A list of our top 7 men’s and women’s plus size wetsuit picks to stay safe in water

Long gone are the days when we had two or three different models and people had to cross fingers and hope their wetsuit fits. Nowadays, we have a plethora of different models and dimensions that fit everyone for any occasion. This way, nothing stops you from trying and learning a new water sport.

And trust me when I say, once you try paddling, you know you are hooked for life. And what’s even better is that, if you own a wetsuit, you can practically go swimming, surfing, paddling, or scuba diving whenever you feel like it, any time of the year. Cold water can’t stop you!

The wetsuit is there to keep you warm when wet, so you don’t die of hypothermia in the cold waters. With that said, in this article, we are going to talk about the 7 plus size wetsuit picks, but if you want to know more about wetsuits in general and when they were invented, or why we need them, you are welcome to take a look at this post.

If you are still hesitant about buying this piece of gear and you think you can get away without one, let me try to change your mind by telling you all about plus size wetsuits and their benefits.

Other interesting articles:

• 
  Best Wetsuit Top to Keep Your Body Comfortable In the Water
• 
  Best Women’s Wetsuit – How To Stay Safe On The Water [2023]
• 
  The 5 Best Wetsuit Hood Models to Keep Your Head Warm in Water
• 
  Wetsuit Temperature Guide
• 
  What Wetsuit Material Is Used For Making A Wetsuit?

Why is a plus size wetsuit needed, anyway?

Paddling in cold waters in the morning isn’t fun at all, no matter how much you love the sport. Wetsuits, whether for kids or for adults protect you not only from the cold water but also the wind and sun that induces damage to your skin overall.

With a wetsuit that feels like a second skin on you, keeping you nice and warm, every weather situation suddenly becomes much, much better. If you want to understand why you need a wetsuit truly, I will take you back to read how wetsuits work.

Plus size wetsuit models nowadays can be found in multiple designs and styles as well as thicknesses, so you have the freedom to choose the right one for the expected water conditions.

With that said, here is an overview of how wetsuits work.

You see, when it comes to water and staying at a comfortable range of temperature, insulation is everything!

So, when we think of the second law of thermodynamics, it tells us that heat flows from warmer objects to colder ones and not vice versa. For instance, when the air temperature outside is 10°C, and your body is at 36°C, your body’s heat will travel towards to colder air, which will result in you feeling cold rapidly.

The same rule applies when you are in cold water.

Now, back to insulation and how it can save you from freezing and catching a cold. Namely, insulation is trapping warm air between layers of materials. We do this when we put a few layers of clothing on us, or we do it with Neoprene – a popular material used for wetsuits.

Neoprene, what?

Neoprene is a must-have in a wetsuit today. Without digging too deep into the chemistry of it, you should know that Neoprene, in XXXL wetsuits, is a carbon-based organic chemical-filled nitrogen gas bubbles inside. It is made of repeating building blocks called monomers, which trap heat more efficiently than any other material, even rubbers.

What to look for when buying a plus size wetsuit?

Apart from the model and sizing that you pick, look for these layers most typically found in a wetsuit:

• A layer of nylon or other soft fabric will stop the Neoprene from rubbing and chafing onto your body. It would be even better if you get yourself a separate rash west that will provide some extra insulation and keep the Neoprene away for a more comfortable feeling.
• A thin layer of a heat-reflecting material such as titanium, copper, silver, magnesium, or aluminum. These will bring back the heat as it leaves the body towards the colder water.
• A thick layer of Neoprene contains bubbles of nitrogen, which trap warm air and prevent it from leaving into the water. As I said before, this is one of the essential segments of a wetsuit.
• A durable outer finishing that repels water and is abrasion-resistant.

A summary of how a plus size wetsuit works

First off, it traps the body’s warmth and does not allow it to leave so easily through the Neoprene and the heat-reflecting materials. The thickness of the wetsuit will determine whether men’s and women’s plus size wetsuit can protect you from cold waters. So the thicker the suit is, the colder the water can be.

For more on the warmth and temperature of wetsuits, check out this wetsuit temperature guide.

The second benefit of a plus-size wetsuit is the buoyancy it adds to the water. There are air bubbles built in that keep you warm but also keep you afloat on the surface easily, which helps in the protection and safety when in water.

Lastly, a plus size wetsuit will give you higher hydrodynamics due to its SCS or Super Composite Skin coating. This coating is added to repel water from the surface of the suit allowing you to be lighter and faster in the water.

Sizing and Putting a Plus Size Wetsuit on

If you want to preserve your wetsuit for as long as possible and not damage it after a month of use, then you need to pick the right size for you but, even more importantly, to learn how to put a wetsuit on. This is key because otherwise, you will be putting too much pressure on the seams, and you might damage them prematurely. Check how to properly put a wetsuit on without damaging it.

Furthermore, getting the sizing right also plays a vital role in putting the wetsuit on as it should be. So, before moving onto the list with the 7 best plus size wetsuit picks, let’s briefly discuss sizing and wearing a wetsuit.

The two most important references in the sizing of a plus-size wetsuit are your height and weight.

Then you have the chest dimensions, which also need to be fitted correctly so that the wetsuit doesn’t press you or fits loosely too much. If you get the chest size wrong, you will probably have a tough time getting into the wetsuit, or it could feel significantly constricting in the arms, which will not be ideal for paddling or any other activity in the water.

One of the two scenarios are possible when you don’t get you wetsuit sizing right:

1. If you get a poorly-fitted wetsuit and it is too small, you will find your movement restricted, and you will not be as comfortable as you should be. In this case, you won’t be able to wear anything below the wetsuit, and here you can see why I recommend wearing undergarments (read my article “What to Wear Under a Wetsuit“), then a suit too small will start rubbing against the skin and chafing. Plus, when putting on a wetsuit that’s too tight, a lot of stress is placed on the internal seams causing them to leak and break down faster and thin out the Neoprene.
2. On the other hand, if your plus size wetsuit is too big, then it will be easy for you to put it on, but the whole water leakage system won’t work correctly. Instead of letting a little bit of water inside and not flushing it out in order to warm you up, it will continuously be flushing out the warm water and letting new cold water in. That would be as if you aren’t wearing any suit at all.

Note that a wetsuit loosens after a few times of wearing it, so keep that in mind when buying big and tall wetsuits to not buy one that is too loose.

The Most Popular Brands for Women’s Wetsuits

O’Neill

O’Neill is originally a Californian surfwear and surfboard brand started in 1952 by Jack O’Neill. The man perfected the first wetsuit in the 1950s, and since then, O’Neill has been at the forefront of not just developing high-performance wetsuits but surfing as a whole. Being popular for almost 70 years now, the brand has expanded towards a clothing line, but they have also evolved their water suits line for men, women, children, and plus-size models. Combining a classic feel with groundbreaking technologies at its exclusive Area 52 facility, O’Neill is always ahead of the game when it comes to wetsuit feature possibilities. You can learn more about the company here.

ZKESS

Originally a lady’s clothing brand, this company has developed its line of beach and swimwear internationally. They have stylish models that fit everyone’s taste when it comes to bold and block-colors with fashionable designs.

SeaSkin

Shenzhen Seaskin Sports Goods Co., Ltd. is one of the professional diving products and wetsuits factories in China. Seaskin Wetsuit factory was founded in 2010 and located in Dongguan city started off with a focus on wetsuits, rash guards, and accessories. The factory covers an area of 4,000 square meters and is fully devoted to the research and development of reliable and high-quality dive wear. You can learn more about the company here.

CtriLady

CtriLady is a swimwear company that had developed many different products such as full-body diving suits, wetsuits, pants and shorts, sports accessories, and other water sports gear with unmatched quality and devotion to bringing your value-driven products. They have a large range of equipment, and everyone can find what they are looking for based on their needs, style, and preferences. You can learn more about the company here.

Plus Size Wetsuit Picks: The 7 Best Big and Tall Wetsuits

O’Neill Men’s Reactor 2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

With the Reactor 2 you get a newly upgraded wetsuit with all its flaws eliminated and engineered in a high-performance, stretch, and durability yet in a value-driven package.

Construction:

• Designed with UltraFlex Neoprene in the sleeves gives you the freedom of movement. Your arms aren’t limited, and you can paddle and surf unobstructed.
• It has FluidFlex™ Neoprene in the core and legs for added warmth and durability no matter how long you stay in the water.
• Smoothskin Fluid Foam protects the neck area from water flowing through, and it adds comfort so that you don’t feel constrained.
• You get Flatlock stitching that creates breathable seams. This way, chafing and skin rashes are avoided. Also, the strategic seamless paddle zones are there to keep seams out of the areas where chafing might occur, and on top of that, you get more freedom for movement.
• Reactor 2 has a YKK® back-zip system with an adjustable single-seal collar.
• You get ergonomic knee protection through the Krypto Knee Padz.
• Reactor 2 has a cold water tolerance down to 60°F and offers UV protection so that you have unlimited time out in the open.

Key features:

• UltraFlex Neoprene rubber that’s incredibly softer and adds to your flexibility, elevating performance
• Thickness: 3/2mm
• Zipper closure
• The ideal entry-level wetsuit that’s perfect for surfing, diving, paddle sports, lake activities, and leisure beach days
• Backzip system provides easy entry and exit with a water-resistant closure
• Seamless paddle zones with flexible design utilize minimal seam placement for comfort and maximum mobility
• Wind-Resistant Smoothskin layer provides extra insulation and protection against the cold
• Back Zip – Easy Entry
• Adjustable Single Seal Collar
• Hidden Key Pocket
• Krypto Knee Padz
• Flatlock Stitched Breathable Seams

Layne R., a verified customer, says:

“Just a note on my credibility and expertise….I have longboard surfed Socal for the past 55 years and gone through dozens of wetsuits of most major brands. I am easy to please but hard to fit.

I just received my O’Neill 3/2 Reactor 2 today and found the materials to be very good quality and well put together. I was a bit reluctant to order an O’Neill based on many years ago past experience of O’Neills being seemingly built for tall, slender individuals (of which I am neither,) but I couldn’t pass up at this price (1/3 the cost of my current fullsuit) an opportunity to give O’Neill another chance for my future business.

I am 5-10/210 lbs with a beer-barrel 45″ chest and 36″ waist, kinda like a ’50s wrestler. I ordered an XL suit based on the sizing chart, and past experience of XLS being too restrictive.

The good news is that with the new super-stretch materials the suit pulled on and off no problema. (OK Wetsox helped a bit, and I highly recommend them.) It was properly snug without feeling binding, and the neck, wrists, and ankles feel very watertight. It was not baggy in the arms and legs. It looks like it’s gonna work fine.”

O’NEILL Women’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

The Reactor 2 women’s plus size wetsuit in quality and performance is close to the men’s plus size wetsuit we just talked about above. With its 3/2mm back-zip construction, it is incredible for any activity like snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and scuba diving under the sun.

You get a wind-resistant Smoothskin layer as top insulation to keep your body warm while in the water. Also, there are seamless paddle zones that allow for a vast range of movement when you are paddling, kayaking, or in any other motion in water. This plus size wet suit protects from the sun effectively while the solid insulation keeps your body warm while in the water.

With the seamless paddle zones, you get a broad range of movement, and the water-resistant closure over the zipper guarantees no water leakage in any case. The super-stretch Neoprene in this O’Neill women’s plus size wetsuit offers comfort, and the mock collar is fitted but also provides a seal to prevent water from getting into your wetsuit during your adventures.

Key features:

• Thickness: 3/2mm
• Ultra-stretch Neoprene
• Back zipper with a long leash
• Water-resistant closure over the zipper
• A mock collar that fits snugly but not too tight around the neck
• Suitable for any type of water sports like scuba, snorkel, surf, paddleboard.

PROS

• Water-resistant closure zip
• Wind-resistant Smoothskin insulation
• Super-stretch neoprene
• Seamless paddle zones
• Mock collar
• UV protection

CONS

• Seams fray easily
• Arms and legs are long for shorter women

An Amazon verified customer, says:

“Ok so love this wet!! I bought this for winter San Diego water temp! Which is 58 right now and this suit is super warm, The Neoprene is a pretty good quality, I have worn this at least five times I don’t see any tearing. I’m a pretty thick girl and I bought a 14 and it was too big so I went down to a 12 and it was perfect I’m 180 lbs( hope this helps the ladies )

So I returned it and I also exchanged it for a different color, and I got a brand new one from them! So stoked !! Which was really awesome not a lot of wrinkles and it smelled brand new!! I’m very happy with it, I really recommend it to people who are just starting to get in the water!!”

O’Neill Men’s Reactor 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit

This fully innovated Men’s Reactor by O’Neill helps eliminate evaporative heat loss and protect against hypothermia if you capsize in chilly water. The stretchy 3/2mm neoprene forms to your body for a flexible, comfortable fit while the Flatseam construction prevents chafing.

The great thing is that their flexible Neoprene in sleeves and shoulders promotes freedom of motion. But in the chest and back area, there are thicker neoprene panels to enhance the insulation of the core from the cold water temperatures.

Construction:

• The rear zipper secures fit, and a protective internal flap shields your skin from abrasion
• Hook-and-loop neck tab and long rear zipper pull ease dressing
• Abrasion-resistant, durable knee pads increase the life of the wetsuit
• Internal key pouch
• Seamless paneling under sleeves promotes unrestricted motion and won’t irritate your skin
• O’Neill recommends the Reactor 3/2mm Full Wetsuit for water temperatures ranging from 68°F to 79°F
• Knee panels: 52% spandex, 48% nylon; Outside right collar panel: 100% polyester; Other panels: 100% nylon; Lining: 100% neoprene

Key features:

• Zipper closure
• Should fit snug, but not too tight
• 3/2mm FluidFlex (TM)/Fluid Foam
• Single Superseal Neck
• Flatlock Construction
• Back Zipper
• Krypto Knee Padz.
• Ykk back zip system.
• Hidden key pocket

Marang Keru, a verified customer, says:

“Great value and performance!

Purchased the O’Neill Reactor for late spring thru early fall surfing in New Jersey. Used for first time today in 60F. water. Performed as promised, warm and flexible. I initially ordered a medium and exchanged it for a large. I am 5’10, 164 lbs, BMI 23.5, 30 in waist and 38 chest. Although the size chart indicated a M, the large is a perfect fit.”

O’Neill Women’s Reactor-2 2mm Back Zip Short Sleeve Spring Wetsuit

The UltraFlex premium neoprene of this wetsuit provides a super soft feel and exceptional freedom of movement to not feel constrained no matter what water sport you are in. This women’s plus size wetsuit has a layer of Smoothskin technology to protect against the wind. It is designed with breathable, strategically placed flatlock seams that improve performance and reduce chafing. This is your ideal entry-level wetsuit that’s perfect for surfing, diving, paddle sports, lake activities, and beach days.

Key features:

• Stretchy Fluid Foam/UltraFlex neoprene rubber for unlimited motion in the water
• The single super-seal neck protects against water flowing in
• Backzip system provides easy entry and exit with a water-resistant closure
• Seamless paddle zones that have a flexible design. They utilize minimal seam placement for comfort and maximum mobility
• Thickness: 2mm
• Seams: Flatlock

A collision of basic needs and quality features, the O’Neill Reactor II Spring Suit brings long-lasting function and affordability to the table. An upgraded version of the much-loved Reactor line, the Reactor II is engineered for performance with a perfect combination of stretch and durability. Wind-blocking smooth skin panels in the chest and back keep your core reliably warm, and the user-friendly back zip entry ensures quick and easy changing. A value-driven option, the Reactor II provides warm water comfort with a simple style that’s built to last.

Construction:

• It is layered with a wind-resistant Smoothskin, which provides extra insulation and protection against the cold.
• Top sleeve and under sleeve: FluidFlex
• Chest and Back: Mesh Smoothskin fluid foam
• Krypto knee padz, ergonomic knee protection
• 30% FluidFlex/70% Fluid Foam
• YKK back zip system
• Single super seal collar: fully adjustable seal
• Hidden key pocket
• Aqua Alpha: eco-friendly solvent glue that is water-based and free of VOC’s

Mary, a verified customer, says:

“After trying unsuccessfully to buy a short wetsuit twice, this was the third attempt. I bought it from Amazon warehouse, so it was a great deal. My biggest issue is it felt like a woman’s wetsuit didn’t account for curves when they made bigger sizes.

This one does. I ordered a size 14 (I am a solid size 12), but having research, it seemed one size up was the best option. The size charts for wetsuits hard to use, because apparently if you weigh more you are taller??? This size chart was at least reasonable. When I got it and pulled it out of the box, the first thing I noticed was that it visibly had curves(thank you!). I worked it over my thighs and it is a good fit. I felt like the torso was a little short, but when I used it the first time that loosened up.

I bought this to use on a cruise in January in the Carribean, I get cold pretty easy. Yes i could go in the water without it, but with it I was just that much more comfortable. The suit has just enough stretch. I went snorkeling with a dive shop, who was impressed with the quality. I would buy it again (if I need to buy a smaller size, since I am losing weight).”

ZKESS Women Sleeveless Swimsuit – XXXL Plus Size

Suppose you are like most swimmers, then you probably prefer the sleeves cut off for maximum freedom of movement in the water. This model also has no underwire but removable sponge cups built-in. This plus size wetsuit is excellent as an active pantsuit for playing in the water and seaside sports. It has a stylish black zipper for comfort and ease of putting on and off.

The mixture of nylon and spandex are quality materials that add high stretch and waterproof effect for protection against the colder temperatures of water.

It has a tank top with zipper closure on the front, matching cropped pants that fit your body tightly, and a wide elastic waistband in contrast color.

Construction and key features:

• 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex
• Pull-On closure
• Stylish color matching and color block sets
• The package includes a tank top and capris pants, designed for all outdoor activities.

An Amazon verified customer, says:

“Well, this was just freaking awesome! I was NOT expecting the quality I got for $25, at all. Was just hoping to try a new type of suit. This is my favorite bathing suit now. Absolutely love it. Fits great, covers all my flabby imperfections.”

SeaSkin Men’s 3mm Shorty Women’s Wetsuit

This men’s full body plus size wetsuit is a great protective suit with a front zip for diving, snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. Its neoprene material with 3mm thickness provides thermal insulation, buoyancy, and protection from abrasion as well as ultraviolet exposure and any abrasion and stings from marine organisms. As a shorty wetsuit, it is specially designed for water sports and aqua aerobics.

Construction:

• Its front zip provides more comfort and ease when putting on, and it is layered with UV protection and has a defense against sea lice, jellies, and other biological irritants.
• With the ultra-stretchy Neoprene, it fits snugly and tight to the body, thus to keep the body heat when in the water, you should get an ideal fit after several times uses
• It’s made of high quality and durable material neoprene, stretchable and it provides the most potent heat insulation
• With a heavy-duty YKK front zipper, this men’s plus size wetsuit is easy for exit and entry.
• The Flat-Lock Stitched Seams provide excellent durability and fantastic comfort to keep your body warm in the coldest conditions for canoeing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities
• Three layers of diving fabrics front zip wetsuit. The outer is imported nylon fabric. It is highly elastic and durable. The middle insulation is Neoprene. It is high scalability, waterproof, and heat insulation. The third is soft-close skin heating to keep warm.

Key features:

• Convenient: Easy entry front zipper design.
• Stretchy: Flexible movement allows behind snug fit.
• Warmth: Three-layer diving material for better thermal resistance.

Robert, a verified customer, says:

“I’ve never worn a wetsuit before so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. However, upon receiving it, I’m VERY happy with this purchase. I bought it to help me tolerate the cooler pool temperatures in April. The pool is about 78 degrees and that is super cold to me – I know, I’m a wuss. Wearing the wetsuit for the first time, I was impressed with how well it kept me relatively warm. This week, I’ve worn it everyday. It’s been the difference in wanting to swim with my kids and watching from the deck.

As for the material, it seems like a good balance between being thick and durable enough to insulate my body and not being too stiff to swim around and play with the kids. Any future trip to the caribbean or other such places will include this wetsuit for sure. No need to be cold snorkeling again!

As for putting on and off, I do admit, the first time putting on, I looked ridiculous because I was having issues. However, once I figured it out (not stepping through my arm holes), I’ve been good to go. Taking off, even when wet, is relatively easy. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and believe it is a good value relative to the cost.”

CtriLady Wetsuit, Women Neoprene One-Piece Full Diving Suit

This is the newest neoprene composite 1.5mm fabric that’s waterproof and elastic for the utmost flexibility and water buoyancy. This plus size wetsuit adopts the more advanced neoprene composite fabric

Construction:

• Inner layer: 100% neoprene, outer layer: 100% polyester, making this buoyancy full-body women wetsuit more elastic, more comfortable, and softer when putting it on. The 3 layers design can keep you warmer in the water.
• Full-body design for best sun protection: This swimsuit is designed as long sleeves and long trousers not only having the sun protection function, protecting you from the sunburn but also can keep your body warm effectively. And it is also suitable for water sport to protect the skin from injury.
• This wetsuit design is according to the human body shape, which fits the human body. Make you feel comfortable when you put on it.
• The zipper paste is added at the zipper’s bottom to prevent skin injury when moving the zipper.
• Also, the back zipper with a zipper rope design solves the problem that you cannot reach the zipper, and there is magic tape at the bottom to prevent the zipper from falling.

Key features:

• 100% Neoprene in the inner layer with 100% polyester in the outer layer
• Back zipper with a zipper rope
• UV protection
• Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other shallow-water sport, but not ideal for deep-sea diving.
• Knee water ripple anti-slip design
• More robust knee pads to protect against abrasions

Julia P., a verified customer, says:

“I am a 75 year old who wants to continue to swim in my home pool during the colder months. I purchased this suit at the recommendation of my surfer son. It is lighter weight than the ones used for scuba diving, which makes it better for actually swimming as it’s more flexible. I am 5’6” and weigh 145 lbs and I purchased a Large.

It is long in the sleeves and legs but perfect in the body -any tighter and it would be super harder to get off. I use extra large hair scrunchies around the legs and arms and this has solved the problem. I also purchased a lycra “onesie” to wear under it since all wetsuits cling to skin. It is a full on event to get it on – swim- get it off, but doesn’t take near as long as driving to the closest fitness center with a pool. So that makes me swim every day – well at least 5x a week! This company even sent me a gift just for purchasing it.”

The Most-Commonly Asked Plus Size Wetsuit Questions

They say you are as good as your gear is for any sport out there, and from experience, I couldn’t agree more!

A wetsuit is one of the most invaluable pieces of gear when it comes to water sports; however, in order to make an informed choice and buy the right one for you, getting to know what truly wetsuits are about and how they work is key.

This is why I have comprised a list of the most commonly asked questions here on the website or offline about wetsuits from people who wanted to buy an XXXL wetsuit for themselves or their family members.

1.      What are wetsuits made of, and how do they work?

Wetsuits are tight-fitting, an insulating garment made of Neoprene and other elastic materials for the most comfortable feeling and utmost protection from the water. They were first invented around the 1930s, and you can read more about the history of the wetsuit here. Neoprene consists of tiny nitrogen bubbles made to trap a thin layer of water between the skin and the suit, which is then warmed by body heat. This small amount of warm water then stays with you keeping your body temperature comfortable and at a safe range throughout the entire time you are in the water. You can read more about how wetsuits work here.

2.      How do I take care of the wetsuit?

Wetsuit care is crucial in using your suit for a long time and getting the most out of it. Simply put, the better you look after it, the longer it will last you.

You can read the full article here on how to wash your wetsuit properly, but here is a quick rundown on the proper cleaning of your women’s wetsuit:

• Always rinse with fresh water after use
• Hang to dry out of direct sunlight
• Use a broad armed hanger to hang your suit; a narrow armed hanger will damage your wetsuit over time
• If storing or transporting your wetsuit, roll it. Don’t fold it as folding will leave creases across the suit
• Don’t dry in the tumble drier

3.      How can I get the sizing of the wetsuit for a plus size wetsuit right?

Technically, there are some general sizing rules and information out there, each manufacturer will have their own wetsuit size guidelines. This is why it is essential to consult the size chart of the brand you’re interested in before making a purchase. The benefits of a good-quality and well-fitted wetsuit are numerous, which is why you truly need to take some time to look into the right fit for you.

4.      Why should I wear a wetsuit at all?

• Wetsuits keep you warm longer. No matter how warm the water may be, overstaying in water has its downsides, so you might get cold but won’t even feel it. This can be dangerous for your health because of hypothermia.
• Wetsuits help protect your skin from the sun. Most of the wetsuits have UV protection, and they are the surest protection because SPF lotions wash off no matter how water-resistant they are. So, covering almost the entire body and repelling dangerous UV rays provides efficient sun protection.
• Protection against sea animals. XXXL Wetsuits can effectively protect you from stinging sea critters like jellyfish and other unassuming sea animals that are commonly found near coastlines.
• Abrasion protection. Wetsuits can also help protect your skin from abrasions that might happen in water from reefs, rocks, and even a sandy sea bottom.

5.      What should I consider when buying a man’s or women’s plus size wetsuit?

The nuances of wetsuits to keep in mind when buying one are numerous. So, for more of these and for more in-depth information on each point, you can check this comprehensive wetsuit guide.

6.      What are the most common types of plus size wetsuits?

Full wetsuit: This is a complete, long-sleeve wetsuit covering the body, arms, and legs. Ideal in cold water but also fit for warmer temperatures. They have different thicknesses, so be sure to check that too. Depending on where you will use it, you may not need such a thick suit that will limit their movement in the water. On the other hand, for cold waters, the thicker the wetsuit is, the better.

Shorty/Spring suit: These are the wetsuits that are cut above the knees and have short sleeves. Optimal for warmer temperatures and in-between seasons where body warmth is the most crucial issue.

Long John: Long John wetsuits are sleeveless, but they extend entirely over the legs. They are used in warmer weather conditions when extra mobility is needed in the upper body for swimming.

Separates: These wetsuits consist of two pieces divided at the waist. You can mix and match between long and short sleeves depending on activity and temperature.

7.      How thick should my wetsuit be?

big and tall wetsuits vary in thickness from a half millimeter to well over 5 mm, and you can find a lot of info on this here. You will find which thickness is for which weather and water temperature in order to choose what suits you the best.

8.      How should a plus size wetsuit fit?

If a wetsuit is too tight and thick, it will be overly restrictive for movement. However, if too loose, the Neoprene will allow water to move freely in and out of the suit, defeating the purpose of trapping a little water to generate heat around the body. So, go between fit and flexibility as it is important to get all the sizing right in order to help you feel best in water.

9.      What is the best XXXL wetsuit design?

Different construction will impact the comfort and functionality of a wetsuit differently.
Types of wetsuit seams:

• The over-lock seam construction is one of the usual causes of skin irritations, allowing water to move through the suit and flexibility constraints. This type of stitching causes an inward bulge along the seam, making them more likely to bother the skin and more susceptible to leakage. So, avoid if you have the chance.
• The next is the flatlock, which is a much better type of stitching because it is made by stitching panels over the top of each other to create a flat, smooth seam that is less likely to irritate the skin and enables better flexibility.
• The blind stitch, also known as GBS (Glued Blind-Stitched), connects panels with stitching inside the Neoprene and features a glue layer over the stitching to better secure the seam. In addition to glue, seams of any type may also be bolstered by tape or liquid sealant to protect against leaks.

So, out of these, I would say go for the flatlock in spring suits and with blind-stitch constructions for cold waters and overall wetsuits.

10.  What is the best wetsuit zipper?

With zippers, you have 3 types to choose from:

• The back zip is the traditional form of wetsuit zipper. It stretches from the collar down to the waist, and they bring the most comfort when putting your wetsuit on, although they are a bit restrictive overall and vulnerable to water entry.
• Chest zip is a short diagonal or horizontal zipper in the front of the wetsuit. With such a zipper, you have higher flexibility and defense against water flushing through the suit. However, from experience, this may not be the best zipper for women’s wetsuits because it gives you a hard time getting in and out.
• No zip wetsuits are the best from a water defense standpoint and flexibility when the wetsuit is on. However, getting in and out will be a struggle more so than with the others.

Plus Size Wetsuits Summary

All in all, I hope by now you have gotten the chance to see how important wetsuits are with all the benefits they bring.

These 7 top plus size wetsuits are truly the best on the market when price, flexibility, quality of materials, and functionality are taken into consideration.

And now that you know a lot more about men’s and women’s plus size wetsuit models, what is your opinion on buying one? Which one would you go with?

Comment down below and tell me all about your experience with XXXL wetsuits. You never know who you might help with your experience.

And, in the meantime, I’d love to connect with you on my Facebook and Instagram accounts for more cool tips and recommendations on water sports gear and wetsuits.