All:
So I am about to drink the Desoto Kool-Aid and order a First Wave bib and pullover. THe only thing nagging me is the sizing. I weight about 198lbs and according to the Desoto Size Charts, I should wear a Size 6. However, I have a 41 inch chest, and 34-35 inch waist, so according to that I would wear a Size 5 bottom and 4 top.
Can anyone offer some insight or advice?
Thanks,
Bob
I’m confused. How can you be a size 6, 5, and 4 all at the same time?
My recommendation is to size the tops and bottoms individually. So, I think you 5-bottom, 4-top is probably correct.
However, based on my experience, I think you’d be happier in a 5 top. I have a much smaller chest than that, and I wear a 4/4.
You can also go bigger in the legs without much penalty (you’ll actually be faster, assuming they aren’t so big that they fill with water). So maybe a 5-top / 6 bottom.
So that wasn’t really very helpful. 
But, if you buy it, and it is the wrong size, you can just exchange it. No charge. No problems.
I think you’re a 5-top / 5-bottom or 5-top/6-bottom. Not sure between those two because I don’t know how thick your legs are.
Call and talk to them. they’ll help you out, but then try the suit and see how it feels. By their charts I’m a 3 for the top, but my 3 fills up with water and I can feel is coming in at my neck and going out at the sleeves, so I’m going to try a 2.
Well, ok, I hadn’y eaten dinner before posting, so my mind was melting…My legs aren’t massive, but I’m not David Hasselhoff either.
Anyhow, if I went according to weight alone, I would be a Size 6. However, if I look to individual pieces I am most likely a 5/5, but was hoping for a little insight from users. I was wondering if, like 2XU and others, you had to add weight here or there b/c the suit runs small.
I assume the exchange and return policy applies whether you buy it direct from Desoto or from a store. I am buying from Trivillage b/c just about everyone else (Including Desoto) is out of stock and I need the suit for a race in three weeks.
Bob
Yes, the return policy is good no matter what. I’d go 5/6. The extra flotation in the legs will be faster. If they legs are too loose, then go 5/5. Dan wears a size 5 bottom, and I think he’s pretty lean.
With our 100% guarantee you have no risk. Buy it, swim in it and if you need to exchange it – no problem. Looking beyond our chart here are our notes:
Other factors:
It is not uncommon for the sizes of Pullover and Bibjohn to be different.
If you are on the border of two sizes, and you are buying the Black Pearl Model, choose the larger of the two sizes.
If you are on the border of two sizes, and you are an aggressive swimmer, choose the smaller size.
If you have any doubts or concerns, or if you want more detailed help, email the following information along with a photo of yourself to contact@desotosport.com:
height
weight
chest (measured at the nipple line) if you are male
…or…
bust (and cup size) if you are female
waist (measured at the belly-button line)
hips (measured at the widest point, not just at your hips)
age
telephone number
Maybe I missed it somewhere but it is kind of important on what your height is??? I could give you a probable size, but if you are 5’9" vs 6’5", it makes a bit of a difference…If you are average for your weight, then I say 6 bottom and probably 5 top. I always opt for more rubber when inbetween sizes. More rubber=float higher=swim faster…
Sorry, I am 5’10…
I guess my concern is having too big a bottom will allow water to seep into the suit, or is that only a concern for too large a top?
Bob
I had a rush order on a First Wave/Black Pearl combo last summer. After exchanging email with someone at Desoto, I sent her a race photo (actually coming out of the water without a wetsuit) to go with my physical description. That confirmed our suspicion that I should go with a larger top than suggested. Perfect fit.
I would say with your height in mind, that probably a 5 bottom and a 6 top…I think Emilio might have a good suggestion too, maybe he will chime in here, or you can PM him…Remember whatever you get, you are not stuck, so you will get it right sooner than later. Best to have a good starting point…Do you really have a 41" chest? You must have some monstor legs…
By the way, I’m 5’10" also, weigh about 175 right now and I go with a 5/5 combo. I could go with a 4 but until I get back to 160 I’m inbetween sizes and I have no problem with the 5 top. I love the extra floatation…
I meaured my chest this AM and it is, sadly, not a 41…42.5, so let’s say 43. I am inclined to go with the 5 top, 6 bottom and see what happens. As soon as Desoto opens I am goign to give them a call.
Bob
Bob
Good move, I think there out of “some” sizes till mid April but give them a call. I’m also getting a T1, I will be calling them later.
Good luck
I called Desoto and they said 5 top and 5 bottom. I gave them my measurements and they said that a 6 bottom would be too large and let in water. Roberta said that the flexible rubber of the First Wave would allow me to go with the 5 top since I am 9 lbs over that sizes weight, but inline with all other measurements.
So, I’ll order it from Trivillage and see what happens.
Thanks, as always, for the help folks.
Bob
I will be talking to Roberta after I go for a surf. I live in SoCal so I will drive down and try a couple of sizes. Everyone I know loves there T1. I’m sure you will too:)
As a follow-up…I got my Desoto First Wave from Go Fast Sports today (I ordered it Wednesday), put it on and…damn…If this thing feels half as good in the water as it does standing in my condo, I am in for a treat. The fit and flexibility of the upper is absolutely unreal. I was sitting here doing arm circles and couldn’t feel any drag or impingement. Unbelieveable, where is the Desoto Kool-Aid?
Bob
What size top and bottom did you end up getting?
Darn, I was hoping to pick up a t1 for superseal, but they’re sold out until the end of the month!
5 and 5 and I am 5’10, 201lbs.
It fits great and Desoto was right about my measurements trumping my 10lbs over the Size 5 weight scale. The only issue is a slight pull at the throat, but I suspect that’ll go away.
Bob
Hey John, Yea I ordered mine Monday but you’re right according DeSoto they won’t be in till the end of the month(: What is your size? I have a wet suit that has a 2-3in gash in the leg. I put duct tape over it for Cali 70.3 and it worked great. Anyway, if it fits your welcome to use. I’m 5’8 1/4 and 141lbs. The wet suit fits me up to 150lbs for sure.
I ordered a size 3, (I’m 5’7", 145). I do have an old wetsuit, I just hate it and I was hoping to never wear it again. I guess I’ll survive though.