Wetsuit sizing and sourcing

[Mark Archer]

I'm renewing my certification and desperately need help with finding a wetsuit that fits me. I'm really hoping this forum can assist me.
My measurements are as follows:
Height 6'
Weight 180
Waist 33
Chest 47
Neck 18
I'm not concerned about the cost, that ship sailed. I'm looking for a knee length as well as a full suit. Knee length for warm weather and full suit for winter diving in south Texas and like weather locations. I would greatly appreciate and help I can get by the pro's on this forum

 

[stuartv]

You sound like a pretty standard men's size L or XL, depending on the brand.

If you don't have a local shop where you can find something that works for you, I would suggest to check out LeisurePro.com. Look at their Pressure-Free Fit Guarantee.

Also, they accept returns with no restocking fee.

When I wanted my first wetsuit, I ordered 3 different suits from LeisurePro. The most important thing is fit. Even if it's the "right" size, it might not fit you well. I ordered 3 expecting to try them all, keep the one that fit best, and return the other 2. It turned out none of the 3 fit me as well as I hoped. I went to my local shop and tried on a different brand there and that one fit me the best of them all, so I returned all 3 to LP. It only cost me a bit of shipping.

 

[Birddog1911]

Hi Mark. It's very difficult to give you a really good idea, due to the fact that one brand will fit different from another. One of my suits is a large, the other is an XL, and I tried a rental that while new, took me into an XXL.

I'd spitball it, and say that you may need an XL.

As far as a cold weather wet, I'd suggest a semi-dry suit, such as the Hollis Neotek, which I use, or a Waterproof W4, like my buddy dives.

 

[Mark Archer]

I should have included in my post, I've tried large, xlarge. If it fits in the waist the chest is way way to small, 2xl is better in the chest but I could store an ice chest in the waist and butt area..

 

[Birddog1911]

I've never bothered to look into it, but you may need a custom wetsuit. Hopefully someone with more experience in these matters will come along soon, and perhaps lend some guidance in that area.

 

[Mark Archer]

Is there a name brand that's considered a steep above other?
Also I'd like to thank all of you for the advice! When I was certified in the late 70's it was the old bc time... the new equipment and products are mind numbing

 

[stuartv]

Like @Birddog1911 said, different manufacturers, different sizes. Also, different proportions. You need to try other brands. 14" is a fair bit bigger of a difference between waist and chest size than the garment industry standard (which is generally more like 6"). But, you will can probably find something that will stretch enough in the chest to not feel TOO tight.

I would try one of the higher end Bare wetsuits. I have not worn one myself, but the people that I know that have worn lots of different brands have specifically called out Bare to me as being exceptionally stretchy and well-fitting.

Otherwise, you need to look for custom made.

 

[Mark Archer]

Like @Birddog1911 said, different manufacturers, different sizes. Also, different proportions. You need to try other brands. 14" is a fair bit bigger of a difference between waist and chest size than the garment industry standard (which is generally more like 6"). But, you will can probably find something that will stretch enough in the chest to not feel TOO tight.

I would try one of the higher end Bare wetsuits. I have not worn one myself, but the people that I know that have worn lots of different brands have specifically called out Bare to me as being exceptionally stretchy and well-fitting.

Otherwise, you need to look for custom made.

Like @Birddog1911 said, different manufacturers, different sizes. Also, different proportions. You need to try other brands. 14" is a fair bit bigger of a difference between waist and chest size than the garment industry standard (which is generally more like 6"). But, you will can probably find something that will stretch enough in the chest to not feel TOO tight.

I would try one of the higher end Bare wetsuits. I have not worn one myself, but the people that I know that have worn lots of different brands have specifically called out Bare to me as being exceptionally stretchy and well-fitting.

Otherwise, you need to look for custom made.

 

[Mark Archer]

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their time in responding to my posts, I'll do some research in getting a custom suit(s) made. I cannot wait to dive again and the cost of custom products pales in comparison to the adventures that await me.

 

[Charles2]

My measurements are almost identical to yours. I have not been able to find an 'off the rack' suit that fits satisfactorily. In my research, O'Neill wetsuits seemed to have the greatest difference between waist and chest; however, I have been unable to find a dealer in Houston. My next suit will probably be custom.