How to decide what size wetsuit to get?

[Raven8020]

Looks like I'm back with another question. I've just completed my pool work and plan on doing my open water in a couple of weeks and would like to get a wetsuit to use then. I'm thinking something like a 5/3mm or so, but the main question comes in sizing. I'm 5'6" or 5'7" and around 180lbs, wish I could say it was all muscle. My waist is either a 34" or 36" depending on anything from phases of the moon to how much I ate last night. In looking at wetsuit sizing charts I'm a bit confused as to there measurments. If the chart says the a L suit fits a 34" waist, is that before or after stretching. I know wetsuits are stretchy, some more then others, but how much. My main concern is that if I get a suit that is sized for my waist/weight, it'll be too tall for me. Any help anyone could give would be appreciated. Ohh, my inseam is 30" if that matters.

 

[stairman]

IMO,that is something you should try on.I am 5-8 170lbs and dive a large Pinnacle cruiser 7mm.It is a tad long in the legs from being perfect but no biggie.Some divers with odd shapes need pricey custom suits.Loose fit in the torso is bad,and too tight to zip up is too.I would never buy before I try for a suit,booties,hood or mask.

 

[don Francisco]

Wetsuits are basically clothing. Different manufacturers use different models and cut their suits differently.

There is no substitute for trying them on first, If you're a difficult fit or between sizes, try suits from lots of different companies until you find the one that fits. Buy fit first, then consider the features and claims.

BTW- Lots of hard to fit divers opt for hyperstretch (or other trademarks for similar neoprene) and find it more accomodating to their bodies. In my experience this could be a smart choice, but you give up some insulation in the trade off.

 

[spectrum]

You need to get into some shops and try some on. More here.

Pete

 

[diver 85]

Here's my 'stats' & my solution to those stats............I'm 5'10", 200 lbs, 38 waist................Most charts say a XL----I ordered 2 suits last year, a 3/2 full & a 3 mil full(different companies)............In both I ordered a XXL(from previous experience) and both fit great.........In your case, I would start with a XL, guess you can say alot of wetsuits run a little small, lol............

 

[raypau38]

I would go to your local shop and try a few things on. There is nothing more aggravating and stressful then a constricting wetsuit, cause they are already a little tight.

 

[Raven8020]

thanks for the advice. I will probably pick up a wetsuit when I get the rest of my gear: bcd, reg, gauges, from my LDS, don't think I'll save that much online what with shipping costs and all. Please let me know if there are any particular brands that are cut, how should one say, more generously around the waist. I think my LDS stocks mostly Henderson, so I'm going to start there and see what happens.

 

[Artimas]

I am also 5'7" and weigh 175. I just purchased a Henderson 7mm Thermoprene wetsuit, size large. It fits well, but only because the Thermoprene is very flexible. I would choose XL if purchasing standard neoprene. It is a bit long in the arms and legs, but not enough to affect the suit's warmth.

 

[bfw]

Two words: fitting room.

 

[ruready7]

Im 5'6 180lbs. Broad in shoulders. But the Pinnacle brand fits me almost perfect in a medium.