Wetsuit size related to thickness

[valentina forno]

Hello all, I’m new on the site and I’ve got a wetsuit problem that maybe you can help with. I’ve got a Mares trilastic 3/2 size 1, it fits well. I’ve found a bargain online for a 7/5, same size. It was a bargain because they don't produce that model anymore, and there was only size 1 available. I bought it and there is no way I can manage to put it on I struggled for 20 minutes and I can’t pull the legs up enough, the crotch sits a little above my knees. There’s plenty of fabric to pull up wrinkled at my ankles but I just can’t do it. Do you think that because the wetsuit is thicker I needed a size up? Thank you!

 

[CT Sean]

I have 2 Bare suits, same product line, one 3mm and one 7mm and they are definitely the same size. The fact that your Mares 7/5 does not fit seems to strongly suggest you need a different size. It's always possible your 3/2 is also a little small but the thin neoprene is stretchy enough to not notice

 

[valentina forno]

Thank you Sean. That's a bummer. The 3/2 seems the right size. I don't have a scuba stores near me so I can't go try another one on instead of buying online, and according to the measurements the size should fit

 

[lexvil]

All things being equal you will generally find a thicker suit harder to put on, a little harder. I don’t think your new suit is the right size, I have found this is pretty common for off the rack clothing of all types, wide variations in specifications.

 

[Bob DBF]

I don’t think your new suit is the right size...

Sounds as if that is the case. Aside from cut, proportions, I have noticed over the years that the size tag on wetsuits, and other clothing, may have little to do with the actual size of the product. I believe that the quality control in China may have a lot to do with it.

I try on and buy wetsuits locally so I don't get into a problem with fit. It costs a bit more, but I haven't been disappointed.


Bob

 

[J322Y]

I've only bought two suits, a Bare Reactive 5mm and a Lavacore full suit. I'm 5'7" and 150 pounds.

The Lavacore is a small and fits well according to their size chart.

I first bought a small Reactive based on their sizing chart but when I wore it a bit longer at home I realized it was way too tight on the wrists and ankles. My hands actually started to turn purple. I traded it for a medium which is still very tight on my wrists, but works great. According to their size chart I'm at the minimum weight for a medium and an inch too short. Even with the medium the seams leave impressions on my arms that last more than 30 minutes. I get almost no water intrusion and the suit works very well. I was just surprised that at my size I would need a medium...