Wetsuit fit question

[Here There be Lobsters]

Hi, I bought a 7/6/5mm wetsuit recently online. The arms, legs, and neck fit tight and the inseam is correct, but the belly region is meant for someone a little bit wider than I am. With a bcd on, do you think this will pose any problems?

 

[Cheizz]

If all the places where water could flush in are sealed properly and keep much of that water out, I don't think there is a very big problem. If the suit is so loose in places that it can fold or rub, that might be uncomfortable though. But in terms of isolation and the working of a wetsuit, I don't think it's a big problem as long as the seals and water barriers do their part.

 

[Pearlman]

A bit of gap in the small of the back is normal. If you have folds of neoprene hanging down the sides then it’s obviously not the right fit.

 

[johndiver999]

You may also be able to buy a 2-3 mm vest (with no hood), if after you use it and find it too loose.

For really cold water, this will give you more insulation and take up a little space. If you are diving in warm water, then it is probably not going to matter at all.

 

[Here There be Lobsters]

Thanks everyone! I’m going to test it out this Friday, so fingers crossed no random influxes of cold water.

Overall, would you say it is worth it to return or alter a wetsuit so that you have one that fits perfectly or just stick with one that fits a little off but doesn’t seem bothersome?

 

[ontdiver]

Ideally, you want the best fit possible, but this is often only achieved with a custom fitted suit. Also keep in mind that when we age and/or alter diet/lifestyle, we may "grow" into a wetsuit that wasn't initially perfect.

Give the wetsuit a good workout and let us know how you made out.

 

[johndiver999]

A custom suit is expensive. If you don't have a perfectly matching size/shape, there is going to be some wrinkles and/or a little stretching here and there. In general, a loosely fitting suit is more comfortable, easier to get on and not as warm. Also the thinner the wetsuit material is, the more forgiving with respect to size it is - in other words, thicker suits need to fit better. If the suit is thicker than it really needs to be and there is not a lot of water entering or leaving the suit, then a little extra space is not a problem.

If you have big wrinkles behind your knees or the legs or arms are inflating with static water, then this won't work. If the suit is a little long (in the sleeves, ankles or torso) or a little big around the middle, most people can get away with that knowing they saved several hundreds of dollars with respect to a custom suit.

If a suit is too tight, is choking you around the neck, cutting off blood flow to extremities or so tight around the chest that it inhibits respiration, then this is unacceptable (and even dangerous).

Kinda lack asking somebody if a particular pair of shoes is going to be comfortable.... gotta wear the shoe and find out.

 

[Here There be Lobsters]

Worked great on the dive! Comfortable, warmed up quickly and didn’t flush.

 

[JMJ Wetsuits]

A custom suit is expensive

@johndiver999 Just wondering how much you've shopped around for custom suits. From what I (not necessarily JMJ) have seen, in many cases custom suits are less expensive than retail suits. Why? How? Direct-to-consumer....no middleman.

Would love to hear about your observations on this

Derek

 

[johndiver999]

@johndiver999 Just wondering how much you've shopped around for custom suits. From what I (not necessarily JMJ) have seen, in many cases custom suits are less expensive than retail suits. Why? How? Direct-to-consumer....no middleman.

Would love to hear about your observations on this

Derek

40 seconds of research... yields...


From your website... you charge $485 for a one piece suit
From Leuisure Pro - first suit that comes up is $199

Both 5 mm back zip suits.

Yours is more than double the cost.


ONE-PIECE FULLSUIT

The One Piece Fullsuit with a rear-entry zipper is very popular style for good reason. The flexibility and freedom of movement of a one piece suit works very well for diving and other activities. While not providing as much insulation as the John & Beavertail Jacket combo, the fullsuit is perfect for cool conditions and can be combined with an interior Cold Water Bib or a Hooded Vest for colder conditions.

Our Fullsuit features an ergonomic swim position pattern and flexible panels at the elbows and knees for ease of movement. This suit can be ordered with the more common back-zip or a front slant entry zipper.

Our dive suits are made with durable dive-grade neoprene that has better “memory” than other types of neoprene, meaning it will resume its thickness, even after being compressed many times at dive depths. All seams are glued & blindstitched for durability and have Lycra bindings for flexibility. They are available in various thicknesses with your choice of interior Nylon lining or Neoskin, and have non-corrosive Vislon zippers with interior flaps to prevent water from entering.

This suit is custom-fit to your measurements for maximum warmth and comfort. Stock sizes in 7mm neoprene are also available. All JMJ wetsuits are made to last and keep you warm for many dives to come.

READ MORE...

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CHOOSE THICKNESS & FIT

THICKNESS​	CUSTOM-FIT​	STOCK SIZE​
7mm​	$495​	$395​
5mm​	$485​	$385​
3mm​	$460​	$360​

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