Yes, another wetsuit fit post

[Lopez116]

Hi guys,

I am sure this question gets asked a lot on this board.

I bought a Body Glove Excursion 7 mm wetsuit from a guy on craigslist. It still had tags on and everything. According to the sizing chart (which only sizes by height and weight), it says an XL should fit, but when I try it on, it's incredibly tight. I don't know if it fits right and I'm just not used to it, or it is in fact too small.

I cannot even come close to zipping it by myself and the neck feels like it's choking me. When I get in my pool with it and water enters, it feels better, but it's still tight. My range of motion is very limited in it.

How do I know if it's too tight or just right??? I want to go diving this weekend, so please help.

Thanks,

 

[freewillie]

Wetsuits vary tremendously by brand. There really is no alternative than to try on each and every brand you are interested in buying. Many manufacters will vary in their size and cuts.

For the basics the wetsuit itself should fit as tight as possible without being uncomfortable. A gentle squeeze is expected as long as you don't have any significant restrictions in motion. You should still be able to move freely in all ranges of motion. If you feel like you are being choked and you can't move it is probably too tight.

Personally, I've found that both Akona and Aqua lung wetsuits just don't fit me that well. The Aqualungs in particular are just too long for me and never fit quite right. And although I would expect to be a small for most wetsuits based on sizing charts I've found a few brands like Bare that fit be better in medium. Go figure, even when the size chart puts me in a small.

Unless you have experience with how a particular brand fits you from trying it on I find it impossible to buy over the internet from charts alone. Unless you plan to return via mail often until you find one that does fit. Of course, trying on at an LDS and then buying internet is a whole separate thread!!!

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PS. If you are diving this weekend and you can't make an exchange in time then you might be better off renting at an LDS where you can actually try on a suit for fit.

 

[TMHeimer]

No good if you can't get the zipper up yourself. I never have that problem with my old 7 mil farmer john (though it varies depending on which dessert I had). Worst thing is having it too tight around the neck, as this may cause lightheadedness and blackout--not good underwater.

 

[windapp]

I second the tight around the neck comment. If a wetsuit or hood squeezes one or both of your corodid arteries, you can black out without warning. Black out under water = 99% chance of death. If it weren't for that, you could just try it and see.

 

[t4e]

Wetsuits vary tremendously by brand. There really is no alternative than to try on each and every brand you are interested in buying. Many manufacters will vary in their size and cuts.

one major reason for which i will never buy a wetsuit online unless it was dirt cheap and i didn't care loosing that money if it didn't fit
going to a shop and trying on all available makes and models is the best way to ensure you get a good fitting wetsuit, even if you pay a bit more then you would online

apart from the neck feeling tight, which as mentioned is not good at all, if its too tight you will also feel it in the legs around the knees and in the arms around the elbows, if after couple of minutes of wearing it you get a tingling sensation it sure as heck is too tight, just my opinion

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Wet suits that are too tight contributed to at least half of the difficulties I have encountered with student divers or recreational divers. You do not want to dive in a wetsuit that is constrictive around the neck, nor do you want one that in any way constricts your breathing because of tightness in the abdomen or chest. Sizing a wet suit needs to involve those areas as well as arm and leg movement, and , or course, coverage. I have never and will never buy a wet suit that I have not tried on before purchase. As noted above, size charts vary by manufacturer and even by geographic area. A European large is no where near as big as a USA large, for example. If you are stuck with your purchase, I suggest a trade in for a suit that fits properly. You can salvage some of the money you spent if you have a local shop that does that. Other, wisetry to find a diver to buy the too-small item from you and use that money to get a properly fitted suit. A wet suit that is too small will not only make diving uncomfortable, it can be a real health hazard.
DivemasterDennis

 

[highdesert]

My standard wetsuit fit reply: "It should hug you, but not squeeze you."

- Tight enough to prevent the flow of water anywhere. You might have to try on a dozen suits of different sizes and brands to get the right fit for you. Sizing guides are nearly meaningless.

- Not so tight as to cause constriction of blood flow or hinder your movement.

 

[Lopez116]

Based on everyone's replies, I think it is too small. The neck is really uncomfortable and tight - moving my head forward/looking down is almost painful, behind the knees squeezes a lot, and the wrists make my hands feel a little tingly.

Thanks for all the input guys.

 

[Pane]

Probably too tight!
Having said that, I originally thought my Scubapro was very tight. But it did improve when submerged, I flip a few centimeters of the arm-seal around which helps with the tingles, and now (after a couple dozen dives in it) I wouldn't change a thing.
Neoprene does stretch eventually, I guess. Either that, or I got smaller