Wetsuit Fit, Need Some Experienced Help

[dansadler3]

What's up everyone, how's it going? Quick question for anyone willing to help. I'm new to surfing and an getting ready to buy a wetsuit. I'm right in between a S and MS on the Quiksilver chart, and I heard that fit is crucial. I just want to get it right. I heard that weight is the most important factor, but I've taken the other measurements into consideration as well. My weight is around 155, but moves up and down depending on my discipline. The small ranges from 135-155, and the MS from 140-160. My neck size is right on 15, and the S's neck is 15, MS is 15.5, Any advice? Thanks again

[billie_morini]

I use Quiksilver suits. What is your height, please?

[dansadler3]

I use Quiksilver suits. What is your height, please?

About 5'8"

[Namu]

Different companies make suits of varying sizes, I switched from a bodyglove to an O'Neill since they had a range of wetsuits for short and stout people. Take a look at a few other brands. Are you able to try any of the suits on first?

[dtc]

Obviously the first and absolutely best tip is to try them on. I can never find a suit that fits properly just from the charts, because the shoulder width (across the back from deltoid to deltoid) is very different between brands, but its not on the charts. I have now found the brand that fits me best, but it took trying on about 10 suits to find that (and even then, if I move between that brands suit models, they are slightly different). So if at all possible, hit a store and just try on brands until you find one that fits (tip: use the plastic bag method, because trying on suits in a store over and over is (a) sweaty and (b) very tiring)

that said, if you cant but are getting a higher end suit, they are very stretchy nowadays. So something around about the right size will stretch to fit you (even suits that are, say, for someone 5'10 will probably be fine for a 5'8 person because they are built to stretch). In other words, going for a suit that is slightly too big is ok and slightly too small is ok (but less preferable). If you are still growing (a teen) then go for the slightly too big

I dont think weight is all that important, because obviously someone 5'8 could be 140lb or 180lb and the different will be around the waist or chest. Base your decision on height, neck and so forth. Also, of course, try other suit companies and see if they have a more precise fit from the charts

[billie_morini]

dan,
in case you haven't seen the Quiksilver sizing chart, there is one on this web page about 1/2 way down:
http://www.quiksilver.com/customer-serv ... harts.html

Wetsuits stretch about 10% when wet. I'd say thin suits made with modern stretchy neoprene may stretch 12% to 15%.

My fave suit is a Quiksilver 3/2 Cypher having neck entry and chest zip. You and I are the same height and weight. Additionally, my weight varies like you described for yourself. My neck and chest are large. I'm naturally muscular on top. The Medium Short (MS) Quiksilver Cypher 3/2 was so tight on my chest I could not breath. The legs were just right. The salesman said it looked like it fit and would stretch. My impression was I'd pass out if I I wore it more than 15 minutes. I ended up buying the Medium (M) suit. The legs are about 1 inche too long, but the chest and neck were just right. I could breath and had full movement. Once the suit got old and when in use (e.g., wet), the legs are a little bit long. I've never thought about it until this message to you, but I can cut an inch off the bottom of them!

billie

[saltydog]

dtc has great suggestions. You can also google the review of wetsuits and read what others have to say about the fit over various body shapes.

[waikikikichan]

I agree with what DTC said. But if you can't try on, and both are close, go with bigger. If too short from Crotch to Neck, your shoulders will hurt and you feel scrunched up. That said, you shrink when cold and get bigger when hot, so trying on a wetsuit in a surfshop's dressing room kinda gives a false reading.

[dtc]

If too short from Crotch to Neck, your shoulders will hurt and you feel scrunched up..

If male, other parts will hurt as well

For me, the shoulder/back fit is key. Too tight and you really start feeling it after an hour of paddling.