I’ve heard people say this is the worst decision you can make. Has or does anyone here do this? I’ve been told that a wetsuit needs to fit on like a glove, and thus should be tried on. I’ve also heard that the same model is produced with a different fit, even for the same size.
So, buy online or no?
I did it and it worked out fine. One of the reasons I was comfortable doing this was the online retailer had a good return policy specifically for wet suits. The suit I ordered was an Orca, I found consistent comments online regarding their sizing chart & how to interpret it in the real world.
Since my purchase I’ve done wetsuit demo days & haven’t found anything that fits better than the suit I bought online.
Is it the best item to shop for online…NO…but it is possible to get in a good fitting suit with a little research.
Good luck,
Travis
dumb blog
I bought a used wetsuit with tags still on on an online auction site. It was the exact wetsuit I already had so no problem with knowing the fit.
The above is an option alot of people would have as often the trisuit you bought when it first come out will be on special even 2-3 years later. Good chance to stick with what you know, if it was great. I will be comparing the swim times for the exact same suit that has the legs cut off versus not cut off to decide which I will wear in Roth this July.
Also thought about selling them on my website, but you would only want to sell them in the country you were based in ; last seasons suits could sell. One guy from Spain asked me for a orca 3.8 just last week, but I am going to steer clear. It costs a bit much I think to send things in the mail with complete tracking.
They can buy them directly off the orca site these days if they want, but mostly it is current season gear. Orcas size charts are very accurate and it is possible for them to get the exact wetsuit size for you ; this is what they do for ITU age group world competitors quite often so I found out in 2003. I though the wetsuit sent to me was a bit small but come raceday it was pretty good(lost 10kgs in 10weeks before the race through training). Would try an avoid that situation of someone sending me a new season wetsuit in the mail like that in future though ; just me.
Obviously there will be occasion when someone has a very unusual fit preference, but the individual will mostly know that.
G.
There was very limited selection (only one brand) within 500 miles of where I live - so I had to go online. I went with a DeSoto and it worked out fine. They ask a lot of questions, not only measurements but also fitness level and goals. The fit is great - I thought it was too small at first, but after using it several times I came to find it was just right.
I did it, but I called in advance and asked for two different sized wetsuits to be sent. Just to make sure I was getting the right size. So depending on where you seat on their sizing chart, talk with them and ask if they can send two, you will try them out, and send back whichever doesn’t fit correctly. That way you’ll have a bit more of peace of mind.
DeSoto helps you finding the correct size - just call them. An you can return it afterwards (even after you have tried it in the water) if you’r not satisfied.
Depending on which brand and your body; some suits will not fit you 100% no matter which size if your body has different proposions than the suit is made for.
I ordered a wetsuit online from www.f2r.com and after I gave them my initial measurements, they sent me a suit they thought would fit. It was my first experience with a wetsuit, so of course I thought it was too tight. They told me that they would continue to switch out sizes with no charge to me until I found the perfect fit. Luckily, they got it right for me on the first try. They aren’t well known, and I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but I have been super happy with the suit and a fraction of the price than some others.
DeSosto will let you try it and if you don’t like it send it back. How can you beat that.
+1 on DeSoto. After sending them an email with my measurements and what I thought were my correct sizes, they replied that I needed a different size. I ordered their recommended sizes (2-piece) and it was spot on. As mentioned they do have a return policy.
I bought an xterra online, from xterra. no problems and it fits like a glove, I I think I have a typical body shape.
I’ve heard people say this is the worst decision you can make. Has or does anyone here do this? I’ve been told that a wetsuit needs to fit on like a glove, and thus should be tried on. I’ve also heard that the same model is produced with a different fit, even for the same size.
So, buy online or no?
I bought over the phone with Xterra… those folks ensure the correct fit by giving you 30 days (I think its 30) to try it on and return if a different size is needed.
The (sales) woman that I spoke to on the phone listened to me describe myself and they sent the most perfect fitting wetsuit that I’ve ever owned.
Good luck!
I’ve also heard that the same model is produced with a different fit
That would be a quality control issue with a given brand or manufacturer. For such an intimate fitting garment as a wetsuit, consistency of sizing and fit is critical, suit to suit and size to size. I can only speak for Nineteen in this regard, but this is something we strive for.
As to buying on line. Two helpful points:
It helps when there is a good connection and linkage between the size chart, what the suit really is, and what your body is. Sounds obvious, but this is sometimes a challenge. With Nineteen we make sure there is a strong linkage between those three things. Our fit chart is very weight-centric: if you know your weight and you are not crazy tall/short for that weight, 95% of the time, that will be your size.
Please buy from a reputable on-line retailer. Three that come to mind are:
http://www.triathletesports.com/
Hope this helps.