No more changing room drama at the scuba shop pleeease.

April 4, 2012 4:09 PM

Can anyone recommend a wetsuit cut for curvy women? I just had the worst shopping experience of my life (seriously, you think bathing suit shopping is bad? At least bathing suits aren't trying to choke you to sweaty death right there in the changing room.) So I figured I'd order some online and try them on at home. Are you a woman with big boobs and thighs, no more than average height with little shoulders and waist, who's found a 2-3 mm wetsuit that fits?

I bought this one but it was way too big everywhere but the chest and butt. I'm really disappointed because it has short sleeves and long legs, which is ideal for what I want, but I know that's rare and I'd settle for a shorty.

I'm a size 14 or so.

posted by fingersandtoes to Shopping (10 answers total)

Does it actually have to be a wetsuit? Or are you looking for a bathing suit with more coverage? Because if that's the case you might find something at Junonia. Their "aquatards" might suit you.
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:34 PM on April 4, 2012

I'm roughly a size 14 with big hips, and a 3mm NRS Farmer Jane Ultra wetsuit fit me OK.
It's meant for rafting and kayaking, so it has long legs and no sleeves.
posted by Metasyntactic at 5:46 PM on April 4, 2012

Wetsuit these days are super stretchy- I am 6' and shared a dive suit with a 5'4" coworker once. Have you tried surf suits?
posted by fshgrl at 6:03 PM on April 4, 2012

I have a rip curl women's size 12 I think. I'm a 6/8 in regular clothes for comparison. It's a 4/3 too.
posted by fshgrl at 6:04 PM on April 4, 2012

I'm built mostly like you describe and I've found that step-in wetsuits fit me better than zip-up ones. Women's Billabongs have always been good, affordable and comfy. I've had a few Xcel suits that were good fits too. Not so much luck with Rip Curl, however.

Oh, and I'm referring to surfing wetsuits here.
posted by iamkimiam at 6:15 PM on April 4, 2012

many years ago I purchased a wet suit directly from the manufacturer. You sent htem several measurements and they sent you a customer suit. To further customize it they sent directions on how to make the suit while you wore it, then send it back to them to be recut and sown. I believe that the company was Ocean Ray, but I am unable to find them online now. There may be another company out there that offers the same service. Ask around the Scuba community.
posted by tman99 at 6:30 PM on April 4, 2012

Try Roxy. Surf, but looks like they come in 3mm.
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 6:31 PM on April 4, 2012 [1 favorite]

I bought a LiquidFit wetsuit several years ago. The process required many many measurements, but the suit was/is great.
posted by elmay at 7:50 PM on April 4, 2012 [1 favorite]

I believe I'm going to buy a Henderson H2 suit for sailing. I tried it on last year and it fit my short, round self better than any other.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 8:28 PM on April 4, 2012

I would also look closer at surf wetsuits. Anything with super stretch material. It may feel more snug because of the stretching but they are lighter and move with your body MUCH better. Brands XCEL, Rip Curl, Roxy, Body Glove, Billabong. Also the stretchy surf wetuits allow for longer water time with less thickness because they fit so much better.

Like anything, sizes vary by company so check sizing charts. If you are looking to save dough check Department Of Goods. Here is a link to an Xcel suit I just found: Xcel Infinity 3/2
posted by WickedPissah at 6:26 AM on April 5, 2012 [1 favorite]