I have used full length wetsuits for playing about in the sea, locally, with dog, but found them impossible for swimming. I bought this one for the sole purpose of swimming on holiday on Sark (channel islands) where the sea is never warm! For the cost involved the quality is excellent; it was comfortable to swim in; and nice and light either to pack in your luggage - or, as I did, send it to Sark, and return it home by post. I would certainly recommend it to others. One of the reviews recommended going up a dress size which was excellent advice. I am a fairly small size 10, but bought a size 12 wetsuit which was easy to put on and take off. A smaller size would certainly have been too tight.