Wetsuit Hood Sizing & Buying Guide – Video Guide
Not sure what size wetsuit hood you need or which style to choose? In this practical video guide, Jeff from Wetsuit Centre demonstrates how to measure your head for a wetsuit hood and compares different designs, from lightweight neoprene beanies and caps to insulated winter hoods with extended neck seals. Learn how to choose a comfortable fit and the right level of warmth for your watersports activities.
Video Transcript
Introduction – Choosing the Right Wetsuit Hood
Hi there, Jeff here from Wetsuit Centre.
Today we're going to talk about wetsuit hoods, with two main things in mind.
First, how to get the sizing right when buying a wetsuit hood online.
Second, how to choose the right type of hood depending on how much you feel the cold and what watersports you'll be using it for.
We've got a selection of hoods from the O'Neill range, covering most of the main styles available.
Hopefully, by looking at these different designs and explaining their advantages and disadvantages, we can help you choose the right hood for your needs.
How to Measure Your Head for a Wetsuit Hood
Getting the correct hood size can be quite tricky when you're shopping online.
The most useful measurement is the circumference of your head.
Ideally, you'll want a flexible tape measure, such as the type used for tailoring.
Wrap the tape around your head, passing across your forehead and around the widest part of your head.
Keep the tape level and measure the circumference without pulling it excessively tight.
As a reference, my head measures approximately 23 inches, or about 58cm.
In the O'Neill hoods I'm demonstrating, that puts me comfortably into a size Large.
If your head measures around 22 inches, or approximately 56cm, you might be looking at a Medium in some models.
However, sizing can vary between manufacturers and different hood designs, so always check the size guide for the particular hood you're considering.
What If You're Between Wetsuit Hood Sizes?
If you're between sizes, the type of hood you're buying can influence which size feels most comfortable.
For example, a lightweight neoprene cap with plenty of stretch may allow you to choose a slightly closer fit.
A thicker, full-coverage winter hood with an extended neck seal can feel more restrictive.
In that situation, you might prefer a little more room, particularly if you have a lot of hair.
The important thing is that the hood should fit snugly without feeling excessively tight.
You don't want large gaps where cold water can enter, but you also don't want a hood that causes discomfort or restricts your movement.
Use your head measurement as the starting point, then check the manufacturer's size chart and consider the particular style of hood.
If you're unsure, you can always contact Wetsuit Centre for fitting advice.
Which Type of Wetsuit Hood Should You Choose?
There are lots of different wetsuit hood styles available.
At one end of the range, you've got lightweight neoprene beanies that fit much like a conventional woollen hat.
At the other end, you've got thick, insulated winter hoods with extended neck panels designed to tuck into your wetsuit.
The right choice depends on several things.
How cold is the water where you're surfing or taking part in watersports?
How much do you personally feel the cold?
And how important is freedom of movement around your neck?
For surfing, you also need to consider how much time you spend sitting in the water and how often you're duck diving waves.
If you're surfing in very cold conditions, reducing water flushing around your head and neck can make a significant difference to comfort.
Let's look at the different designs.
Full Winter Wetsuit Hoods with Extended Neck Seals
First, we have a full cold-water hood, such as the O'Neill Ultraseal.
This is the type of hood we'd recommend considering for surfers using very cold water, particularly in places such as the North Sea, Scotland, Scandinavia and other colder regions.
The most noticeable feature is the extended neoprene panel around the bottom of the hood.
This is sometimes called a bib or gusset.
The idea is that the extended panel tucks underneath the collar or entry system of your wetsuit.
Once everything is correctly positioned, the hood and wetsuit work together to create a more continuous seal.
This helps reduce cold water flushing down through the neck opening when you duck dive, fall off your board or move around in the water.
It's almost like having a wetsuit with an integrated hood.
Another important feature is the adjustable face opening.
Many of these hoods have a toggle or adjustment system that allows you to tighten the seal around your face.
You want the opening to fit closely enough to reduce water entry, without making the hood uncomfortable.
The O'Neill Ultraseal we're looking at is a 3mm hood, with additional thermal lining inside.
That combination of neoprene thickness, lining and an extended neck seal is designed to retain warmth in very cold conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Extended-Neck Hoods
The main advantage of this type of hood is warmth.
The additional neck seal helps minimise water flushing, while the insulation reduces direct exposure to cold water.
However, there is a trade-off.
Because the extended panel sits underneath your wetsuit collar, it can make the neck area feel more restrictive.
When you turn your head or look up and down, you may notice additional resistance.
Some people find this perfectly comfortable, while others prefer a less restrictive design.
If maximum warmth is your priority, an extended-neck hood can be an excellent choice.
If you value freedom of movement around your neck, you may prefer a standard hood without the extended panel.
Standard Wetsuit Hoods – Warmth Without the Extended Neck Seal
Next, let's look at a more conventional cold-water wetsuit hood.
This style provides full coverage around your head and face but doesn't have the extended neck panel that tucks underneath your wetsuit.
Instead, it sits around or over the collar area.
The main advantage is that it can provide good insulation without feeling quite as restrictive around the neck.
These hoods are extremely popular because they offer a useful balance between warmth, comfort and flexibility.
You can still get versions with substantial neoprene thickness and thermal lining.
The lining helps retain warmth around your head, while the neoprene reduces the direct impact of cold water.
You may experience a little more water flushing around the neck compared with a fully sealed design.
However, for many surfers, that's a trade-off they're happy to make.
Why I Prefer a Lightweight Hood on the South Coast
Personally, I often use a 1.5mm O'Neill hood when surfing on the south coast of England.
Winter water temperatures here can fall to around 7°C.
Although the hood isn't as heavily insulated as a full 3mm winter model, I find it provides enough protection for my preferences.
When I'm duck diving, some cold water will still enter.
However, the neoprene reduces that immediate, intense cold-water sensation around my head.
It helps prevent the uncomfortable ice-cream headache feeling you can get when submerging your head in very cold water.
At the same time, it doesn't feel excessively restrictive or claustrophobic.
That's why lightweight or standard hoods can be a popular option, even among surfers who use them during colder conditions.
The right thickness really comes down to your own cold tolerance and how much insulation you want.
Neoprene Wetsuit Caps and Squid Lids
Moving further down the range, we have neoprene caps.
Examples include the O'Neill Sports Cap and Squid Lid.
These offer a much lighter and less restrictive alternative to a full wetsuit hood.
A typical wetsuit cap is made from relatively thin neoprene and fits closely around the top and sides of your head.
Many have a strap that fastens underneath your chin, keeping the cap secure.
Some also feature a small peak.
The idea is to provide a layer of insulation without enclosing your entire head and neck.
This makes neoprene caps particularly appealing for people who dislike wearing full hoods.
They can also be useful during cooler spring and autumn conditions when you want some protection from cold water but don't necessarily need a fully insulated winter hood.
Different brands offer variations on this design, including models from O'Neill, C-Skins and Rip Curl.
Some caps also include thermal lining for additional warmth.
Benefits of Neoprene Caps for Surfing
One of the main advantages of a neoprene cap is comfort.
Because it doesn't extend around your neck, there's very little restriction when you move your head.
It's also relatively easy to put on and take off.
A cap can help reduce the initial cold-water sensation when you duck dive or go underwater.
It also provides some insulation over your ears.
That additional coverage can be useful in cold-water surfing, where protecting your ears from repeated exposure is worth considering.
However, the insulation is more limited than a full wetsuit hood, particularly around the neck and lower face.
If you're regularly surfing in very cold conditions, a full hood may be more suitable.
Neoprene Beanies – Minimal Coverage and Maximum Comfort
Finally, we have neoprene beanies.
These are among the simplest forms of neoprene headwear.
They fit much like a conventional beanie, providing insulation around the top of your head without the full coverage of a wetsuit hood.
They're a popular option for watersports where you don't regularly submerge your head.
For example, they can be useful for stand-up paddleboarding, dinghy sailing and certain boating activities.
Because they don't always have a chin strap, they're less secure if you fall into the water or duck dive.
You wouldn't necessarily choose a loose-fitting beanie for surfing in powerful waves, where it could easily wash off.
However, if you want a lightweight, comfortable option with minimal restriction, a neoprene beanie can work very well.
Choosing a Hood for Different Water Conditions
The main thing is to choose the hood that suits both the conditions and your personal preferences.
For milder water or activities where your head stays mostly above the surface, a neoprene beanie may provide enough insulation.
If you want something that stays more securely in place and offers additional protection around the ears, a neoprene cap with a chin strap is a useful option.
For colder-water surfing, particularly if you regularly duck dive, a standard full wetsuit hood provides greater insulation.
And for the coldest conditions, a full winter hood with an extended neck seal can help minimise water flushing and maximise warmth.
Different manufacturers offer variations on these designs, including O'Neill, C-Skins, Rip Curl and Billabong.
The important thing is to consider how much coverage you need, how well you tolerate cold water and whether the hood allows comfortable movement.
Final Advice – Getting the Right Wetsuit Hood Size and Style
Hopefully, that's given you a useful overview of wetsuit hood sizing and the different styles available.
Remember, start by measuring your head circumference.
For reference, my head measures around 23 inches, and I wear a Large in the O'Neill hoods we've been looking at.
However, always check the size chart for the particular hood you're buying, as sizing varies.
Then think about the type of watersports you'll be doing.
If you want maximum warmth in very cold water, consider a thick, fully insulated hood with an extended neck seal.
If you prefer more freedom of movement, a standard hood without the extended panel could be a better option.
For lighter protection, consider a neoprene cap or beanie.
You can explore the different options on the Wetsuit Centre website, and if you need help choosing the right hood or size, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Jeff here from Wetsuit Centre. Thanks for watching!
Further Wetsuit Hood & Cold-Water Advice
For more information about finding the correct fit, see our O'Neill Wetsuit Hoods Size Guide or Xcel Wetsuit Hoods Size Guide.
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