1. Wetsuit Styles

Full Suit (Steamer)

• Coverage: Long sleeves and full-length legs.
• Best for: Colder conditions and greater thermal protection.
• Why choose it: Keeps you warm in a wide range of water temperatures and works like a second skin

Hooded Full Suit

• Coverage: Full suit with an integrated hood.
• Best for: Very cold water temperatures or extended sessions in cool waters.
• Why choose it: Minimizes water entry around the neck and head, providing maximum warmth where you lose heat the fastest.

Spring Suit (Shorty)

• Coverage: Short sleeves and/or short legs.
• Best for: Warmer climates and transitional seasons.
• Why choose it: More freedom of movement and a cooler option when you don’t need full coverage.

Long John / Jane

• Coverage: Full-length legs but sleeveless.
• Best for: Providing full leg coverage but freeing the arms for paddling or swimming.
• Why choose it: Great mobility for the upper body; ideal for warmer waters where you still need leg insulation.

Short John / Jane

• Coverage: Short legs, sleeveless top.
• Best for: Warm waters where you still need some core protection.
• Why choose it: Maximum arm and shoulder mobility for paddling or other water sports.

2. Wetsuit Thickness

Choosing the right thickness is crucial for comfort and performance. Here’s a general guide:

Water Temperature		Wetsuit Thickness Recommendation
°C	°F	Recommendation
25°C & Above	75°F & Above	UV Lycra / Rashguard
20-24°C	68-75°F	1mm Springsuit
18-20°C	64-68°F	2mm Springsuit
15-18°C	59-64°F	3/2mm Full Suit
12-15°C	53-59°F	4/3mm Full Suit
9-12°C	48-53°F	4/3mm OR 5/4mm Full Suit
Below 9°C	Below 48°F	5/4mm OR 6/5mm Hooded Full Suit

 

Note: If you’re sensitive to cold, choose a slightly thicker wetsuit or consider additional accessories like boots, gloves, and a hood.

3. Wetsuit Sizes

A properly fitting wetsuit is essential. It should feel snug but not restrict breathing or movement.

Guy’s Wetsuit Size Chart

Imperial			Metric
Size	Height, ft-in	Weight, lbs	Height, cm	Weight, kg
XXS	5'3" - 5'5"	117 - 132	160 - 165	53 - 60
XS	5'5" - 5'7"	126 - 141	165 - 170	57 - 64
S	5'7" - 5'9"	135 - 150	170 - 175	61 - 68
MS	5'7" - 5'9"	163 - 180	170 - 175	74 - 82
M	5'9" - 5'11"	154 - 170	175 - 180	70 - 77
ML	5'10" - 5'12"	163 - 180	177 - 182	74 - 82
MT	5'11" - 6'1"	163 - 180	180 - 185	74 - 82
L	5'11" - 6'1"	174 - 190	180 - 185	79 - 86
XL	6'0" - 6'2"	190 - 205	183 - 188	86 - 93
XXL	6'1" - 6'3"	205 - 221	186 - 191	93 - 100

Gal’s Wetsuit Size Chart

Imperial			Metric
Size	Height, ft-in	Weight, lbs	Height, cm	Weight, kg
2	5'1" - 5'3"	88 - 106	155 - 160	40 - 48
4	5'3" - 5'5"	101 - 119	160 - 165	46 - 54
6	5'4" - 5'6"	112 - 128	163 - 168	51 - 58
8	5'5" - 5'7"	119 - 137	165 - 170	54 - 62
10	5'6" - 5'8"	130 - 150	168 - 173	59 - 68
12	5'7" - 5'9"	141 - 161	170 - 175	64 - 73

Kid’s Wetsuit Size Chart

Imperial			Metric
Size	Height, ft-in	Weight, lbs	Height, cm	Weight, kg
4Y	3'10" - 4'1"	35 - 49	116 - 124	16 - 22
6Y	4'1" - 4'4"	49 - 62	124 - 132	22 - 28
8Y	4'4" - 4'7"	62 - 75	132 - 140	28 - 34
10Y	4'7" - 4'10"	75 - 88	140 - 147	34 - 40
12Y	4'10" - 5'1"	88 - 101	147 - 154	40 - 46

Fit Tips

• Stuck between two sizes? Go with the larger option—comfort is key.
• Your wetsuit should feel snug but never restrict your breathing or hold back your moves.
• Remember, wetsuits stretch. It’s normal if yours feels a bit tight on land; it'll loosen up in the water.
• Check the wrists, ankles, and neck—snug is good, choking is not!
• Prefer extra room for cruising? Size up. Into high-performance surfing? Choose the smaller size for a tighter fit.
• The best way to find your perfect fit is to try it on. Swing your arms around and make sure everything moves freely.
• Don’t stress about a little extra room—once you're paddling, the ocean will press that suit close to your body. A bit of slack is fine, but don't go too baggy.
• Feeling irritation around the neck? A bit of cream or Vaseline can help avoid a rash and keep you comfortable all day in the water.
• If you’re tall/short or have a unique body shape, consider specialized sizing or custom options.

4. Zip Types

Back Zip

• Classic design with zipper running down your spine
• Super easy to slip into – just step in and have a buddy zip you up
• Great for beginners or anyone who hates the wetsuit struggle
• Slightly more water can flush through compared to other designs.

Chest Zip

• Horizontal zipper across your chest
• Minimal water seepage since there's no long back zipper
• Killer flexibility when paddling – your back panel is uninterrupted
• Tougher to get into but worth it for performance sessions.

Round Neck

JANGA's game-changing innovation that serious surfers rave about

• Extended diagonal chest zipper gives you easy entry without compromising seal
• Get in quick between sets without that annoying water flush down your back.

No Zip / Zipfree

• Ultimate freedom with super stretchy neoprene
• No zippers = no pressure points when lying on your board
• Absolutely bomber water seal for those frigid dawn patrols
• Takes some ninja skills to wiggle into, but serious wave riders love it.

Velcro

• Clean, simple closure system without metal zipper components
• Super reliable in saltwater environments where zippers can corrode
• JANGA's velcro systems are built to withstand heavy use in the impact zone

X-ZIP (long chest zip)

• Shoulder-to-shoulder zipper design creates a wide entry point
• Awesome for broader shoulders – no more wetsuit wrestling matches
• Distributes stress evenly across the upper body while paddling.

5. Insulation Types

Neoprene

Traps a thin layer of water against your skin that your body warms up - good for moderate water temperatures. Durable and flexible.

Air-cell neoprene

Contains tiny air bubbles for better insulation.

Thermal Linings

Materials added to the inside of wetsuits to add extra warmth in colder conditions.

Fleece linings

• Polypropylene linings
• Merino wool linings

Smoothskin

Smooth outer material that blocks wind for added warmth.

6. Wetsuit care

Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of your wetsuit and ensures optimal performance every time you hit the water.

Rinse After Every Use

• Use fresh, cold or lukewarm water (avoid hot water) to rinse off salt, sand, and chlorine.
• Pay special attention to the zipper area and seals to remove any trapped debris.

Dry It Correctly

• Turn the wetsuit inside out and hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Once the inside is dry, flip it back to the outside and let it finish drying.
• Direct sunlight and high heat can damage neoprene, causing it to lose elasticity.

Store Flat or on a Wide Hanger

• Avoid thin wire hangers that can stretch or crease the neoprene.
• If possible, lay the wetsuit flat in a cool, dry place to prevent permanent creases.

Use Specialized Cleaners Occasionally

• Mild wetsuit shampoo can help remove stubborn odors and maintain the neoprene’s flexibility.
• Rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.

Check for Rips & Tears

• Small tears or splits can worsen quickly; patch them with wetsuit cement or have them professionally repaired.
• Inspect seam tape and stitching regularly to ensure a solid seal.

If you have more questions about choosing a perfect wetsuit - reach out to our friendly surf team → contact us!

Stay warm, stay comfortable, and have fun!