Scuba Diving Wet Suit :
How to Put on a Wetsuit

Now that you bought a scuba diving wet suit you need to get it on since you want to be warm and toasty during your dive. To make it as hassle free as possible, I'll give you tips on how to put on a wetsuit so you'll look like a pro on the dive boat.

Alright, on with the show.

Steps to Putting on a Wetsuit

Unfortunately, wetsuits do not fit like clothes. For it to work properly, a scuba diving wet suit should essentially make contact with your whole body. It also does not slide on easily, like our clothes, so it can be a challenge to make sure it is put on properly. And it needs to be on properly to ensure you have the right size if you are buying a wetsuit.

I have seen people pull out shampoo and wet the inside of their wetsuit to make it go on easier. Never tried this one myself. It does make the boat slippery so use with care if you try this.

Here are some simple steps so you know how to put on a scuba diving wet suit properly.

  • Put both legs in and pull the suit up over your thighs.(Note: If you help your heel in by pulling out the bottom of the leg (you should be sitting to do this) it will put less strain on your seams). Pull on the shin area to adjust the ankle area. Pull on the knee area to adjust the shin area. Pull on the thigh area to adjust the knees. Basically you are working out each roll as you move up.
  • Pull up on the thigh area up to your crotch. This is where most of the problems arise. If the wetsuit isn't pulled snug enough into the crotch, it will feel too short and the wetsuit will pull at your shoulders. So make that wetsuit nice and snug at the crotch. An essential step in how to put on a wetsuit properly.
  • Work the arms in the same way as you did your legs. Gently pull the suit up your arms and then lift it onto your chest. The armpit should also be like the crotch area, nice and snug to give you more range of movement and comfort. While most wetsuits have a long string to pull the zipper up the back, it's best to have a buddy do this. It will avoid some stress on the zipper and prevent the zipper from catching on the neoprene, a common occurrence. Secure the velcro fastening so the zipper doesn't come undone.
  • One minor detail if this is your first time putting on a scuba diving wet suit, the zipper goes in the back (for the vast majority of wetsuits anyway - some two piece suits have a front zipper). One tell tale sign, if it has a long string attached, the zipper goes in the back. The string is to help you zipper the wetsuit by yourself.

So there you have it, how to put on a wetsuit properly is easy, isn't it?. So get out there, get a wetsuit and have fun!

For more information, check out our other pages on wetsuits:

Scuba Diving Wetsuits Introduction

How to Buy a Wetsuit

Scuba Diving Wetsuit Repair Guide

Wetsuit Care

Wetsuit Material Guide

Guide to Wetsuit Sizes and Fit

Wetsuit Thickness Guide

Best 3mm Wetsuits - High End or Top End

Best 3mm Wetsuits - Mid-range or inexpensive

Cheap Wetsuits - Men

Cheap Wetsuits - Women



 Want to stay down longer and improve your buoyancy control and other diving skills? Our free report "Increase Your Bottom Time" along with our practical, weekly actionable tips will have you looking like a seasoned diver in no time. So come join us and see improvement on your very next dive!
(Click on the photo to join us now!)

Click here to subscribe

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

What's New

  1. Happy New Year

    Jan 01, 24 06:00 AM

    Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone is well and had a fun New Years Eve! May your new year be filled with lots of wonderful dives. All the best to you and yours in 2024! Let the dives begin.

    Read More

  2. Happy Holidays

    Dec 14, 23 05:05 AM

    I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! I am always amazed at how fast time flies and another year is just around the corner. I wanted to pop in and say hi to everyone. I am doing some full ti…

    Read More

  3. 3 Common Scuba Diving Mistakes New Divers Make

    Feb 23, 23 02:18 PM

    3 Common Scuba Diving Mistakes
    In this video, I share 3 common scuba diving mistakes beginner divers make. Learn how to correct these for a better - and safer - dive.

    Read More

  4. Scuba Diving Tipping Etiquette: How Much And When To Tip Scuba Crew

    Feb 06, 23 03:34 PM

    scuba diving tipping etiquette
    Not sure of scuba diving tipping etiquette? In this video I share who to tip, when to tip, how much to tip, tipping on liveaboards, tipping an instructor & more

    Read More

  5. Scuba Diving Tips For First Time

    Jan 29, 23 05:41 PM

    scuba diving tips for first time divers
    These scuba diving tips for first time divers will help improve buoyancy control, air consumption, equalization and boat diving. Improve on your very next dive!

    Read More