Wetsuit Dressing, Removal Techniques, and Maintenance

Introduction

A high-quality open-water wetsuit ranges in price from a few thousand to over NT$20,000, making it the single largest investment in open-water swimming gear. However, many athletes cause tears or performance degradation after just a few uses due to improper dressing and removal techniques; others experience unnecessary restriction of movement during races because of incorrect wearing methods.

This article provides a complete guide to properly putting on, quickly removing, and long-term maintaining a wetsuit.

Wetsuit Materials and Design Logic

Open-water wetsuits (distinct from surfing wetsuits) prioritize the following in their design:

• Stretchability: Ultra-elastic rubber (such as Yamamoto’s 39/40 series) is used at the shoulders and underarms to protect the range of motion for the pull
• Thickness distribution: The torso is thicker (5mm) for warmth, while the arms are thinner (1.5–3mm) to retain flexibility
• Buoyancy effect: The rubber itself has positive buoyancy, naturally lifting the hips and legs while swimming, reducing drag
• Waterline design: The neckline allows unrestricted head rotation

Thickness	Suitable Water Temperature	Buoyancy Effect	Mobility
1.5–2mm	Above 24°C	Low	Highest
3mm	18–24°C	Medium	High
4mm	16–20°C	Medium-High	Medium
5mm	14–18°C	High	Medium
5/3mm (Combination)	14–20°C	High	Medium-High

Correct Dressing Steps

Preparation

• Ensure your body is dry (moisture makes the rubber harder to put on)
• Prepare a thin plastic bag or foot sock (for the foot section to prevent fingernails from snagging)
• Trim fingernails and toenails beforehand
• Apply petroleum jelly to the ankles and inner wrists (to make removal easier)

Dressing Steps

1. Put on the lower half first: Start from the feet and work the wetsuit upward, “shimmying” it up after each section so the rubber fits snugly without any looseness
2. Adjust leg tightness: Confirm the rubber at the knees is aligned and the pant legs have no wrinkles (wrinkles create pressure points)
3. Put on the upper half: When inserting the arms, let your fingertips enter first, then gradually push the rubber toward the underarms
4. Adjust the underarm area: This is the most critical step! Pull the excess rubber from the underarms upward into position to ensure unrestricted arm lift
5. Zip up the back: Have someone assist with the back zipper, or use a zipper pull cord
6. Check neck fit: The neck rubber should be snug but not suffocating, allowing easy left-right head rotation

Common Dressing Mistakes

• Dressing too quickly: The rubber isn’t fully seated, leaving excess material at the underarms that restricts the pull
• Excessive force: Yanking on thin rubber areas creates micro-tears (the thinnest areas are the most fragile)
• Ignoring underarm adjustment: This is the most common mistake and directly affects pull freedom

T1 Quick Removal Steps

The goal of race removal is speed, but not at the expense of damaging the suit.

1. Immediately after exiting the water, pull down the back zipper (or have already unzipped it during the final stretch of the swim)
2. Cross your arms and grab the collar from behind, then quickly flip both shoulders out and forward
3. Push the suit down from the top, freeing everything above the waist
4. Keep pushing it down to the thighs while running
5. Stop at the transition area, step on the suit with one foot, lift and kick out the other leg, then repeat on the other side
6. Quickly discard the suit in the designated area (to avoid penalties or rule violations)

Lubrication is key: Applying petroleum jelly to the ankles and wrists can cut removal time by 15–30 seconds.

Long-Term Care Guide

Cleaning Methods

• Rinse immediately with fresh water after every use (to remove salt, chlorine, and sand)
• Turn it inside out and rinse the interior (sweat and skin oils also damage the rubber)
• For visible dirt, gently hand-wash with a mild detergent; never machine-wash
• Do not use cleaning products containing bleach or petroleum-based ingredients

Drying and Storage

• Never dry in direct sunlight: UV rays are the biggest enemy of rubber, accelerating aging and hardening
• Never hang to dry on a hanger (supported at the waist): Prolonged gravity causes stretching and deformation
• Correct drying method: Lay it flat in a cool, ventilated area, or use multiple hooks to distribute the weight
• Store only when completely dry: Storing while damp causes mildew and odors in the rubber
• Storage method: Fold for storage (do not roll), or lay it flat in a drawer

Repair Methods

When you discover minor tears, promptly repair them with neoprene glue to prevent the tear from spreading. For larger holes, seek professional wetsuit repair services.

Purchasing Advice for Taiwan

During Taiwan’s active triathlon season from May to October, seawater temperatures typically range from 24–29°C, and most races do not mandate wetsuits. Recommended options:

• 1.5mm racing type: Best suited for Taiwan’s summer waters; barely affects thermoregulation and primarily provides buoyancy assistance
• 3mm all-round type: Suitable for spring in the Northeast Coast (18–22°C), balancing warmth and mobility
• 5mm thermal type: Essential for winter training in the Northeast Coast, but rarely needed for Taiwan’s summer races

Conclusion

A wetsuit is a training partner that will accompany you for years and deserves serious care. Correct dressing ensures optimal swimming performance, precise removal technique saves race time, and good maintenance habits maximize the value of this investment.

Related Reading

• The Complete Wetsuit Guide: Selection, Dressing/Removal, and Swim Feel Adjustments
• Wetsuit Selection and Dressing/Removal: The Complete Essential Gear Guide for Open Water
• Open-Water Wetsuit Buying Guide: Complete Guide to Thickness Selection, Buoyancy Assistance, and Dressing/Removal Techniques
• Wetsuit vs. Skin Swimming: The Complete Open-Water Attire Strategy Guide for Triathletes