14 replies to this topic

[SirenaCansone]

Here's the problem: When I look at the size charts of swimsuits I'm in one size for height and one OTHER size for weight. Not all short women are a size 4 ! I need a 3m m even for warm water since I have a temperature issue and need to stay warm. I am currently snorkeling in a large KIDS shortie! If anyone has a suit they think might fit OR a recommendation of where to get one, please let me know.

[uwfan]

Wetsuits... can be tricky... though for me it seemed dress size matched wetsuit size fairly closely. I went in to several dive stores and tried on wetsuits - tight fit is important but not so tight as to cut off circulation. I'm not sure I qualify as "short" as I'm about 5' 6" and I had an incredible opportunity to get a custom made wetsuit last summer in Bali. But my off the rack 3mm is a great fit though and it was simply a process of elimination for me to try different brands, different material types, and different sizes.

Good luck on your search!

[WreckWench]

If you decide to go the custom route...we can now import those awesome wetsuits from Bali to the US. I will have pricing and details in a month or so.

Otherwise do as uwfan suggests....try try try on and try some more until you find something that fits you! kamala

[shadragon]

I had the same issue as you when looking for an off-the-rack wetsuit.

I bought a ScubaPro Everflex wetsuit late last year. I am a 42" chest, but the suit I got was listed for a 50" chest to accommodate my height. It was tight to put on the first time, but it will conform to your body shape as you wear it and as a result keeps you very warm. Now that it is fitted to me, putting it on is simple and it fits perfectly. The one I got was the full length version, but it is the same material in the shorty. The materials used inside also dry quickly.

There are seals at the ankle and wrist to restrict water exchange and a soft seal around your neck which is comfortable.

I noticed that all of the staff at my dive shop wore the same model wetsuit and I am quite happy with it. Go and try one on but wear it for at least half an hour before making up your mind.

Hope that helps.

[Rachel]

I am 5 feet tall and definitely not a size 4. I got a Pinnacle size Medium Short wetsuit that fits me pretty well.

[SirenaCansone]

Well, I discovered last night that my loyalty was getting in the way. I was only trying stuff on in "my" dive shop and when NONE of the suits fit me "my" divemaster told me "I can order you a custom". I figured he

knew what he was talking about and that I had an unusual body type or that I was too chubby for a regular suit (my height says I should be a TWO for cryin' out loud!). Wrong on both counts. On a whim I went to a different dive shop last

night and the guy took ONE look at me and said: "You're a size 10". After I stopped laughing I tried on the suit he suggested. HOLY MOBY DICK! It was a discontinued Henderson style and it fit like a glove. Well, almost. It was about 3/4 of

an inch long at sleeve and ankle and somewhat constricting across the Mae West area but it gave me a lot of hope because it's the best fit I have had yet. And SO much easier to put on! He's ordering some newer Henderson styles soon and

I'm going to try them on to see if I can find an even better option. I will also try to find some of the suits suggested here. I'm curious about those Bali suits. Any pics or links? Sounds like the Dolce and Gabbana of women's

wetsuits. Oooh!

Edited by SirenaCansone, 04 June 2010 - 07:51 PM.

[lynnlchan]

Try a Henderson Hyperstretch or something similar. Size charts are difficult to go by.

[SirenaCansone]

Thanks for the link!

Congrats, you found how to deal with dive shops BEFORE you lost a $1000+. Loyalty is good, but dive shops are very low profit outfits and need to push what they have. Most people don't figure that out until they have lost a lot of money on stuff they shouldn't have bought.

Here are the Bali wesuits:
http://www.nemowetsuit.com/

[Divegirl412]

I will endorse the Henderson wetsuits too. I am very tiny.. pretty sure I am shorter than you. I lucked into Hendersons very early in my diving life because my diveshop carried them. I have gone through the titanium hyperstretch line and also the aquasuedes... from 3mm up to 7 mm and have NEVER had to alter any of them. AND they fit my height as well. And I do have CURVES!!! Definitely not skinny. I have worn from a size 4-6. So I would encourage you to look at those. I wear my full length 3mms on all my warm water dives as well. Just a wimp. My shop just stopped carrying Hendersons recently because 1. several other lines have come out with stretchy suits now... so the Hendersons are no longer so unique, and 2. the hendersons tend to be expensive. They now carry the Aqualung flex suits or something like that and are trying to talk me into those. So try on many different suits, concentrating on the stretchy or flex styles. Do not try any "regular" wetsuits. If all else fails. and you can't find anything in town, try leisure pro or some of the online stores that will let you order several, try them on and return the ones that don't fit.

And if absolutely you need to shorten arms or legs, there are several places that specialize in wetsuit alterations at reasonable prices. Your shop should be able to recommend one, or look online. PM me if you have any other questions.

Good luck

Rosa

[lynnlchan]

If all else fails. and you can't find anything in town, try leisure pro or some of the online stores that will let you order several, try them on and return the ones that don't fit.

One tip with Leisurepro - call to get better pricing. They offer a better price via phone, one they can't advertise on the net.

[SirenaCansone]

Eureka! I got a Henderson thermoprene 3mm full WOMEN'S wetsuit. I took one look at the shape on the rack and realizd I was trying on mostly men's suits in the other dive shop. NO WONDER they didn't fit. The guy at the new place handed me the suit, sent me to the dressing room....perfect! A little long in the extremeties but he told me I could just fold them under. I LOVE THIS SUIT! Thanks for all your comments. I'm learning from all of you.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Glad you found the right suit for you!

We're always glad to help other divers on this board. Stick around...at some point, your 2psi will make a difference to another member!

[lynnlchan]

Wonderful!

The other shop was putting you into men's wetsuits? I'm a strong advocate for women's specific gear in almost any sport. There's a manufacturer here in MN that makes great motorcycle gear but to get anything women specific you have to have them make it for you ($$), men can buy off the rack. I refuse to shop there. I figure I have to put my money where my mouth is.

[scubaclint]

We're always glad to help other divers on this board. Stick around...at some point, your 2psi will make a difference to another member!

It's ALREADY happening! Thanks for mentioning the tip about folding the sleeves under. I recently got a 5mm suit and apparently with my height and weight, I need to grow my arms another 12 feet.