That is cold water: a 4/3 or 5/4 mm full suit with boots. Check a recent water temperature from a local buoy or surf report, since it can change by 10 °F in a week.
How the wetsuit calculator works
WetsuitSizeCalc compares your height and weight with each size in a generic men’s or women’s chart. A size scores zero when you are inside both its height and weight range; otherwise it scores the inches you are outside the height range plus the pounds outside the weight range divided by five. The lowest score wins, with ties going to the size whose range middles are closest to you, and the runner-up is shown as an alternative. For thickness it takes the water temperature, subtracts 6 °F if you dive and 4 °F if you run cold, and looks it up in the temperature chart.
Wetsuit thickness by water temperature
| Water | Suit | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| 78 °F and up (26 °C+) | No wetsuit needed | Rash guard or swimsuit |
| 72–77 °F (22–25 °C) | 0.5–2 mm top or shorty | None |
| 65–71 °F (18–22 °C) | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | None |
| 60–64 °F (16–18 °C) | 3/2 mm full suit | None |
| 55–59 °F (13–15 °C) | 4/3 mm full suit | Boots optional |
| 50–54 °F (10–12 °C) | 4/3 or 5/4 mm full suit | Boots |
| 45–49 °F (7–9 °C) | 5/4 mm hooded full suit | Boots and gloves |
| 40–44 °F (4–7 °C) | 6/5 mm hooded full suit | 7 mm boots and 5 mm gloves |
| Below 40 °F (4 °C) | 6/5 mm or thicker, or a drysuit | 7 mm boots, 5–7 mm gloves and hood |
Men’s wetsuit sizes
| Size | Height (in) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 64–67 | 115–135 |
| S | 66–69 | 130–150 |
| MS | 65–68 | 145–165 |
| M | 68–71 | 145–165 |
| MT | 71–74 | 150–170 |
| LS | 67–70 | 165–185 |
| L | 70–73 | 165–185 |
| LT | 73–76 | 170–190 |
| XLS | 69–72 | 185–210 |
| XL | 71–74 | 185–205 |
| XLT | 74–77 | 190–210 |
| XXL | 72–76 | 205–230 |
| 3XL | 73–77 | 225–260 |
Women’s wetsuit sizes
| Size | Height (in) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 60–63 | 95–110 |
| 4 | 62–65 | 105–120 |
| 6 | 63–66 | 115–130 |
| 8 | 64–67 | 125–140 |
| 10 | 65–68 | 135–150 |
| 12 | 66–69 | 145–165 |
| 14 | 67–70 | 160–180 |
| 16 | 67–70 | 175–195 |
Frequently asked questions
Is water temperature or air temperature more important?
Water temperature sets the suit thickness. Cold air and wind make you colder between waves, so go thicker on cold, windy days.
What is the coldest water you can surf in?
People surf in water near 32 °F (0 °C) with 6/5 or 7 mm hooded suits, thick boots and mitts.
How do I find the water temperature?
Look up the nearest ocean buoy, a surf forecast or a local lake or beach report.
Is WetsuitSizeCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads, and your measurements stay in your browser.
Is this chart the same for every brand?
No. It is a typical generic chart. Brands vary, so confirm with the maker’s chart, and try a suit on if you can.