Aqualung Size Guide
Aqualung is a leading manufacturer of diving and water sports equipment, including wetsuits, buoyancy control devices (BCDs), fins, and protective gear. The brand designs its sizing to accommodate divers of all body types and experience levels, prioritising comfort, thermal protection, and freedom of movement underwater. Aqualung wetsuits and BCDs are engineered to fit snugly without restricting circulation or breathing, whilst allowing room for thermal undergarments in colder water conditions. This guide covers Aqualung's universal wetsuit sizing system, BCD fit specifications, and footwear dimensions to help you select the perfect size for your next dive.
How to Measure
- Height: Stand barefoot against a wall with heels together. Measure from the floor to the top of your head in centimetres or feet and inches.
- Chest: Wear minimal clothing. Measure horizontally around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground and snug but not tight.
- Waist: Measure at your natural waistline (the narrowest part between ribs and hips), keeping the tape measure relaxed and level.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal and snug.
- Weight: Weigh yourself on a calibrated scale in the morning, before eating, for greatest accuracy.
- Over-the-shoulder measurement (for BCDs): Have someone measure from the centre of one shoulder, across your back to the centre of the opposite shoulder.
Mens Wetsuit Sizes
| Size | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 155–165 | 80–90 | 71–78 | 80–90 | 50–60 |
| S | 160–170 | 85–95 | 76–86 | 87–97 | 55–70 |
| M | 165–175 | 90–100 | 81–91 | 91–101 | 60–80 |
| ML | 170–180 | 95–105 | 86–96 | 96–106 | 70–90 |
| L | 175–185 | 95–105 | 91–101 | 102–112 | 80–100 |
| XL | 180–190 | 105–115 | 96–106 | 115–125 | 90–105 |
| 2XL | 185–195 | 110–120 | 101–111 | 120–130 | 95–110 |
| 3XL | 190–200 | 115–125 | 106–116 | 125–135 | 110+ |
Womens Wetsuit Sizes
| Size | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 150–160 | 75–85 | 60–70 | 75–85 | 45–50 |
| S | 155–165 | 80–90 | 65–75 | 85–95 | 50–55 |
| M | 160–170 | 85–95 | 70–80 | 95–105 | 55–60 |
| ML | 165–175 | 90–100 | 75–85 | 105–115 | 60–65 |
| L | 170–180 | 90–100 | 75–85 | 105–115 | 65–70 |
| XL | 175–185 | 95–105 | 80–90 | 115–125 | 72–77 |
| 2XL | 180–190 | 100–110 | 85–95 | 125–135 | 75–80 |
| 3XL | 185–195 | 105–115 | 90–100 | 135–145 | 80+ |
BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) Sizing – Axiom i3
| Size | Height (ft/in) | Weight (lbs) | Waist (in) | Over Shoulder (in) | Total Weight (lbs/kg) | Releasable Weight (lbs/kg) | Lift (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 5'0"–5'5" | 100–125 | 30–42 | 33–41 | 30/13.5 | 20/9 | 31 |
| S | 5'2"–5'7" | 120–155 | 30–42 | 37–45 | 30/13.5 | 20/9 | 31 |
| M | 5'7"–5'10" | 150–165 | 33–45 | 40–48 | 30/13.5 | 20/9 | 36 |
| ML | 5'10"–6'0" | 160–190 | 35–47 | 42–50 | 30/13.5 | 20/9 | 41 |
| L | 6'0"–6'2" | 180–210 | 38–50 | 44–52 | 40/18 | 30/13.5 | 44 |
| XL | 6'2"–6'5" | 195–240 | 41–53 | 46–54 | 40/18 | 30/13.5 | 47 |
| XXL | 6'2"–6'5" | 230–270 | 44–56 | 46–54 | 40/18 | 30/13.5 | 54 |
BCD Sizing – Pearl (Womens)
| Size | Height (ft/in) | Weight (lbs) | Waist (in) | Over Shoulder (in) | Total Weight (lbs/kg) | Releasable Weight (lbs/kg) | Lift (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 4'8"–5'5" | 90–125 | 25–37 | 32–38 | 20/9 | 20/9 | 23 |
| S | 5'2"–5'7" | 120–154 | 27–42 | 33–39 | 26/12 | 20/9 | 28 |
| M | 5'5"–5'10" | 135–180 | 30–45 | 35–41 | 30/13.5 | 20/9 | 32 |
| ML | 5'7"–6'0"+ | 175–210 | 35–50 | 35–41 | 30/13.5 | 20/9 | 44 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Wetsuits
Aqualung wetsuits use a universal sizing system based on height, chest, waist, hips, and weight. Choose your size by first identifying your height range, then confirm your fit against chest and waist measurements. Wetsuits should feel snug but allow you to breathe deeply; a loose fit permits water circulation and heat loss, whilst an overly tight suit restricts movement and can cause discomfort during extended dives. Aqualung offers specialised models such as SolAfx and AquaFlex designs with extended sizing for taller or heavier divers. When layering thermal undergarments, size up half a size to accommodate the extra bulk.
Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs)
BCDs must fit securely around your torso without riding up or slipping during dives. Aqualung produces both unisex and women-specific BCDs; the Pearl range is tailored for female divers with narrower shoulder measurements and customised weight distribution. Select your BCD size using height, weight, waist, and over-the-shoulder measurements. The total weight and releasable weight figures indicate the BCD's capacity and safety margins—critical for proper buoyancy management. Always have a shop attendant perform a water test if possible before purchase.
Dive Boots & Footwear
Aqualung dive boots are measured by shoe size and foot length. They should fit snugly with minimal heel slip, as loose boots can fall off during entry and exit. Neoprene boots compress slightly underwater; ensure you can wiggle your toes comfortably before diving. If you have high arches or wide feet, consider trying boots with reinforced ankle support or purchasing a half-size larger.
Sizing Tips
- Measure twice, order once: Use the step-by-step measurements above in the morning before eating, when your body is most stable. Remeasure if your weight fluctuates significantly.
- Height ranges are priorities: Always start by matching your height to the size chart. Height determines the suit's length; ordering by weight alone risks an ill-fitting length that restricts movement and allows water flush.
- Wetsuits compress over time: Neoprene loses elasticity after 200–300 dives. A tight suit at purchase will feel more comfortable after a season of use, but avoid buying an oversized suit hoping it will shrink.
- Test BCDs with weight and tanks: When trying on a BCD in a shop, put on a weighted belt and hold a tank to simulate diving conditions. The BCD should remain snug on your torso without pulling up or rotating during movement.
- Cold water suits require larger sizing: A 6–7 mm winter wetsuit is typically worn over thermal undergarments; size up by half to one full size compared to a summer 3 mm suit.
- Women's sizing is not men's sizing adjusted: Aqualung women's wetsuits and BCDs feature tailored shoulder, chest, and waist proportions; do not attempt to fit women in scaled-down men's models.
- Consider water temperature and exposure: For tropical diving (3 mm or shorty suits), a snug fit maximises thermal efficiency. For cold water (7+ mm), extra room for layering is essential; consult Aqualung's thermal undergarment sizing if available.
- Break in new neoprene gently: Wear your new wetsuit for short dives first to allow the neoprene to relax and conform to your body. Stretching it by hand or in warm water can help.