How do I wear a wetsuit !

[winewellies]

Going 'wild swimming' next month for the first time .. been told I will need a wetsuit and currently scouring EBay for one
So I don't look a complete numpty when I get there ~there's a changing area at the lake ... what do you wear underneath it ? Swimsuit ? Nothing ? I am not exactly super toned and slim and worried my boobage might end up under my armpits
Be kind if this is a stupid question !

Swimsuit underneath. Don't worry. NO ONE looks good in a wetsuit, it's simply not possible . If you put Vaseline around your wrists and ankles, it helps a little taking it off.

Swimsuit underneath! It’s not a stupid question - my DH tried to put his new wetsuit on without one the other week until I put him right. Have fun!

Get a rash vest to wear over your swimming costume and under the wetsuit. Protects rubbing at neckline.
Make sure it is a real snug fit. You want minimal gaps. Big gaps fill with water and make you feel really cold.
Zip generally at back with long tab so you can pull it up yourself. A snug fit will often mean you need help taking it off to pull it down off your arms until it is just your legs and bum covered (if that makes sense).

You can rent wetsuits for about £60 for 6 months and they will fit it and size it for you. Put baby oil on your legs and arms to help getting it off and Vaseline on your neck when the Velcro closing comes over to stop it rubbing.

Ahhh brilliant thank you ..I knew I could rely on mumsnet
Will get vaseline and a rash vest and never even thought of wetsuit hire so will google that too ~ I WILL look like I know what I am doing.. in the changing room at least!

If you're swimming you want a swimming or triathlon wetsuit. Not a surfing one.
They're thinner and more flexible in the areas you need them to be. www.triuk.com/products/tri-uk/tri-uk-wetsuit-hire

Plastic bag on foot. Put foot in wetsuit leg. Once foot out take plastic bag off foot (obv). You will look like a pro.

Also ‘there are two kinds of people who wear wetsuits- tgisnwho wee in them and those who lie about it’.

Buy one - you might be able to to try one on at a Decathlon store if you have one near. If you can afford it buy the boots too

I bloody hate them but they are sometimes the only way

Theres a wetsuit brand called sola and they do suits in a much more comfortable material than the usual stand like a starfish suits.
I got one for my son last year and was amazed by how soft and flexible it was. Ive just ordered one for myself. No need for plastic bags no wrestling it on and off even when wet. The adult ones are about £70

(tries not to derail thread)
Anyone know of brands of wetsuit that can accommodate a short pear shape size 16? All the wetsuits I have tried on have a zip that ends at the waist with no give to get the flipping thing over my ample bum and thighs. And all of them seem to think we all have the same body length.