How can you tell if a wetsuit is too small or too big for a child?

Comment savoir si une combinaison de surf est trop petite ou trop grande pour un enfant ?

How can you tell if a wetsuit is too small or too big for a child?

When equipping a child for surfing, the size of the wetsuit is the number one criterion .
Too small → discomfort, inconvenience, fatigue.
Too big → cold, circulating water, loss of motivation.

At ONE SURFING CO. , we have been supporting surfing families since Hossegor, and here is the clear and definitive guide to knowing if a wetsuit is the right size , too small or too big.

Why is size so important for a child?

Unlike adults, children:

  • grow up fast

  • change morphology

  • have less resistance to cold

  • tire more quickly

👉 A poorly fitting wetsuit can be enough to put a child off surfing , even if they love the ocean.

Signs that a jumpsuit is too small

Visible signs

  • The zipper is difficult to close.

  • The sleeves or legs ride up too high

Signs during the session

  • Rapid fatigue

  • Stiffness in movement

  • Difficulty rowing

  • I want to take off the suit quickly.

❌ Common mistake :
Thinking that a suit that is too tight will keep you warmer.
👉 False. It tires the child and limits their mobility.

Signs that a combination is too big

Visible signs

  • Air pockets in the back or legs

  • Pleated neoprene

  • Yawning collar

  • Sleeves too long

Signs in the water

  • Water enters quickly

  • Feeling cold despite being quite thick

  • The child gets out of the water faster

❌ Classic parental mistake :

"I'm getting a bigger one, that way it will last longer."

👉 Result: the child is cold and does not learn properly .

How should a jumpsuit fit? (perfect checklist)

“Good size” checklist (featured snippet ready)

✔️ The suit fits the body without compressing it
✔️ No significant creases
✔️ The zip closes easily
✔️ The child can easily raise their arms
✔️ No gap in the lower back
✔️ The collar is in good contact with the skin

💡 Pro tip:
A well-fitting wetsuit is a little tight when dry , but becomes comfortable in the water.

And what about growth in all of this?

A child can change size several times a year .
Buying a jumpsuit that's "a little big" seems logical... but it's often a mistake.

For what ?

  • Poor thermal insulation

  • Bad posture

  • Poor learning

  • Risk of discouragement

👉 It is precisely to address this problem that we created the ONE SURFING CO subscription.
The suit adapts to the child's growth, without compromising on size .

The role of neoprene: Yamamoto vs. classic

With a classic neoprene wetsuit:

  • An approximate size = a big problem

With Yamamoto #40 :

  • better elasticity

  • better adaptation to the morphology

  • better buoyancy

  • greater tolerance for minor deviations

👉 For children, the Yamamoto provides comfort + warmth + safety + progression .

Should you buy a size up for a child?

❌ No.
It is always better to have a suit that fits properly today than one that is too big for “tomorrow”.

✔️ The right solution is not to oversize
✔️ The best solution is to have a scalable system

Conclusion: How to be sure not to make a mistake

👉 Check the fit
👉 Observe the child in the water
👉 Never oversize
👉 Anticipate growth intelligently

At ONE SURFING CO. , we made a simple choice:
adapt the suit to the child — not the other way around .

A jumpsuit that's always the right size, even as your child grows.

👉 Discover the children's subscription here .
👉 See the size guide here .
👉 Why choose Yamamoto? Click here .