Women's Wetsuits: Patagonia

[CaliCampbell]

Hey everyone!

I'm just searching for advice on some wetsuits. What I currently own: 4/3 Roxy Wetsuit (size 6...feels too big) + 2mm Roxy Spring Suit (size 6...also too big - clearance item)

Right now in RI the waters are still around 70º but slowly decreasing due to the change of seasons. In the summer I surf mostly in a bikini (yes even in New England) and it's my favorite, my wetsuits and spring suit just make me feel too bulky. I think I would love my spring suit much more if it was a smaller size (I'm 125lbs - 32" bust - 25" waist - but 5'6" in height so a full wetsuit in a 4 is too short) SO I think I could get away with a size 4 spring suit because theres no legs (per say). If any girls have advice on how the buy their suits that'd be great!

I've been looking at this Roxy spring suit in a size 4 (because I have a 6 and it's a little large and roxy has like no size guides):


BUT I've also been looking at this Patagonia Front Zip R2 spring suit in a size 6 (looks like their sizes run a bit smaller than roxy):


I would love to use this Spring suit through out the fall (because I don't get cold easily) so I feel like Patagoina would do the trick but I've never seen anyone with this suit and none of our shops sell them..are they any good?

Thanks so much! I appreciate any feedback!

[dtc]

I'm no expert on women's wetsuits, but my experience is that a front zip will have a lot more 'vertical' stretch than a back zip. Neoprene will stretch quite a bit, but a zip doesnt stretch at all. So if you have a back zip, then it cant stretch vertically for the entire length of the zip ie most of the upper body. However, a front zip runs horizontal, so it doesnt limit the stretch very much at all.

What this means in practice is that if a wetsuit is slightly too short, getting a front zip will allow you to stretch the wetsuit a lot more than with a backzip one.

Having no legs in the suit doesnt help if its too short for the upper body, because the suit can only stretch (for the upper body) from the crotch to the shoulders. Having legs or not doesnt make any difference in this regard.

Patagonia are a high end wetsuit company, there should be no issues in terms of buying one of its wetsuits (other than how much they cost!).

[zebroo]

Hey

I too have always found it difficult to get hold of a wetsuit that really fits well. I'm a bit pear shaped so find the ones that would fit my torso struggle to get up over my ass and hips (ahem), or the ones that fit my ass are gappy around the waste and shoulders. I surf in very cold water in the winter so significant flushing can ruin a surf.

Is there anyone in your neck of the woods that makes custom suits? Here in the UK we have a few companies making custom wetsuits, I have one from Slynk.. She makes summer suits very similar to the pictures you have posted above and they are made to measure. You can also specify the type of neoprene, colours etc. If I were you I would do a bit of research in to custom wetsuits!

[billie_morini]

CaliCamppbell,
Roxy suit quality is on par with the majority of manufacturers. Patagonia quality is slightly superior, but pricing is premium.

Here is an idea because you cannot see these suits in stores. Call the Patagonia store in Ventura, CA (805 643-6074). Ask to speak to a female employee, in particular, on that surfs. Tell her you are calling from New England. Then inquire about the suit(s). Everyone working in the Patagonia store in Ventura and many employees at Ventura HQ are outdoors-people. You'll get good information from them.

[surfyeah]

I get your size problem, but why would anyone want to cover their arms and not legs in a wetsuit is beyond me:))

[waikikikichan]

A month ago in Japan, the water was warmer than the air so most surfers use Long-Springs ( long arm short legs ). Going from spring to summer people use Sea-Gull ( Short arm Long legs - don't ask me how they came up with the name ) when the air is hot and water cold. In 2 months I'll be wearing my Dry-suit. Great because you don't need to even shower. Just rinse off your head and hair a bit.

[Customwetsuits]

[Full disclosure] I am a representative from 7TILL8 Custom Wetsuits. We custom build wetsuits specific to the women's body. We have been spending years understanding the differences between bodies to program our algorithms precisely for accurate custom pattern creations.

We recently introduced our line of custom wetsuits for women
Dive: https://www.7till8.com/products/custom-womens-dive-fullsuit
Surf: https://www.7till8.com/products/custom-womens-surf-fullsuit

Easy online tutorial allows you to submit measurements from your home and we ship internationally!

Let us know how we can help! Our priority is your happiness in the water and we'll do everything possible to suit you up in a perfect fitting wetsuit.