Wetsuit sizing advice

[Andy3000]

Hi all!

I'm looking for some advice regarding wetsuit sizing on behalf of my GF. Old threads have been helpful,but not spot on. Hoping that you could be of assistance.

GF recently bought a suit online (only option here) and went with the size that she was recommended. The suit goes on OK with soap water, and is near perfect lengthwise. It is, however, rather tight and blood flow to hands and feet is somewhat restricted (veins getting nicely visible after a while...). Also, when relaxing the arms, they are kept suspended in 'mid air' an inch or two from the body due to the tightness of the suit.

Would you recommend keeping the suit (good length, a bit tight) or moving up one size (less tight, but too long)? Will the suit stretch a bit after the first few uses? Can we use eg PET bottles to 'pre-stretch' ends of arms/legs?

Thanks!
Andreas

 

[Apneaddict]

Send it back and get a custom fit one, for likely the same $$$, if it's a free diving / apnea suit.

 

[manalive!]

I think you can expect a bit of arm lift, but bulging veins and restricted circulation doesn't sound good. If you're buying an off the peg then all you can do is follow the manufacturers size guides, if you (she) is lucky enough to be a standard shape then great, however, that's probably/possibly unlikely. If you/she can afford, then a custom made is the answer definitely. I'm not sure about the stretching using bottles, maybe that will work, I don't know. Going up a size sounds like the suit won't be a snug fit, she'll get some flush through and given that you're in Norway and have cold water I don't think that would really be a good idea.

Perhaps you get get her a gym membership and after a couple of months she'll have a perfect fitting suit and you'll have a sexier girlfriend :inlove and still save money? No offense :blackeye

 

[denian]

like your thinking manalive LOL. But a gym membership will prob be more than custom made suite.And if diving cold Norway waters a thick suite may feel restrictive.

 

[Andy3000]

Thanks guys - it certainly seems like custom made is the best option here. We'll have a think and see if we can be bothered to go the custom route from the beginning, or whether we give it a go and try to sell it if it doesn't work. There is bound to be someone with 'off the shelf' measurements out there...

Cheers.

 

[Apneaddict]

Either way, download the measurement chart from aqualandwetsuits.com or eliossub.com and get her measurements.

You can have some fun with the inseam one.

You have to repeat them, to make sure you get them right.

How I love being measured for a new suit!

 

[Andy3000]

Thanks for the links - cheaper than I thought.
And, lacking a witty reply this time a day, I'll just go ahead and ignore the comment about the inseam measurement...