If you're buying kids wetsuits online for the first time we've compiled some practical advice to help you. For good quality childrens wetsuits -  as a first time buy - our wetsuits are hard to beat.

Cheap Kids Wetsuits?
Cheap wetsuits can often mean the manufacturer has cut corners (or even be for used products). The following advice should help you choose a good quality, new child's wetsuit and avoid the pitfalls of a poorly built cheap wetsuit. A cheap wetsuit will result in a poor fit and a cold child. Look for the following when researching your purchase.

How a wetsuit works
A wetsuit traps a layer of water in its cell structure, which is warmed up by your body heat. To work properly a good fit is essential - if you fall in the sea and allow the cold water to flush through then heat retaining the efficiency of the suit is lost - see the notes below on Fitting and Flushing.

Shortie wetsuits

For the majority of our customers the shortie wet suit (short sleeves and legs) is more than adequate for use on beaches and pools in the UK during the summer months. Smaller children are happier with the increased flexibility this offers and it makes putting on and removing the suit easier. You can review our current range of childrens shortie suits here.

Full length wetsuits

A full length wetsuit offers offers more protection and tends to be favoured by older children and parents. With increased protection you can spend longer periods in the water. Take a look at our full length kids wetsuits here. Once you've decided on the style, the next thing is to get a good fit - this is important!

A poorly fitted wetsuit will be too restrictive if small and impede arm and leg movement. Buying a large 'grow into it' size may seem practical but if too loose will allow the cold water to 'flush' through the suit and make the wearer uncomfortably cold. When measuring the wearer for the suit you should measure both the chest and also from the base of the throat to the crutch. Please call us with any size enquiries - and don't forget we will happily exchange suits to ensure you get the correct fit. 
The Wetsuit Size Chart will help determine the best fitting for your child.

Suit Thickness
Again, cheap wetsuits will generally be made of inferior materials - often too thin to be effective. Our wetsuits are made from neoprene which stretches slightly when wet, which you should allow for. Summer suits have 3mm thickness for the body and 2mm for the arms - referred to as '3/2mm' on the label and description.

Seams and Zips

Seams are as important as thickness as they can allow water in if not properly constructed. Cheap or discount wetsuits have poor seam finishes ('overlock') which leads to chafing and soreness. 'Overlock' stitching should be avoided - this creates a ridge on the inside of the suit and leads to irritation. Today, 'Flatlock' is considered the best option - as it's name suggests the seam has no ridges and is more comfortable.

Lining
A titanium layer placed between the neoprene and the nylon lining. This helps reflect body heat back into the suit. This will not be present in a cheap wetsuit.

A wetsuit should last for many years with only basic care and maintenance required. Firstly, NEVER put the suit in a washing machine!

Instead, rinse the suit in clean water - especially if you've been using it in the sea. Avoid sharp rocks and reefs whenever possible - particularly when donning the suit. Check regulalrly for tears in the neoprene. These can be repaired with neoprene cement and larger tears patched with neoprene - using heavy duty poyester thread if neccessary. Many local wetsuit shops will provide this service if you're on holiday. Stains on the fabric can often be removed with a mild shampoo or specialist wetsuit shampoo.  Check the zipper regularly and keep lubricated - rub with a candle or beeswax. Dry the suit on a large hangar, away frm direct heat. Avoid folding and store in a dry, well ventilated room - direct sunlight can often fade the sut colours. For more practical tips read this article on wetsuit maintenance. With some basic care and attention a wetsuit will last for years - many of our customers actually sell on their kids wetsuits to friends!

Putting the suit on

When putting the suit on avoid puncturing the fabric with sharp nails - always pull the suit on by inverting the fabric and pulling over the ankles and legs first - gripping the inside of the suit. Once snugly over the legs, pull up over the hips and body before attempting to pull the arms on.