Wetsuit fitting?

[SFLDiver3445]

You never really get used to the feel of a wetsuit out of the water! A perfectly fitting wetsuit generally doen't feel comfortable until it gets wet. Personally, I always wet my suit before putting it on, but I realize that is sometimes difficult to do in places where the water is cold - I live in South Florida, so that's generally not a problem.

I've owned many many wetsuits throughout the years and currently have about six hanging in my closet. I just ordered a new wetsuit via the internet for the first time. I was a little apprehensive, because I was not able to try it on before I bought it and I wasn't looking forward to having to deal with exchanging it via the mail. I used the companies online size chart and selected the suit the chart recommended. When the suit arrived, it fit like a glove - granted, I ordered a high-end suit that was made of a higher quality and more flexible neopreme, but it fit great.

for future reference, there are many companies that will make you a custom suit. It's generally not needed, because most people can buy something off of the rack, but if you do not find what you want, it's always an option. The company I ordered mine from even allows you to order the custom suit online, simply by providing them the measurements.

All companies have different size charts to match the cut of their suits, but just for reference, here's the size chart for the company I ordered from:

Oneill > Company > Size Chart

Good luck and safe diving!

 

[Teamcasa]

Pete has given you good advice. However, Once you have tried on a custom fitted wetsuit you will never buy off the rack again. My suit fits perfectly. I have great mobility, it goes on very easy and I never get that sense of being squeezed and I don’t walk like a duck.

However, my lovely bride being fashion conscious as most women are told me she would never get a custom suit because they look custom and no where near as stylish as the ones in the magazines. My solution was simple. Buy the stylish one, one size larger then have the wetsuit tailor fit it to her. Now she know what I mean by a perfect fit. Also, her advice, a tankini. Something about having to completely disrobe when using a boats head.

 

[pitdvr]

I have found that a lycra skin makes all the difference. Whether using a regular or hyperstretch suit it slips on easier even when it is 90 degrees outside. Then I use the lycra alone as a rash guard in the tropics.

 

[spectrum]

Pete has given you good advice. However, Once you have tried on a custom fitted wetsuit you will never buy off the rack again. My suit fits perfectly. I have great mobility, it goes on very easy and I never get that sense of being squeezed and I don’t walk like a duck.

However, my lovely bride being fashion conscious as most women are told me she would never get a custom suit because they look custom and no where near as stylish as the ones in the magazines. My solution was simple. Buy the stylish one, one size larger then have the wetsuit tailor fit it to her. Now she know what I mean by a perfect fit. Also, her advice, a tankini. Something about having to completely disrobe when using a boats head.

I need to take exception to the statement in bold. There are plenty of divers that really do have an excellent fit in off the rack suits. (They must have made the patterns to fit somebody)

My wife is not an off the rack gal so I have my share of experience with the custom side of wetsuits. She has used providers where you measure at home as well as had dealer measured suits. Without exception every suit has needed to go back and one was so hopeless it got scrapped and we had to start over elsewhere. Getting her into a proper suit has ranged from being a process to an ordeal. I have had friends go through the same process with multiple errors and delays.

The fact is that most divers cannot head over to the local wetsuit tailor to be measured fit or altered. Those of you in select areas are very lucky in that regard. Otherwise it's all done second or third hand and the results are unpredictable. I don't mean to slam the custom side of the business, it has enabled my wife as a diver. What I am saying is that if I can walk into a shop, find a good fit, pay and walk out with the suit I will take that sure thing in a heartbeat. My suits fits perfectly. I have great mobility, it goes on very easy and I never get that sense of being squeezed and I don’t walk like a duck (yes I borrowed your statement)

As for stylish, Atlan did a wicked nice colorful 2 PC set for her that looks great.

Pete

 

[NeMEed]

I bought a one-piece bathing suit today!

Gloves go on last and stay on top.

......ooooh! :11doh: lol thanks!

What does another layer of lycra have to do with wearing a rental suit?

My guess would be sanitary reasons. :11: lol


Thanks for all the responses!! I'm hoping to buy a wet suit of my own after I get my OW cert. that way I don't have to rent! lol

 

[Twiddles]

The liner in reference to rental gear refers to a couple things, first some shops may not clear rental gear very well and the liners can help with rashes caused both by suits that havent been cleaned and suits that havent been rinsed , second poor fitting suits and rental suits wearability (hmm sounds like a word) is improved either because the suit may be a little tight and may be stiff from a lot of use or poor care.

As far as the extra layer providing an extra migration path (making you colder), I have worn wetsuit without and with liner and I can say that I am warmer with liner than without (subjective statement im sure).

 

[Teamcasa]

Pete is right, again. Living here in SoCal has it's advantages. There are five wetsuit tailors all within an hours drive from my house.

Dave

 

[NeMEed]

Ok, now I'm seriously nervous! O_O Ack, I hope I don't mess this up! I'm really excited to start learning, but I'm generally the clumsy, shy type who messes up a lot. Maybe I'm just not made out for this? I mean, I'll give it a try, but who really wants to go diving with someone who's really clumsy! ack. I'm so nervous! >_<

 

[fisherdvm]

Hyperstretch is the only suit that would fit me. All the correctly sized ones for my height is too tight. I am not overweight, but have a large upper body.

 

[Bobyjimmie]

The people that mess up alot in class are the people who learn the most because they are in the vicinity of the instructor when they make their mistake so someone trained can help them out. Know what I mean? In other words relax and enjoy your class, make your mistakes and enjoy the learning experience.