Body Glove is a Californian water sports brand founded in the 1950s by the Meistrell brothers, known for wetsuits and now also selling swimwear, inflatable paddle boards, life vests, snorkel gear and water shoes.
A Body Glove order comes down to fit and conditions: the right wetsuit thickness for your water, a paddle board kit that suits your size and plans, and swimwear that fits properly.
Wetsuit thickness by water temperature
Wetsuit thickness is written as two numbers in millimetres, such as 3/2 or 4/3. The first is the torso panel, the second the arms and legs. Thicker is warmer but less flexible.
A 3/2 Body Glove full suit is the common choice for mild water; a 4/3 suits cooler water; springsuits and shorties suit warm conditions. Check a local surf or dive shop's advice for your water.
Also check the entry: back zip is easier to get into; chest zip seals better. Body Glove lists the zip type on each wetsuit.
Getting wetsuit fit right
A Body Glove wetsuit should be snug everywhere, with no water pockets at the lower back or armpits, and still allow a full arm rotation. It will feel tight on dry land.
Use the Body Glove size chart with height, weight and chest. If you are between sizes, height usually matters more for full suits, since short sleeves and legs make paddling hard.
Rinse the suit in fresh water after every use, dry it inside out in the shade, and hang it on a broad hanger. Sun and hot water break down neoprene.
Inflatable paddle boards: reading the kit
Body Glove sells inflatable stand-up paddle boards, usually as a kit with a pump, paddle, leash and carry bag. Check exactly what is included, as kits differ.
Width and length decide stability and speed. Wider boards are steadier for beginners and yoga; longer, narrower boards track better for touring. Check the rider weight capacity on the Body Glove listing against your weight plus any gear.
Inflate to the recommended pressure printed on the board. An under-inflated board flexes and feels unstable. A hand pump takes effort, so an electric pump is worth considering if you paddle often.
Wear a leash and a suitable flotation device, and check local rules for paddling on your water.
After each session, rinse the Body Glove board with fresh water, let it dry, and roll it loosely from the nose with the fin removed. Store it out of direct sun and away from sharp edges. If you have space, leaving the board partly inflated between uses is easier on the seams than rolling it tightly every time.
Check the fin system before you paddle. Many inflatable boards use a removable centre fin that clips in; a lost fin makes the board spin and hard to steer, so a spare is a cheap addition to a Body Glove order.
Life vests and safety
Body Glove sells life vests and buoyancy aids for adults and children. Check the approval label and the weight range printed on each vest.
A child's vest must fit snugly; if it can be pulled up over the ears, it is too big. Replace vests that are torn or whose foam has compressed. When in doubt, ask a local water-safety instructor.
Body Glove swimwear sizing
Body Glove swimwear includes bikinis, one-pieces and rash guards. Read the size chart per style, since tops and bottoms can be sized separately and cup-sized tops fit differently from band sizes.
Rash guards protect from sun and board rash. Choose a snug fit for surfing and a looser one for general sun protection.
Returns and shipping
Swimwear is usually returnable only unworn with hygiene liners and tags in place. Check the current Body Glove terms before trying on at home.
Paddle boards are large, heavy parcels. Check shipping costs, delivery times and whether a return requires the original packaging.
Where the Body Glove savings are
For a paddle board, try the 30% code first. It appears aimed at SUP kits, the most expensive Body Glove items, so the saving is largest there.
The 25% code is the general-purpose one for wetsuits and swimwear. It beats the $25 code on any basket above $100.
Keep the $25 code for small orders such as water shoes or a rash guard under $100. It may have a minimum spend, so check the terms.
Body Glove codes do not normally stack and may exclude sale items. Compare the sale price with a code on the full price.
Common questions
What Body Glove wetsuit thickness do I need?
A 3/2 for mild water, a 4/3 for cooler water, and a shorty for warm conditions. Ask a local shop for your water.
Are Body Glove paddle boards good for beginners?
The wider boards are. Check the rider weight capacity and inflate to the printed pressure.
Can I return Body Glove swimwear?
Usually only unworn with hygiene liners and tags attached. Check the current policy.
Which Body Glove code is best?
The 30% code on paddle boards; 25% on everything else over $100.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 15% off | Promo code | View at Body Glove → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Body Glove → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Body Glove → |
| 15% off | Promo code | View at Body Glove → |
