New wetsuit neck too tight

[Paladin]

Today, I was given a new NeoSport 5mm fullsuit as a Christmas gift. The suit fits great everywhere except the neoprene neck seal, which is a tad too tight. What is a good way to get a better fit around the neck? As it is, it chokes me a little and I could never use a hood with it.

 

[Avonthediver]

Hot or warm 3 liter soda bottle

 

[Paladin]

Hmm. Just might work. I'll do that tonight and let it set overnight. Thanks!

 

[Avonthediver]

no prob

 

[Ayisha]

I've had that with a couple of wetsuits and it was because the neck seal went too high and it was choking me. They are usually trimmable. I cut the neck seal to be lower and the problem was solved.

Check the instructions or with the shop you bought it from to see if your neck seal is trimmable. If it is, you'll usually see that it looks unfinished rather than hemmed.

 

[Paladin]

The neck seal does have a raw edge. If stretching doesn't work, I'll try trimming it a little at a time.

 

[Ayisha]

Usually the tight feeling is because the neck seal is sitting right on your Adam's apple, so as soon as you cut it below that area, it should be comfy.

When my LDS owner first told me to trim the neck seal since I complained it was too tight, I was terrified to do it myself. He assured me it was meant to be trimmed. I marked it with white chalk and cut carefully and no one could tell the difference. Not to worry.

 

[Paladin]

Okay, so I stretched it over a 3-liter bottle until the bottle cooled, then left it stretched over an AL80 overnight. I tried the wetsuit on a few minutes ago and the neck fits much better. It still puts a slight pressure against my throat but it's not that uncomfortable and will probably work itself out after a few dives. I thank everyone for your advice.