A few questions about wetsuits

[SkipperJohn]

I just got a 7 mil wetsuit in the mail. I put it on and realized I have no clue if it fits or not. Is there some sort of test one can or should do to help indicate the fit? For instance, should one be able to pinch a little and pull it slightly? If so, how much force? (I see people doing this in dive shops). This suit seemed to fit me well but my GF said it looked like I was struggling to get into it more so than other divers she saw suiting up last week at a shore dive thing I did. I tried to pinch it and could not really do so, but I thought this may be simply because it is 7 mils thick.

Also, and this is probably important to consider...
Do wetsuits shrink?
Do they stretch (not like a rubber band but what I mean do they get bigger?)
Do they loose their elasticity?

should one plan on this stretch/shrink or whatever may happen when buying? (kinda like my mom used to buy my pants a little big saying they would shrink in the wash before pre-washed)

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

Is there some sort of test one can or should do to help indicate the fit? For instance, should one be able to pinch a little and pull it slightly?

The biggest question is are you comfortable wearing it? are you losing circulation in any extremities?

my GF said it looked like I was struggling to get into it more so than other divers she saw suiting up last week at a shore dive thing I did.

That's not very scientific I have several Henderson Gold wetsuits (to include a 7mm) and I can slip those on and off due to the coating on the inside. I can also recall back to my first 1/4" wetsuit which was a cast iron bitch to put on.

Also, and this is probably important to consider...
Do wetsuits shrink?
Do they stretch (not like a rubber band but what I mean do they get bigger?)
Do they loose their elasticity?

I have never had one shrink. Though I wish I could blame it on the suit and not my beer belly They will stretch out around the wrists and ankles where they are stretched frequently but this is a function of losing elasticity as well

 

[ligersandtions]

If it's hard to put on, try a conditioner/water mix (I think 1/3 conditioner and 2/3 water or something like that...), then spray it on yourself or into your wetsuit. It will make a world of difference. I generally don't need it unless the suit hasn't had time to dry completely over the surface interval....but when I do need it, it's a life saver!

The wetsuit shouldn't appear overly stretched in any place. It also shouldn't have too much extra room, as that will allow more water in than your body can warm up.

I don't think wetsuits shrink or stretch, but after many dives (on the order of hundreds I believe....haven't made it there myself) the suit will compress and it will no longer act as a 7mm.

 

[robint]

a few things:
1. Wetsuits should fit like a second skin, they should be tight as not to allow water to flow in and out. However, they should not cut off circulation in your hands, feet, neck, or make it difficult to breathe. If you can put on a wetsuit in less than 5 minutes, it is too big. I always tell people that you should break a sweat putting on a suit if it fits correctly.

2. Good quality suits, like Henderson or Pinnacle, etc. will not stretch or shrink if well cared for. Neoprene has "bubbles" which are what make the suit spongy. Good quality suits have bubbles of gas which is resilient and springs back after compression at depth. Eventually these bubbles will compress and not spring back, most people say a good suit lasts 3-4 years or 200-300 dives before it needs to be replaced.

3. Cheap department store wetsuits are made by different manufacturing process and will stretch or shrink. The neoprene "bubbles" are injected with air and will compress over time, sometimes even on the first dive at depth. These suits are made for snorkeling or surfing, not made for diving to any depth and will not keep you as warm as a good suit.

4. Take good care of your suit to make it last. Wash it by using "sink the stink" or other mixtures made for wetsuits. Soak them overnight and then hang up to dry (no need to rinse out). Then store when not in use in your house. Don't store dive gear in your garage as temps rise and fall and are bad for all neoprene, o-rings, hoses, etc.

robin

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

a few things:

4. Take good care of your suit to make it last. Wash it by using "sink the stink" or other mixtures made for wetsuits.

I have never bought into those products. If you look at the chemical makeup (of the few that actually list their contents on the package) you will find that they are really close to most mild detergents. I switched to cold water formula Woolite sometime ago and I run it through one of these

 

[robint]

I have never bought into those products. If you look at the chemical makeup (of the few that actually list their contents on the package) you will find that they are really close to most mild detergents. I switched to cold water formula Woolite sometime ago and I run it through one of these

actually you are wrong. Sink The Stink contains an enzyme which the eats bacteria. It is okay to wash wetsuits and booties in mild soap occasionally but I would still use the other product after a dive trip to the ocean or a fresh water destination.

 

[don Francisco]

Skipper, It's hard sometimes to know if a wetsuit fits, but you'll know for sure if it doesn't.

You'll get the best insulation if it fits comfortably tight, so you feel the pressure all over against your skin, but no constrictions, especially around the neck.

It's also important that the armpits and crotch fit correctly, lest it restricts your movement or gets overstressed and tears in those areas.

Getting into and out of a wetsuit should be difficult in proportion to the thickness of the suit. 2-3mm suits stretch easily as you pull them up, 5mm is tougher, and with my 7mm I have to turn it inside out and roll it on over my legs to avoid pulling all my hair out.

I clean my suits with lemon dish detergent every 3-4 days while diving which manages the stink pretty well, and wash them in the machine with baking soda when I get home. I store them in a closed hanging garment bag to slow the aging process. I don't know if that helps or not but most of my wetsuits last until the neoprene "fatigues" and they lose insulation value.

Whatever you do, don't store a thick wetsuit folded or else the neoprene will take a set with the crease line. dF

 

[SkipperJohn]

As I have been doing a lot of research and reading and taking in all you guys have to offer, I came across a cool idea and want to share (in the unlikely event I learned something you guys may not know and could help). I read that using a plastic bag can help a great deal when donning your wetsuit. The author proposed putting the bag over your foot then pulling up the suit. Then the other foot. Finally on your hands if this is a problem. The few time I put on a wet suit the heel of my foot was a real problem. I'll let you guys know how this worked out tomorrow as I am anxious to try this tonight as I recheck that fit.

 

[1RUSTYRIG]

actually you are wrong. Sink The Stink contains an enzyme which the eats bacteria. It is okay to wash wetsuits and booties in mild soap occasionally but I would still use the other product after a dive trip to the ocean or a fresh water destination.

Do you think that Woolite doesn't kill bacteria?