Question Front chest-zip semi-dry donning/doffing tricks?

[GearheadExplorer85]

Hi Gang:

Is there some secret to donning/doffing this type of suit without buddy assistance?

The LDS that I'm taking my AOW with tomorrow loaned me the above type semi-dry suit. They didn't have anything else in my size.

While the size is correct, it was a PITA to donn. I can probably donn it myself without assistance if I fight it long enough. But practically speaking, I need assistance getting it on.

Doffing it was even worse. There was just no way I could get it off myself. Again, I had to ask one of the staff to help me get it off.

 

[inquis]

Sounds too small.

However, the shopping bag trick is helpful for getting things over the hands & feet. One important question is whether this suit is lined (closed-cell neoprene) on un-lined (open-cell). The latter needs a lubricant of some type (watered-down hair conditioner is common).

 

[GearheadExplorer85]

Sounds too small.

However, the shopping bag trick is helpful for getting things over the hands & feet. One important question is whether this suit is lined (closed-cell neoprene) on un-lined (open-cell). The latter needs a lubricant of some type (watered-down hair conditioner is common).

I can get the bottom half and torso on just fine. It's just the final part of shoehorning my shoulders under the top piece that's the struggle. Once the suit is on, getting my shoulders out is impossible without help.

 

[Still Kicking]

What part is giving you trouble? Getting the suit on to your arms/legs (see Inquis' advice) or zipping the suit up?

Depending on the cut of the suit and the wearer's mobility in the shoulders, the front zip can sometimes be a challenge. Best to have a buddy help you zip and unzip. I have seen plenty of broken zippers due to people forcing a wrinkled zipper.

To be honest that can happen when people force a back zip too. In general, if you feel resistance with a zipper, back it up and try again or if possible have a buddy zip it for you.

 

[Still Kicking]

I can get the bottom half and torso on just fine. It's just the final part of shoehorning my shoulders under the top piece that's the struggle. Once the suit is on, getting my shoulders out is impossible without help.

Once you get the lower half on, pull the suit up as high as possible so you have maximum room in the shoulders.

If you are having trouble at this point you may need a larger suit or a taller cut. Wetsuits don't fit the same on everyone even if you meet the basic size chart height/weight guidelines. Long torso or big shoulders make it challenging.

 

[GearheadExplorer85]

Once you get the lower half on, pull the suit up as high as possible so you have maximum room in the shoulders.

If you are having trouble at this point you may need a larger suit or a taller cut. Wetsuits don't fit the same on everyone even if you meet the basic size chart height/weight guidelines. Long torso or big shoulders make it challenging.

Thanks! I appreciate the help. I'll give that a try tomorrow.