Winter surfing, I can't fit a hot top under my suit

[gio]

I got myself a new e-bomb 4/3 wetsuit. it's a nice tight fit but it's too tight for me to get a 0.5 neoprene shortsleeve hot top underneath, (i also wear a rashie)

Is it safe to chop the arms off the hot top? my thinking is that might remove enough bulk to make it fit... or should I buy one of the polypro vests, i.e. by Xcel or Oneill (might not be as bulky?)

I don't want to force the wetsuit to stretch by wearing too much underneath but feel that i probably need something extra in the really cold months... most locals wear a 4/3 and sport a hot top when needed.

p.s. this is for surfing in new zealand, south island.

[Danoz]

Hopefully a cold water surfer answers this, thankfully it never gets that cold where i am. South Island of NZ, thats pretty dedicated gio