[Fondueset]

I don't agree on the 'one size larger' rule - just my opinion but if anything I'd go a bit on the small side - esp for a 3mil. If you are diving in cold water fit is absolutely critical. (my diving conditions are a little cooler than jdty's however - I use my 3mil down into the 50s F and my 5mil into the 30s) In any case you probably just need to use more lube. These open cell suits absolutely require it. Some people claim water is enough - but it doesn't work for me. I hated putting on my custom Elios suit until I finally understood about the lube issue. Heres what I do:

I use diluted hair conditioner - my criteria is to use the highest proportion of water to hair conditioner I can get away with and still have it plenty slimey. I squirt it around inside the suit then lay it flat and rub the interior surfaces together to distribute it - when the key parts of the suit all slide freely against eachother I know I've got the conditioner where it needs to be. These parts are - arms armpits and the area just under, neck and torso. Pretty much everywhere on the bottoms too for your suit - mine has a coating on the inside and I can put the bottoms on with no lube if need be.

Using lube not only makes it easier to get on and adjust - it will increase the life of your suit by reducing friction and stress on the open cell when you put it on.