't give the right information. Although this can seem somewhat personal, it's common for women to be asked questions such as their chest & cup size.

You don't have to know all of your measurements, so no need to get the tape measure. Unisex wetsuits are based off men's sizing. Although men's suits aren't cut for a woman's body, it isn't uncommon for women to wear men suits. If a woman who wears a size 9/10 Akona 3mm fullsuit wants to know if a men's size small will fit, simply compare the measurements from the size chart for a woman's 9/10 to the measurements for the men's small. Material is also a factor. Some material is stretchier than others and will probably give you that extra stretch for areas that may seem a little short (like legs).

Women & Girls Measurements

• Bust: With your arms at your side, place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.


• Waist: While standing, wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline. Keep the tape comfortably loose.


• Hips: While standing with your feet together, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your body between your waist and your knees. This is approximately 8 inches below your waist. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.