Wetsuit donning: here's how to do it step by step

• March 17 2026, by Ronald De Graaf
• 3 min reading time

Roadmap: How to put on a wetsuit

A good wetsuit can make the difference between swimming comfortably and struggling in the water. But did you know that many triathletes put on their wetsuits incorrectly?

In this blog, we explain step by step:

• How to put on a wetsuit correctly

• How to avoid common mistakes
  

Part 1: How to put on a wetsuit.

Step 1: Preparation (crucial!)

Before you begin:

• Cut your nails (prevents tearing)

• Make sure your body is dry (wet = hard to put on)

• Possibly use some wetsuit lube at neck, ankles and wrists

• Put plastic bags on the feet for easier boarding

Step 2: Start with the legs

• Sit down and insert one foot at a time into the pipe

• Pull the suit up bit by bit, starting above the ankles.

• Make sure it is tight around ankles and calves

👉 Tip: Pull it higher than you think - this prevents tension on your shoulders.

Step 3: Pull the suit well up

• Work the neoprene up toward your hips

• Make sure the crotch fits well (no "hanging" suit)

A good fit feels like a second skin

Step 4: Arms in

• Pull one arm into the sleeve at a time

• Use your fingertips (no nails!)

• Make sure there are no creases

Step 5: Shoulders and zipper

• Pull the wetsuit well up towards the shoulders

• This gives more freedom of movement

• Close the zipper (with help if necessary)

👉 Badly pulled = tired shoulders during swimming

Step 6: Check the fit

• Tight, but not suffocating

• No folds

• Free movement in shoulders

⚠️ Common mistakes

• Putting on the wetsuit too quickly

• Pulling with nails → tearing

• Left too low at ankles

• Not pulling up properly → restricted movement
  

Tip: Maintenance products for your wetsuit