Recommendation for petite women's wetsuit?

[bethr524]

I've been struggling to find a 5mm wetsuit that fits me properly. I'm about 5' 2' and weigh about 107 lbs. I'm rather athletic and have somewhat broad shoulders for my size. Most of the wetsuits I've tried on are too long in the torso. Or if they're short enough in the torso, they're too tight across the chest and shoulders. I currently have an older Henderson size 4 suit that was just so-so in terms of quality, and its torso was a bit long. I tried an Extra Small Waterproof 5mm wetsuit, and even that size was too long in the torso but tight in the chest (the Small fit in the chest but was even longer in the torso). Too bad since I think the Waterproof brand is excellent quality. I get cold easily due to repetitive, long dives, and so I know I need 5mm (3mm simply doesn't keep me warm enough).

I know that I could go the custom route, and I may well end up doing so. But before I decide if that's necessary, I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a women's wetsuit that might fit me properly.

 

[phishphood]

Just a thought, do any juniors size suits come anywhere near fitting you? I think it might depend on just how broad your shoulders are, but my girlfriend is along the same lines of your build and fit a kids suit before she quit diving

 

[rhwestfall]

There is no substitute for proper fitting exposure protection.

Contact the folks at Wetwear (Connie), get a custom, and enjoy your diving again...

 

[bethr524]

Thanks for this suggestion. I might just give it a try!

 

[bethr524]

There is no substitute for proper fitting exposure protection.

Contact the folks at Wetwear (Connie), get a custom, and enjoy your diving again...

Just back from my first dive trip where I wore my new custom wetsuit made by Wetwear, and all is good! I finally have a 5mm suit that fits all my proportions and keeps me warm (which is a challenge for me even in the Caribbean). I started working with Connie at Wetwear back in August, and after taking about 35 measurements and waiting a few weeks, I received the first "draft" of my wetsuit, meaning that I could try it on and provide feedback as to what needed to be tweaked. The final seams were not yet glued so that alterations were still possible. My husband and I did lots of remeasuring and had a few phone calls with Connie, and we sent her dozens of digital photos to indicate what needed to be taken in or changed. Then I sent the suit back to Wetwear for them to do the needed alterations. A few weeks later I received my final suit, which had been tailored to my specifications. It fits great and feels good, and as I mentioned, it keeps me warm. I definitely recommend the Wetwear product and process. But be forewarned that it can take a few months from start to finish. Connie is terrific, but email is not her preferred medium. And when you live remote from her shop, there's a lot of communication that's needed to clearly specify what you want and need in terms of options and sizing. Also, be prepared that this is not an inexpensive way to go. But if it saves me buying a series of sub-par wetsuits over the next several years, it's worth it. I highly recommend the elongated zippers on the legs and arms as they make getting into and out of your suit so much easier. I also got the optional spine pad, and my back never hurt me once during my ~18 dives last week. I got a shortie 3mm as a second layer for when I do colder water dives, but I didn't try it out in Bonaire since it wasn't needed. Nor did I try out my new hood that I also purchased since it wasn't necessary in the 82-degree water. But I look forward to using those items as well next time I dive somewhere a bit cooler.

 

[Alvin_George]

Can Wetwear make beavertail wetsuits with twistlock fasteners?

 

[bethr524]

Can Wetwear make beavertail wetsuits with twistlock fasteners?

I don't know, but you can check their web site (Welcome to Wetwear - Custom Wet Suits of Rubatex Neoprene for Scuba Diving and All Water Activities) or give them a call to find out what's possible.