Last Updated: October 28, 2026
Quick Summary
Before buying surf gear online, measure yourself against the brand's own size chart, not your usual size from another label. Then match wetsuit thickness to the water you will actually surf in, since a 3/2 suit suits spring and early autumn while a 4/3 suits the coldest months. Check the seams, zip, neoprene content and warranty on the product page before you pay.
- Measure your chest over the bra line, your natural waist and the widest part of your hips.
- Wetsuits should feel snug on dry land, because neoprene stretches slightly once wet.
- A 3/2 wetsuit has 3mm neoprene on the body and 2mm on the arms and legs.
- Buy for the sessions you have now, not the surfer you hope to become.
- Read the returns policy before you check out.
Table of Contents
- Start With Your Sessions: What Gear Do You Actually Need?
- How to Choose a Wetsuit Size Without Trying It On
- Matching Wetsuit Thickness to the Water Temperature
- How to Judge Build Quality From a Product Page
- Your Online Surf Gear Checklist
- Checking the Returns Policy Before You Pay
- Placing Your First Order: Where to Start
- Frequently Asked Questions
Start With Your Sessions: What Gear Do You Actually Need?
Buying surf gear online takes a little thought. Before you add anything to your basket, work out what you will actually use it for.
Sisstrevolution makes surf-inspired clothing, wetsuits and swimwear for women who spend their time on the water. The question to ask first is simple: how often do you surf, and where?
Beginners Versus Regular Surfers
If you are new to surfing, you do not need the full kit on day one. Our guide to the best surf wetsuits for beginners covers what to start with. Start with one well-fitting wetsuit and a swimsuit you can wear all day.
Regular surfers have different needs:
- Beginners: one wetsuit, a rash vest for warmer days, and a swimsuit that stays put
- Regular surfers: a thicker wetsuit for cold months and a lighter option for summer sessions
- Travellers: gear that works in more than one kind of water and dries quickly
A common mistake is buying for the surfer you hope to become. Buy for the sessions you have now.
How to Choose a Wetsuit Size Without Trying It On
Measure yourself properly and compare those numbers with the brand's chart, not with your usual size from another label. Our women's wetsuit sizing guide walks you through checking your measurements step by step.
Wetsuits should feel snug. Neoprene stretches a little once wet, but a suit that feels loose on dry land will flood and chill you in the sea.
Reading the Size Chart Against Your Measurements
Take your chest, waist and hip measurements, then find the row that matches each one.
Use this quick check:
- Measure over your bra line for the chest
- Measure at your natural waist
- Measure the widest part of your hips
- Compare each number with the chart, not your usual size
Checking the Fit Notes in the Listing
The 3/2 and 4/3 New Seas suits, for example, list their sizing chart and materials in the product details.
Matching Wetsuit Thickness to the Water Temperature
Thickness is measured in millimetres, and the first number is the thickest part of the suit. A 3/2 wetsuit has 3mm neoprene on the body and 2mm on the arms and legs, which suits cool UK water. A 4/3 gives more warmth for colder months.
- 3/2: good for spring and early autumn sessions
- 4/3: better for the coldest months of the year
Watch out: buying a thick suit for warm water can leave you overheated and tired after a long session.
Sisstr New Seas 3/2 U-Zip Full Suit Wetsuits →
If you want to compare two options side by side, look at the Sisstr New Seas 3/2 U-Zip Full Suit Wetsuits (£399.95) and the Sisstr New Seas 4/3 U-Zip Full Suit Wetsuits (£419.95). Both are built from 80% neoprene and 20% recycled nylon, with the thickness set out in the listing.
The Sisstr 7 Seas 3/2 Chest Full Wetsuit (£279.95) uses a chest zip and is listed for water between 13 and 18°C.
Use this quick guide to match wetsuit thickness to the conditions you will surf in.
| Suit | Best for | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3/2 | Spring and early autumn | 3mm body, 2mm arms and legs |
| 4/3 | Coldest months | Extra warmth from 4mm body |
| 7 Seas 3/2 Chest Zip | Water 13 to 18°C | Chest zip entry |
How to Judge Build Quality From a Product Page
The product details list these points:
- Seam type, such as glued and blind-stitched seams
- Zip style, such as a chest zip
- Neoprene content
- Warranty length on seams and neoprene
The 7 Seas wetsuits list triple-glued seams, liquid-taped cuffs and a knee pad.
Your Online Surf Gear Checklist
Use this list before you press buy:
- I know my chest, waist and hip measurements
- I have checked the size chart and the fit notes
- I have picked a thickness that suits my usual water temperature
- I have read the materials and warranty details
- I have checked the returns policy
- I know which sessions the gear is for
You can browse the full range of wetsuits.
Checking the Returns Policy Before You Pay
Read the returns policy before you check out.
Placing Your First Order: Where to Start
Start by writing down your measurements and the sessions you plan to surf. Then compare two or three suits against the size chart and the checklist above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before buying surf gear online?
Start with your sessions: the water temperature, how often you surf and whether you need a wetsuit, a rash vest or swimwear for the shore. Then confirm the size chart and read the material and thickness. The 7 Seas 3/2 Chest Full Wetsuit (£279.95) is listed for water between 13 and 18°C.
How do I choose the right wetsuit size online?
Compare your measurements against the brand's size chart rather than your usual size in another label.
How can I tell whether a wetsuit will keep me warm enough?
Check the thickness, written as 3/2mm or 4/3mm. The Sisstr New Seas 3/2 and 4/3 full suits are listed as 3mm and 4mm respectively.
Is it better to buy surf gear online or in a surf shop?
When buying online, check the product specifications and any available size chart.
