How to Change In and Out of a Wetsuit: Tips, Tricks & What to Wear

Lauren   August 7th, 2026   Posted In: How-To  

If you’ve ever wrestled with a wetsuit in a chilly or crowded parking lot, balanced on one foot to avoid sandy feet, or tried to change without accidentally flashing everyone nearby, welcome to the club. Learning how to change in and out of a wetsuit is almost a rite of passage for surfers, divers, paddlers, and swimmers alike.

The good news? It gets much easier with a few simple techniques. From learning how to put on a wetsuit without feeling like you’re fighting a rubber octopus to discovering the gear that makes post-session changing quicker and cleaner, these wetsuit changing tips will help you spend less time struggling and more time enjoying the water!

Quick Highlights

• Pull your wetsuit on gradually instead of trying to force it on all at once.
• What you wear underneath can make changing easier and improve comfort.
• Different zip styles require slightly different techniques.
• Small wetsuit entry tricks like plastic bags, dive socks, or wetsuit lubricant can make a huge difference.
• Always remove your wetsuit carefully to avoid stretching seams or damaging the neoprene.
• A changing mat, bucket, or dry robe makes changing in public much easier, and keeps your wetsuit cleaner.

Before You Get In: What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit

Before learning how to put on a wetsuit, it’s worth deciding what you’ll wear underneath. There’s no single right answer here. It simply depends on your sport, water temperature, and personal preference.

Many surfers simply wear nothing underneath since it reduces bunching and helps the wetsuit fit as intended. Others prefer a rash guard to reduce chafing and make the suit slide on and off more easily.

If you’re in warmer conditions, swimsuits or boardshorts work perfectly well, though they can create a little extra bulk around the waist. Cold-water SCUBA divers and open-water swimmers often add thermal base layers designed specifically for extended exposure to cold water.

One overlooked benefit of wearing a rash guard or lycra top? It dramatically reduces friction, making tighter wetsuits much easier to pull on and remove.

How to Put on a Wetsuit (By Zip Type)

Not every wetsuit goes on the same way. The basic process stays similar, but each entry system has its own quirks.

Back Zip Wetsuits

Back zip wetsuits are typically the easiest for beginners. Step into both legs first and gradually pull the suit up to your waist before inserting one arm at a time. Once the shoulders are comfortably positioned, reach behind and slowly pull the zipper cord.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is yanking on the zipper. Instead, keep the zipper aligned and pull steadily to avoid snagging the teeth or stressing the seams.

Chest Zip Wetsuits

Chest zip wetsuits require a little more patience but reward you with better flexibility and reduced water flushing.

The biggest trick is resisting the urge to fight with the chest opening immediately. Instead, work the wetsuit completely onto your legs, hips, and shoulders first. Once everything is positioned correctly, then pull the chest panel over and zip it closed.

Taking your time here usually makes the entire process much easier. Because we don’t want to see you struggle, we’ve got a full video and guide on how to put on a chest zip wetsuit!

Zip-Free Wetsuits

Zip-free wetsuits offer incredible flexibility but are often the trickiest to get into.

Many experienced surfers use what’s commonly called the “chicken wing” technique. That means working one shoulder completely into the suit before carefully easing the neoprene over the second shoulder.

This isn’t the time to rush. A little patience – and even a light mist of fresh water – can make the process much smoother.

Unsure of if you’d rather have a zip-free vs. chest-zip wetsuit? We’ve got you covered there, too.

The Plastic Bag Trick (and Other Wetsuit Entry Hacks)

Sometimes it’s the little things and tricks that make the biggest difference. If getting into your wetsuit feels like a workout before your session even begins, try these proven wetsuit changing tips:

• Use the plastic bag trick. Slip a thin plastic bag over each foot before stepping into the wetsuit. The neoprene slides right over it, especially around tight ankle cuffs. Remove the bag once your foot is through.
• Try wetsuit lubricant. Products like Body Glide or wetsuit-specific lubricants can reduce friction in high-contact areas. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can damage neoprene adhesives over time.
• Mist the inside with fresh water. A quick spray bottle works surprisingly well for helping snug suits slide into place.
• Wear nylon or dive socks. Neoprene socks accomplish the same thing as the plastic bag trick while being reusable and much easier to manage on windy beach days.
• Roll the wetsuit down first. Instead of stepping into the entire suit, roll the upper half down to the waist, get both legs fully seated, and then pull the top into position. It keeps the process much more manageable.

How to Take Off a Wetsuit Without Fighting It

Oddly enough, taking a wetsuit off can sometimes be harder than putting it on. The biggest mistake? Pulling from the neck or shoulders first.

Instead, start by gently peeling back one arm at a time. That’s key here: one body part at a time. We’ve got a super helpful guide on how to get out of a wetsuit in case you need additional help!

Each style follows the same basic principle:

• Back zip: Fully unzip before attempting removal.
• Chest zip: Open the chest panel completely before peeling the suit down.
• Zip-free: Remove one shoulder first, then the other, reversing the same technique you used to put it on.

Taking an extra minute here helps protect your wetsuit and makes the next session much easier.

The Best Gear for Changing in a Parking Lot

Let’s be honest here, most of us aren’t changing in luxury locker rooms. You’re in a parking lot or in sand. Fortunately, a few simple accessories can completely change the experience.

• Changing mat: Keeps your wetsuit off sand, gravel, mud, and parking lots while giving you a clean place to stand.
• Changing bucket: Acts as both a portable changing station and storage container for your wet gear afterward. If you’re not sure whether you’re more of a bucket, mat, or dry bag person, you can check out what’s the best solution for you!
• Dry robe or changing robe: Probably the easiest way to change privately while staying warm after your session. Simply pull it over your wetsuit and change underneath.
• Wetsuit hanger: Instead of folding your wetsuit into the trunk, hang your wetsuit properly once you’re home to help maintain its shape and extend its lifespan.

After Your Session: Rinse, Dry & Store Your Wetsuit Properly

Sometimes I feel like I’m drilling this same concept consistently in articles, but for real. If you want your wetsuit to last, you have got to properly clean and store your wetsuit.

Your changing routine doesn’t end once the wetsuit comes off. If possible, give your wetsuit a quick rinse with fresh water before removing it. Salt, sand, chlorine, and lake residue can all shorten the life of the neoprene over time.

Once you’re home, rinse both the inside and outside thoroughly before hanging the suit on a wide wetsuit hanger out of direct sunlight. Avoid folding it tightly or leaving it crumpled in the back of your vehicle, especially on hot days.

When it’s time to get dressed, a dry robe is by far the easiest option if you’re changing outdoors. Otherwise, a large towel wrapped securely around your waist still gets the job done just fine.

Small habits like these help keep your wetsuit flexible, cleaner, and ready for your next adventure.

Make Every Wetsuit Change Faster, Easier & More Comfortable

Learning how to change in and out of a wetsuit is one of those skills that quietly improves every day you spend on the water. A few simple techniques, the right accessories, and a little patience can turn what used to feel like a wrestling match into a quick, smooth routine!

Whether you’re paddling out for an early morning surf, gearing up for a dive, or finishing a long swim, knowing how to put on a wetsuit properly – and remove it just as carefully – helps protect both your gear and your energy. Before long, these wetsuit changing tips will become second nature, letting you focus less on the struggle and more on the reason you bought the wetsuit in the first place: getting out there and enjoying the water.

FAQs: How to Change In and Out of a Wetsuit

What is the easiest way to put on a wetsuit?

The easiest method is to roll the wetsuit down to the waist before stepping in, pull it up gradually, and use a plastic bag or nylon socks to reduce friction around your feet and ankles.

How do you change out of a wetsuit in public?

A changing robe offers the easiest and most private solution. If you don’t have one, use a large towel wrapped securely around your waist while changing one section of clothing at a time.

Should you wet a wetsuit before putting it on?

Lightly misting the inside of the wetsuit with fresh water can help it slide on more easily, especially tighter cold-water suits. Avoid soaking it completely unless recommended by the manufacturer.

What do you use to slide into a wetsuit easier?

Many people use reusable plastic bags, nylon socks, wetsuit-specific lubricants, Body Glide, or a light spray of fresh water to reduce friction while putting on a wetsuit.

How do you take off a wetsuit without damaging it?

Always peel the wetsuit from the wrists and ankles first rather than pulling from the neck. Rolling the suit inside out as you remove it reduces stress on the neoprene and helps protect the seams.