Proper Wetsuit Fit

[Dave.E]

I picked up a used 7mm farmer john & jacket style wetsuit today. When I got home and tried it on it was a 15 minute battle. Everything was a good length but the arms and legs were extremely hard to get on far enough. It is also really movement limiting. The leg zipper on the jacket also has to be done up partially before putting it on or else it is not happening. According to the sizing chart I am fine.

Is this normal?

Dave

 

[00wabbit]

Doing up the leg zipper helps anyway on a farmer John. How is the chest? Does it restrict your breathing? I had a suit that was too tight in class and it caused me to hyperventilate when trying to breathe harder because I was taking shallow breath. After getting to the surface and unzipping the suit over my chest I was better.

It really shouldn't be too much harder to put on than a regular wetsuit. My hyper stretch 3mm takes longer for me to put on than a 7mm because it is more flexible and stretchy.

 

[Dave.E]

Yea it adds a bit of resistance to breathing

 

[spectrum]

Hi Dave,

A lot of it is technique and what you describe does sound typical for donning a heavy suit for the first time while in a warm home.

Needing to start the zipper before getting your leg in is typical. You need some tension at the openings to limit water flow and 7mm tension does not mix well with marrying a zipper.

This topic goes into more depth on fit, donning and more than you want to know.

pete

 

[KeithG]

A 7mm is hard to get on. Especially if it has not been custom made and you do not have an off the rack body.

The various suit manufacturers each make a different fit. If you can find one that matches your body, great. No one makes suits that will fit every one.

Even if the arm and leg lengths are good, it does not mean it will fit. The arms may be too small, legs to large, neck to loose, crotch too low, ...

Proper fit will be easier to get on and off, and will be way warmer.

So if it does not fit properly (too small in some areas) it will be harder to get on and off.

I have always worn custom fit suits.

 

[diverrex]

I use a Henderson 7mm two piece farmer john. When I put the bottom on I need to reach down and pull each leg up several inches to get the knee pad over my knees. I need to keep the leg of the top zippered a few inches before I step in it. When I put each arm on I need to first stretch my arms out far to each side, zip up the front then pull each arm up a couple inches. It needs to fit tight in the arms and legs to limit water movement. It feels much better in the water than on land.

Mine doesn't take 15 minutes to put on but is longer and harder than putting on jeans and t shirt.

 

[Dave.E]

Thanks for all the input!

I just tried it on again using the rolling method described in the article posted by Spectrum. It was much more comfortable! Took about 5 minutes this time... I'm sure I'll get faster with practice.

Dave

 

[00wabbit]

Get in the shower with it and shoot water down inside so it can settle then you can get an idea of how it will feel.