Identification

• A wetsuit is made from a soft and flexible material called neoprene, which allows the thinnest layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit. As this layer of water quickly warms up, the insulation from the neoprene provides warmth to your body.
  
  

Purpose

• Since the wetsuit is keeping you warm, you'll be able to stay in the water longer. If you're sailing or canoeing, you're not fully in the water, but the wetsuit can protect you from wind and splashing water. A wetsuit also prevents sharp rocks from cutting into your skin. Neoprene material helps you stay afloat, and you won't be as tired when you're swimming or treading water.
  
  

Considerations

• Wetsuits for women used to be smaller versions of a men's wetsuit, but now manufacturers are designing wetsuits for women that take into consideration the different characteristics of their anatomy. Since women have wider hips, zipper lengths are extended, and openings are narrower for the neck, wrist and ankle. "Shaping the bust and torso area, lowering the neckline and providing a slimmer area for the arms are other characteristics of a women's wetsuit," according to SierraTradingPost.com. Sized according to your height and weight, wetsuits will usually stretch to accommodate a woman's frame that is a little larger than height and weight guidelines. If you're over 5 foot 10 inches, and very muscular, trying on a men's wetsuit may provide a more comfortable fit.
  
  

Types

• Choose from three options for your wetsuit. A full wetsuit features full-length arms and legs, with thicker neoprene for winter weather. A convertible wetsuit has full-length arms and legs to keep you warm, but if the sun starts to shine, you can detach the arms. For milder weather in the spring and summer, a shortie has short arms and legs and thinner neoprene.
  
  

Fit

• Due to the tension and thickness of the neoprene, and a closer fit, you may have trouble sliding a wetsuit over your arms, legs and torso. Pull the wetsuit over your lower legs and thighs, making sure you have a snug fit in the crotch. If you're sagging in the crotch area, your wetsuit will feel uncomfortably tight in the shoulder and chest area. For the sleeves, pull up on your lower arms first, and once the sleeves are completely on, the armpit area should fit snug. If not, the excess material will bunch up under your arms, shoulder tops and across your back, making the chest area feel too tight.