Which brands tend to run larger?

[Jazzcat24]

I am looking to buy a ~3mm shorty wetsuit for a discover scuba class & snorkeling while on a cruise Feb 1-7 in Eastern Caribbean. I am on a budget & have seen some ranging from $60-80 on the discount scuba gear sites & ebay. I can't afford a Henderson hyperstretch & I can't wear a mens, as I get those poochy pockets behind my shoulders/armpits. I have learned that size charts don't mean much! My problem is that I am pear shaped. I suspect I will need at least a 16. For reference. an Oceanic Caribe XL is 1 size too small. I am wondering about the less expensive brands of Tilos, Parkway, Dacor, Comp, etc.
In all of your vast experiences, which brands have you all known to run larger than others. If you know what runs smaller, let me know that too! I wish could afford a custom, but I can't not. Also, other than ebay, anywhere else to buy used suits? I got the Oceanic unused on ebay for very good price...at least it fits my friend that is going with me so her hunt is over! Thanks Ladies!

 

[seaangel]

I bought a Comp 3mm shorty after the suggestion to use my jeans size as a guide and it worked great for me. I bought a size 14 and it fits terrific. I also, have the hyperstretch in a full suit and I will say it fits great too. If they have it in a shorty go for it.

 

[divemistress]

check www.divenaked.com (divers discount in southern california). the site offers a lot of henderson suits, but scroll down and there are akona and tilos and other suits for about half the price. oh - i don't know about the quality either.

i try to save up for henderson suits. they run pretty big. i am not small and i can wear a size 14 womens.

good luck,

judy

 

[deignor]

I have a 3 mm shorty from Akona and I like it a lot - very comfortable and good price. Akona has a variety of sizes and the sizing chart was pretty accurate. I bought it from www.leisurepro.com. They have great prices and fast service. I phone in and talk to them about sizing because they are very knowledgeable.
Diana

 

[crazyc]

Bare wetsuits tend to fit most pear-shaped women. Actually the mens suits will provide a better fit than the womens. (I fit men and women in these full-time) The womens suits tend to think that if you are larger sized, that you are short, and so they mess up the sizing. The mens suits no longer are straight cut, they compensate for men with bellies and hence fit pear-shaped women.

 

[Jazzcat24]

Thanks for the input. I managed to find the brand Sea Elite that has a shorty in sizes up to 2XL. Surely one of the 2 largest they have should fit me! I will probably drive down to Atlanta to try them on if I can get a store there to get them from the main HQ store/warehouse. Getting close to cruise time...gotta get something!

 

[Jazzcat24]

Thanks everyone for your input. I ordered a Parkway shorty & it fits!!!! I am so excited, as now I have everything for the cruise. This time in a week, I'll be on ship & sailing. My first cruise...can you tell? There's snow on the ground in East TN & it's 84 in St Thomas! & I'm going there!
Thanks again. You have all been most helpful with every question I have asked on the Board.