Advice
What are the different types of diving suits? Which one to choose according to the water temperature?
Subea give you the answers in this simple and practical guide.
Apart from being light, good neoprene can be distinguished by:
- its elasticity
- its thermal insulation capacity
- its resistance to wear
- its capacity to return to its initial shape
Actually, the suit protects divers from the cold by forming a fine layer of water that will become warmer when in contact with the skin.
Take a tape measure and place it around the widest point of your chest (around the nipples).
- Make sure that it is parallel to the ground.
- Raise your head and tighten the tape measure, breathing normally.
- Block the tape measure and read your measurement.
- Take a tape measure and place it above your belly button, at the narrowest part of your waist.
- Raise your head and tighten the tape measure, breathing normally.
- Block the tape measure and read your measurement.
Examples of size choices:
- if your chest circumference is 92 cm, your waist 73 cm and your hips 100 cm, then according to our sizing table, you are a size M in grouped sizes and 40 in individual sizes.
- if your chest circumference is 114 cm, your waist 106 cm and your hips 128 cm, then according to our sizing table, you are a size 2XL in grouped sizes and 52 in individual sizes.
- Take a tape measure and place it around the widest point of your chest. Make sure that it is parallel to the ground.
- Raise your head and tighten the tape measure, breathing normally.
- Block the tape measure and read your measurement.
- Take a tape measure and place it above your belly button, at the narrowest part of your waist.
- Raise your head and tighten the tape measure, breathing normally.
- Block the tape measure and read your measurement.
A FEW LAST TIPS
Your stature (size) should not be decisive when choosing a neoprene suit.
The most important factors to choose the right size for your suit are:
- your chest measurement, at nipple level.
- your waist measurement.
- you hip measurement.
Be aware that if there are any folds around the thorax or thighs, this will not be a handicap for doing sport. Nevertheless, the thermal insulation will not be as good. The chest size should be prioritised so as not to affect your all important breathing comfort.
Alexandre, salesperson at Decathlon in Toulon
I've been a salesperson at Decathlon in Toulon and a dive instructor for 4 years. Before joining Decathlon, I was in the Navy where I took part in many operational dives. At this time, I got my certificate as a ship's diver, which is now equivalent to FFESSM level 3.
* The prices listed on the site are the prices recommended by DECATHLON SA's central purchasing department.