How Tight is Too tight?

[mmf3279]

I just purchased a Waterproof brand 7mm wetsuit. The measurements from the website are right on with my own measurements except for one: the lower back - neck (I measure just a touch longer).

My question is how tight is too tight? I tried this thing on and it is all I can do to get it on. It is so tight that the seams left indentions on my skin just after a few minutes. I realize it should be easier to get on in the water but I don't want to get it wet if it is in fact too small. My upper arms and legs feel extremely tight.

Any suggestions on a properly fitted wetsuit would be much appreciated!

[ScubaToys Larry]

If it cuts off blood flow or restricts breathing it's too tight. The goal is to limit or stop water from flowing through. People who have never worn suits before freak out when they first try them on. Clothes are not anywhere near that tight... but suits... they can be a bear to get in (unless you go with something like the hyperstretch).

So if breathing is not a problem... it's ok to feel a bit confined - just not uncomfortable.

Many times we'll have customers call and they are torn between 2 sizes - so we just shoot out 2 and tell them to send back the one they don't want. Most times after talking with them, they keep the smaller one.

[mmf3279]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

If it cuts off blood flow or restricts breathing it's too tight. The goal is to limit or stop water from flowing through. People who have never worn suits before freak out when they first try them on. Clothes are not anywhere near that tight... but suits... they can be a bear to get in (unless you go with something like the hyperstretch).

So if breathing is not a problem... it's ok to feel a bit confined - just not uncomfortable.

Many times we'll have customers call and they are torn between 2 sizes - so we just shoot out 2 and tell them to send back the one they don't want. Most times after talking with them, they keep the smaller one.

When I put it on the veins pop out on my hands and feet? Too tight?

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by mmf3279

When I put it on the veins pop out on my hands and feet? Too tight?

Well "pop out" is a funny thing... You are being compressed - and it will cause the veins to increase a bit... but if it's too much... not good.

It's important to not have blood flow restriction when diving as that can affect our gas on and off loading. I'd try on the next size up and see how it feels and then make the call.

[meesier42]

sounds too tight to me, my rule of thumb, movement should be mildly restricted, but breathing and circulation should not be. To say viens pop out, not sure, but it sounds too tight to me.

[somewhereinla]

I have tried a "Waterproof" 7mm suit (Great suit by the way), and it didn't feel at all what you are describing.It was actually very comfortable. I am actually thinking of buying one, best suit I have ever tried.

[BobArnold8265]

Sounds too tight to me. Try the next size up and see if it feels better but is not loose. Waterproofs are made of traditional neoprene (as opossed to the extra stretchy stuff) and the 7mil will be fairly stiff. The god thing is that they are design to give you more flexibility in the joints and have wrist and ankle zippers which should make them fairly easy to get on and off.

[Charles R]

Put the suit on and keep it on for about 15 min if you are not getting your hands or feet falling asleep "AKA blood flow Stoped" go get it wet it will get better after a few dives and once it gets wet!

[Kidder]

I found that several suits fit me, but didn't really fit right... XS scuba has some interesting sizes to try. Not just your average small, medium, and large etc..

[ScaredSilly]

If your suit make you look like a porn star ready to dance on a stage it is probably too tight.