How tight is to tight for a wetsuit (yes I know there will be smarta-- remarks as well)

The charts can be a bit misleading. I wetsuit that is too small can be like a continuous run uphill. Not only can your breathing be restricted but lack of mobility in the shoulders will wear your arms down quickly.

I bought a new wetsuit that was too small for me and my first clue was that no way could I zip it up myself. Than I went from swimming 1.2 miles in 40 minutes (felt great) to 48 minutes (wanted to quit).

I had a real wetsuit problem with my first wetsuit. Was fitted by an experienced salesperson in a tri-specific store, who insisted my suit fit perfectly, even though I couldn't zip it up by myself.

I don't think the zipper issue is necessarily a problem, but for sure, if you are having problems breathing, or feel ANY sort of resistance in raising your arms over your head, it's likely too small. Mine felt tight, and I could lift my arms, but for sure, it was feeling pretty unnatural on land. Sure enough, went into the water on my first swim (in a race as well - go figure), and nearly exhausted my arms within 50 meters of swimming, finish near DFL in my group.

I knew it was my suit when a few weeks later, I took the same suit on a OWS with the triclub beginners, and again finished DFL on two 250m laps. Annoyed as heck, I just stripped the suit off, and promptly finished 2nd in the beginner field on the 3rd lap.

I then went online, used the Xterra sale, matched up my size by using the online sizing chart (they have a great return policy), and bought a sleeveless wetsuit. I've had no problems with OWS ever since.
 
 If you're having problems or feeling uncomfortable in a fullsuit (which I normally would recommend), try a sleeveless longjohn. I'm using one now, and it's great for guys like me who have really big lats that don't fit right in standard body type wetsuits.

Edited by agarose2000 2009-07-14 1:44 AM

Size is really irrelevant in a wetsuit.  The important factor is fit.  Size is determined by a manufacturer's specifications whereas fit is determined by the wearer's body type.  A wetsuit should fit snugly on all parts of the your body but not restrict you or be difficult to put on.  Since the human body comes and infinate shapes and size and wetsuits are manufactured in relatively minute shapes and sizes, one normally has to comprimise fit in some parts of their body. 

If you are luck enough to have a body shape that matches a manufacturer's available size, then you are in the minority.  If you are fortunate enought to have a body shape that is close enough to a manufacturer's available size without serverly comprimising overall fit, you are like majority wetsuit wearers.  If your body shape does not provide for an acceptable fit, you are like alot of people.  Your options are to not wear a wetsuit, curse and swear or spend a few extra $ and get a wetsuit custom made for your body which awesome unless part of your goal is to change the shape of your body.


EDIT: Oh and to answer your question,  you appear to be on the upper end of the size chart so it is likely your upper body is proportionately larger then the what the manufacturer has decided is the 'average' for that range.  A larger size, may fit a little looser and longer in the arms and legs but may be more acceptable and help you acheive better swim results.


Edited by Mrdaner 2009-07-16 1:32 PM

I did numerous OWS and races in my Helix. I am somewhat of a FOP swimmer. I struggled with restricton to breathing and shoulder fatigue until one race, the last one, I actually put it on correctly. Assuming you picked a propper size, the fit is correct, than it comes to putting it on correctly. Do the search, find instructions and make sure you follow it. I was not pulling the suit up high enough in the both crotch and shoulder areas. Once I did that, the problems went away. Still somewhat restricted but not to the point that affects my performance.

Not sure if this helps you or not but like the other poster said, make sure it is snug in the crotch so that your not stretching the torso too much. Sometimes I get mine on and then get in the water, flood it make some more adjustments. Once my chest gets wet, I will pull it up from my stomach even more.

Also, it seems after 2 seasons, it fits much better. I don't know if it got looser, I got slimmer or if I just don't notice it as much.

Thanks everyone. Even though I think my ows problems are most likely 80% mental 20% restriction I decided to get a new suit. I tried multiple brands from 3 stores and asked lots of questions. I ended up with a full Zoot Fusion. It was cut broader in the chest for someone my short height. I was really shocked at the differences between fit between the brands even though the weight ranges were similar. I hope it has a bit of a placebo effect and make me feel like I can breath easier. I am heading up to Lake Placid (not for the Ironman just vacation) so I plan on getting some practice swims in. Thanks again.
Jim