Drysuit Upper Body Sizing

[gheda]

Hi folks

I picked up a new neoprene drysuit recently. Having returned from a year abroad where I started to learn to dive I'm ready to get into the water here.

I have a query / concern or two though. I tried the suit on in the shop and the boots, legs and torso are a good snug fit without being tight, it's the right height for me too however it feels very baggy under the arms and around my clavicle / upper arms area. Neck wise it feel like a good tight fit. I did some stretching in it and can reach around the back of my neck no problems, etc.

Should I be too concerned about the arm baggyness? I asked the gentleman in the shop would it cause problems and he didn't seem overly concerned but didn't really give me the impression it was normal either. Perhaps its just baggy because of the double zip across the back? I figured I should get some other peoples opinions before I took the tags off and got it wet because it represents a pretty chunky investment and one that I need to get right.

Thanks!

 

[knowone]

Baggy upper armedness is for not undergarments
in valvedness and thereby blocking air outedness.

 

[gheda]

Thanks for the reply knowone. I think I understand most of its 'ness. The baggyness is so that your clothes, etc don't block air from escaping through the valve?

 

[Freezerbrn]

gheda, I am in the process of buying a neoprene dry suit. I had to send one back because of the baggy upper torso area. I mean like one whole size too big. I looked like a trash bag. The concern you should consider is: Too baggy creates more drag under water, and the possibility of trapped air bubbles where you don't want it.

 

[Sea Lioness]

A little looseness in the upper arms is probably not a big deal for an off-the-rack neoprene drysuit, if the rest of the suit fits you well. It may make it easier to move your arms and shoulders. If it seems like the arm size is just too big for you to tolerate, you should try some other brands of drysuits, or consider paying the extra money for a custom suit. However, as I said before, a little extra room in the upper arms is not, by itself, a huge problem.

I'm a strong believer in getting suits that fit properly. Drysuits have more leeway than wetsuits do in this regard. If you feel that the arms are extremely problematic, get a different suit. If they're just a little looser than you expected, I'd probably live with it rather than return it.