drysuit measurements

[Yoyoguy]

All,
I plan on buying a new drysuit next summer (saving my pennies now). I am planning on most likely going custom sizing but for craps and giggles wanted to see how I might size up compared to factory made sizing (if I could fit a factory size well and save some money then great!). I have noticed that many drysuit companies will offer many size ranges for different size drysuits for different parts of the body. My main concern is waist sizing. I have what some might call a beer gut haha and of course this beer gut rolls over my pants. So even though I might wear a size 36 pants, if you measure the actual circumference around my fat parts (including love handles) then my waist size now goes to 40inches. So which measurement should I use if I wanted to order a factory sized drysuit? My guess would be my actual fat size of 40inches. Again I want to stress that I will likely be going the custom route and this is more a hypothetical question so please don't just state "Get measured by a pro and get a custom".

So question 1: should I Measure my waist under my fat roll for 36inches OR measure my fat roll part around my bellybutton of 40inches?
and question 2: how many extra inches to account for a 300gram cold water garment?
question 3: Which manufacturers sell Large Short and Extra Large Short as these would be what I would likely fit IF I fit any size?

 

[Neilwood]

My response would be ask the manufacturer for their thoughts.

My personal thoughts
1) it is the widest part that is going to govern the shape of the suit (I doubt it comes with a waistband like your trousers) so measure that,
2) depends on the manufacturer I would say.
3) Don't know

 

[RJP]

Fact is, you can't even really go by the measurements on the manufacturers sizing charts. On paper I should not fit in my DUI TLS-350 stock large that fits me like it was custom made.

 

[Yoyoguy]

Fact is, you can't even really go by the measurements on the manufacturers sizing charts. On paper I should not fit in my DUI TLS-350 stock large that fits me like it was custom made.

well it is going to take quite awhile for me to save for a new suit so maybe ill be able to try some on at demo days before hand

 

[spectrum]

When you dive in the drysuit you probably will be in a less constraining garment so you would be measuring yourself in a sans belt form.

As for the garment, don't mess with your measurements they are what they are. Work with your dealer to allow for the garments. Suits meant to fit a given body size have a built in allowance. For a custon suit the intended garments will be a question they combine with measurements to build the suit.

Pete

 

[flyin01]

You could try the Aqualung Fusion series. It has very flexible size range. My weight will vary by 20 lbs and it is not an issue. I have the bullet skin on mine and love it.