How a Wetsuit Should Fit - Does Your Wetsuit Fit You Correctly?

[@mathewbacsik8681]

Great ‘Wetsuit for Dummies’ video. Just what I needed to see. It was helpful seeing the poorly fitting suite vs the well fitting suit. 👍

[@LeviathanScuba]

Thanks Mathew, working on a bunch more to come soon. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@barriobigfoot2687]

The "monsters" part cracked me up 😂

[@ssammar5910]

I love you bro… you’re like the dad I never had… love peace and happiness… I thought my suit was tight but it wasn’t… respect to you sir. I bought a perfect second hand suit from eBay… thanks again.

[@coralkeyscuba]

Sooo happy we could help Son. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@retiredacftmech.1786]

just got back into diving and this video just told me my wet suit was too big when i brought it overseas. but wait for it.. I think it fits now It was tight when i put it on a week ago. i now understand how it should fit. has not been in water in yrs but as you said will give some with water applied. thanks for all you do for scuba diving folks.

[@LeviathanScuba]

You must have the shrinking neoprene. Haha. If you can't get a suit that fits then fit the suit. Take care, Freddy

[@nurcahyoherawan4332]

Omg so glad that i found this video, almost returned the wetsuit i just bought. One size bigger will be definitely loose on me on land

[@victorjngv]

Thanks. I just received my suit after buying it online. It feels a little bit tight at home but ai just feel the next size is going to be too loose. So i will give it a try in 2 weeks on my certification dive. Hope it feels better in the water as you say

[@LeviathanScuba]

Good luck. It is hard to convince people at times that a suit has to be snug to work. But it is an unfortunate truth. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@raylynch8419]

Great Video! Nice and clear. Lots of useful information and tips. Love the presenter - articulate and easy to follow, also great light-hearted presentation. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

[@LeviathanScuba]

Kind of you to say Ray. More to come soon. Thanks for watching.

[@TassieMtikaAvril]

I tried on my first wetsuit yesterday. I’m glad I followed the manufacturers sizing. It fits snuggly and I didn’t expect that at all. I thought it was too small for me at first. It’s a small…a medium would have been too big.

[@coralkeyscuba]

Awesome Tassie. Glad we could help. All proper fitting suits feel a bit too snug on land. Thank you for commenting. More to come soon, Freddy.

[@Ne3s23p2]

Also useful for surfing wetsuits, even if we spend less time underwater. Too large and it may flush, add weight hindering popup, lose body heat; sleeves may slip back up the wrists when paddling. As a lightweight man with thin limbs, I found a better fit with Roxy women's wetsuits , matching most size chart measurements (hips, upper weight range, chest) for 10 (or 8 before 2021 as their size chart has been shifted).

[@bobbah676]

I do the same thing with snowboard pants and so on. Im in a okay good fit, and Womens gear are just made better.

[@JohannesSommer-mk3vw]

Thank you so much! Much better explanation than I got in any shop!!

[@coralkeyscuba]

Trying to keep it real and honest Johannes. Thanks for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy

[@mudthe1st512]

Thanks for the tips. I have just started kayaking down at the beach. And the water is cold all year around. I was going to buy a wetsuit off the internet. But after watching your video, I now know there's more in buying a wetsuit then how it looks.

[@coralkeyscuba]

And for Kayaking you can buy a surface suit. Not meant for Scuba Diving but usually less expensive. If you do scuba dive and want to use the same suit for both, then buy a suit meant for scuba diving. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@mudthe1st512]

@@coralkeyscuba Thank you for replying to my post. I didn't realize there was a surface suit. I just thought all suits were the same. I'll check into surface suits on my next internet search.

[@hl236]

I am a newb. Bought a paddle board three month ago. Will use it for the first time this week. Took delivery of a wetsuit top yesterday. Felt uncomfortable in it and was thinking about returning it. Thank to your candid but informative video I’m keeping it. Thanks from the UK!

[@coralkeyscuba]

Our pleasure. Enjoy. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@Git_Gronostaj]

So glad I saw this video before I send my suit back...

[@Lightningchase1973]

Even for just the sport's action... Swimming, diving, it works better with a tight suit, and you are using its elastic properties. Doing the same in a loose suit, will cause a lot of motion, not propelling you, but dragging you. It may also cause places, the suit moves permanent on the skin, causing rashes. In my opinion fully naked beneath the suit works perfectly or the typical men's swimming slip. But only of the suit snags tight. Regarding temperature... 28, 29, 30 degrees Centigrade (82 to 86 F), and I will use just a thin shorty. Oh it is always good to have the longer, warmer suit by hand, if by chance once you feel cold, or the next spot is a bit cooler. But above 80 F, I do not need additional warmth when diving 3 times an hour a day. But ok, despite swimming in cold water with a tri suit is nice, with 15 degrees Centigrade (59 F) I swim in a sportive manner with the swimming slip only for 1, 2 h. But somewhat cooler, and a tri suit makes the difference. With diving the same. With 70 F definitely a long suit, best 5mm is helpful. A bit depending on the outside conditions. If you can warm up in daytime heat, 3mm is OK, but is it's cold, so that even on the ship during preparation it is cold, 7mm may be better, despite then sweating under water.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Thanks for shoring. I am a bit more cold blooded than you are but good information. More to come soon. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@TheDouglash]

I’m 67 and not as nimble as I once was. I just bought my 1st zipper in back (a 3xl, 5mm). I can’t access the pull lanyard without someone putting the lanyard in my hand. Also, even with the lanyard out in my hand the suit (I’ve only had it in the water 2x) I can’t pull the zipper up.This is. Problem as I oft times dive solo. Any tips as to the lanyard and not being able to get the zipper up?

[@LeviathanScuba]

A few choices for you. One is to get a front zip suit. They really aren't quite as warm as a back zip but they would work in your case. Second, I replaced my lanyard with one that was about 12 inches longer. I sewed a very small piece of the female part of velcro (the fuzzy side) to the very end. Important to not use the male side because it will grab the suit where you don't want it to. Then I glued a very small piece of the male side to my suit around waist level. It was always where I knew it to be and I could get to it. Even with a bad shoulder I could find it and then when I pull it up I try and extend my arm as far behind me as possible. Imagine pulling up the lanyard without it touching your back. Almost as if I was pulling it back behind me and up at the same time. This seemed to work well. I also keep my zipper greased with silicone grease. Much easier to pull. Hope that helps. Freddy

[@rvierra7235]

I have been in wetsuits almost my entire life (Spearfishing, Surfing and SCUBA). I prefer a wetsuit to just sit on my body. Never fails, every year there will be someone in the dive club that was told and sold a wetsuit should be as tight as you can stand. This of course is nonsense. Not loose or tight. The only way you will get a good/great fitting suit is to have one custom made, providing you dont lose or gain weight.

[@LeviathanScuba]

You must be a warm blooded person. Surface suits are different and can fit a bit more loose than scuba. I didn't invent the way it should fit but it is universal. If you have voids or pockets in it those will be spots where your body heat will have a hard time keeping up. So not for you obviously but I will still teach they should be snug. Wrap your body in neoprene loving goodness. Thanks for sharing my friend. freddy

[@LR-je7nn]

5:40 rash guard or something slippery. Surface diving suit with slipper in the front. All brands have different measurements.

[@finnbismark]

@@LeviathanScubaif your wetsuit needs to be tight to get rid of pockets or voids that trap water then you should choose a different wetsuit that actually fits. It should not have any gaps or lose spots but it also shouldn’t have anywhere that it is tight or restrictive. I was in 13 Celsius/ 55f water for 3 hrs on my last dive and was still very warm. (7mm wettie) I also regularly dive in even colder water. And I don’t need my wetsuit to be tight.

[@kallybrewer6434]

​@LeviathanScuba hello, I just ordered a wetsuit and tried it on. It feels very snug everywhere (5mm) but around my upper arms it feels slightly uncomfortable and almost like it's too tight. The rest of the suit (I think) is a perfect fit. Very snug but not uncomfortable, I can move, but it feels strange. I haven't yet tried it in water. Is there anything I can do or will this be okay over time? I can't use it if I plan on exchanging. I'm short 5'5' and have a big ass and I'm on the larger size.

[@rvierra7235]

@kallybrewer6434 Hello. Always remember that a wetsuit (or any other wearable, even shoes) are made for the masses. I have seen and found, that a wetsuit will stretch a bit, over time, but likely NOT to the point where it drastically changes the fit. Your arms and shoulder movement are obviously important, in fact critical, if you are diving in a heavy current/high surge. You have to be able to direct/manipulate your position in the water around structure. My advice is to never purchase a wetsuit (and most every other wearable) unless you can first try on. It is IMPERATIVE your mind is on safety and the dive, not restricted movement or fatigue a wetsuit is causing you. SAFETY is your primary concern, NOT the activity of the dive. End result, the choice is yours. Were you my daughter, I would have NOT advised you to purchase online (unless you own the SAME wetsuit and you KNOW it fits). For your safety, it is best to just return the suit, and start hitting your local shops looking for a suit that fits you best. Some things you can mail order just fine, other things, no way. What is your safety and comfort worth? Be safe.

[@Ceryny]

I have the same waterproof wetsuit like the woman in the video and the W4 icevest. I have no clue how tight the ice vest has to be. Mine is really really tight around the armpits and chest and im not sure if its to small or perfect the way it is. Furthermore, when i want to close the front zip i have to press the zipper together really hard to close it.

[@LeviathanScuba]

If you already own it then go dive it. The truth is in how it works for you. Suppose to be tight. Really, many divers return suits that fit them perfectly and purchase one that doesn't fit them. More comfortable does not mean perfect fit. The goal is for the neoprene to touch your body everywhere. Sometimes the lower back can have a gap without problem. But arms, legs, thighs, chest, Butt, ankles, wrists, need to be snug. Not cut off circulation tight but snug. They will get more comfortable in the water. Promise. Thanks for watching. Freddy.

[@randomstuff_LH]

Great tips! My wetsuit, 5mm, arrived this morning, I'm struggling to put it on, really it's nasty, but it fits me just right. I feel the snug and it doesn't cut off circulation. I just hope it gets enough give over time so I don't spend half my energy and a lotta time just to put a wetsuit on.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Now get yourself some very slippery dive socks. It is a well kept secret. They are such a luxury and your suit legs glide on like butter. You can look up our video on dive socks if your not sure what they are. Cheap and help a lot. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@randomstuff_LH]

@@LeviathanScuba Thanks! I sure am gonna get me one of those.

[@richardjohnson4696]

I cannot find any suit to fit me proper. My Kokotat drysuit was semi custom built with medium lengths but large through the upper body. Any wetsuit I find fits weird. LS are too small through the chest, and XLS are getting too long and loose through the lower body. A large comes the closest but is on the long side through legs and arms. I am 5' 7", 33"/34" waist, but a 45"/46" chest, my arms are decent sized and can fit in most larges and XL's. Most companies LS they shrink the chest size down from a regular Large. But most companies XL tops and vests are still tricky to get into.

[@coralkeyscuba]

Hey there Richard. Tricky to answer because without seeing you in your suit I cannot tell if it fits or not. Most people don't know how it is supposed to fit. There is a joke but has some truth to it that says if you can still breathe it's not tight enough. Your measurements are not out of proportion enough to make it a difficult fit. I am close to your measurements. 5'8" 32 waist and 47" chest. I wear a waterproof brand large. I could also probably wear their Medium Large. They have in between sizes. But Waterproof aside, many suits should be fitting your size. My thought is that your expectations could be a little off what a suit should feel like when on. Truly, they should be tight. Snug around your whole body for sure. If the cuffs and ankles are snug then you can get away with a little bit of space in places like the lower back, torso (just a tiny bit big). Reason is that the suit will not flush as much as a suit where the cuffs and ankles are looser. For sure a wetsuit never fits like a dry suit! A dry suit is actually loose in the body and tight at ankles, wrists, and neck. To be a little more detailed, when I look at a person wearing a new suit. I look at the typical places where they may be loose. Under the arms, inside the elbows, behind the knees in back. If it is loose there then it is a poor fit. Especially no slack in the belly, chest, thighs, butt. It should fit the entire body fairly snug. I know custom seems the way to go but your measurements are not out of range for off the shelf suits. I don't normally recommend custom suits simply because the quality of the neoprene most use is junk. Cheapest they can get. Doesn't last. You can try Henderson or Bare, with the extra stretchy neoprene then wear it smaller than you would normally. They sell under the title of "Hyperstretch, Ultra stretch, thermo stretch" The idea here is body types that are larger in one area than another like an apple shape with a big belly or pear shape with big hips. The material is about 4 times as stretchy as normal neoprene. So when you put one on that is perhaps smaller than you would normally choose, the material conforms to the wider area and still hugs the smaller area. I hope this helps my friend. Happy to continue the conversation if you need anything else. Take care and thanks for watching. Freddy

[@dtt3426]

put your boots on after your legs and before you put your arms on its easier. also to zip yourself up grab the strap and jump up. (or ask a buddy too help you) try and be as independent as possible. everyone is getting dressed at the same time. if you're south once you get your suit completely on, before getting on the boat, go in the water and cool off, if not you'll get too hot in your wetsuit on the boat. you can always take your suit off to the waist once its wet.

[@coralkeyscuba]

good advice. especially if it is very tight.

[@colinwood_ca]

Can you talk a little more about the Dive Socks you mention to allow your feet to "slide through the wetsuit like butter". This is a problem for me and always slows me down in transition taking the wetsuit off. Can you give me some examples of what you recommend?

[@coralkeyscuba]

Numerous brands out there. We sell a few on our website. Basically they are a very slippery material (lycra) and they reduce friction. They help your feet slip through the suit wet or dry. In your booties they are a dream. Silk works too. But if they are not made for scuba or ocean use then they wear out fast. Many products similar are made with rubber fibers that are so tiny the salt water eats them up fast. Dive socks have silicone fibers in them. Last a lot longer. Check out our video on dive socks. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@sz3706]

Video is so useful, but on the "little bit of a gap at the back" - i have an M chest/waist, but an L hip. When I wear an M, everything hugs and is zippable, except the curve above the butt. Do I still get the M/6 or L/8 (compromise the chest/waist/thighs by over 2-3 inches)?

[@coralkeyscuba]

If you are needing some warmth then get the M/6. The small gap above the waist is fine. Very common, but when you bend forward you draw the suit tighter in the back. Plus the Bcd hugs your back helping with the gap. Hugs and zippable is your key. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@Cartier_loveaffair]

Such a helpful tips thank you from down under

[@LeviathanScuba]

KZbin is a great way to reach divers around the world isn't it. Hope the message of reef preservation is reaching the government of Australia my friend. Can't wait to get back there. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@Zephirah]

What do you think about the Waterproof W7 in 7 mm ? I d like to dive in Marseilles in the end of October dry suits are not cheap, and I found this suit really beautiful. But I can't find any review anywhere 😅

[@coralkeyscuba]

My favorite brand. And that suit is awesome. Lasts a very long time, durable, warm, comfortable. You can't go wrong with it. Just make sure it fits properly as the video describes. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@churcr2007]

for a full wetsuit, what is more important to follow on the size chart? height or weight? I am under weight for my height so deciding what size to get is difficult.

[@coralkeyscuba]

I cannot really answer that question properly. The final fit is the most important. If suit fits but is too tall you can trim and hem the ankles. If a bit too short, that is usually ok because your dive booties extend up your ankles a bit. Also, review the part about super stretchy neoprene material. Usually under the names, ultra stretch, Hyperstretch, etc. You can get the suit a bit smaller because it stretches a lot. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@rtinmotion]

Great video! . What's the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit as far as use and fit?

[@coralkeyscuba]

Huge difference. Dry suit typically is used for extreme cold water. They allow you to wear garments underneath. Usually fleece, wool, sweaters, etc. Special garments made for dry suits look like a onesie pajama. So, the dry suit fits much larger, loose, will be inflated a bit as you descend. But the neck, wrists, and sometimes ankles are very tight with rubber, or silicone seals to literally keep water out. Please note without training a dry suit can be deadly if you are using it to scuba dive. For cold weather surfing, kayaking, rafting, Kiteboarding, etc there are special dry suits made that are lightweight shells. They are dry and you can put warm clothing underneath but they are not meant to scuba dive. There is no way to connect to your scuba tank and fill with air. Hope this helps. We will be having a dry suit video coming up soon. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@rtinmotion]

@@coralkeyscuba thank you I appreciate that! I am a jet skier so I think a drysuit will work perfectly for me. Wetsuit I'm still cold

[@paolafrege7766]

It's easy to put a suit on of you are in shape but for overweight persons it's a differenti game..... You have to choose between entering in the suit and have some water inside or not entering in It at all.....

[@LeviathanScuba]

There are tricks for that difficult to put on suit. Shampoo conditioner as a lubricant works. I don't use it so I haven't figured out if it harms the ocean or not. My favorite trick is Lycra dive socks. Suit slips on like butter. Lycra pants like a dive skin also helps tremendously. Thanks for sharing. More to come soon. Freddy

[@celine8811]

Lol, it takes me a few minutes to even get them up to the knees. Wetsuit sizes are a nightmare. Not one was true to normal clothing size so far. When I look at size charts, depending on what body part I'm looking at, I need like 3 or 4 different sizes... I'm starting to think I might have to go with a custom made one.

[@coralkeyscuba]

I hate to say but most of the time custom suits are terrible quality neoprene. They rely on the customizing to sell their suits, but they buy the cheapest neoprene they can. I have not found a person yet that we couldn't fit with a conventional manufacturer. First, try using lycra socks. Usually dive socks are made of this material. They will slide on like butter. You are correct, every manufacturer sizing differs from each other. And sizing from different countries are all different than each other. Not sure your dimensions but a super stretchy type of neoprene will hug the curves and fit better than standard neoprene. All the manufacturers brand their own name for this like "Ultra Stretch or Thermo stretch, Hyper stretch, etc" It will conform to body parts and provide a better, tighter fit. They are much easier to put on. Unfortunately, something has to give, they don't quite last as long. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@MissMalikaA]

I hate wet suits that go high up the neck. I finally found one second hand that is lower on my neck and feels much better. I generally can't wear polar necks or scarfs or anything without feeling like my head will pop off 😂. And so true with sizings, im usually an 8 in clothes but i have wet suits in size 12 and some are still a real struggle to zip up myself.

[@LeviathanScuba]

I hate anything on my neck as well. A couple suggestions / tricks. First, many suits today have small zippers at the neck to lighten the pressure. If yours doesn't then a light trim can lessen the pressure. Only about 1/8 of an inch should do it. I know that doesn't sound like much but it makes a big difference. And you have to test it diving because they expand under water. Another option is a front zip wetsuit. Many women love them. Just be aware they aren't as warm as back zip suits. But if you mainly dive warm water you will be ok. You can also add a layer underneath to help. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@MaleficDowery]

I bought a 5mm wetsuit yesterday and it fit super tight around the neck, legs, and arm. Standing up straight there’s no air pockets- But when I bend or lean over i get air folds near my belly. Is that okay ?

[@coralkeyscuba]

Just fine. Normal. If too tight around the neck, you can trim a tiny bit then stitch it so it won't unravel. They call that surging. Go small amounts at a time. 1/8 of an inch. You could cut too much and then get a constant leak around the neck. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@FRElston]

I am just over 6ft tall and a UK dress size 12-14 and I can’t find anywhere that sells a single wetsuit that I could get into. Any advice for me? I guess it wouldn’t be wise to resort to a men’s wetsuit as the fit would be way off. I don’t want to give up yet…

[@LeviathanScuba]

No, don't give up. We fit tall people all the time. Before they had anatomically correct suits for women they had just wetsuits. So most "mens" are not designed for men. More of a universal sizing. But first explore more manufacturers. Waterproof brand for example has tall sizing that should exceed your need and size. Their sizing is European so won't be typical but it really doesn't matter what the tag says. It is the fit that matters. Also, most manufacturers include their size charts on their websites. None of them are truly universal dress sizes. A 12 with one manufacturer will be totally different than a 12 with another. Another suggestion is try and find the stretchy materials. You can wear a smaller suit and it will more conform to your curves. They are brands with names like ultra stretch, Flex stretch, hyper stretch, and similar descriptive phrases. I wish you the best of luck but know that there are many out there that will fit you. Thanks for watching, Freddy.

[@FRElston]

@@LeviathanScuba Freddy, thank you so much for your help. I knew I needed to find someone with the inside track as I would otherwise have likely ended up with something I was disappointed with. I appreciate you taking the time to pass on your knowledge. Winter swimming here we come! Frances

[@svt9352]

Beautiful video. Provided me with good info. Thank you. 👌👍

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

Was the monster a chihuahua and what is that thing behind your side just curious 4:26

[@LeviathanScuba]

I looked at 4:26 and wasn't sure what you were referring to. On my right there is a tripod holding up the rack the suits were on. The red small piece directly behind me is the chair back I am sitting on. To my left is a stool with a laptop on it. Thanks for watching, Freddy.

[@shielduniversity419]

2 questions. Do you make suits for big girls. My gf is a size 20 in a dress. Also are you saying to wear swim trunks underneath the suit for men ? Plz help

[@coralkeyscuba]

Thanks for watching. We do not make suits. We are a distributor for most manufacturers. First answer is yes, you wear swim trunks under the suit. Girlfriend answer. Look for wetsuits made with a neoprene that is ultra-stretchy. Many names depending upon brand. Ultra-Stretch, Hyper stretch, Thermo stretch, etc. Reason is that curvy bodies need to be "hugged" by the neoprene so there are no voids or pockets of air. A suit should fit snug. To accomplish that with an apple or pear-shaped body you must have a suit that can hug the skinnier parts and stretch to accommodate the less skinny parts. They are usually easier to get on and more comfortable. Keep in mind that a suit should be snug. Every new diver that tries on a suit for the first time usually thinks it is too tight. It's not. The joke is that if you can still breathe then it's not tight enough. Most manufacturers sights have a size chart to go by. They are all very different. You really can't go by standard sizing like small, medium, large, or in womens case the size 14 on the suit is just a guide. sizing between countries of manufacture is very different as well. For curvy people we often find success with Henderson, Bare, Waterproof, and Mares. I hope that helps. Take care. Freddy

[@happypanda919]

Thank you, super helpful info👍🤿

[@sashavoitoff7514]

What kind of wetsuit do I need for warm water diving and can I wear dive gloves and dive hood and dive boots and dive fins dive mask and scuba tank and bcd and regulator to breath from and breath with scuba gear

[@coralkeyscuba]

Hi Sasha. You will most likely want a full 3mm wetsuit. This will give you a little bit of warmth for multiple dives but not too much. It also protects your skin from certain things in the water. You don't really need gloves or a hood in warm water. You can wear very thin gloves if you just want a layer of protection. It's always a good idea to have your own mask, fins, snorkel and boots so that they are the correct fit for you. The BCD and Regulator are completely up to you. If you think diving is something you are going to be into and try to do often, we would definitely suggest investing in your own gear. Tanks and weights will always be provided by the dive center you are diving with, so you don't need to worry about purchasing those for yourself. Hope this helps!

[@WiesiaBond]

How much a wetsuit will stretch after a few uses? The one I got is very tight, I would say perfect, except for the fact that it may cut off a bit the circulation in my left hand. I wonder if it will stretch after a few times?

[@coralkeyscuba]

So, you know they should be tight. The very first time you use it, it will expand in the water and relieve some of the tight feeling in the wrist. The higher the quality of neoprene, the less they will expand with age. They do stretch a little bit but again not much if it is a high quality product. To have confidence in why they should be tight, that is how they keep you warm. Trapping a very thin layer of water against your skin. The tighter they are the easier it is for your body to warm up that layer. Hope this helps. More to come soon. Freddy

[@annxiao7721]

Love the suit elf!!

[@MrDandelio]

I bought my first wetsuit size S and true to my measurements. It fit well outside, leaked in water. I was freezing 🥶 I tried another brand, different sizing. : size M was true to my measurements so I bought S. It was super tight on land ( had to work to get the crotch in place), but comfortable in water. It felt great the first 3 swims, 4th it started to leak. Today was 5th, it leaked all over, I was frozen 🥶! - What do I think happened? Did I stretch the material so much it started to leak? Where to go from now?

[@coralkeyscuba]

It is difficult in the beginning because a size small with different manufacturers will fit different. You could actually be a small with one and a medium or even extra small with another. You didn't stretch the material out so much. If it was a new suit then they can stretch a lot and you won't hurt them. Here is a guess that is tricky to explain. If a suit is new, it is rated for a certain number of dives. Example, Bare sport (only this suit) is rated for about 100 dives at depth (Other Bare brand suits are rated higher). It might look brand new after those 100 dives and it won't keep you warm because technically it is worn out from compression. Another suit might keep you warm for 200, 300, or 400 dives. I have videos that discuss this in detail. So if the suits you were trying were rentals, most resorts won't throw away a suit that looks new even though it is at the end of its service life. If that wasn't your case then my guess is something else changed, like the zipper not taken to the top in back. The neck is important because it is easier to leak than an ankle or wrist. If it was a new suit and you were wearing it the same way then I would have to see it on you to tell you. Usually if there are folds, wrinkles or air pockets somewhere like under the armpits, crotch, lower back, backs of elbows and knees it is poor fitting. Might be the right size but not proportioned like you are. Those air pockets are voids that collect water and your body has to keep that water warm. Hard to do. All body types are not the same. We all have curves, bulges, in different places. Some shapes resemble an apple, others a pear, others a pencil. Find a material that is branded something like hyper stretch, thermastretch, ultra stretch. A type of Neoprene that is ultra stretchy. Much more than regular neoprene. That can be worn even a size too small but stretches to conform to your body better. It will eliminate most pockets or voids. I sure hope this helps you but rest assured you will find the right suit eventually. Thank you for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

[@MrDandelio]

Thank you, Freddy for your reply 👏I think you hit home with proportions. It seems for a slightly shorter person and there’s a pull between neck and crotch. I partially solved the problem by wearing neoprene velcro belt to keep my kidneys warm…

[@torbjornbernhardson3634]

Thank you a lot of good information.

[@ScubaDiverMan711]

Mine is 8mm… I’m used to putting it on at this point 😂

[@LeviathanScuba]

Whew! 8 mil is tough. I go with a very comfy dry suit if it is that cold. Thanks for watching Freddy.

[@hannajarvenpaa5079]

Thank You

[@coralkeyscuba]

Sooo Welcome. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@charlieosko4151]

Damn I wish I had watched this before I forked out $$$ for a new suit. The person helping me didn't mention any of this, and the bottom of the legs fill up with water!

[@coralkeyscuba]

Sorry for the delay, I was traveling. You can get booties that are self draining. Akona makes them and people love them. Allows the suit to drain. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@inthehouse9062]

Nice information

[@thelazypurler847]

Fantastic! Thanks!!

[@mohammadyashin5011]

Hello! Do you have wetsuit for men big size?

[@LeviathanScuba]

They are made for all sizes. I believe we have some brands that can go up to 5XL. Look for a branded stretchy material. They are meant to conform to body shape and stretch a lot to make them easier to get on. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@franklinsoto3316]

Can you alter the wetsuit?

[@coralkeyscuba]

Sorry for the delay, I was traveling. Not a common thing to do but I know people that have successfully trimmed wrists and ankles shorter. The edges should be either surged or sealed with a liquid rubber. We regularly alter the necks. This however can be easy to ruin the effectiveness of the suit. When we show people how to trim the neck we say to do it in 1/16 inch increments. If you go too far then the suit doesn't seal around the neck and allows cold water in. Again, after you will want to surge the edges. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@ChrisCastro-to5vb]

Great video , amazing tips 🫡

[@LeviathanScuba]

Kind of you to reply and say. Thanks. Freddy

[@DeltaThreeOne]

Well shit, mine might be too tight. Im jumpin everywhere and havin someone pull as I force my arms thru

[@DeltaThreeOne]

5mm and I feel like a dude with gigantic lats

[@MissGlassButterfly]

If I tried to put mine on like that it wouldn’t go past my thighs. Inside out roll up for me

[@LeviathanScuba]

Try using a dive sock. Glides on like butter. We have a video about dive sock you can check out. Make sure a poly or lycra material. No cotton. Your suit will slide easily. Many extend the concept with lycra pants and a rashguard on top. Give it a try. Thank you for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@sashavoitoff7514]

What is the lady name in the scuba diving video

[@coralkeyscuba]

Ariece. Ah-rees

[@Richard1976]

Those waterproof suits look so cool, unfortunately not for my size.

[@LeviathanScuba]

Honestly Richard, I haven't found a person yet that I couldn't get a Waterproof suit to fit. They have a lot more sizes than most manufacturers. Check out their website and find the size chart. It runs pretty true, although European sizing, you will have to use the dimensions. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@kevingumfory]

If you can breathe its to big.

[@unjungbill34]

Where are you guys located ?

[@coralkeyscuba]

Arvada Colorado, USA.

[@coreyacre6070]

How can a suit be altered for fit?

[@LeviathanScuba]

The only real alterations that I see being successful is the length in arms and legs. I have seen people cut them off and then have them " surged" a type of stitching the locks the material in. Occasionally people will trim the neck but This risks ruining the suit. A split will continue to split and if you trim it too much you can't add material back. Hope this helps. More to come soon.

[@coreyacre6070]

@@LeviathanScuba I am 5' 2" and from what I see it would be hard to find one that fits in a male suit.

[@MaleficDowery]

I’m tall and very thin and I got a 5mm today. Super tight at legs arms and neck but when I bend forward some of my belly lumps. Is that normal?

[@FronteirWolf]

My suit is really snug, but there's a space in the crotch area. It is as tight as it will go down there. Is that a problem?

[@LeviathanScuba]

Not really. But any void will fill with water and your body will have to warm it up. You might have to grab the suit at the hips and give it a tug upward. Or when you dive it, it will kind of spread out when wet and find its right place. Remember the joke is that if you can still breathe, the suit isn't tight enough. They should be snug. Thanks for watching. Freddy

[@FronteirWolf]

@@LeviathanScuba Thanks

[@franklinsoto3316]

Can you dry clean a wet suit

[@coralkeyscuba]

No drycleaning at all. You will dissolve it. You can however put it in a front load washing machine without an agitator. Gentle cycle, cool water, no detergent unless it is wetsuit shampoo. (you will ruin the suits effectiveness if you use laundry detergent). Do not put in a dryer even on cool. Air dry inside out on a hangar with a wide support. Done, that was easy. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@selinlightlovelife]

fantastic

[@coralkeyscuba]

Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@AlexanderHiebert-on9ud]

OK, so the wetsuit I bought is the right size, when I thought it was too small

[@LeviathanScuba]

We go back and forth with the customer often for online sales. Only to re-send them the original one they bought thinking it was too small. Thanks for watching more to come soon. Freddy

[@AlexanderHiebert-on9ud]

@@LeviathanScuba ya, the first time I wore it, it felt duper wierd and tight around the neck, but after watching this video, I realized that it was actually the right size for me

[@Omar_ToxicBanana1701]

Seems this woman left something cooking 😂...

[@denisebruckner3204]

lol ,,, So you need the wetsuit to be big enough to slip on as easily as you slipped on that one.. It takes me 10 minutes to get one leg in because it is so tight, so obviously its too tight so it should be big like the the one you put on

[@LeviathanScuba]

A proper suit can obviously go on without struggling. But should be snug enough to keep a thin layer of water against your skin. There are tricks on putting a thick suit on that can help. Dive socks, "Glide On" a lubricating fluid sold for putting suits on, Rash guards made from lycra, nylon, spandex, etc. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

[@bernardocastanon5469]

nice. The poorly fitting suit was very illustrative

[@sashavoitoff7514]

is the lady in the video a certified scuba diver and wear scuba gear like wetsuit and dive gloves and dive hood and dive boots and dive fins dive mask and scuba tank and bcd and regulator to breath from and breath underwater with scuba regulator

[@coralkeyscuba]

Hi Sasha. Yes, she is a certified scuba diver. She has done many dives with all of the appropriate scuba equipment needed.

[@sashavoitoff7514]

@@coralkeyscuba my mom and I and Marty want to take a vacation somewhere warm so Marty and I can go scuba diving and wear wetsuits and dive gloves and dive hoods and dive boots and dive fins dive masks and scuba tanks and bcds and regulators to breath from and breath underwater with my mom friend Marty

[@sashavoitoff7514]

@@coralkeyscuba what is the lady name in the video for scuba diving

[@michelremise1766]

Monsters